Struggling to answer someone's questions about your faith, Pastor Greg Laurie recommends a great book to help. You know, I remember the first time that I shared my faith; I was so young, and I was challenged by an atheist. I did not have a clue as to what I should say, and I wish I'd had a copy of this book by Frank Turek and Norman Geisler. And the title of it is "I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist." And we want to send you this book for your gift of any size, available at. Harvest.org.
As James said, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Wait, what? Waves of happiness may not sweep over us when problems and pressures come our way. But Pastor Greg Laurie points out how to choose a positive response. I know this is hard.
I know you wish it wasn't happening. I know you wish it was over. But despite that, I'm going to choose to rejoice regardless of my emotions. Make a choice to rejoice. This is the day when the lost are found.
This is the day when a new beginning is being gracefully bestowed. The trees with the strongest root systems are not those where a breeze blows gently through the leaves.
Now, the strongest trees face challenging winds, which cause their root systems to grow deeper. Could it be that God is revealing a lesson about how winds of adversity affect our spiritual roots today? On a new beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us see what's happening when trials and tribulations are blowing against us. We'll learn how to embrace the growth and find joy in the journey. We're starting a brand new series, and it's called "Walk This Way," based on the book of James.
So let's start at the very beginning because that's a very good place to start. James chapter one. James chapter one, and the title of my message is "How to Deal with Trials and Temptations." So I remember when I was a brand new Christian, I just given my life to Jesus Christ, and the Christians came to me and said, "Now, Greg, we want to tell you you're going to go through trials." And my response was, "What? I'm going to go on trial? What?
No, no, you're going to go through trials." I said, "I don't know what that means." They said a trial is a time when maybe you don't sense God's presence, or you're going through a hardship or a difficulty. That's called a trial, okay? And they said, and you're also going to get tempted by the devil. And I didn't know anything about the devil. I just believed in Jesus.
Wait, there's a devil for real? Yes. Oh, this okay? How will I know when I'm getting tempted by the devil? They said you'll know, and I did because the first time a temptation came, it was so overt, it was almost laughable.
So I'm still in high school, and there's this really attractive girl, and she—I noticed her, but I never talked to her. And so, after class one day, I'm a brand new believer. I've got a little button on with a little picture of Jesus on it, and and she walks up to me and says, "Hi, what's your name?" And I momentarily forgot my name. Like, why is this pretty girl talking to me? I'm I'm I don't know what to say.
And and she says, "You're really cute," which I was. I'm just dumbfounded. I go, "What is happening?" And she says, "Hey." My parents. We have a cabin in the mountains, and they're going to not be there this weekend. Would you like to go to the mountains with me and spend the weekend with me?
I thought. This is temptation. Yeah, because, and here's how I knew, because stuff like that never happened to me.
Okay, I know you probably think I was some magnet for beautiful women. No, actually, I wasn't. That never happened. I know you didn't think that either. But it never happened.
I thought this is clearly a temptation.
Well, listen, we're all going to be tempted. We're all going to go through trials, and I wish I could say after 30 years of walking with the Lord, it all stops. No, it does not. It continues on.
So I want to talk to you about how to deal with trials and temptations. And I wonder if I'm talking to someone right now who's going through a fiery trial. It's just seemingly out of nowhere. The bottom has dropped out for you. And it's just like problem after problem, trouble after trouble, keep coming your way, and you're wondering why.
Or maybe I'm talking to somebody who is in the hot water of temptation, and it's just hitting you left and right. You're getting tempted to do the wrong thing. Wicked thoughts keep jumping into your mind, seemingly out of nowhere, but they're not out of nowhere. The Bible calls those King James the fiery darts of the wicked one, and here is how it works. You are maybe worshiping, you are lifting your hands to the Lord, and all of a sudden, this this evil thought—like where did that come from?
