Pastor Greg Laurie presents the Amazon Prime hit series The House of David, now on DVD. The House of David, which has been just a smash hit on the Amazon streaming platform, is now available in a box set format. And you can watch it when you want to. We're also including something called Beyond House of David, which is a four-part documentary series.
So order your copy right now, The House of David. Yours for a gift of any amount at harvest.org. Life is full of troubles. No matter how much money you make, or where you live, or what you do for a living, you'll never be able to create a trouble-free life. When those troubles pile up and leave us in fear, worry, and despair, Pastor Greg Laurie says, listen to the Lord.
Jesus is saying, look, I haven't brought you this far to abandon you now. I know what I'm doing, so I'm asking you to believe. I'm asking you to trust me. This is the day when the Lost are found. This is the day for a new beginning.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. But can you hear how the angels are singing? This is the day the day when I begin. If Warrior were an Olympic sport, some of us would qualify for the gold medal. But in reality, life gives us so much to worry about, doesn't it?
The world is a mess on so many levels. And we all have issues on a personal level as well. But so many times we're so much more attached to our burdens than our burdens are attached to us. And today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie begins a message designed to set us free from the worry trap. Good encouragement, worth taking some notes.
The title of my message is. God's answer to fear, anxiety, and worry. Before I start, I want to make sure I'm talking to the right people. How many of you Deal with fear, anxiety, and worry. Raise your hand up.
Okay. How many of you don't? You don't have any issues. You're just always calm and Because you're liars or you're mentally disturbed, or I don't know what you are, but you're not normal, that's for sure. Why is it 3 o'clock in the morning?
Is the moment that many of us wake up, at least it is for me, three o'clock in the morning. It's like a magic number. And all of a sudden, I'm awakened by a dream, or something, or some fear, some anxiety, some worry sort of grips me. And then you start playing that what-if game. You know what I'm talking about?
Oh no. What if this happens? And what if that happens? And all of a sudden, You find yourself filled with deep fear. Intense worry and crippling anxiety.
Well, that's what I want to talk about in this little series I'm going to do on God's answer to fear, worry, and anxiety. You know, when a child Is afraid of the dark, they need someone to reassure them. And the best thing to do is turn on the lights so they know there's actually not a monster under the bed. That there is no boogeyman, there is no threat to them, they need the reassuring words of an adult that can help them get a proper perspective.
Well, in the same way, like little children, when we're frightened, when we're scared, we We need the reassuring words of our Heavenly Father to help us in times of anxiety. And you know, we all deal with fear. What I'm amazed by is how. If there's not enough to be afraid of, we pay money to be frightened, right? Oh, the new scary movie.
Oh, it's really scary. And then the scariest scene of the scariest movie comes on, and what do we do? We cover our eyes. How many of you have seen the film Jaws? Jaws, it's been around forever, anyway.
It's hard for you to believe now, but back when that movie came out, people were freaking out in movie theaters. No one wanted to go in the water. People didn't even want to take baths after they saw Jaws. And there's this one scene where the captain of the little boat is swallowed alive by the shark.
Now, when you look at it, now it is so fake-looking. It's like the fakest shark ever. But somehow, when I saw that scene for the first time, I was like, oh, it's horrifying, you know.
So there's scary movies, and then there's amusement parks and. These crazy roller coasters people can get on. I just decided a while ago I'm not going on another roller coaster. I don't know if I ever enjoyed it. Even when I was a kid, I went to Disneyland not long ago with my son Jonathan and Levi Lusko.
And we brought along some of the little kids. Levi brought his daughter Daisy, and Jonathan brought Allie and Christopher. And so we're talking about Rides Agone, and they decided they wanted to go on the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride over at California Adventure.
Now I've been on that ride, it used to be called the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. And I hated it because I hate to drop quickly.
So I'd already done it. I said, I'm not going.
So Jonathan and Levi and Christopher, little Christopher, went on this ride, and I took the little girls over to Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. And even that nauseated me a little bit. There was a lot of swing in there, and a lot of hearing Meter's voice saying, get her done, get her done, right? And by the way, the guy that is the voice of Mater, Larry the Cable Guy, is a Christian who listens to our radio broadcast all the time.
So, anyway. Uh, so I've decided I'm tired of peeing money to be sick to my stomach and to be scared, but then there are things that really are frightening in life. Heard the story of a hitchhiker. The man in a pickup stopped for him, and the hitchhiker jumped in the back. And as it turns out, the man driving the truck.
Had a coffin in the back that he was delivering.
