The Choices of a World Changer - III

The following message from Pastor Greg Laurie is made possible by harvest partners, helping people everywhere know God, to find out how to know God personally go to know God.org KNOW know God.org he would you do me a favor sure this message was someone who needs to hear it. God always gives his very best of those who believe in choice with those that saved all my will but yours. God always makes wise choice because his knowledge is Pastor Greg Morgan was just what you choose for your future to a known overview of the Lord you choose God will be good source for greater joys you will make for yourself. We want to have a sense that we are in control of what happens within the timeline of our lives. Our view was limited to the here and now God knows was just around the corner and the next corner next to the beginning. Pastor Greg Laurie advises to let the Lord be the Lord of our life, let him choose for directors which way to go. Not only will he choose the wisest path on the way these lot challenges, choices and consequences.

Again, challenges, choices and consequences those challenges may come as an opportunity or a temptation. The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross, in which bridge to burn because choices are important as we will see in the story before us. Here we have side-by-side to believers, Abraham and Lot 1 Abraham most of the time made the right choices of life and the other lot made a series of wrong choices that he lived to regret. Which just goes to show that your choices do matter and God will show you the choice to make, but it still up to you to act in that choice and he says over in Deuteronomy 3019 I've said before you life and death, blessings and curses out.

Choose life, that you and your children may live.

I love that got the key here is your choice of life or death, blessings or curses. By the way, the right answer is. Choose lot. I'm giving you the answer, but we still cast the deciding vote by what we do and it's so true God says choose life for you and your listen. Children may live because your choices affect not only you but your children and potentially your grandchildren and your great grandchildren. Ungodly decisions can impact the family for generations, godly decisions can impact a family for generations as well secured Abraham a lot. They've acquired quite well. Abraham was content with his lot, but lot wanted a lot more lot wanted to stop Abraham wanted God what you want. See if you seek God first, if you seek him in his kingdom. First, what is Jesus promised all these things shall be added unto you. But if you're all about getting that stuff and getting a head for being successful in on you go then then your going to lose twice, you will get the Lord in very likely will get the stuff you want even if you get the stuff you want, you probably won't be satisfied with the schedule still want more stuff and this is the problem of lot he wanted to have all this world offers but he still wanted friendship with God and the Bible warns in James four for you adulterers, don't you realize friendship with the world makes you an enemy with God.

I say it again it that your rain to enjoy this world you can't be a friend of God will make a decision you want to be God's Trinity want to be the world's friend. Lot wanted to be the world's friend, but Abraham was drawn to God is he.

It was Abraham's love for the Lord that kept everything in perspective. It was Augustine's love God and do as you please. That's a good crazy statement. Do as you please. Yeah but if you really love God is you want to love God, you will want to do what pleases God and Abraham understood that he had his focus on eternal things he was looking to the Lord, but lot was drawn to these other things. Whatever you got no make up our company. Now let's try to part as friends and Abraham was a peacemaker. He wasn't a troublemaker.

Choices listen nephew I'll tell you what you choose what you want it. We were we want to go.

I'll let you go.

You want to go to the left to go to the right go the right to go to the left. You decide.

Genesis 39 is not the whole land before you separate from me and he says go wherever you want. He gave the best choice to lot didn't get a set I get the best choice.

I'm in charge here know you said you whatever you want to go the other way. Abraham figured he would leave the choice and outcome to God. So make your choice now, and Lot made his choice and it was certainly the wrong one. How to the end up in the worst city on earth saw them tomorrow if you're taking notes. Principle number one. He looked the wrong way. Verse 10 lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan that it was well watered like the land of Egypt.

Genesis 13 verse 10 looked the wrong way. Notice of loss point of reference was Egypt. And why was he drawn this on and because saw them reminded him of Egypt. So what's your point of reference lot looked around thoughts on the McMoran. He took the first step down. By the way, this was not a casual glance, the phrase look means he look with longing.

Have you ever looked with longing at anything like I want that that car on the showroom floor that outfitted in the window that attractive girl or guy whatever it is all delinquent longing. I want that I desire that sword started with a look instead of looking his eyes at the heaven lot lifted his eyes of the plain of Jordan verse 10 it took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley listen the IC with a heart love Abraham to take a lot out of Egypt, but apparently you couldn't get Egypt out of lot and Outlook determines outcome Abraham walk by faith world changers do lot walk by sight.

