They Had Been with Jesus | Sunday Message

Hey there, thanks for listening to the great glory part just a ministry supported by harvest partners on Greg Laurie encouraging you if you want to find out more about harvest ministries. To learn more about how to become a harvest partner, just go to harvest.org so my wife Kathy and I have an anniversary a number of years ago. It was a big one. I think it was 40.

We've been married 48 years, but this was 40 so I had to go big or stay home right so I went to a nice store. I bought her a nice ring and I put it in an ice box okay so is good to give it to her that evening but I went to a toy store before that getting something for one of my grandkids and I saw they had those little mood rings for sale if you ever seen a mood ring and I thought well into that little ring and I held it up. I thought you know if this was package strike, someone might think this is a really valuable ring squawk at this idea under the prizes little mood ring which is like three dollars to put it in the box of the more expensive ring in the present them both to Kathy so that's what I did. Later that night I said I got you, not one but two rings are anniversary.

But here's the problem you have to pick one. I can afford to give you both and she literally deliberated over the mood ring that caused almost nothing in the other ring that cost something and she said I can't decide what I picked this one should become nicer ring. Fortunately, and that I said okay you can keep the other ring as well. She was so excited that I told her about that and the torso is called a mood ring, but you know it's all about packaging is that it and packaging to make something that isn't really that valuable look more valuable I bring this up because as were working our way through the book of God's forgiveness see how God used certain individuals. The apostles and others to change their world. I will get a look at some imposters that entered the narrative, especially in acts chapter 5. One couple in particular name Ananias and Sapphire rent we could identify them as counterfeit Christians, but you know here's the thing we don't know who true believers are often I've said before, the B3 surprises we get to heaven.

Number one. Some of the people we thought would be there won't be there.

Secondly, some of the people we never thought will be there would be there.

And thirdly will be there right, but it's not. We won't know till later because it's not just how you started for you end up example Judas Iscariot was an apostle in good standing. Why some guy named Nicodemus was just finding this way again. But in the end Judas betrayed our Lord for 30 pieces of silver and Nicodemus the Jewish ruler came through for Jesus after his resurrection. So the point of all of this is will just have to wait and see. I bring this up because on October 3 at our SoCal harvest one night event at Angel Stadium. It was packed with 40,000 people. And when the invitation was given. We saw 4000 people walked down in the field make a public profession of faith.

Another 200,000 watched online that might've been some of you so all told, we saw 6350 people pray that prayer I told those people that God love them. I told them that he had a plan for their life. I told him they were sinners separated from him by their sin.

I told him that they would turn from their sin and put their faith in Christ who died on the cross for them, and rose again from the dead he would forgive them. I told them to repent of their sins as well and I pray they will stand the test of time, but we call the professions of faith, not conversions.

Only time will tell if there really conversions what we need today are Christians that walk and talk with Jesus people that radiate God's love. It's been said Christians are walking epistles written by God and read by men.

You're the only Bible.

Some people are ever going to read.

As I said before, there are actually five Gospels in the New Testament Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and you you I us were the fifth gospel simply meeting people are watching us well before us in this text that will read the few moments are these individuals Peter and John a particular who walked with Jesus and it was said of them that they had been with Jesus, it was noticed by nonbelievers that these men had been with Jesus you know let's say you laid out in the sun for too long and he got sunburned. Someone might think you been in the sun out of a know that because your is read as a lobster right when you been with Jesus. Other people are going to know if God we read here in acts chapter 4, the members of the Council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John that they could see that there were ordinary men who had no special training. They also recognize them as men who had been with Jesus. I love this ordinary men with no special training but they reflected Christ. They radiated Jesus to others and this is really what happened. For we become a Christian, Christ comes to live inside of us is not like were just trying to imitate Jesus. This is not about imitation. This is impartation about that.

I mean this is Christ coming in, living inside of us.

The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 220 I am crucified with Christ.

Nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ who lives in me and I live this faith by the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. But there were this Christ lives in me. And if you're a Christian, listen Christ lives in you as well. But what is a Christian, I mean all my goodness this how people see Christians today is so not how God wants us to be.

We have the stereotypical views of Christians that there narrowminded. There mean they're angry when it's a very opposite. Real Christians are loving people, real Christians are carrying people, real Christians are like Christ, you know Christians didn't get together and say let's call ourselves Christians. They were identified multiple times in the book of acts is people of the way. Even the apostle Paul before he was converted said I was persecuting those people of the way. That's how they were identified people of the way.

What way the way of Jesus member John said Jesus said in John 14 six I am the way the truth and the life and no man comes of the father but by me. So these Jesus followers were people of the way but nonbelievers came up with this new word there Christians by the way, that was not a compliment.

It was a derogatory expression back when I was young Christian.

We were called Jesus freaks. It wasn't meant as a compliment. I member when I transferred to Harbor high school before I was a Christian. Some of my nonbelieving friends warned me they said Laurie. Be careful there's a lot of Jesus freaks on this campus and I said the last thing Greg Laurie will ever become is a Jesus freak famous last words will know its use in a positive way. Oh, you're a Jesus freak or I'm a Jesus freak, but Christian was not really a compliment, actually a literal definition of it is party of Christ.

So nonbelievers were saying dismissively older of the party of Christ there there like little Christ walking around that's actually what you call a backhanded compliment. Like when you go to a restaurant, maybe with your family. They ask you your name Jos� will Laurie party of two in the call you up Laurie party of to your table is ready or if you're alone and angry. Those say dinner party of one, but I'm proud to be part of the party of Christ. I'm I'm proud to be called a Christian because that's really what we all are and when you did with Jesus people will know me ask you this. Do you think people can tell you're a Christian, not by what you say but by how you live and what you do as it has been said before, if you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you by evidence. I don't mean how many Bibles you honor how many Christian bumper stickers are on your car. By the way, you can overdo it with bumper stickers. I've seen some people there like 25 stickers on their card.

That's just too many just take them off now one or to do the trick but anyway that's of the evidence. I'm talking about. I'm talking about the way you treat your family I'm talking about the way you do your work. I'm talking about the way you treat your neighbors real evidence that shows you are a true Christ follower. People should be able to see that people should be able to see you been with Jesus, Peter and John along with the other apostles were there at Pentecost the power of God had fallen on them dramatically. We read that there was a sound of a mighty rushing wind, filling the room and divided flames of fire rested upon each disciple as they receive that supernatural power, but now Pentecost is over and the little flames are no longer visible within been replaced with burning hearts, their hearts burn for Christ. Because Jesus said in acts 18 you shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit is come upon you to be witnesses unto me. So as we come now to acts chapter 3 we have the first miracle of the early church. It happened one afternoon when Peter and John were headed to the temple to pray, it was a day like any other day. We don't read that an angel said go to the temple of the be some guy that God wants to heal today nor do we read that there was a pillar of fire guiding them to the temple.

It was just a day like any other day where they were going to pray other with good discipline, say II pray at this time in the day or I always start my day was study of the Scripture.

These are good habits, and so this is what they did. A day like any other day doing what they always did. They went to the temple to pray, but there was a great opportunity waiting for them right there and we don't always know when those opportunities are going to open up. That is why the Bible says that we should be instant in season and out of season rose another translation puts it, we should be on duty at all times. The good thing to pray in the morning is Lord, I belong to you and I'm available I'm available to be used by you today. I'm available to speak for you today. I am available to be led by you today so Peter and John going to the temple to pray and and here is a man who was sort of a fixture there at the temple who would ask for money.

You've seen people like this out on the streets. Maybe on your city holding little science homeless. Please help that's with this guy was like that this man had not been able to walk 40 years old, never had the use of his feet and he was just waiting there. Something I want to point out as well. No window film was made ahead of time that a miracle is going to happen. I bring this up because sometimes you hear about certain preachers who say they have healing ministries and miracle ministries succumb to warm miracle service tonight. They'll say there's not a single miracle service in the Bible.