So the hitchhiker was sitting there, and it started to rain, and he didn't want to get wet.
So he climbed in the coffin. And the hum of the engine caused him to fall asleep. Unbeknownst to him, the truck driver stopped and picked up two more hitchhikers.
So they climbed in the back of the truck and they're cruising along, and then the rain stopped, and the guy had fallen asleep, opened up the top of the coffin and sat up. The other guys jumped out, needless to say.
Now that's scary, that's scary. But so there's a place for rational fear. And that we actually want to have that fear. Like if you're on the edge of a cliff, it's good to have fear and step back a little bit. I'm not talking about rational fear, I'm talking about irrational fear that gnaws at us over time.
The fear of the unknown. the fear of losing something we have. The fear of losing control, the fear of the future. And there's a lot of things that stress us out, and one of the reasons is because we get our information on demand now so quickly. There's threats of war.
We open up the newspaper.
Well, very few people read newspapers anymore. You go to your favorite news site or your news feed on your phone or on Twitter, and you're reading the headlines, you're scrolling through, and oh, there's a terrorism threat over here, another terrorist attack in another place, and all those things. And then there's the personal things we worry about. losing our health. Losing our job.
even worse losing a member of our family. And this is not limited to older people. When you're young, you worry all the time. You worry about your future. You wonder, will I ever get married?
I'm so old. I'm like 20 and I'm not married yet. Or am I ever going to pay off my college debt? Or am I going to have a career? What will it be like to be an adult?
And then, when you're an adult, you look back in your childhood and say, Man, I wish I was young again. Those were the good old days. I didn't have a worry in the world, right? No, seriously, the the stress has caused Clearly. by these things that we all have.
How many of you have a cell phone? Yeah, how many of you every most of you yeah okay, how many of you don't have a cell phone? You might be the smart ones, you know. But we carry these things around. And I was very excited when this technology.
uh came to be because I'm old enough to remember when the first cell phones came out. and they were very large. They were called the brick and they were made by Motorola. And they really were like a brick. They were massive.
They had a battery life of like eight minutes. But yet we were so excited to be able to carry a phone around, but now these phones are causing so much stress. They've said that the most stressed people are called constant checkers. These are people who are attached to these devices, just flipping from one screen to another. You've seen people do this.
You might even be one of these people. You come to a light, you reach impulsively for your cell phone, and you just start flipping, flipping, flipping. Instagram, you know, looking at what's going on over in Twitter, your newsfeed, checking your emails or whatever it is. And they say that these constant checkers report feeling isolated because of technology, even when they're with their families. It's been said that millennials are the loneliest generation of all.
Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second half of his message in just a moment.
Okay. Emails, phone calls, and social media messages from listeners are so encouraging to us, and they let us know the effectiveness of these studies. I love the wisdom of Greg Laurie. Most nights I listen to his podcast before going to sleep. After each episode, I feel more confident in understanding God's Word.
I also love how Greg is so down to earth and I think he's so funny. I'm very thankful for his commitment to Christ in teaching people how to grow in their walk with God. Has Pastor Greg heard from you? Why not drop him an email and let him know? Send it to greg at harvest.org.
Do it today while you're thinking about it. Again, that's Greg at harvest.org.
Well, Pastor Greg is offering some very helpful insight today on a common issue. It's a message called God's Answer to Fear, Anxiety, and Worry, Part 1. Let's continue. You know, I saw an interesting trending term right now. It's hashtag if social media didn't exist.
Interesting question. What if there was no social media?
So of course we go to social media to talk about what it would be like if there was no social media.
So I'm reading what people wrote. One person wrote: if social media didn't exist, everyone would be so much happier. And I think there's some truth to that. Because I remember what it was like to not have it. And we had things called answering machines.
And when you got home, you'd turn it on and you'd hear all of the messages for the day. But the rest of the time, in some ways, ignorance could be bliss. Another person said, Well, we would have a lot more productive people. Another person said we would have to make friends the old-fashioned way. A girl named Veronica said if social media didn't exist, people wouldn't be constantly comparing themselves to guys or girls they see on their feed, which the majority of time are people who have been photoshopped.
That's very true. I wish they could look like them, you say. They don't even look like them. You see, it's sort of an illusion. Another person said, if social media didn't exist, I'd have to drag my cat from door to door.
to show people the funny stuff he does. I like that. What is with all these videos and pictures of cats? I don't understand it.