It came from the devil. Maybe that's happening to you right now, and you are wondering why. But listen to this. Maybe one of the reasons it's happening to you right now is not because you're not doing well spiritually, but because you are. Maybe one of the reasons it's happening to you right now is because you are a threat to the devil and his demonic forces.
In other words, you're on the right track spiritually. It's been said Christians are a lot like tea bags. You don't know what they're made of until you put them in hot water. Maybe you're in hot water right now, but then I'm talking to somebody who would say, you know, actually I can't remember the last trial I went through, and I can't remember the last time I was tempted to do evil. Aren't I wonderful?
No, you're probably just lame. You know the old expression, you don't kick a dead horse. Maybe the devil looks at you and says, "Well, they're effectively immobilized. They're no threat to me. Why waste my time with them?
I am going after that Christian that's out there making a difference. That Christian that's sharing the gospel. That Christian that is serious about their walk with God. If you engage in sharing your faith, you will come under spiritual attack. But don't let that discourage you.
Let it encourage you." Remember, Jesus said that we're the church, and the gates of hell would not prevail against us. Have you ever wondered what that actually means? The gates of hell. Think of a fortress. You've seen movies where there's a castle that's being stormed, and they come in with a battering ram, and they pour the boiling oil over the side of the wall.
Right?
Okay, so we're the ones with the battering ram. The fortress is the kingdom of darkness.
So we're coming in. And the devil's trying to stop us.
So when Jesus says the gates of hell will not prevail against you, what he means is those gates don't keep you out. Keep pressing in. That's why we're always looking for new, creative, innovative ways to reach unexpected people in unexpected places with the gospel. That's why we do our crusade. That's why we're in media like radio, television, social media.
That's why we're working on these films right now, because we can reach people with the film that would not necessarily even show up in a church. But we all need to be looking for creative ways to reach people with the gospel. Anyway, so back to the book of James. All right, so this book was written. To the Jewish people who were scattered all over the place, there was a time in Israel, a ruled their own land and they had their kings like David and Solomon.
Well, those times were over.
Now the occupying force was Rome. They were effectively under the control of the Caesars and the various Roman governors, and they were suffering and they were unhappy.
So, the Book of James was written for suffering people. And maybe I'm talking to somebody right now that's suffering in life. Then this book is for you. The book of James was written by the half brother of Jesus, James. Let me explain what I mean by half brother.
The mother of James was Mary. The father of James was Joseph. In the case of Jesus, the mother of Jesus was Mary. The father of Jesus was the Father in Heaven, right? But Joseph was an amazing stepfather, earthly father figure that God chose.
But he had siblings, and I bring this up because sometimes it said Jesus had no brothers and sisters. It was an immaculate conception, and Mary herself was sinless. Not true, and not. Biblical, Mary was a sinner like everybody else, but she was chosen by God, and Jesus was supernaturally conceived in her womb. But he was raised with these other brothers, and here is now his half brother James writing this epistle.
Now you would think they would all just believe in Jesus right away. Who was a better example than Jesus? Who was a better kid than Jesus? He would do all of his chores cheerfully, and then some more things. He he would have been the best little boy you ever saw, the best teenager you ever saw, the best young adult you ever laid your eyes on, but.
They didn't know who he was quite yet, and even after he began his public ministry, we read in John seven five, even his own brothers did not believe in him. Which brings me to my first point: even living a perfect Christian life will not convince some people. Even living a perfect Christian life will not convince some people. Who was more perfect than Jesus? He never lied.
He never stole. He never lost his temper. I mean, I even wonder if sometimes Mary would say, "Kids, why can't you be more like Jesus? He's such a good boy." In fact, Joseph made these little wooden bracelets for you to wear. W W J D.
What would Jesus do? Think about that.
Now, I don't. I doubt that happened, but. The point is, he was a perfect example. Yet his own family did not believe initially. Matthew thirteen tells us that Christ went to the hometown of Nazareth, performed miracles, and you know what they said?
