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August 31, 2022 3:00 am
When we have something enjoyable to look forward to tomorrow, it makes the stresses of today a little easier to take. Have you noticed that? It’s all about perspective. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us adopt a biblical perspective on the challenges of today. It’s a message called “Why Do Christians Have to Suffer?” We’ll look ahead to our everlasting reward, and let that give us encouragement for the temporary pain and opposition we face today.
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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.
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Learn more@harness.org and while you're there, browse our library and free e-books designed to help you grow in your faith is not a watered-down version of the greatest moments on earth. The greatest moments on earth are greater things today on Greg Morey help crash the trials more waiting for us. Eternity is the fellowship place of activities and worship there.
I said over the place of when we have something more makes the stresses of today little easier to take about perspective today on the new beginning. Greg Laurie helps us adopt the challenge today is a message called why do Christians have to shop, look ahead or everlasting reward was incurred temporary pay in opposition.
I love to talk about love to think deeply about why it's my future destination is a Christian and it's yours as well. What will we see when we arrive at heaven. What will we do when we finally get the reason I bring this topic up is your performance in the book of acts is a story of a man who went to heaven and return keys. The apostle Paul.
He was given a glimpse of glory for ever been to a theater. I don't know about you but I've been going to theaters like I used to do. But when you're in the theater.
They show trailers for new films right there was one film I was very excited about seeing after I saw the trailer. The trailer was amazing. And then I went and saw the film and just what the trailer was better than the film that ever happened to you while Paul is sort of given the trailer a few well, but even more, he actually died, went to heaven and return back to earth yet a glimpse of things to come in and ultimately saw the realized version of it that we have little glimpses of glory in our lives. You know those special moments.
You know with your your with family or friends or you watch the greatest sunset of the greatest sunrise or you see a rainbow man if you get tired of rainbow something is wrong with you that I felt that I can't photograph a rainbow couple my phone out and the phone never gives a representation of what I saw with my own eyes. The last Sunday I was visiting our church on Maui harvest, Lonnie. I was having dinner one night with the Jim Salzman was the campus pastor and he told me there's more whales here right now not in the church, but in the water.
Others, more whales in the waters of Maui than any other time.
It's a great time to go whale watching this I wish I could go. This is a guy in the church was a boat maybe I'll take you up and sure enough the guy did take us out. His name is Stephen were thankful for that. But you know all these beautiful things.
Either God's creation. They remind us that something greater is coming. Heaven is not a watered-down version of the greatest moments on earth. The greatest moments on earth are a glimpse of greater things to come.
Heaven will be your greatest dreams realized and even more so we can talk about that a little bit later but we come to this second section of the book of acts now, here are the apostles in this case it's Paul and Barnabas.
Remember Barnabas.
He was the guy who encourage people so here they arrive at list truck acts 14 verse eight while they were at list are Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, so we had never walked. He was sitting and listening as Paul preached, looking straight at him.
Paul realized he had faith to be healed and he called him in a loud voice, stand up men jumped to his feet and started walking when the crowd saw what Paula done. They shouted in their local dialect. These men are gods in human form, they decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus Paul was Hermes so.
There's another people going to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. Some of you guys were here to tell you that there is a God in heaven to worship. We are not gods were churning you to the true God. No, here's the amazing thing they face opposition from who from their religious opponents verse 19. Some Jews arrived from Antioch and I Coni him and one the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul drove them out of town thinking he was dead, but the believers gathered around him and he got a went back into the town. Well, people can be fickle Thank while moments are worshiping you the next moment they're stoning you because these outside folks whip them up into a frenzy, reminding us that what were doing the work of the Lord were going to face opposition, the devil will often hit you in one of two ways. Number one to get you through outward attack that this was an outward attack.
They stoned Paul and drugged him out of this city. Why did people attack us for our faith, why do people oppose us for what we believe. Why do people want to cancel last in our message and our voice in our culture today answer because were bright lights in a dark place or like salt in an open wound as followers of Jesus.
Jesus sums it up this way. Jesus says in John 15 of the world hate you know what he hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own because you're not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word I said to you, the servant is not greater than his Lord that they persecuted me to persecute you, as I said before, just make sure you're being persecuted for the right reason. Sometimes Christians are persecuted not because of their faith, but because they're weird very obnoxious there unnecessarily and said right.
Don't be that person. The Bible says Blessed are you when you are persecuted for righteousness sake, not for idiocy's sake, or something like that right.