This second step down was what separated himself from godly influence no. This was a good thing for Abraham but a bad thing for lot and a sure sign of spiritual decline is when we find ourselves wanting to get away from godly when you're thinking about people to be around or maybe take your vacation with her spend extended time with you want to be around believers. That's a good thing when you want to avoid believers.

That's not a good thing. Number three is third step down was. He moved to stand to a place near Sodom. Genesis 13 verse 12 he moved his chance to a place near Sodom, fascinated by the freewheeling lifestyle and their disregard for God lot thinking he could handle it edges even closer now if you were to ask lot at that point him and what you doing why you moving close to this wicked city, you might've said well you know I don't approve of what they do yours love opportunities and I could go there and influence people in probably do a lot of good.

Yeah, maybe you could, and maybe it will influence you. That depends on you know there's a twist in the story. Sodom is attacked by another army from another city and of all things lot is taken hostage.

She's not even a real citizen of Sodom. But he's taken hostage because he's in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people do check it out. Abraham the warrior.

He gets an army together of his servants. They go over and they get one free from this kingdom bring them back again, that's amazing daughters lot shows gratitude toward his heroic uncle. He moves to Sodom. It wasn't bad enough to be living near Sodom know he moves to sauna you know sometimes God will send warnings to get our attention were just getting a little too close to sin in the be those little warnings like you shouldn't be doing that. The relationship with a coworker at work, a member of the opposite sex is getting a little too close of that habit you have of stretching the truth so you tell another lie to cover up the law. You previously told and if you don't watch out and up like on in a moment will discover that Lodge compromises reached a boiling point which he and his family required angelic intervention to spare their very lives more than that just a moment. So many listeners have commented on the nourishment they receive these daily messages God's word ministers to them and it often gets them through some of their darkest hours. I frequently listen to Pastor Craig on Christian radio area. He was extremely helpful. My husband of 43 years. Suddenly, unexpectedly went to the Lord in January of this year he was retired and I had just retired in May transcribe retirement years. However, God's plans were Mike & needless to say that like my life was written down from under me while listening to Pastor Greg Wednesday. He spoke of the promise of hope after the loss of a loved one course speaking about the loss of his son. I am still in the grieving process back his message helped me find hope and centerpiece. I continue to move forward to this trial, God is so kind. Every time I cry out for comfort and strength. He puts the right message or person to thank you for all you do these daily studies ministered to you and your family. If so, would you let us know you can tell your story by calling 1866-871-1144 866-871-1144 Pastor Greg is helping us compare and contrast the lives of Abraham and Lot considering how Abraham's choices took him on the right path.

Lots to come down the wrong path that brings us to this for step down lot went from the frying pan into the fire.

Genesis 19 one. She sat in the gateway of Sodom subversive is looking at Sodom as a point of reference because it reminded him of Egypt, a place he should've never got secondly he has visited near Sodom and know exactly moved in to Sodom and according to Genesis 19 is in the gateway of Sodom know we can very easily miss what that meant to be in the gateway meant that you were in the place of leadership, the leaders would serve near the gate that sort of work headquarters were so now lot is sort of like an elected official, he he's a leader in Sodom he could have tried to influence them, but apparently he himself was being influence. As I said before lot was more like a thermometer than the thermostat. A thermometer just tells you what the temperature is up thermostat controls the temperature uncle Abraham was the thermostat lot was thermometer they were influencing him more than he was influencing them that Jesus did tell us where to go out into this world to be both salt and light were to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world somersault but they're not like it is.

I mean it means they live it, but they don't proclaim it. They live it, but they don't proclaim it. Others are like, but they're not salt, they proclaim it, but they don't live it because I had to choose a brother you live it, not proclaim it and proclaim it or not live it better yet live it and proclaim it right below is neither.

He was a prototype about compromising believer in fact we get a little commentary on them over in second Peter two says lot nearly driven out of his mind with this sexual filter perversity was rescued surrounded by moral rot. Day after day that right this man was in constant torment. Yeah. So there he was in this wicked place surrounded by all kinds of perversion.

Listen, no one was holding a gun to his head course content been invented yet know it was holding up an arrow to is that I don't know whatever sort he could've walked away at any time, but he chose to stay there. So here's where it gets really creepy. One day the Lord dispatches some angels were going to go now and deliver lot from Sodom and Gomorrah so the Angels walking around and the people of the city see them and the angel said that that Abraham saw some other way.

Angels on the made appearances.

Sometimes you read of them having wings but in general they appear to submit. By the way there's no female angels in the Bible to break it because he always issues as pretty as an angel. Actually, angels are dudes in the Bible so that's reality sunny like the Angels walking through the people of Sodom seem well good looking guy so they show up at the door of lots in Genesis 19 unit picture there you can if you want verse five they shot a lot for the mimicking to spend the night with you.