Hey, isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary? And aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? And they took offense at him. And Jesus said, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country." And you know when James actually did believe in Jesus after he was crucified and he rose again from the dead, and the Bible says he appeared to his brother.
So James, who knew Jesus very well, is the author of this book. Yet he never name drops. I mean, it would be hard to not work that into every conversation. James would be talking to people and he'd say something like, "I remember when." My brother Jesus said this to me in our childhood. What did he say?
But he doesn't do that. He doesn't even identify himself as having any connection to Jesus via the family. He just declares himself as a servant. Let's read about it. James one verse one.
James, a bond servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad. Greetings, my brothers. Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, so that you may be complete and perfect, lacking nothing. Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second half of his message in just a moment.
We love to hear stories of how lives have been impacted through the teaching of God's word, like this one. Thank you, Pastor Greg, for teaching the Bible so clearly and breaking the Bible down for me to understand it better. I also like the humor you add to your sermons. I find that to receive your daily devotionals, and they're so encouraging to me. I've also shared them with a close family member who gets very anxious about life.
Your studies have helped us both. Thank you again. When we hear from you, it's not only a blessing; it also confirms that the program is making an impact. If you have a story to share, would you email Pastor Greg? Send your email to Greg at harvest dot org.
That's Greg at harvest dot org.
Well, today Pastor Greg is kicking off a new series in James called "Walk This Way." Let's continue. I'm ready to give you point number two. Point number one: even living a perfect Christian life will not convince some people. Point number two: we need to make a choice to rejoice when we go through times of trial. We need to make a choice to rejoice.
Look at verse two again, my brothers. Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Another translation says, count it pure. Unmixed, complete, and total joy. Wait, what?
When I'm going through a trial, I'm supposed to have total joy during that time.
Well, what does that even mean? James is not saying that trials themselves are joy, because usually they are not. Hebrews twelve eleven says, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful." So when James is saying consider a joy, he's just saying make a choice to rejoice. I know this is hard. I know you wish it wasn't happening.
I know you wish it was over. But despite that, I'm going to choose to rejoice regardless of my emotions. See, that's very important. This is not a matter of feelings. This is a matter of the will.
The more we rejoice in our testings, the more we realize they're not liabilities, but privileges. Ultimately, helpful, not harmful, no matter how severe they may appear. Here is an example of Paul and Silas thrown into a dungeon. For preaching the gospel, yet we read at midnight, Paul and Silas saying praises to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Philippians four says, "Rejoice in the Lord always." And again, I say, rejoice.
Or take poor Job. Oh, Job! He was living the greatest life ever. Beautiful estate, wonderful children. A very successful career; everything was going Job's way, and then a series of attacks came against Job.
Why? Because he was a godless man. No, listen. Because he was a godly man. They came because God was bragging on Job in heaven, and the devil was listening in.
And the Lord said to Satan, a fallen angel, with other angels. The Lord said, "Have you considered my servant Job, a perfect and upright man, one that fears God and shuns evil?" Satan heard that, said, "Oh, give me a break. Give me a little time with Job. We'll see what he's made of." When I read that story, I'm thinking, Lord, if you're ever, even for a moment, feeling proud of me, can you keep it to yourself? Especially if the devil is within earshot.
So you know, even the Job's friends, who ended up not being the greatest friends, were watching this. They suggested you must have done something really bad for this to happen to you. Actually, it was the opposite. He was doing something really good, you see. But so then, a series of calamities befell Job.
He lost his possessions. He lost his children. He lost his health. He's covered in huge boils. Medical experts have tried to figure out what was happening to him.
Maybe it was leprosy. Maybe it was extreme melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer. Whatever it was, he was covered head to toe in these boils, and was using a fragment of broken pottery to scratch at it. Just a pathetic sight. But yet, we read that Job fell down before God and said, "Naked came I from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return.