Miracles happen when God wanted them to happen where he wanted to help them happen in the way that he wanted to happen.

They were never announced ahead of time reasonable of fire there handing out come to the miracle service at the beautiful gate Peter and John pictures of both of notes out like that. They were just going about their normal business and God stepped in and the supernatural, invaded the natural so is there.

Walking by this guy is looking up for money. Peter Lewis paraphrases Buddy. I don't have any money for you, but I have something far better looking me right now. And then he says in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk and now he takes it to the next level. Peter reaches down, takes a guy by the hips and pulls him up to his feet all men that could've gone south so quickly because of that guy was and he leered and pulled up when he was across from the grounded everyone.

What is said what are you doing, who do you think you are. That was such a bold step of faith that Peter took but the man was heal.

The Bible tells us that this man was walking and leaping and praising God. He was so excited.

Here's what I felt when I took is take a step of faith.

God gives me even more faith then I take that step and God gives me more for that. All it all begins with you being willing to leave your comfort zone for you. Alvina willingness to take a risk to take a chance. Of course you can always fail. But if the Lord's leaving you, I believe you will succeed.

His friend said the doorway of success is centered so the hallway of failure.

So sometimes we do certain things undergo as well as other things but be willing to take risks for the kingdom of God being. I admire Peter, you don't. Sometimes peters criticized because there's a lot of ink in the Bible about his statements. Peter always spoke his mind you know something like this. You always know where they stand. The have an opinion on everything and they make sure you know that was Peter always opining on this and that even correcting Jesus. On one occasion, and so we cover a number of statements of dry skin of putting Peter in this place.

So yeah he talked online a few times spoke a line a few times, but all met the steps of faith, he took this one was amazing, when he walked on the water to Jesus. Remember that story. Jesus was walking on the water, Peter says, Lord if it's you tell me, now we all know that Peter started to sink with love some Mrs. big thing he said Lord of it.

You tell me to come. Jesus says, and Peter literally walks on the water know for that long but he did walk on the water for a type no other apostle volunteered to do that. It was not a good thing. Why did Jesus say come sure Peter took his eyes of the Lord, for a time.

And Jesus said to pull them up and save them but the fact that he was willing to walk on water did Jesus. This guy had faith and he used that faith. We read in acts here in acts 312 that Peter saw his opportunity and address the people see it wasn't about the miracle. It was about the opportunity.

All the miracle is glorious but the miracle set the stage for the gospel. So Peter preaches the gospel to this crowd of people.

He tells them that Christ died on the cross for their sin. And don't forget the crucifixion was not that far in their past that it happened recently. So this was an event they were aware of many of them were eyewitnesses of of the said Jesus Christ you you crucified. Who is your Messiah. He rose again from the dead and then he told them something that's very important and I would say this thing that Peter told them is something that is missing and a lot of preaching today. I would take it a step further and say because this ingredients is missing and a lot of preaching.

You may have a lot of people that think they are Christians, but actually are not.

Let's identify what that ingredient is it's down here in acts chapter 3 verse 19, Peter says repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so times of refreshing will come from the presence of the Lord, the secret ingredient thing we don't hear enough about repentance. He told them to repent or bring this up because sometimes you hear sermons were people are told are loved by God, that's true. There told that God is a plan for them. That's true there told that Christ died on the cross for them.

That too is true there told the Christ rose again from the dead.

Yes that's all true. There told they must receive Jesus into their life as their Savior and Lord. Absolutely true, but they're not told to repent and here Peter says you must repent and be converted, so your sins may be blotted out. What does it mean the repent. It doesn't just mean being sorry for something, it means your sorry enough to stop the Bible says godly sorrow produces repentance.

