Greg Laurie: A New Beginning

We’ve all gotten used to spam calls, right? We can sometimes see them coming. Maybe we don’t answer the phone. If we do, we have our way of ending the call as quickly as possible. When the Devil comes calling, some of us forget all those defensive techniques. We sit there and listen to his sales pitch. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie returns to our series in Joshua with some practical advice on saying no to our enemy no matter how tempting his offer. Join us for the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! 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.

Special effects companies are masters at building small models of railroads or high rises or mountain ranges. But in the movie theater, they seem huge – they fill the screen! Could it be that our problems only LOOK big? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us see our challenges through the lens of faith. And we’ll see, whether our problems are small or big or incalculable, nothing’s too hard for the Lord. Glad you’re along for our series in Joshua. Join us for the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! 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.

Kids learn early on the playground that if a bully is bigger than them, it’s good to have a friend who’s bigger than the bully. A bully who’s met his match is no longer a threat. Well as Pastor Greg just said, greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Our adversary is no match for our Almighty God. We stand in victory when we stand with the Lord. A good lesson on that today on A NEW BEGINNING as Pastor Greg continues his series: Joshua: Living in the Land of Promises. Join us for the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! 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.

Sometimes you pray... and nothing happens. You’re asking for something good, but God isn’t budging. What’s happening? You might be wrestling with God. Maybe He’s been leading you to do something—and you’ve resisted... You won’t let Him into that one area of your life. You won’t break off that relationship that drains you spiritually. You won’t give up that habit that drags you down. You’re afraid to take that step of faith. Remember Jonah? God said, “Go.” Jonah said, “No.” And God said, “Oh?” If that’s you—you’re not alone. Even Jacob wrestled with God. His struggle began with resisting and ended with resting. He stopped fighting and started clinging—saying, “I will not let You go until You bless me.” Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Genesis 32 God’s plans are better than ours. Have you ever prayed and prayed for something, and no answer came? The Bible urges us to bring our needs to God. Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) Wrestling with God is not necessarily a bad thing. “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." —Abraham Lincoln Hosea 12:3 (NLT) Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God. Hosea 12:4 (NLT) Yes, he wrestled with the angel and won. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him. There at Bethel he met God face to face, and God spoke to him. Jesus is the Passover lamb in Exodus; in Numbers, He is the bronze serpent lifted up. A Christophany is an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. Jacob was wrestling with Jesus Himself. Genesis 25:23 (NKJV) And the LORD said to her: "Two nations are in your womb, … And the older shall serve the younger." Psalm 139:14,16 The meaning of Jacob’s name is heel-catcher, contender, supplanter, grabber. God does not just see you for what you are, but for what you can become. God sees things differently than we do. We see failure, God sees potential. We see the past, God sees the future. We see sin, God sees restoration. Time showed that Jacob was a righteous man and Esau was an ungodly man. It’s not about how we start this race in life but how we finish it. It was not an easy road for Jacob, and that was his own fault. Hebrews 12:16 (NLT) Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. When we get tired of praying, we start scheming, and we make a mess of things. Rebecca sent Jacob to visit her brother, Laban. On the way there, Jacob had an encounter with God. All Jacob had to do was wait on God’s timing. Jacob met his match in his uncle Laban. The trickster met the trickster extraordinaire. We reap what we sow. Christians should try to live in peace with people. Romans 12:18 God meets us at whatever level He finds us and lifts us to where He wants us to be. God will come to you in just the right way. Hebrews 4:16 Read Genesis 32:24–30 Jacob was wrestling with Jesus Christ. We need to get away from all the distractions of life and get alone with God. When you get to the end of yourself, you get to the beginning of God. Now, instead of fighting with God, Jacob is clinging to Him. In surrender to God’s plan, Jacob found what he always wanted, the very blessing he asked God for. We win by losing. Luke 17:33 Genesis 32:28 (NLT) "Your name will no longer be Jacob," the man told him. "From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won." "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." —Corrie Ten Boom Are you running from God? The good news is God is running to you. Join us for the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest...

We don’t take our young kids to the shoe store to learn to tie their shoes. We don’t take them to the dentist to learn to brush their teeth. W e don’t take them to a nutritionist to learn to eat their vegetables. No, there are certain things parents teach their kids. It’s just part of being a parent. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out those things that go along with being a Christian parent . . . namely to pass along our faith . . . to train them up in the way of the Lord . . . to disciple them. 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.

When we go to a restaurant we’ve never been to before, do we test the chair before we sit down? Do we send the main course for chemical analysis before we take a bite? When we give our credit card to pay, do we follow the server to the register to make sure it’s not charged inappropriately? We exercise a certain amount of faith everyday. And coming up on A NEW BEGINNING. Pastor Greg Laurie helps us exercise our faith in the God of the universe, the One who loves us and only has plans for good and not to harm us. 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 Christian life has been compared to a race. And it certainly is that. But given the opposition we often face, it could also be compared to an obstacle course. It’s a tough assignment to “run to win” when our adversary is trying to trip us up and stop us in our tracks. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie offers biblical advice on keeping our focus and priorities where they should be. God can give us the spiritual power, but we need supply the determination to succeed. 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.