The Lord gives, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." Powerful. You make a choice to rejoice. We need a theology of thanksgiving, an attitude of gratitude. And by the way, this attitude of choosing to rejoice when things are not going well will not only help you spiritually; it will help you physically as well.
Research shows that grateful people experience fewer aches and pains, and they also feel healthier than other people. A researcher on the topic of gratitude made this statement, and I quote: "Gratitude reduces toxic emotions, ranging from envy and frustration. It reduces depression and actually increases happiness. Experts say grateful people sleep better too. Isn't that interesting?
Just choosing to be grateful, making a choice to rejoice despite the circumstances that you're going through." You know, gratitude can change your mood. Might just start with a smile. It takes 17 muscles to smile, 43 to frown, and they've discovered that smiling triggers mind-boosting neurotransmitters, endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. Just smiling.
So smile right now. Smile. Go. Pretty good. You're not smiling, sir.
Come on now. Yes, just smile. I don't feel like smiling. Smile anyway. Point number three: Trials happen to make us stronger in every way.
Trials happen to make us stronger in every way. Look at verse three. Knowing the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Now, by the way, the word patience is probably not the best translation. I'm reading from the New King James Version here. It comes from a Greek word that translates out to toughness or fortitude. Another translation uses the word endurance or staying power.
Okay, so trials come into our life to produce endurance and staying power. Trials make you stronger, not weaker. A modern translation of James three four goes as follows: So let it grow. And don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, you're ready for anything.
Strong in character, full and complete. I like that translation. It's a lot like going to the gym. How many of you ever go to the gym? Raise your hand.
Okay.
Some of you might think about it. Just saying. But I go to the gym. It's hard to believe. Usually twice a week.
I don't like to go to the gym. I'll make up every excuse not to go, and when I get there, I'm not happy I'm there. And then I'll work out, but when I'm done, I'm happy because that actually brings me more energy. I walk in with low energy. I don't want to.
I'm not in the mood. Then I begin to you know do whatever, play a little rock ball, lift a few weights, etc. I come out feeling stronger. It's almost like the opposite of what you would think. You break something down to build it up.
You break down the muscle to build up the muscle. The same is true spiritually. We might say, "Man, I'm just feeling tired and lethargic all the time." Well, I don't have any spiritual energy.
Well. Maybe you need an outlet.
Well, I'm reading my Bible every day, and I'm I'm regular in church. I'm in a small group, and I'm doing all these great things. What's wrong? You need an outlet. You can't just take in.
You've got to give out. If you only take in and give out, you're going to become spiritually obese.
So it's time to get off your fat, lazy boy recliner. What did you think I was going to say?
Well, where are your minds at today? Get off the chair and get to work. No, I'm just tired. No, you will find this amazing thing. You will be energized as you start serving the Lord.
This is why we encourage you to serve. We know this is one of the building blocks of the Christian life.
So trials are like God's gym, where we're broken down in order to be built up. Trials take our faith from the realm of theory to reality, so we can start living out our faith in the real world. I wish I could tell you that you get to a certain stage and the trials stop and the temptation ceases, but that day will not come until we get to heaven.
So until that day, we need to press on. And what do we do? Verse two: count it all joy when you encounter these trials. Give God the glory, and count it all joy. Pastor Greg Laurie.
Pointing out the value of trials in our lives, good encouragement for the challenging but productive times of the Christian life, and Pastor Greg has more to come from this message here on a new beginning.
Now, Pastor Greg, somebody may be listening right now who's facing some difficult challenges, some trials. Maybe they don't particularly count themselves as religious, but boy, they could really use some help right now. Yes, sometimes God will let us go through hardship so He'll get our attention. The Psalmist said, "Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I have kept Your word." So maybe something's happening in your life that's caused you to look up, as in looking up to God, and you're saying, "Help! Listen, that's not a bad place to be.
In fact, that's a really good place to be." It's been said, when you get to the end of yourself, you get to the beginning of God. Do you feel like you're at the end of yourself right now? Then why don't you pray? In fact, I would like to lead you in a prayer. Maybe you've never prayed before.
