About this episode
Why do Christians have to go through hardship? Well, trials are like God’s gym. In them, we're broken down so we can be built up. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in his message focused on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Notes: Focus verse - Daniel 3 / James 1 Jesus walking with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through
the fiery furnace. Do not despair! You are not alone in your hardship! 1 Peter 4:12Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through,as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:14Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you. There are different kinds of trials and testings in the life of the Christian.The devil tempts us to destroy our faith, but God tests us to develop our faith. A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.This is clearly shown in the story before us of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up for what was right, even at the risk of losing their own lives. The stand you make today will determine what kind of stand you will make tomorrow. The most important time of our life is the time of our youth.It is when we set our course and habits are developed. The evening of our life is determined by the morning of it,the end from the beginning. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego made a stand in a small area.This is why they had the character and strength to make their stand in a larger one. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were captured along with Daniel and placed as counselors to the king. One night King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream.When he awoke, he called in all the astrologers and magicians. The prophet, Daniel, humbly gave glory to God, and told the king he had dreamed of a giant statue. Daniel 2:47 (NLT)The King said to Daniel, "Truly, your God is the God of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret." As chapter 3 opens, around 16–20 years have passed.King Nebuchadnezzar has a 90-foot-tall statue erected, covered in gold of himself! The King ordered that everyone gather for a big celebration.They had an orchestra in place and when they played you better bow, or else! The Lord was very clear about that in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:4–5"Do not make idols of any kind; you must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any.” Thousands of Israelites apparently bowed, but not these three.Someone estimated 300,000 people were present. Read Daniel 3:14–18 King Nebuchadnezzar was choosing off God, when he asks,“What god will be able to rescue you?” Nebuchadnezzar had quickly forgotten the God who gave him a dream. Because of his pride, Nebuchadnezzar would soon be brought to his knees. Everybody is a worshipper. The question is not if we worship or not.It’s who we worship. Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego worshipped God, they could not worship the statue. You will end up serving who you worship. Daniel 3:18”Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." A moment at the altar of sexual experimentation can lead to a lifetime of regret. Moments spent worshipping God can lead to a lifetime of service. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were adamant, they were not going to bow. This will happen in the life of every Christian.Sooner or later, you too will be asked to bow before some idol. These boys were facing peer pressure on an epic scale. Despite the fact that everyone in Babylon bowed,Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up straight. They figured, "Better to burn on earth and bow in Heaven, than to bow on earth, and burn in Hell!” One day, the Disciples came to Jesus, excited that they could cast out demons. Luke 10:20 (NLT)“But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were not sure they would survive this, but they were sure of God’s promises.Daniel 3:17–18 Either God would preserve them, or He would be waiting on the other side. Upon hearing of this insubordination on the part of these three teens, the King flies into a rage. Read Daniel 3:19–25 Nebuchadnezzar said the fourth man looked “like the Son of God!” In this Christophany, Jesus walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through this fiery furnace. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Jesus is there with you, each step of the way. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you, even until the end of the world." James 1:2–4When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't treat them as intruders but friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on, until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character, men of integrity with no weak spots. Staying cool, when things get hot. How do you do that? It’s similar to going to the gym and working out. A lot of folks find themselves getting tired and lethargic and say, “I’m just getting old!”Yes, and it maybe you are just out of shape too. Maybe you need to get busy and do something with your faith. Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” Trials take our faith from the realm of theory to reality. James 1:3 (NKJV)Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Perseverance! (Greek: Hypomonē) We know about the suffering of Joseph. Psalm 105:18 (NLT)They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. “As he was laid in iron, iron entered his soul.” The very thing you want out of your life may be the thing you need in your life. If you want to grow spiritually, iron must enter your soul. James 1:4 (NKJV)Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. We may pray, “Lord, use me for Your glory! Bless me, Lord!”Then a trial comes. James 1:2 (NKJV)My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,No two experiences are alike. How did they do this?By the decisions and commitments they made years earlier. An idol is anyone or anything that takes God’s place in our life. 1 John 5:21 (NKJV)Little children, keep yourselves from idols. One day another world leader will come along and demand worship.The bible calls him Antichrist. He too will erect an image and demand worship, placing the image in the temple. Jesus promises to deliver us from this time of tribulation. Revelation 3:10 (NKJV)"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:11 (NKJV)"Behold, I am coming quickly! Jesus says, ”Behold, I am coming quickly!”Revelation 3:11 Nebuchadnezzar saw God work. Maybe God is trying to get your attention today! Jesus died on the cross for your sin so you could know God. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from Greg Laurie