Sometimes, we can face impossible situations. It seems there’s no way out, and no way through. Well, God can make a way where there seems to be no way. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us lean on the care of our loving God. Glad you’re along for a series called Joshua: Living in the Land of Promises. Maybe you need God’s help today. Or maybe you really don’t; you’ll need God’s help tomorrow. So stay tuned and learn how to come to God when He’s your only option. 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.

Here’s a good quote you can find on the Internet: “In times of trouble, don’t give in to your natural reflex of worry. Instead, condition your reflex to pray.” It’s a meme from a man named Greg Laurie. Well, that same Greg Laurie brings us a complete message on how to turn our worries into prayers today as he continues a new series called “Joshua: Living in the Land of Promises.” Glad you’re along for A NEW BEGINNING as we learn to awaken our faith, and put our worries to bed. 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.

When we face uncertainty, when life gets hard, when things happen that we can’t explain, we’ll often ask: Where is God? But every Christian should realize they are never alone. Jesus is with you. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Genesis 22 Matthew 28:20 (NKJV) “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Psalm 23:4 (NKJV) “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Sometimes our feelings need to catch up with our faith. #1 Joseph was in a prison cell. He probably felt all alone and abandoned. He was there, not because he broke a law, but because he kept one—God’s law. God was in the prison cell with Joseph. Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) "You meant it for evil; but God meant it for good—to save many people alive.” #2 Let’s go from a prison to a palace and think of Esther. Queen Vashti, to her credit, refused. She would not be humiliated or objectified, not even by the king. Vashti is a role model for young girls and women today. Don’t ever let some guy reduce you to a mere object. You are a woman made in the image God. If you present yourself cheaply, don’t expect to be valued royally. A man needs to value you for who you are on the inside, not only the outside. The most attractive thing is to be a godly and principled woman. Through the providence of God, Esther became the queen of Persia. God is always at work in the life of the believer, every hour of every day. God is now here! Providence comes from the Latin prōvidentia; “pro” meaning "before" or "ahead of time” and “videntia” meaning “to see.” God is in control. #3 The story of Israel at the Red Sea. They were between a rock and a hard place. Exodus 14:13–14 (NLT) Exodus 14:13–14 (NLT) Colossians 1:16–17 Exodus 14:19 A Christophany is an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. John 8:56–58 (NKJV) "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." John 8:56–58 (NKJV) Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" John 8:56–58 (NKJV) Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM!" Luke 24:27 The disciples on the Emmaus Road were literally listening to God incarnate describe His Old Testament appearances. Jesus didn’t begin in Bethlehem; He has always been. The story of redemption started a long time ago in a garden. The Christmas story begins with a tree: the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam and Eve sinned and lost that sweet fellowship with God. Genesis 3:8 (NLT) “When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden.” We can never escape the presence of God. When you walk with God, it is a source of comfort. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” James 1:14–15 (NLT) “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” The Bible says, “Christ was slain from the foundation of the world.” Genesis 3:15 Pharaoh tried to exterminate the Jews starting with the Hebrew baby boys. Wicked Haman tried to have the Jews wiped off the face of the earth. King Herod hearing that one was born, “King of the Jews,” tried to kill Jesus, but that too failed. Nothing would stop Messiah from coming. Nothing will stop Christ from coming again either. #4 The story of Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah. Read Genesis 22 The two of them went together. Genesis 22:8 That is exactly what happened when Jesus went to the cross for us. This gives a glimpse of Calvary from the Father’s perspective, sacrificing His Son, His only Son. Genesis 22:11 Christ died in our...

For nearly two years, we’ve prayed about bringing a Harvest Crusade to Utah—originally planned for 2027. But after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, local pastors requested we accelerate our plans. They need the hope that only Jesus can bring. So, we said yes! On November 16, 2025, we’re bringing our Harvest Crusade, called Hope for America, to UVU—the very campus where Charlie stepped into the presence of the Lord. The event will also be available to watch in real-time. To stay updated on all event details, go to https://inbound.harvest.org/harvest-crusade-utah -- 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.

When astronauts used to orbit the moon, there was a period of about 45 minutes when they were on the back side of the moon and couldn’t receive any signals from NASA’s Mission Control. Those were the longest 45 minutes of the mission! Well, believers often go through periods of disconnection from the wisdom of God’s Word. We’re without that supernatural power and direction. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us reconnect to Scripture, and see more success in our walk of 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.

Jesus wasn’t the only one who walked on water. Remember? For a few moments, the Apostle Peter walked on water when Jesus bid him, “come to me.” But when his faith turned to fear, his feet didn’t float! Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how we can keep our faith above water, and let fear sink to the bottom. It’s an encouraging message called “How to Live a Successful Christian Life.” Good inspiration for the times of trial and challenge we face. 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.