You don't even know how to start praying. That's okay. Prayer is just talking to God. Let me lead you in a simple prayer. You could pray it after me.
In fact, and this is a prayer where you're asking God to. Enter into your situation, but more significantly, you're asking Christ to enter into your life. See, that's what being a Christian is—it's having Christ living inside of you. It's a relationship, not some religious thing.
So, if you would like a relationship with God, if you would like God to walk with you through your times of difficulty, you could pray this prayer after me right now. Just pray these words, if you would. Lord Jesus, I'm scared, and I need your help. And I'm asking you to enter my life. I'm asking you to forgive me of my sin.
I know that you died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead, but I want to receive you now, as my Savior and my Lord.
So I invite you into my life. And I choose to follow you from this moment forward. Thank you for hearing this prayer, and thank you for answering this prayer. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Amen. Listen. If you have just prayed that prayer along with Pastor Greg and you've meant those words sincerely, the Lord has heard you and has forgiven you of your sin. And we want to welcome you into the family of God. Let us help you begin living for the Lord each day.
Pastor Greg would like to send you his New Believer's Bible. It's in an easy-to-understand translation and has scores of helps to get a new believer started.
So get in touch, and we'll send you the New Believer's Bible free. Of any charge, call us at one eight hundred eight two one three three hundred, one eight hundred eight two one three three zero zero, or write a new beginning box four thousand, Riverside California nine two five one four, or go online to harvest dot org, and click the words no God. You know, Pastor Greg, not long ago, you mentioned that in the fifty years—actually, over fifty years—of Harvest Ministries, we know of at least a million, a million professions of faith through this outreach. It's just hard to wrap our minds around that. You know, I learned that if you would stack up a million pennies into the air, it would reach a mile.
Above the earth, that's the enormity of that number. Yes. Now we've reached all those people, one heart at a time, one soul at a time. Yes. And frankly, it took investments from our friends, one at a time, to help make that possible, didn't it?
That's totally true. You know, I think of the statement of Jesus when he says, "There is joy in heaven over one sinner that comes to repentance." He could have said. There is joy in heaven when there is over a thousand on a given day, but it's one. Every soul is precious to God. I mean, how precious is your soul to you?
How precious is the soul of your son or your daughter, or your father or your mother? Or your husband or your wife.
Well, those souls are of the greatest value, and that's how God sees us. He says every soul is mine.
So yes, we've been able to reach a lot of people. And frankly, Dave, that's a very conservative number. I think that number is. Actually, much higher, but that was a number we knew we could stand by without any question, and so that's the number that we put out there. But you know what?
We want to reach a million more. We want to reach five million more. We want to reach as many as we possibly can while we can. You know, the Bible says, "Work while it is the day, for the night is coming when no man can work." So we have a critical moment in our history, a special time right now to. Reach people, and let's not let it slip through our fingers.
So that's why I need you all to help me, because we have a program that we call Harvest Partners. What that means is these are folks that that do more than just give sporadically or occasionally. These are folks that commit to give to our ministry on a monthly basis, and because of this, we can depend on those gifts, and it helps us to know what we can do. Opportunity. To expand, etc.
So, would you preferably consider supporting us in some way, shape, or form? But would you even consider going to that next level, if you will, and becoming a Harvest Partner? You'll help us to reach more people with the life-changing message of the gospel, because every soul is precious to God. Oh, yeah, that's true.
So, get in touch with us today. We're here to take your call twenty-four-seven. At one eight hundred eight two one three three hundred. That's one eight hundred eight two one three three zero zero, or write a new beginning box four thousand, Riverside California nine two five one four, or just go online to harvest dot org.
Well, next time, Pastor Greg offers more help for our times of trial and temptation from his brand new series in the Book of James. Join us here on A New Beginning with Pastor and Bible Teacher Greg Laurie.