I mean you can shed tears over a sin, but until you repent, you missed the point. I can shed tears chopping an onion know you want to change your direction. The word repent is a military term that means to do an about-face and so you're going now away from sin, repenting, repent, and be converted, and if I do that. What will happen. I read that my sins will be blotted out very interesting phrase blotted out the word means to wash off to a race and obliterate again the wash off to a race and obliterate the word blood is interesting because back in the days that this was written when they would write on papyrus and they would use a special ink Inc. had no asset on it so it would not bite into the papyrus so it could be removed very easily.

A wet sponge could remove everything you would just written, so this was known to the people. So when God says I'll blot something out all white something away. It's like if you wrote on a whiteboard right that with a temporary marker, not a permanent one I'd made that mistake using a sharpie and a whiteboard. That's hard to get offer to use the markers that are made for the whiteboard and you get out the little racer and you wipe it and it's clean, it's remove when you repent of your sin. We are sorry for what you've done and you change your behavior. God wants out your sin.

He wipes it away.

He forgives it he obliterates it he erases it and he forgets it.

Yes, he forgets that God says their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Why that we choose to remember God's chosen to forget you think there's some intrinsic value in bringing up your sins and mulling over them and going over them again and again and again. You don't need to do that God is forgiven them.

He's forgotten them and as far as the east is from the west is as far as God is put your sins away from you and when you repent of your sin. What happens times of refreshment come from the presence of the Lord.

The word user for refresh means rest relief respite and refreshment. Could you use some refreshment.

Could you use some rest and relief from your sin if you repent of your sin.

God will forgive you your forget your sins, to wipe them away and he will refresh you okay well this was a powerful message. 5000 people believed as a result of it all will. There's these religious leaders called the Sadducees brother with the Sadducees were always fighting with the Pharisees are all in positions of power and the one thing they had in common is they were against Jesus and they were against Christians, but they were also against each other. The Pharisees were very conservative. Theologically the Sadducees coming have their own take on things. For instance, the Sadducees did not believe there was a resurrection from the dead, while the Pharisees did so. The Sadducees did not believe there was an afterlife may be that so they got their name Sadducees.

If you don't believe there's an afterlife. You're sad. You see, so the Sadducees there upset by this and so they bring Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, which is sort of the religious Supreme Court of the day so this is a big deal to be brought before the Supreme Court is what happened next.

Acts chapter 4 verse seven and they brought the two disciples and demented by what power whose name if you done this, then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, leaders and elders of our nation are weeping question week because we've done a good deed for a crippled man pederast. Do you want to know how he was healed, Lemley killed Libby clearly states you and all the people of Israel. He was healed in the name of and the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth.

This man, you crucified him.

God is raised from the dead, for Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures read says the stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone in their salvation and no one else Peter says there is no other name in all of heaven for people to call upon to save them know the members of the Council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John. They could see they were ordinary men with no special training. They recognize that they were men would been with Jesus and since the men would been healed, was standing right there among them. The Council had nothing to say. Okay, let's see what we can identify some earmarks. Some ways to identify a person who is been with Jesus. A person was walking with Jesus. If you're taking notes here is point number one. A person who is been with Jesus will boldly share their faith in me say that again a person was been with Jesus will boldly share their faith. Let's not forget this is the same Peter that denied his Lord I once thought twice with three talks and am curious preaching in front of religious leaders calling people to Christ, seen 5000 come to the Lord on this occasion, another 3000 little bit earlier on the day of Pentecost, where did Peter get this currency came reports from the Holy Spirit they came from his relationship with Christ. And when you're walking with the Lord sharing your faith will come rather easily. It'll be the overflow of a Christ filled life. Peter certainly had that number two. A person who is been with Jesus will know their Bible. A person who is been with Jesus will know their Bible is clear from this message that Peter gave. He knew Scripture. He quoted it from memory.

He didn't have an iPad up there. He wasn't googling this this was coming to him from the Holy Spirit because he spent time in the word of God. Listen if you want a closer relationship with God. You need to spend time with God reading his word. Jesus said low in the volume of the book.