A ship’s captain approaching a foggy seaport will navigate based on the light from the lighthouse, not from the light of other boats. Boats drift, lighthouses stand secure. Do we navigate the life of faith based on the conduct of other believers, or based on the One we believe in? What’s the hymn say, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie help us put that objective into practice. 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.

How do you pass along the cold, hard truth and a warm and loving way? Is it in the words we choose . . . the body language we present . . . the context in which it’s expressed? Yes, yes and yes. But more than that, today Pastor Greg Laurie points out that it comes from a heart of genuine compassion and concern, energized by God’s love. Today here on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg begins the final message in his series in First, Second and Third John. 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.

Not many people come into the Kingdom because they were sufficiently brow-beaten by someone sharing their faith. Few have surrendered to Christianity simply because they lost a fiery religious debate. The Bible tells us “His kindness leads us to repentance.” God’s love can soften the hardest of hearts. God’s mercy beckons those who’ve lost their way. And coming up today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us learn to put the Lord’s compassion into practice. 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 today’s world, amid the tragedy and turmoil we face every day, we need hope more than ever—true hope found in Jesus. Are you sharing this life-changing hope of the gospel with those around you? You have the power to start another Jesus Revolution today. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in today’s message. Notes: Focus verses: Ephesians 4, Romans 12 God has given spiritual gifts to each of us. A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability to do something you would not normally do. Romans 12:5–16 (KJV) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, God created you with purpose. God gave you certain gifts so you could use them to glorify Him and to serve others. We are here on this earth for three reasons: 1. The glorification of God (UPWARD) 2. The edification of the saints (INWARD) 3. The evangelization of the world (OUTWARD) Ephesians 4:11–12 (NLT) Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Ephesians 4:11–12 (NLT) (cont) Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Read Romans 12:6–8 There is a God-given gift of exhortation. Teachers tell you how to do it, exhorters make you want to do it. Our culture has become more combative. It's like the world has become a live version of X. Our ultimate goal is to build up, not tear down. If we really love one another, we must "speak the truth in love.” Ephesians 4:15 Paul and Barnabus worked together, visiting the churches. Acts 14:22 Hebrews 10:24–25 Romans 12:8 If it is giving, then give generously. Scripture teaches each Christian should give. 1 Corinthians 16:2 Romans 12:8 (NLT) And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. As we use these gifts, we grow spiritually. Ephesians 4:15–16 We are here for the evangelization of the world. Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV) Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; The church is under attack right now. This was a wake-up call for the church that went to fervent prayer. Acts 12 Whenever we are doing the work of God we will face spiritual attack. Charlie reminds me of another young man who was bold for his faith, Stephen. When Charlie took his last breath on earth, he took his first breath in Heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:8 Who do we turn to at a time like this? We turn to God. Psalm 46:1 We need to mourn when we lose a loved one. As tragic as Charlie’s death is, it has been a wake-up call to a younger generation. The same was true when Stephen died. Acts 8:1 Acts 1:8 (NIV) “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After Steven’s death the church was scattered and got on with their mission. And as the church today, we need to do the same! Joshua 1:9 It’s time to reach this hopeless generation. This could be your Jesus Revolution moment. Sharing the gospel energizes and refreshes the Christian. You need an outlet for the truth God is giving you. You are blessed to be a blessing. Discover and cultivate the spiritual gifts that God has given you. --- 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.

Americans can’t deny it—there's been a major cultural shift since the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, inspiring countless individuals to seek Jesus Christ and live more boldly for Him. At Charlie’s memorial service, what could have been a somber occasion became a powerful revival, feeling more like a Harvest Crusade than a funeral! Prominent voices like Vice President JD Vance and Tucker Carlson unapologetically spoke out in faith, while worship leaders like Chris Tomlin and Phil Wickham filled the stadium with worship. The most unforgettable moment came when Erika Kirk offered a stunning act of forgiveness toward her husband’s murderer. Is America finally experiencing a spiritual awaking? Pastor Greg Laurie believes so and urges Christians not to let this moment in time slip by. -- 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 it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, right? We’ve seen the headlines: People getting duped by smooth talkers, shady deals, and empty promises. But some of the most dangerous scams aren’t financial . . . they’re spiritual. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us spot the fakes and hold fast to the truth. From Ivy League mission statements, to wolves in sheep’s clothing, it’s a revealing look at deception in the last days, and the hope we have in Christ. 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 remember our most embarrassing moment. Maybe we said something we shouldn’t have . . . or did something we shouldn’t have. It may have been silly or something serious but we remember everything about that moment. Sometimes our sin can be like that. We know the Lord has forgiven us, but we’re not too sure we’ve forgiven us. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us see just how complete the Lord’s forgiveness is. It’s just as if it never happened. 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.