So I had to jump into the fray, and I wrote: if social media didn't exist, I would have more time to be more productive, but at the same time, I would not be able to offer hope from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ to many that really need it. That's what I try to do with my social media platform. But now it's become lethal. We have death by selfies. A young university student, 22 years old, fell off a mountain.
after she stepped over a retaining wall to take a selfie. A daredevil in China was filming himself hanging off the side of a building, had a camera set up at a distance, and fell 62 stories. A young lady who liked to take selfies of herself on snow-covered mountains in her bikini. Continued to do so until she fell to her death. And so, some of you are saying, you know, I actually was very happy after that time of worship.
But you've so stressed me out. With everything you've said.
Well look, stress is a serious problem which is connected to worry and anxiety. Because the National Institute of Mental Health reports a significant increase in the number of Americans who fears have. Moved into full-blown anxiety, disorders, and phobias.
Now we've all heard of claustrophobia, the fear of small spaces. But there's other phobias, and these are real. I'm not making any of them up. I don't even know if I'm pronouncing this one right. Cathystophobia.
It's the fear of sitting. I hope you don't have that phobia because you're sitting. Even worse, hablutophobia, the fear of bathing. I hope you're not sitting next to someone that has that fear. This one, I almost understand.
Dentophobia, I'm sure you can figure that out. What do you think that's a fear of? Dentists? I don't like the sound of those drills. I was at my dentist the other day, and they're doing a teeth cleaning.
And I don't like it because they're looking for trouble, you know? And then, ooh, ooh, we have a little problem here. And then she calls it down. Here we go, you know. And of course, it was something that needs to be dealt with, but I'm not dealing with it because I have dentophobia.
No, I'll get to it eventually. I have procrastinatophobia too, I think. There's automaton phobia. I'm not making this up. Automaton phobia, the fear of ventriloquist dummies.
When would this fear be experienced exactly? I can't think of many ventriloquist dummies I come into contact with. I hope you don't have this one. Paldophobia, it's the fear of baldness and bald people. But my favorite is phobophobia.
That's the fear of phobias. Here's another one: glossophobia. It's the fear of public speaking. That is the number one fear. Number two is death.
So basically, what you're saying: if you go to a funeral, you'd rather be in the casket. Than saying a few words about the deceased, right?
So, all these things can lead to high levels of stress, literally. Being filled with anxiety and fear can cause you to have ulcers, depression. obesity, nervous breakdowns, even cancer. One expert said that 90% Of all doctor visits in the USA are triggered by stress-related illness.
Okay, so what's the answer?
Well, as always, the Bible has answers, doesn't it?
So let's read some words from Scripture, John chapter 14, a very Familiar passage, one that I really love. Jesus says And let's get the context of who he was saying it to. He said this to his disciples in the upper room. This is after it had become known to them that he was going to be crucified, that he was going to be leaving them.
So needless to say, they were very stressed. They were filled with fear and deep anxiety.
So with that backdrop, Jesus says these words. Let not your heart be troubled, but You believe in God, believe also in me. In my father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself. There where I am. You know. And you may be there also. Where I go, you know, in the way You know what?
We'll stop there. The word that Jesus uses here for trouble is a. Picturesque word. It means don't let your heart shudder. You ever had your heart shudder?
Just really bad news.
Something that just was a shock to your nervous system. He says, Don't let your heart Shudder. Jesus did not say, worry and get super stressed and mull over your problems. Rather, he said, don't be troubled, and hey, life is full of troubles. No matter how much money you make or where you live or what you do for a living, you'll never be able to create a trouble-free life.
Job says in chapter 5, verse 7: People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire. I hate to break it to you, but it's always going to be something. It's always going to be something. Just when you get through that one conflict or that one difficulty or that one hardship or that one trial, hey, another one's coming. I don't say that to depress you.
I say that to prepare you.
So, you understand that troubles may come and what you need to do when those troubles do come. There's big things that Seem to overtake us, and they're small, irritating things, but know this. While there are reasons to be troubled, there's a greater reason not to be. Jesus says in verse 10 from the New Living Translation: trust in God. Trust also in me.
In other words, Jesus is saying, Look, I haven't brought you this far to abandon you now. I know what I'm doing.
So I'm asking you to believe. I'm asking you to trust me. Here's something to consider. When I don't understand what is happening, fall back on what I do understand. Let me say that again and direct it toward you.
When you don't understand what is happening, fall back on what you do understand.
So what don't you understand?
Well, whatever it is you're facing, whatever hardship, difficulty. Why, why, why, we ask.
Okay, fall back on what you do understand. What do I know?