Bring them out so we can have sex with that. That's a literal translation inaccurate love stepped aside to talk to them shutting the door behind please. My brothers eBags don't do such a wicked thing. Look, I have two virgin daughters do with them as you wish. Just leave these men alone there under my protection did you just say that. Are you glad you're not one of lots daughters. I have two virgin daughters. Do what you want with them leave these men alone. Angels are like a very sky he's lost contact with reality. We gotta get him out of here lot your, now well I need to say no you're leaving now let's go grab your family. Let's go solo because awards and sons-in-law judgment is coming on Sunday, tomorrow, or they do left in the space. You know why compromisers don't reach anyone to anyone cares about a compromise or hear living the Christian life is you want to live in the nonbeliever love said you because you won't even stand up for your own beliefs and so they dismiss them out of hand, so lot now is leaving Sodom and Gomorrah unwillingly with his wife and with his daughters.

And you know the story is are on their way out the Angels, they don't look back but lots wife looked back and by the way, that's an intentional looking. Not a casual wall what's going on, but it was like in complete disobedience. She turns into a pillar of salt and he gets out with his daughters and nuts by the way, why Jesus said, remember lots wife. And then the things aren't bad. They get even pickier, because after they get out lots daughters have sex with him and they become pregnant. One of them gives birth to a child in Moab became the father of one of Israel's worst enemies. The Moabites hate having some fun now since I like the Bible Bible so honest when something horrible happens. It tells you when something wonderful happens. It tells you it's all here so these are the consequences of choices again. You make your choices and your choices make you lot got out of the city by the grace of God by the hair of his chinny chin chin. He could have stayed there and been destroyed with them, but before that this trucks and the Lord came and delivered him but meanwhile Abraham made the right choices now we read these words in Genesis 13 then the Lord said to Abraham after lot had separated from him look around and see the land that God is given. Check it out.

Son friends. This is all yours after he separated from lot.

You see, while he was with Lottie was sort of worn down. He wasn't worry to be.

Now we obeys God and now the Lord speaks to him again lot lifted up his eyes to see what the world had to offer. Got invited Abraham to lift up his eyes and see what heaven had to offer. Abraham offered lot. The best land, but God gave to Abraham the entire land he would have it all yet he made some sacrifices.

Eve off-line and to the point where him, like lot yet defection formula. He made the sacrifice. Listen to this God always gives his very best of those who leave the choice with you. Let me say that again God always gives his very best of those that leave the choice with him.

To those that say, not my will but yours be done. One day Jesus was with his disciples.

They were talking about how much they'd given up to follow him. And Jesus made this amazing statement we read that they blurted out. We left everything to follow you. Jesus said, I'll tell you the truth, no one is left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will fail to receive many times as much in this age and also in the age to come eternal. So what have you given up to follow Jesus, maybe you given up pleasures of this world. Maybe you've given up relationships with old friends that were dragging you down. Maybe you've given them vices or addictions. Maybe you've given up whatever you've given up is what God says on the make it up to you on the make it up to you in this life and I'm in a make it up to you and the life to come. You have my word on that. It's God's trading deal and it's really good. So don't ever be afraid to commit an unknown future to a known God.

Don't ever be afraid to say the Lord you choose for me because God will make a choice far greater then any choice you will make for yourself because you see, we don't have all the information we don't see everything we do see that little moment that will read God sees the bigger picture.

He sees the ultimate goal, you can let you make that choice for you. So here's my question enclosing. Are you a world changer like Abraham are you being changed by the world like lot. The choice is yours again you make your choices and your choices will make you some choices don't matter, but then other choices really matter who you going to marry. That's a big one.

But the biggest choice of all is of course the choice about Christ and it's either or choice. Either choose to follow Jesus.

I choose to reject Jesus. So you say will let me ask you this if I become a Christian, will I have to give up anything. Yes, you will live. Yes, you will have to give up misery and ever present kill fear of dad.

The big hole in your heart you to give it all up, God will give you his joy is peace, the hope of heaven will fill that void inside of you pretty good deal.

I'd say that there are other things you give up as well.

Whatever you give up God will more than make it up there might be some of you here that never made the choice for Jesus Christ you've never suggested Jesus and by not choosing him by not saying yes to him, you are automatically saying no to him and I don't think you want to do that so I want to give you an opportunity to choose him. Remember, God says, I set before you life and death, blessings or curses.

