Greg Laurie Podcast

Remember Smokey the Bear? His correct name is Smokey Bear, a fictional spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service. He’d say, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” Yeah, fires can start by one careless person. But when it comes to the fire of revival, that fire can start with one person who does care. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us be that kind of person who let’s God use them to share the love of Christ in a world that needs that message. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1998, Play-Doh was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. We’ve all had Play-Doh. You can mold it into anything you want—squash it, reshape it, and start over as many times as you like. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie says no matter how your life has taken shape, God offers you the chance to be remolded and start fresh. No squashing involved. A case in point today from the Gospel of John and the Gospel of Luke. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The internet is full of videos of people walking along looking at their smart phones, and then suddenly falling . . . falling into fountains, falling into swimming pools, tripping over a plethora of obstacles in their path. Seconds before, they might have said, “I got this. I can read my phone while I walk.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that many of us have the same confidence in our spiritual walk. Today, a message of caution: anyone can fall. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many drivers have been in that unenviable position of losing traction in their car . . . in the snow, on ice, on a muddy road, in the sand. The secret weapon for times like that is often four-wheel drive. What’s the secret weapon for those times when we lose traction in our walk with God? Pastor Greg Laurie will answer that today here on A NEW BEGINNING as he brings us a practical message called How to Never Stumble or Fall. It’s wise counsel for those of us wrestling with a sin nature. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Christians, we do not have to fear death—because Jesus Christ defeated it. Easter was the death of death; it died when Christ rose! This Easter, hear Jesus as He says, “Don’t be afraid.” Notes: Focus verse - Matthew 28 #1 The world is full of fear. We live in a scary, frightening world. It’s an age of anxiety and global fears. There are personal fears too. Everyone has a fear of death. #2 Because Jesus rose from the dead, we no longer need to live in fear. Psalm 90:9 #3 The resurrection of Jesus replaces fear with faith. Read Matthew 28:1–10 The disciples were filled with fear and uncertainty after the crucifixion of Christ. Jesus came with the express purpose of dying on the cross and rising from the dead. Jesus is concealed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament. Jesus told His disciples He would suffer and die and then He would rise again. Death does not have the last word—Easter does. Death died when Christ rose. Easter is the death of death. A Christian will never die spiritually. Jesus said, “You must be born again.” John 3:7 (NLT) God’s plans are better than yours. Turn your panic into prayer, your worry into worship, and your fear into faith. "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He said, "Come." Matthew 14:28–29 (NKJV) Faith gives way to fear. Trust gives way to worry. Peter sank because he was afraid and took his eyes off Jesus. When we are sinking, we need to call out to Jesus. Matthew 14:30 Death does not have the final word—Jesus does. A new day can dawn for you today: #1 Realize that you are a sinner. #2 Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sin. #3 Repent of your sin. #4 Receive Jesus Christ into your life. #5 Do it now. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

J. Warner Wallace is a former cold-case detective—and curious skeptic—who used his unique skill set to investigate the Bible's claims. He joins Pastor Greg Laurie to help us find answers to questions that grip us, like how can a loving God allow suffering and what do I do with my unanswered questions? He also shares his effective approach to addressing skeptics' questions, encouraging us to think like we're in front of a jury. By the end of this episode, you'll feel more empowered and equipped, not only to talk about your faith with others, but to work through questions of your own. Give it a listen! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have ever felt like Heaven was silent, you’re not alone. Even Jesus Himself cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” But here's what we’ll learn this Good Friday as we reflect on Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice: it’s often in the silence that God is doing His greatest work. Notes: Focus verse: Matthew 27:45–54 (NLT) #1 The Cry Met With Silence #2 The Plan Behind the Silence Isaiah 53:5–7 (NLT) The silence from Heaven wasn’t indifference. The silence from the cross wasn’t weakness. It was fulfillment. #3 The Purpose of the Silence John 19:28–30 (NLT) Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Easter is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar. It’s the remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ, and the celebration of a risen Savior. It commemorates the day our eternal life became possible. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie highlights practical truths about the Lord’s Resurrection and the difference it makes for us today. How important is the Resurrection? Paul said if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re all used to seeing before and after pictures. Before the diet, after the diet. Before the haircut, after the haircut. Crinkled up fender, un-crinkled up fender. Well, we’re all living the before picture with our earthly bodies. We don’t know exactly what the after picture will look like but it’s clear it’ll blow our minds. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us get a glimpse of how the Lord’s Resurrection paves the way for a glorified body, no crinkles. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you’re an electrician or a chef, an auto mechanic or a roofer, chances are you served some sort of apprenticeship. You learned the trade from someone with a few years under his or her tool belt. Well the Lord has a similar plan for how believers can pass knowledge from older to younger. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shares the kinds of precepts that we should be passing on. If you missed the first 14 precepts in this thoughtful message, get a replay at harvest.org. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a certain wisdom that comes from growing older . . . from learning some of the lessons of life. There’s even more wisdom that comes when we embrace God’s Word as our pattern of living. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie looks to the Bible for practical principles we can put to use. If you missed some of the principles he’s already covered, we invite you to catch up by listening to the previous two programs on-line at harvest.org. There’s good insight coming your way worth taking some notes. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one ever teaches us how to worry. Our parents don’t sit us down and say, “Okay, kids, I want you to put your head in your hands, look really discouraged, and stress out on something you can’t change.” No, we pretty much picked it up on our own. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us lay down that which we’ve picked up. He’ll offer up some practical precepts in a message called What I Would Tell My Younger Self. Insight for everyone, particularly young people. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesus is calling us to put our sinful nature to death and be raised to new life—not just once, but daily. In this message, we look at someone who embraced this truth: Saul of Tarsus. Notes: Focus verses - Acts 7–9 Being friends with your kids is a reward you receive after being a good parent. It is biblical to think about death. James 4:14 (ESV) Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) Christopher Laurie pointed others to Jesus. Jesus wants us to put our sinful nature to death and raise us to new life, daily. Read Acts 7:57–8:4 (NKJV) #1 A Man of Death Saul cast his vote; he oversaw and led the stoning of Stephen. Acts 26:11 (NKJV) Saul was a man of death. Saul was sincere. Yet he was sincerely wrong. Saul depended on his own righteousness, and not on the righteousness of God. Jesus saw a future apostle, a bold witness; Jesus saw Paul. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) Nobody is beyond the reach of God. Saul was a man of death, but Jesus was calling him to put that life to death so that he might truly live. #2 A Man Who Had to Die Acts 9:1–5 (NKJV) Jesus didn’t just reform Saul, He replaced him. Saul became Paul. Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people live. Philippians 3:8–11 (MSG) #3 A Man Who Died Daily Romans 8:13–18 (NKJV) “I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31 (NKJV) The Christian life is a daily burial of the old self. Jesus came to make you new. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former top Mafia member, Michael Franzese, joins Pastor Greg Laurie to share one of the most captivating stories ever discussed on this podcast. Hear everything, from which movies truly replicate the real-life mafia, to the highs and lows of Franzese's faith. When Jesus came into that prison of Franzese's, his life completely turned for the better. It's a story of how nobody is beyond God's reach. Listen in! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you noticed how our perspective changes in life? Some of us hated certain vegetables when we were kids. And now? Well, we may still hate those vegetables but that’s not the point! The point is our perspective changes. Right? We eat vegetables ‘cause they’re good for us. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us realize that a changing perspective is good evidence that we’re maturing. And today we’ll see how we can embrace and enhance that maturing process. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know prayer is a privilege. We know prayer is powerful. Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. But what some don’t realize is that God WANTS us to come to Him. He welcomes our petitions. He listens to our cries. And prayer can make a difference, even if we don’t feel worthy for such an important role. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us insights on prayer straight from the Word of God. It’s good encouragement to be on “speaking terms” with our Heavenly Father. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us have a few friends on-line who seem to live a worry-free life! What’s that like, huh? Every post is an unbelievable meal, a breath-taking sunset, or some new toy they just had to have. Well, someone said we should never compare someone’s highlight reel to our blooper reel. But how do we deal with the troubles that stop us in our tracks? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie urges us to take those cares and concerns to the Lord. Good insight coming your way today! Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost everyone faces challenges on the job . . . problems, pressures, personalities. But if you know that tomorrow you’re leaving on vacation, today’s problems are a little easier to handle, aren’t they? Just hang on a little longer and then...sweet relief. Well, when we think of the trials of life, we need to remember Jesus is coming soon! Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how that reminder can shape the way we go about our lives. Good insight from our study in James. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many kids, as the days count down to the end of a school year, there’s excitement . . . no more homework, no more tests! I think Alice Cooper sang about that. But those final hours of the school year can go by so S-L-O-W-L-Y. A lot of us feel that way about the return of Christ. We’re excited to see our Savior, but we’ve been waiting a long time. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the reasons for the wait, and shows us what God would have us do with our extra time. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pontius Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, yet he chose to placate the people rather than release Him. But the courage he lacked, you can show today. Notes: Focus verses - John 18, 19 By definition, a coward is someone who lacks the courage to face difficult or painful things. Pontius Pilate saw an angry crowd that threatened his position. He was more afraid of the consequences than he was of God. #1 The Prefect Meets the Perfect John 18:28-38 Jesus, the PERFECT Son of God stands before Pontius Pilate, the Roman appointed PREFECT Governor of Judea. Prefect Governor means he was a military focused governor. The religious leaders knew exactly what they were doing when they brought Jesus to Pilate. The man known for using power harshly becomes hesitant and weak when confronted by Jesus. “What is truth?” Jesus was the incarnation of truth. Read verse 37. Jesus came to bring truth. Truth divides. Like Pilate, we all must make a decision regarding Jesus. Neutrality is not an option. Pilate attempts to appeal to the crowd logically, in an attempt to get Jesus released. #2 Pilate Blinks John 18:39-19:6 Just like Neville Chamberlain blinked in the face of tyranny, Pilate blinks in the face of Truth. He knows Jesus is innocent. But instead of releasing Jesus, he tries to placate the people. Pilate offers the crowd a choice: Jesus or Barabbas. No better picture of the gospel than this right here. The cross Barabbas was to die on was already constructed, the arrangements were made, and he had hours left to live. Barabbas was guilty, but Jesus was innocent. This is what Jesus has done for us. We’ve committed a crime by violating God’s commands, we’re guilty, and the penalty is death. But God made a way for us to be delivered out of death, out of our guilt, and that’s what Jesus ultimately did on the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Jesus took Barabbas’ place on that cross. The crowd chooses Barabbas. Pilate didn’t need any Passover custom to release an innocent man, he just needed to do what was right. When the crowd decided against Jesus, he thought he might have one more trick up his sleeve. He released Barabbas, and scourged Jesus in hopes it'd satisfy the angry crowd. Pilate brought Jesus out one final time. He thought that if he give the crowd a little bit of what they want they’ll be happy, they’ll change their minds, they’ll reverse course. Pilate blinked. He thought he could use diplomacy and compromise to get himself out of a difficult position. Compromise doesn’t calm the mob, it fuels it. Compromise is part of life. But when it comes to THE Truth, when it comes to Christ, compromise should not be part of the equation. To compromise on who Jesus is, is to invent another Jesus. Only the real Jesus saves. Pilate’s appeasement of the crowd is not just a political failure—it’s a picture of what happens when leaders, Christians, and even churches try to compromise truth to satisfy the demands of culture. If you play both sides, offering a little truth, softened by a lot of concession and mix in some human empathy, and you end up with the crucifixion. A complete and utter rejection of everything Jesus is and was. We cannot untether EMPATHY from TRUTH. Just because someone feels a certain way does not mean we abandon truth. As Christians we are called to offer COMPASSION not COMPROMISE. Let’s bring this message to a close now. Read John 19:12–16 #3 Pilate judged the Judge. Pilate crucifies Him. The fear of man outweighed the fear of God. Jesus threatened to disrupt Pilate’s cushy role, and so he gave in to peer pressure and he judged the Judge. In Revelation 20 at the Great White Throne judgement, the judged will face the Judge. Pilate symbolically washed his hands of Jesus. But you cannot wash yourself of your sins. You either receive Him or reject Him. “You are either for me or against me.” Have you trusted Jesus as Savior and...