About this episode
Jesus is still saying what He said 2,000 years ago: "Follow Me." And He doesn't mean only on Sundays, but every day. Pastor Greg Laurie shares how we can put Jesus first in our lives and move away from things that pull us down. Notes: Luke 5 Social media is stealing hours you can never get back. The algorithm is
designed to capture your attention and never let go- Who or what are you following? You will become like the people you follow.You will reflect their values, or lack thereof. It’s time to follow Jesus. Social media influencers want your attention.Jesus wants your heart. Jesus is here for you.He says, “Follow Me.” The bible challenges you to check on yourself. Are you really a Christian? Or are you just pretending to be one? (2 Corinthians 13:5) Acts 11:26 (NLT)It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians. To call the believers Christians was a mockery.It meant “little Christs.” Matthew 7:22 (NKJV)“Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” Matthew 7:23 (NKJV)And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” John 14:15 (NKJV)If you love Me, keep My commandments. Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Read Luke 5:27–32 Luke 5:28 (NLT)So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. Why did Matthew change so quickly? Jesus simply looked at him and said two words, "Follow Me.” Luke 5:31 (NLT)Jesus answered them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do.” God will come to us in a way we can understand. To the military man Joshua, Jesus came as a general.To the combative Jacob, He came as a wrestler.To the astrologers, the Wisemen, through a star in the heavens. Psalm 18:25 (NIV)To the faithful you show yourself faithful,to the blameless you show yourself blameless, Psalm 18:26 (NIV)to the pure you show yourself pure,but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. If you are drowning in guilt and shame,Jesus offers you forgiveness and relief. If you feel like you don’t belong,Jesus makes room at His table. God does not turn people away because of who they are.He comes to them because of it. Luke 5:27Later, as Jesus left the town, He saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector's booth and said, "Follow Me.” Tax collectors collected exorbitant taxes from each person daily.Often, they skimmed off the top or charged more than was required and pocketed the profit. Matthew was considered a traitor, a turncoat, a backslider, and a collaborator with Rome. The people who put up the biggest fight are often closer than those who don’t fight at all. Jesus knew that Matthew wanted a relationship with God.Jeremiah 29:13 Matthew couldn't bring himself to leave that tax booth and go to Jesus. Most non-Christians say they have never had a Christian explain the gospel clearly. The word used for saw, means to gaze intently upon, to stare, to fix one's eyes constantly upon an object. 1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. A people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Matthew bolted at the chance to follow and serve Jesus. “Follow Me” means to walk the same road. Following Jesus is not just something we do on Sunday. Jesus wants to be a part of everything you do and everywhere you go.Romans 13:14 How do we follow Jesus?Through prayer and Bible study. Start the day with the Bible.End the day with the Bible. Joshua 1:8 (NLT)Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. “Follow Me” also means to "Follow with Me," meaning companionship and friendship. Matthew happily jumped at the chance of a lifetime.Luke 5:27 Matthew knew the cost and willingly paid it. An old Scottish preacher called this “The expulsive power of a new affection.” When a person really meets Jesus Christ, they cannot leave the old life fast enough. Matthew lost a career but gained a destiny.He lost his material possessions but gained a spiritual fortune. Matthew was so excited that he decided to throw a party for Jesus.Luke 5:29 Jesus sees you for who you are, and He sees you for who you can be. The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation.” — 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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