About this episode
Why do some believers grow deep roots while others fade out fast? Jesus answered that question 2,000 years ago in the Parable of the Sower. Turns out, spiritual growth isn’t one big decision—it’s thousands of small, daily choices. Bible or phone? Church or no church? Those choices add up, and they shape who you become.
Pastor Greg Laurie walks us through the four kinds of hearts Jesus describes: Hardened, shallow, crowded, and fruitful. And he shares the real “golden key” to lasting spiritual growth. Notes: Luke 8 The Christian life is more than praying a prayer and getting “fire insurance.” It's following Jesus as your Savior and as your Lord. Life is one long string of choices. By not choosing spiritual growth, we choose spiritual decline. Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life.” If you want to go forward as a Christian, you will. God has given us everything we need for spiritual growth and progress.2 Peter 1:3 Read Luke 8:11–15 (NLT) Which of these four soils represents you best?Only one out of four makes it. The job of the Sower is to throw the seed out far and wide. This type of sowing seed was known as “broadcasting.” Our job is to sow the seed of the word of God. God does the work of conversion. The Apostle Paul shows us how we each have a role to play.1 Corinthians 3:6–7 The only way to tell if someone is really a Christian is through the test of time. 1 John 2:19 (NLT)These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. Prodigals come to faith, fall away, and return later. Some people have a weak beginning but a strong finish.That is better than a strong beginning and no finish. The Hardened HeartLuke 8:12 Mark 4:15 (NLT)“Only to have Satan come at once and take it away.” Whenever you share the gospel with people, expect satanic opposition. Every time you hear the gospel, your heart can get softer or harder. Shallow HeartsLuke 8:13 These are the hearers who seem to be converted but never get grounded in the faith. They are living on an emotional high and a state of spiritual euphoria. Perhaps they have experienced a supernatural touch from God. Faith that cannot be tested is faith that cannot be trusted. Christianity is Christ! “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.”—G.K. Chesterton Some people are simply impulsive by nature.Some people fall away because they have built their faith on the wrong foundation. Some people fall away because of persecution. Mark 4:17 (NLT)But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Some people fall away because unbelief set in, causing them to doubt God at the first emotional low. Infested HeartsLuke 8:14 Second best is often the worst enemy of the best. Excessive worry can crowd out spiritual growth.Mark 4:19 We live in a time when people are obsessed with extending their lives. God determines the length of our lives.Job 14:5 Fruitful HearersLuke 8:15 The golden key to spiritual growth is how you hear and respond to God’s word. Mark 4:20 (NLT)“Those who hear and accept God's word.” The difference isn’t exposure to the word.It’s what the heart does once it lands. The Bible is everywhere, but it’s not in our hearts. The issue is not access. It’s appetite. Luke 12:48 (NIV)From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. The hardest thing about studying the Bible is sitting down and opening it. Standing the test of time, finishing the spiritual life well, is not a mystery.It is maintaining a close and vibrant relationship with Christ. Read the Bible daily.Pray about things.Go to church regularly.Share your faith. — 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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