I have come. This will give you a burning heart.

You remember the story in the book of Luke, the gospel of Luke.

There were two discouraged disciples who were walking away from Jerusalem. This is after Christ was crucified before he rose again the dead, they were on a road called Emmaus and along comes a visitor a stranger and he joins him with these two disciples did know was the stranger was the risen Lord Jesus was walking down the road with them and so the stranger as he guys what's going on than these that I matured about the things of Jesus of Nazareth and Jesus of Nazareth says no, what things so they end up telling Jesus about Jesus above the way it do a very good job because they were very disappointed felt that he had failed them and let them down, and that he list known for a while and then he says you guys are, you're missing the whole point of loosely paraphrasing, don't you know what the prophets spoke up profits of spoken about Christ and the Jesus gave them a guided tour of all of the Scriptures or types or pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament as or listening to this guy. The thinking is guys like a Bible scholar. This guy knows the Bible so well. You think he wrote the book getting warmer as they come to the end of their journey. Jesus reveals himself to them and then he leaves and I love it. They said they said did not our hearts burn within us while he walked with us on the way and open to us. The Scripture, see if you want to burning heart spend time in the Bible. Peter certainly did that so he was a bold witness for his faith. He knew the Scripture. And here's another thing we don't like this one is much if you have been with Jesus. If you're walking with Jesus, you're going to be persecuted. The religious leaders read the riot act to Peter and John and tell them to cease and desist from spreading this message about Jesus look at acts chapter 4 verse 17 to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, that's only viewed would Peter and John were doing Peter and John were preaching the gospel, but the religious leaders perceive that as propaganda to stop them from speaking this propaganda. They warned them not to speak to anyone. In Jesus name again so they called the apostles back in the command of them.

Never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus while this is first century counsel culture is in it.

What is counsel culture. It's when you were told you cannot hold that opinion and you cannot express that opinion and if you do will remove your social media account or if you do will attack you on social media, or if you do will protest you will do something to stop you will cancel you this was counsel culture he had.

Then we have it now, but listen to this, the gospel cannot and will not be canceled or silenced in the first century or the 21st century old people will try but they will ultimately fail. Notice that the name of Jesus was the issue stop speaking in the name of Jesus. Stop praying in the name of Jesus wasn't such a big deal because there is power in the name of Jesus. The Bible says that the name of Jesus Christ every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is the Lord to the glory of God the father. Why is it that people use the name of Jesus to make a point of sale Christ or or Jesus this or I crazy and sometimes these people are eighth. He is widely invoked the name of some of the don't even believe in you think the last thing that everyone under is the name of Jesus I was pumping just not too long ago and some guy on or what caused them to save visa Jesus Christ is city careful might answer you sometime is power in the name of Jesus ended up bad candid way. A nonbeliever by using that name as an expletive or to punctuate a point is acknowledging the power of the name stop speaking in the name of Jesus. Listen never stop speaking in the name of Jesus never stop praying for people in the name of Jesus. But when you do that before warned you will be persecuted. Jesus said in John chapter 15 the servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, there gonna persecute you, and if you listen to me they would listen to you, the people of this world will hate you because you belong to me and let's be honest, this is one of the hardest things about being a Christian, especially if you want to be liked and you want to be popular.

People will teach you simply because you believe in his name, and by the way, if everyone likes you. I don't know how well you're communicating your faith, because the Bible says, beware when all men speak well of you because that's all the fathers treated the false prophets there in Luke 626 so the fact is, if and when you are persecuted and insulted, made fun of marginalized or even canceled for your faith in Christ where it is a badge of honor. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 5 as he wraps up the Beatitudes. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all kinds of evil of things against you, because you're my followers, and he says be happy about it. Be very glad for a great reward awaits you in heaven at salsa business man and being persecuted.

What should I do rejoice, rejoice, because it sounds like you're doing your job to me.