Choose life, that you me that he tells you the options that he tells you what to do. Do the right thing. If you've not chosen Jesus and asked him to come in your life you can do it right now.

Let's pray father, thank you for your word to us. Thank you for your love for us and now I pray for any that do not yet know you, Lord, help them to see their need for Jesus and help them to believe in you right now in Jesus name I pray to make a change relationship with the Lord. Pastor Greg Laurie will help you do that in just a moment before today's addition of a new beginning. Concludes so please stay with us if you missed any part of today study you can get a replay by going to harvest.org just look for the message called the choices of the world changer or for CD copy. Call us anytime 24 seven at 1-800-821-3300 1-800-821-3300 and we want to offer some help for families. It's on the subject of money, but it actually goes much deeper than that. It's a hot topic. Sometimes a controversial topic in this book is full of insight and practical help were talking about the book thriving and love and money by Jeff and Chante felt on Jeff and Chante are here with us today. You guys what you think this is such an emotional subject.

You know you can talk about so many things from the pulpit. You can talk about faith and prayer. The importance of Scripture the family, etc. etc. but the moment you bring up the word money.

I think everybody impulsively grabs her wallet or me start you going to ask us for money and it's very emotional and and people don't like to talk about this topic.

Do you think it's because this is an area that they haven't surrendered over to the Lord that they want control of. Do you think it's something else. What is the thing. And you know and as we know Jesus spoke so much about money.

So many of his parables dealt with the money the Bible is very straightforward on this topic but for some reason we don't want to hear that message are we to want to talk about that topic. Honestly, it comes back to what Jesus said is where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. It's it turns out that a lot of us have treated it like a technical ratio right like it's about budgeting are getting out of, or planning analyst that is important.

That was what we were studying we were trying to figure out what's under new knowledge that matched the stuff that has to come before you can even be willing to talk with their spouse in the budget or plan that's very good you're listening to Chante Jeff Phil Hahn. They've written a book called thriving in love and money and this is our special research this month that we want to put in your hand so that you know that when we offer these resources, it's because we want to help you. We want to encourage you. We want to strengthen you and this is one of the most important that we've ever offered, and I would remind you that I'm offering this to you for your gift of any size whatever you send large or small, will get your copy. But let me encourage you to invest in our ministry because this is a ministry that obviously teaches the word of God. But it's also a ministry that calls people to Christ and every year we see literally thousands of people make a commitment to follow Jesus Christ as will invite them to do so at the end of our program. So if you believe that people need to come to Jesus if you believe people need to hear the word of God, then we would appreciate your investment in our ministry and will get you your copy of this book by Jeff and Chante felt Hahn thriving in love and money five game changing insights about your relationships, your money and yourself. Yeah, that's right.

And let me pass along our contact information and thanks so much for your investment in this ministry is an investment that changes lives. You can write a new beginning. Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514 or call 1-800-821-3300.

We are here to take your call around-the-clock, seven days a week so dial 1-800-821-3300 or go online to harvest.org Greg you spoke today about having a relationship with the Lord. Yes, someone can enter into that kind of relationship with God right now.

Yeah they really can. That's the amazing thing.

I think people are surprised that it doesn't take years to become a Christian. It doesn't take months. It doesn't take weeks. It doesn't take days, it doesn't even take ours you can believe on the spot and I would like to lead you in a prayer where you can ask for his forgiveness.

A prayer where you can receive Jesus Christ into your life as your Savior and Lord.

So if you want Christ to come in your life if you want him to forgive you of your sin if you want a second chance in life. If you want to go to heaven when you die, stop what you're doing and pray after me these words Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I'm sorry for my sin and I turn from it now and I choose to follow you from this moment forward as Savior and Lord is God and friend. Thank you for loving me and calling me ever giving me in Jesus name I pray, amen Allison if you have just prayed those words with Pastor Greg and mentor him.

Sincerely, the Bible assures is your sins have been forgiven were told. The Lord is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness and we want to send some resource materials your way that'll help you in your new relationship with the Lord we call that our new believers growth packet and set it without any charge or obligation.

If you prayed for the first time today with Pastor Greg just escort when you write a new beginning. Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514 or call 1-800-821-3300.

That's 1-800-821-3300 or go online to harvest.org and click on okay next time will focus on Abraham's family life. Consider the failures and success.

Abraham and his wife Sarah today next time more Pastor Greg series called world changers new beginning and possible by harvest partners, helping people everywhere know God sign up for pastor grades free daily email devotions and harvest.org