Well, if I'm a Christian, I know my sin is forgiven, right? If I'm a Christian, I know that one day I'll go to heaven. If I'm a Christian and I know that God is in control of my life, And if I'm a Christian, I know that God loves me. And if I'm a believer, I know that all things work together for good to those that love God and are the called according to his purpose.
So though I don't understand these circumstances, I'm going to fall back now on what I do understand. And I have found that when those what-if questions start rolling through your mind, I like to go back to what I do understand, what I know is true.
So here's something to consider. I love this little verse.
So much packed into one verse of scripture. Luke 12:32. Jesus said, Fear not, little flock. It is your Father's good pleasure to give to you the kingdom. Notice he says it's his good pleasure.
I think sometimes we think of God as stingy. God doesn't want to give you that. God doesn't want to bless you. God wants to hold all the good stuff back and just kind of make your life hard. Nothing can be further from the truth.
It's his pleasure. to give to you The kingdom. But also, when we think of God as king, it reminds us of the sovereignty. and the power of God.
So, when you're filled with anxiety and fear and worry because of a problem you're facing, consider this: God is bigger than your problem. And if you have a big God, you have a relatively small problem. And if you have a big problem, do you realize how big your God actually is? And so he's your king who's in control. of your life.
Uh Great encouragement today from Pastor Greg Laurie, and his counsel isn't finished. You'll have more from this presentation next time here on A New Beginning.
Now, just a few minutes ago, Pastor Gregg pointed out all the blessings and privileges of being a child of God, a believer in Jesus Christ.
Well, it's a good time to ask if you are a child of God. Pastor Gregg, what would you say to the person who is not sure if they've ever come to the Lord and asked Him to be their Savior? They can address that today, right? Yes, I think they need to make this commitment to Christ. Here's what the Bible says: Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
So you need to reach out to God. Not just think about it, not just say, one of these days I would like to, just do it. In fact, you can do it right now. You say, well, how do I call out to the name of the Lord? You do it through prayer.
God is just a prayer away. He desires a relationship with you. He wants you to know him. He wants to reveal himself to you.
So you just need to call out and say, Lord. save me and help me. How about if I lead you in a prayer? And you could pray this prayer after me. You can pray it out loud if you like.
You can pray it quietly in your heart, but. Direct this prayer toward God, and you could pray it after me right now. You ready? Pray this after me, Lord Jesus. I know that I am a sinner.
But I know that you are the Saviour, and I want a relationship with you, so as your word says, I am calling on the name of the Lord. I'm asking you to save me from my sin. And I'm asking that we begin a new relationship today. Thank you for loving me and sending your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin and then raising him from the dead. I now put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
And I ask this In Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. And listen, if you have just prayed along with Pastor Greg and you've meant those words sincerely. Let us be the first to welcome you into the family of God.
And we want to help you get started offright in your new daily walk with the Lord. Pastor Gregg would like to send you his New Believer's Bible. It's a special edition of God's Word for those who are new to the faith, with scores of helps for new believers written by Pastor Gregg himself.
So get in touch and ask for the New Believer's Bible. We'll send it your way free of charge. Just call 1-800-821-3300. That's 1-800-821-3300. Or go online to harvest.org and click the words Know God.
And, Pastor Greg, we're so thankful for the work God is doing through this ministry. We're touching lives for eternity. And we're really thankful for our friends who see the fruit of this ministry and invest so this work can reach even further, isn't that right? Absolutely. When you invest in harvest ministries, you're investing in the souls of men and women.
Boys and girls, and what is the value of a soul?
Well, let me personalize it. What's the value of your soul? What's the value of the soul of your husband, your wife? your son or your daughter. Or your mommy, your dad?
Or your best friend.
Well, I would say you probably couldn't put a price tag on it. It's so valuable.
Well, listen, God says all souls are mine. God loves us and sent His Son to die on the cross to pay the price for all of our sins so we could be forgiven and come into a relationship with Him. I can't think of a better investment of my resources, of my money, Than in the work of the kingdom of God.
So we would ask you to prayerfully consider investing in harvest ministries. As we continue on to fulfill the great commission. Yeah, that's right. And you can make your donation right now at harvest.org. Or write us at a new beginning box 4000 for Riverside, California, nine two five one four.
or call 1-800-821-3300. That's a 24-7 phone number, 1-800-821-3300. Are some big problems stealing your joy and peace of mind?
Well next time, Pastor Greg reminds us that no matter how big our problems are, God is bigger still. More good reassurance coming your way. Join us here on A New Beginning with Pastor and Bible teacher Greg Laurie. This is a day, the day when life begins.