Just at this caveat. Make sure you're being persecuted for the right reason, because the Bible says we should rejoice warmer persecuted for righteousness sake don't be persecuted because you're mean or impatient or rude or overbearing. I pray that the persecution because because you're a righteous man or woman. So let's wrap this up number one.

A person was then would Jesus will be bold in their witness number two. A person who is been with Jesus will be a student of Scripture. Thirdly, a person who is been with Jesus will be persecuted one more point. This is the last one person who is been with Jesus will be a person of prayer. After Peter and John were told he could no longer speak about Jesus. They decided to get together with the other believers and never prayer meeting. Look at your Bible again.

Acts chapter 4 verse 29 here's our prayer, our Lord, hear their threats and give your servants great boldness in their preaching.

Send your healing power may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus, and after this prayer the building where there were meeting shook and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they preach the word of God with boldness so persistent a closing few thoughts about this prayer. They prayed together. Hey you know when when something bad has happened or something hard is happening or you have some challenge get together with your Christian friends and pray. Don't isolate get together with other believers and see men on Burton. This is why a small group is so good and we encourage all to become part of a harbor small group now if you can do it in person. I encourage you to do that but we have online groups as well as you look in your screen. There is information about how you can join harvest group but it's great to have a group of people to pray with to share your burdens with the Bible says bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ and these people prayed together, look at acts chapter 2, verse 23 after they were free free pewter in general returned to the other believers told them with the leading priests and elders and said in all the believers listed there lifted their voices together to prayer in God's power in United prayer, Jesus said if any two of you will agree together here on earth concerning anything you ask of my father in heaven will be done for you. So pray with other believers. Number two I love this one.

They acknowledged the sovereignty of God. Verse 24 they said oh sovereign Lord, creator of heaven and earth and the sea, and everything that is in them eventually important to remind yourself of the greatness of God, the Lord's prayer, which is really the template for all prayer because one day the disciples came to Jesus and said, Lord, teach us to pray they didn't say Lord teaches a prayer you can pray the Lord's prayer verbatim. It's a beautiful prayer but it's a template it's a model for prayer Lord teaches the braces after this manner therefore you should break our father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, and so forth. But notice, it starts out with an acknowledgment of the greatness of God. That's with the apostles that that's what the believers did oh sovereign Lord. The word sovereign means God is in control. I lunch I like chocolate involves definition of the sovereignty of God, he says and I quote God is able to do what he pleases with whomever he chooses whenever he wishes."

Lord your sovereign Lord you're in control the Lord your more powerful than they are there. The ruling authorities which are the ultimate ruling authority.

So we go to the ultimate authority oh sovereign Lord and then they prefer the will of God. Verse 29, the Lord, consider their threats and give us your servants great boldness and preaching your word. You would've thought they would've prayed all Lord make them stop make him stop harassing us know they said, Lord, we want to just make you aware of this. Be aware of what they're saying and give us even more boldness to preach your word. They did not pray that they would have a break from persecution or rather that they might have more boldness while being persecuted Spurgeon the preacher of days gone by.

One said this quote. Lord I do not ask for a lighter load. I asked for a stronger back." McKenna prayer is heard in heaven because look at the reaction of God, we read that after this prayer. Verse 31 the meeting place should and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they preach the word of God. The boldness the book of acts is about the work of the Holy Spirit through ordinary people that change the world.

It was the spirit of God working to the word of God in the hearts of the people of God, and this still happens today the spirit of God wants to work through the word of God in your heart and mind and noticed they were filled with the Holy Spirit. You might say way, weren't they full of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

Yes, they were in here, there, filled with the Holy Spirit again and that happened to them again and again and again. That's why we should say to the Lord all the time.