Secondly, the devil hit us is to pry so personal.
Try to stop you. That's what happened to be apostles but what happened then all the people figure like a goddess of the devil would say God would never use you your worthless.
Why would God ever work for you and then you say forget you. The Bible says God's chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise you step out in God uses you double comes back and says let me rephrase that you are awesome you are all that and a bag of chips, no one is better than you know. What is more godly than you. No one knows the Bible the way you know the Bible. No one speaks like you. You're the one you very much.
Double Nono is hitting you again.
Now it's to pry the pride that can be a form of attack as well.
Popularity can sometimes be more dangerous than persecution.
Okay, so now they take Paul outside of the city they stoned and they leave him for dead. Acts 1419 they stoned Paul drove them out of town thinking he was dead but the believers gathered around him. He got up and went back into the town.
Many commentators believe that this is the moment that Paul was children raised from the dead. Why do we believe that while there has to be a moment or Paul.because Paul talks about it, you read the verse in the moment.
Second Corinthians 12. Was this the moment I personally think it was many commentators think it was as well. He died and was raised from the dead.
I wonder how that played out so there's Paul he stoned by the way was horrible to be stone painful they could last for a while.
Awful way to God. It's apologize and he's in heaven to be standing before God, the Lord says welcome to heaven.
Paul well done good and faithful servant.
I have some good news and bad bits is an gradient where is this in the Bible is found in the Bible. I'm guessing this good about okay Lord what's the good news.
The good news is Paul, you're coming back again really again what were my going. That brings me to the bed is there some believers down there praying over your dead body that you would be resurrected both sides of the Lord, don't listen to them. Their sinners don't know Paul actually want to bring you back again.
I have something for you to do. Still got quite a few things know what to go back, listen to this. No one who is in heaven right now given the choice would want to return to earth again. Don't feel sorry for your love ones that are in heaven feel sorry for you because you're still here right having some graded variance. I don't know a birthday you got a cool, good Lord, which might level with their there like in the presence of God Almighty, with angels singing. I think you're pretty good okay that I know you wish there and I'm not making fun of that because I felt that many times you wish they were here with you because you miss them but just know they're really good and you'll see that one day for yourself. We all will Greg Laurie will have the second half of this message just a moment.
I don't know if you know about this, but we have a weekend service called Harvest at Home exclusively for people that are tuning in literally from around the world listen to this. We even have harvest groups where you can get into a small group with folks from all around this planet of ours, studying the word of God to join us this weekend Saturday and Sunday for Harvest at Home@harvest.org today. Pastor Greg is in acts chapter 14 with a message called why do Christians have to suffer. So Paul was raised again from the dead, possibly right here and now we read about what he saw over to second Corinthians 12, Paul says, it's doubtless not profitable for me to post another words I'm looking to brag about this all come to visions and revelations in the Lord.
I knew one man in Christ who 14 years ago, whether in the body I do know whether out of the body again.
I don't know, God knows such a man was caught in the third heaven and I know such a man. Mother was in the body or out of the body. I don't know, God knows what he was called caught up to paradise. He heard things so astoundingly cannot be expressed in words. Things no human is allowed to tell love the way Paul approaches us, and I knew this guy in the body of the but I know talk about himself is trying out the books be pretty hard to not boast that you been to heaven right now I've been haven't notice he did write a book about no movie was made by the way, I have to be honest with you I'm very skeptical of people who write books about all that they saw in heaven. I'm not saying they did but I'm certainly not saying I know they did. The only authority book on the afterlife is the Bible. That's the book you can trust no one will then write a book called and even write a chapter he says that things I heard.
I can't even really describe them to you. The third heaven wears that what I think the first heaven is probably just what we say we want outside the sky, the clouds, the atmosphere surrounding our the second heaven outer space the planets and galaxies, the stars, the third heaven. That's a dwelling place of God in the future.
Destination of believers is 1/3 heaven way way way way out there.
I don't think it's necessarily far out there I think it simply another dimension and I may be closer than you realize. We talked about this and we spoke of Angels Angels and Demons are coexisting with us right now. Just as there's a physical world. There is a spiritual world. Just as there is a natural world. There's a supernatural world so is heaven. This right next to us. I don't know where it is. Paul was confident of the third heaven, he uses the word paradise.