View all- 1From the Archives | Chuck Smith: Man of Impact Part 2In this episode, we continue this short series from the archives of Pastor Greg Laurie’s special interview with Pastor Chuck Smith, founder of the Calvary Chapel network of churches. Pastor Greg begins by sharing his story of how their first interaction led to the production and distribution of the popular Living Water tract (to watch a video on the tract’s history, click here). This discussion features many details of Pastor Chuck’s life, including: Tragedy in Pastor Chuck’s family How he moved from a growing church to a fledgling church in Costa Mesa, CA The birth and the beginning of the Jesus Movement How his church grew and outgrew several of their buildings This interview originally took place in 2012 and aired on radio that same year. Pastor Chuck Smith went to be with the Lord on October 3, 2013. --- SoCal Harvest is back at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. If you are in Southern California, make plans to join us. Learn more at harvest.org/SoCal. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 2From the Archives | Chuck Smith: Man of Impact Part 3In the concluding episode of this classic interview, Pastor Greg Laurie interviews Pastor Chuck Smith on the origins of the Harvest Crusade. Seeing a successful and thriving Bible study, Pastor Chuck had an idea: What if we made this a larger outreach event? And over three decades later, these large-scale evangelistic events continue. Other topics addressed include: Pastor Chuck’s health challenges Regrets, memories, and wishes Pastor Chuck’s favorites A performance of “The Love of God” This interview originally took place in 2012 and aired on radio that same year. Pastor Chuck Smith went to be with the Lord on October 3, 2013. --- SoCal Harvest is back at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. If you are in Southern California, make plans to join us. Learn more at https://harvest.org/socal-harvest-2021/. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 3The Writing Is on the Wall | Special Sunday MessageIn this special message, Pastor Greg Laurie speaks from Daniel 5 and delivers a unique gospel presentation. Using the life of a king known as Belshazzar, Pastor Greg explains why we’re all in desperate need of a Savior: Jesus Christ. Notes One day we will give our last words and we will pass into eternity. No one is beyond the reach of God. You can’t live off the faith of your parents, grandparents, or friends. “Young adults who binge drink frequently are more likely to show disadvantageous decision-making patterns than their peers who don’t drink, a new study shows.” “At that very moment they saw the fingers of a human hand writing on the plaster wall of the king’s palace, near the lampstand.” —Daniel 5:5 “I hope everybody could get rich and famous and will have everything they ever dreamed of, so they will know that it’s not the answer.” —Jim Carrey Belshazzar did not cry out to God; he called in the astrologers who could not help him. The word gospel means, “Good News!” 1. Mene means, “numbered.” “Seventy years are given to us! Some may even reach eighty.” —Psalm 90:10 Technology cannot grant eternal life. 2. One day we will all be weighed on God’s divine scales. What kind of weight does your life have right now? There is a last night for every nation and every person. Are you a lonely soul? This may be the last time you have to make this commitment to follow Christ. Jesus can forgive you of all of your sin. Realize you are a sinner who needs a Savior. Recognize Jesus died on the cross for you. Repent of your sin. Receive Christ into your life. --- SoCal Harvest is back at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. If you are in Southern California, make plans to join us. Learn more at https://harvest.org/socal-harvest-2021/. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 4The Nonbeliever’s Favorite Verse: Discerning but Not CondemningThe Lord tells us He’s not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Yes, God judges sinners but that’s not His desire. What’s our desire? When someone is in sin, do we reflect the Lord’s objective, that we should lovingly lead them back into fellowship with God? Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to important counsel from the Sermon on the Mount – the Lord’s directives to His disciples on matters of faith, love and harmony. View and subscribe to Pastor Greg’s weekly notes. --- 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://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 5Greg Laurie on How to Stand for What’s RightIn this powerful snippet, Pastor Greg Laurie describes the power that Christians have when they stand for what’s right and make commitments to the Lord. Sharing from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the fiery furnace, Pastor Greg describes what happens when God’s people act out in faith and explains that tough circumstances are the best ways to grow our faith. He says, “Better to burn on Earth and bow in Heaven than to bow on Earth and burn in Hell.” Listen in for a boost and encouragement to your faith! --- SoCal Harvest is back at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. If you are in Southern California, make plans to join us. Learn more at https://harvest.org/socal-harvest-2021/. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 6Where It's Dangerous to Be a Christian: An Interview with Johnnie MooreIn this classic interview, Pastor Greg Laurie discusses a timely issue with author and speaker Johnnie Moore: the persecution of the church. In addition to answering the question, Is persecution increasing toward Christians? they also address the different issues Christians face internationally. Listen in for a fascinating and informative conversation. Johnnie Moore is a noted evangelical leader best known for his consequential work at the intersection of faith and foreign policy in the Middle East. In 2020, he was named one of America's ten most influential religious leaders, and he is also the President of the Congress of Christian Leaders, serves on ADL's "task force for Middle East minorities," and is the youngest-ever recipient of the Simon Wiesenthal Center's prestigious "medal of valor" for his efforts rescuing Christians from ISIS in 2015. This interview originally took place in July 2016. Read a statement Pastor Greg recently gave on Afghanistan here. --- SoCal Harvest is back at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. If you are in Southern California, make plans to join us. Learn more at https://harvest.org/socal-harvest-2021/. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 7The 1st Jesus Movement | Sunday MessageHow should Christians live in the midst of social upheaval? In a timely message, Pastor Greg Laurie offers encouragement—as well as a blueprint—for countercultural living from the book of Acts. Listen in for the launch of a new series, The Upside Down Life! Notes We are living in a time where right is wrong and wrong is right. Pray for divine intervention. The word revolution not only means “upheaval” and “change;” it also means “turning around” or “rotating.” The death of Jesus was God’s predetermined plan (Acts 2:23–24). “Organized Christianity which fails to make a disturbance is dead.” —G. Campbell Morgan The book of Acts is simply a picture of normal Christianity. The book of Acts is a record of the acts of the Holy Spirit, covering a 30-year period from AD 33–63. The book of Acts was authored by the Holy Spirit, speaking through Dr. Luke. The name Theophilus means, “Lover of God.” 1. Before you can change the world, you must first be changed. The disciple’s greatness was not because of who they were as individuals; it was because God put His hand on them. Jesus did not call these men who became apostles because they were great; they were great because Jesus called them! The word used for appeared refers to the eyeball. Before they could change the world, Jesus needed to change them. Paul said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). 2. The church had a job to do, and so do we! “You will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere!” (Acts 1:8). Jesus is not late in returning; there is something He wants from us. 3. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to do what God calls us to do. The word power comes from the Greek word “Dunamis.” It’s never too late to be used by God. Scripture Referenced Isaiah 5:20 Acts 17:6 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 1 John 1:1 2 Peter 3:9 --- SoCal Harvest is back at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. If you are in Southern California, make plans to join us. Learn more at https://harvest.org/socal-harvest-2021/. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 8What Heaven Knows About Earth: The Knowledge of Our Passed Loved OnesIn the hereafter, is there something of a heavenly grandstand where our departed loved ones can watch the events of our lives? Or are heaven’s citizens sequestered and blissfully unaware of our struggles? It’s an interesting question, and today Pastor Greg Laurie finds insight in God’s Word. Glad you’re along for A New Beginning and our continuing series in Revelation. And later on, some details about a new book Pastor Greg has just released that takes these Revelation insights further. This year we are excited to bring back our SoCal Harvest. Why do large-scale, evangelistic crusades still matter after all these years? It’s pretty simple: in a time of division, disharmony, social unrest, and fractional politics, we, now more than ever, need to be together—physically, mentally, emotionally, and yes, spiritually. We need the presence of God in our lives, the only one with a plan, a road map for all of us, RSVP today: harvest.org/socal --- 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://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 9How Steve McQueen Came to Christ | From the ArchivesIn this episode from our archives, Pastor Greg Laurie relates the story of the conversion of movie star Steve McQueen. He was known as the “king of cool,” but McQueen eventually came into a personal relationship with the King of kings. This story, originally told by Pastor Greg at SoCal Harvest 2016, became the basis for a book and a film—all relating the life of Steve McQueen and his faith. --- SoCal Harvest is back at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. If you are in Southern California, make plans to join us. Learn more at https://harvest.org/socal-harvest-2021/. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 10When All Hell Breaks Loose: The Importance of Studying ProphecyThe Devil certainly has a foothold in our culture today. But that’s nothing like his reign of terror during the Great Tribulation. Now’s the time to introduce our loved ones to Christ. And Pastor Greg Laurie will help with that on October 3 at SoCal Harvest. Although it’s a live event from Angel Stadium in Southern California, you can be involved from anywhere by inviting your loved one to watch at harvest.org. And today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie brings more eye-opening insights on prophecy. --- 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://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 11Why We Should Be Studying the Book of Revelation | Special InterviewThe person who reads, hears, and keeps the words of Revelation will be blessed in a special way. That alone is reason enough to study this book and learn all we can from it, isn’t it? In an exclusive interview, Pastor Greg Laurie talks about his new book, Revelation: A Book of Promises. With special guest Yves Le Sieur they will touch on several topics: What did it take to write the book? Why is Revelation an important topic? Revelation’s focal point God’s plan for the future Pastor Greg will discuss all the above and more! Listen in to get answers the many questions people have on Bible prophecy. Revelation: A Book of Promises is available now. Get your copy here. --- SoCal Harvest is back at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. If you are in Southern California, make plans to join us. Learn more at https://harvest.org/socal-harvest-2021/. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 12Greg Laurie Podcast TrailerThe Greg Laurie Podcast delivers compelling, practical insights on faith, culture, and current events—with an emphasis on the saving power of the gospel message. Follow this show wherever you listen to podcasts! --- 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://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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