Pretty much every day. If you remember Lord filled me with your Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5 says the Dean filled with the Holy Spirit speaking yourself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord. So every day we should ask the Lord to Phyllis and refill us refill us again and again and again we pray that prayer. This is why these people change their world because they had been with Jesus, let me ask this in closing, have you been with Jesus when we put it another way, do you know Jesus in a personal way. Yes, Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sin, and he rose again from the dead, and he can forgive you but you must believe in him and you must repent of your sin, you must turn from your sin and what will happen if you do that the Bible promises God will wipe the slate clean here. He'll remove it will refresh you with the rest they can do that right now. I know that I'm speaking to somebody who is living under the guilt and load of sin. Maybe you're facing the repercussions of some stupid things that you did. Maybe you're just feeling that the guilt in your own heart because of the way you treated your family are for the things that you said of the things that you've done in and you're trying to get rid of that guilt you think maybe if you drink more use drugs or party harder or whatever it is that the guilt will go away.

You can't make Jill go away. Guilt is a symptom of a deeper problem. See the deeper problem is sin.

Sin produces guilt that killed Meijer consciences working.

I know sometimes it will say guilt is bad, no guilt can be good. Jill can be good if it remind you that you need God that guilt is there to say to you, you can't handle this on your own whether to get to the root of the problem which is your sin that is separating you from the Lord. Right now, whether to ask him to forgive you of that sin and then the sin will be removed and the guilt will be removed as well. Jesus Christ, the son of God, who died on the cross and rose again from the dead is here right now standing at the door of your life and knocking the scene if you hear his voice and open the door he will come in. Would you like Christ to come into your life would you like your sin forgiven.

Would you like to know that when you die you will go to heaven. Would you like to find the meaning and purpose of life. If so, lead you in the simple prayer I would ask that you would pray this prayer after me you can print out loud if you like, but pray this prayer would be in by the way this year alone we have seen 60,000 people pray this prayer that we know and ask for a new believers Bible which I'll tell you about the moment so you can pray this prayer as well so if you're ready to ask Christ to come of your life. Pray this with me right now. Let's pray pray these words.

If you would please Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner but I know that you're the Savior who died on the cross for my sin.

I'm sorry for that sin. Lord I turn from it, and I ask you to come into my life. I repent of all sin and I choose to follow you from this moment forward in Jesus name I pray, amen.

Did you just pray that prayer maybe you felt an emotional experience. I didn't feel anything. When I prayed the prayer many years ago, but that was a moment Christ came into my life.

Maybe you have felt something.

Maybe you felt nothing that doesn't matter. I'm telling you on the authority of the Bible. When you believe in Jesus he comes into your life life. The Bible says whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved and you just call upon his thing. The Bible says these things we write to you that believe in the name of the son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. You can know it.

It's a gift from God to you and speaking of gifts. I have a gift for you right now. It's called the new believers Bible. This is the New Testament a very friendly translation called the new living translation becomes a little box with whole soul can breathe. Not really, but it's up it's a great translation, very friendly. Also very scholarly. I might add, and it has hundreds and hundreds of notes that I wrote addressing all kinds of things that you will deal with as a new Christian, I want to send this to you at no charge as my gift to you is my way of saying thank you for watching the spirit Harvest at Home, but please get your copy of the new believers Bible on your screen.

There's a phone number if you call that number will take down some information in this is between you and us. We don't share it with others will send you your own copy of the new believers Bible also there's a little spot there where you can click if you have a touchscreen like on a phone or a tablet. Some computers or you can click it with your trackpad or whatever, but click that little boxing you just prayed to accept Christ will send you the same Bible. So let's all get those Bibles if you just prayed that prayer I would like to close with a prayer for you and for me for all of us because these believers gathered together and the Holy Spirit, fill them in the room shook and we need the Holy Spirit to fill us so right now I want to lead you in the simple prayer.

In fact, pray this prayer after me if you like.

This is a prayer were asking the Lord to Phyllis with the Holy Spirit just prayed this would be Lord Jesus, fill me with the Holy Spirit give me all the power you have for me to live for you and to be a witness for you. I received this power from you now in Jesus name I pray.

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