It was paradise. That's a word that is used three times in the Bible to indicate the future life. Jesus use this word when he spoke to that criminal on the cross, crucified next to Jesus first statement from the cross was father forgive them for they know not what they do and right on the spot that hardened criminal believed in Jesus and he turned to the Lord and said, Lord, remember me when you come in your kingdom and Jesus said, truly, truly, I say to you, today you will be with me and what paradise that's the work.
Boy talk about being at the right place at the right time And deathbed conversion for sure.
He believed in join Jesus in paradise. It's also used in the book of Revelation chapter 2 the describe our future dwelling place really can be translated the Royal Garden of the King. It's hard for us to wrap our minds around.
I don't think there's anything I get points to say. It's like this, but when were talking about the Royal Garden of the King think about police you'll massive the state with the beautifully manicured garden. Paul says it is like that incredible and then he says in verse four are good things so astounding they cannot be expressed in words. Things no human is allowed to tell know this heaven is a place of site and sound, the King James Bible uses the word heaven 582 times and 550 different places. Heaven is a real place. You gotta think of it that way because that's what it is.
Heaven is as real as any city you would go to DL Moody, the great evangelist once."
Evidence as much a place as Chicago. It's a destination it's a locality." Jesus said, I go to prepare a what for you a place.
It's a place remember heaven as a prepared place for prepared people. So whatever you're going through right now is preparation for something else you know we love to pull.
Romans 828 and so we should. How many of you memorize Romans 828 all six of you very good.
You know the rest of you should do so is out as a great go to verse I think more of you know it, we know that all things work together for good to those that love God. Now the called according to his purpose.
But then verse 29 really helps us understand the whole concept for whom God did for know. We also did predestined to be conformed into the image of his own dear son that's putting together. We know that all things work together for good.
Of those I love God and are the called according to his purpose in whom God foreknew he predestined them to be conformed to the image of his own dear son, allow me to paraphrase it. Whatever you go through in life is preparing you to be more like Jesus right so that's the big picture, we tend to interpret Romans 828 through a narrow land.
Will this means that good will come out of the bad and sometimes it happens. In fact, a lot of times, despite the bad God will do something right, but then there are times a Puranas when a bad thing happens to us and we can't see anything good coming out of it and we say some words. Romans 828 now.
Romans 828 is seen read verse 29, whom he foreknew he called to be conformed into the image of Jesus. God is changing you in preparing you why because too many tribulations we will enter the kingdom of God, heaven, a place of feasting and fellowship a place of activities and worship there.
I said heaven is a place of fun. A celebration and that puts your present suffering in context. So Paul continues on, so I knew this guy, whether in the body of the body under no basically I'm talking about myself and just try to be humble about it.
He was caught up in the third heaven.
What he really me what I saw. I can't even put it into words. Okay.
And now he makes a statement, therefore, have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ.
I can even enjoy weaknesses suffering persecutions and difficulties for Christ sake for my weakness makes me strong. Get it all so all suffering is not bad.
Also, adversity can actually be used by God. So this thing I'm going through right now that makes no sense is actually making me more like Jesus, getting me ready for the afterlife. God can actually use it. It could even be a tool for me to help other people. Now I'm starting to understand, and I can even rejoice in it for me and with this one day will enter the afterlife, we decide in this life where we will spend the afterlife and I want to ask you, enclosing view of absolute certainty that you will go to heaven when you die. As I said earlier, heaven is a prepared place for prepared people listen to this. You don't go to heaven to find Christ you go to Christ defined heaven go to Christ defined heaven. It is through Jesus and only Jesus that we will get to heaven. All I know. That's kinda controversy all now. Too bad Bible hasn't changed. He is the weight of the father. There is no other way. Jesus said I am the way the them the life and no man comes of the father, but are you ready you know what II fly you have to go through a lot of things. Now it's just horrible flying. They make it so miserable and then airline food that is an oxymoron airline food.
It's not food but anyway you buy your ticket you reserve your seat you board your plane you reach your destination you deplane but you can't just walk down to the airport, skip security, do whatever you want board whatever plane you want take whatever seat you want. That's not going to happen in the same way. You can't just say what I want to go to heaven. I'm a good person. You're a good person on the basis of what and compared to you're not good enough.
I can tell you that's why Christ died on the cross for you. 2000 years ago and shed his blood got to admit you're a sinner you have to admit you're a sinner and churn from that sin.
Put your faith in Jesus and then you can know you go to heaven. So as we close right now I want to extend an invitation for you to get ready for you to asked Jesus to come in your life. And if you've not done this yet do it right here right now. Let's all pray. Father, I thank you for your word to us. I think you for your promise of forgiveness and will come to Jesus. So we asked know you will speak to the hearts of many here who do not yet know you hope them to come to you, believing you right now in Jesus name I pray for Greg Laurie important prayer today here on a new beginning.
If you'd like to make a change in your relationship with the Lord. Pastor Greg will help you with that in just a moment please stay tuned. Pastor Greg many people been watching the stock market going the wrong direction. But as believers we know that when we invest in the kingdom of God. It only goes up. Yes Matthew recorded Jesus words store up your treasures in heaven were moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal and we have a way for listeners to make an investment in eternity. That way that's true you know you can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead. And when you invest in the ministry like harvest, you are literally laying up for yourself treasure in heaven, and the stock market does not affect that the economy does not affect that in no other thing affects that it's there waiting for you so I would ask you to prayerfully consider becoming a harvest partner harvest partner is someone to stand with those every month and gives a financial gift and it's a reoccurring gift so it's something that we can depend on. As we make plans for responding to opportunities that come our way. So often to reach new people with this message that we bring. So if you believe in what were doing of what were doing is a part of your life, then it's been a blessing to you, or perhaps even you were a member of your family or someone you know is come to Christ. As a result of listening to a new beginning when you like to see more people hear this message. If so, join the team and become a harvest partner hears David to tell you little bit more. Yet we have some special ways to thank our harvest partners we send them a resource each month to show our appreciation this month were sending Pastor Greg book Steve McQueen the salvation of an American icon, but these close friends are really the backbone of our support and allow us to reach so much further with the gospel were looking for new harvest partners right now. Pastor Greg is inviting a thousand new friends to step forward and really that's just a handful of our friends in each community or new beginning is heard. There are people who believe in the importance of sharing the gospel and they see how effectively the Lord is using this ministry and the shakeout man I want to be a part so can we count you in with a thank you for becoming a new harvest partner with a copy of Pastor Greg book Steve McQueen the salvation of an American icon, and this is our last opportunity to mention this resource so call us at 1-800-821-3300. That's a 24 seven phone number 1-800-821-3300 or go online to harvest.org/Parker and then if you'd like to make a change in your relationship with God today. Pastor Greg has some additional thoughts to share movies you've been listening to this message, you thought I wish I could come into this relationship with God. I just don't know how.
Let me tell you how you can come into a relationship with God right here right now. First of all you need to recognize, you need God. You need to admit you're a sinner. I know some people choke on that word.
But the Bible says all of sin and fallen short of the glory of God. But then you need to recognize that Jesus Christ, the son of God died on the cross for your sin. The Bible says while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us and then you need to believe in Jesus. Jesus put it this way for God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have ever lasting life.
You might ask, how does one believe in Jesus to believe means to put your faith and trust in Christ and Christ alone and to receive them into your life as your own friend Savior and Lord. The Bible says, for as many as received him, he give them the power to become sons of God.
Would you like to receive Christ. By that I mean would you like to us Jesus to enter into your life and be your savior.
Your friend, your Lord, if so, you could just pray this prayer after me it's a simple prayer you can print out loud if you would like.
Or you could pray then the quietness of your heart. But if you want Jesus Christ to forgive you of your sin if you want to go to heaven when you die. Or maybe you want to make a recommitment to the Lord just pray this prayer after me now pray these words. If you would, Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner but I know that you are the Savior who died on the cross for my sin. I sure now from my sin and I ask you to come into my life and forgive me of all of my sin. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for hearing this prayer and thank you for answering this prayer in Jesus name I pray, amen. If you just pray that prayer I want to congratulate you and say welcome to the family of God. Yeah, that's right. And we have some follow-up materials to help you begin this new relationship with the Lord we call it our new believers growth packet it will answer many of the questions you might have. So if you prayed along with Pastor Greg today. Let us send this follow-up material to you free of any charge you can call us at 1-800-821-3300.
We are here around the clock that's 1-800-821-3300 or write a new beginning.
Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514 or go online to harvest.org and click the words know God when next I Pastor Greg has some candid words about the need for harmony in our relationship move into acts chapter 15. Join us here on a new beginning.
Pastor and Bible teachers regularly. Everybody thinks or listening to an beginning this is a podcast made possible by harvest partners. So for more content can help you know God and equip you to make him known to others or to learn more about how you can become a harvest partner. Just go to harvest.org