It makes no sense to complain the car won’t start if it’s out of gas. It makes no sense to complain about sitting in the dark if we haven’t turned on the light switch. Well, when it comes to Christianity, author G.K. Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us try a real walk with God. It offers joy and contentment, and dispels loneliness and discouragement.

Listen on harvest.org

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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://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Mayo Clinic, adults with strong social support minimize many health problems, including depression, high blood pressure, and unhealthy weight gain. So there go – more friends, less weight. But, in reality, we need connections in our lives. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the blessing of having a friendship with Jesus. “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.” Join Pastor Greg in John chapter 5.

Listen on harvest.org

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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://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God doesn’t want us to remain how He found us. He wants us to grow, to be refined. It’s a lifelong process, and it’s one even the most famous biblical figures experienced.

Notes:

Focus verses - Mark 1, Mark 10

Jesus picked ordinary men.

We all are called by God.

Jesus meets us where we are; not where we think we should be.

You are called by God.

James and John struggled with pride, impatience, and a fiery zeal.

#1 The Raw Elements
Mark 1:19–20

James and John were impulsive.

Jesus is constantly calling us closer to Himself.

Read Luke 9:53–56

James and John were nicknamed “The Sons of Thunder.”

#2 The Refining Process
Mark 10:37–41

God’s discipline is a sign of His love.

"But He knows where I am going.
And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold." Job 23:10 (NLT)

James and John started out as rough, impulsive, self-seeking men,
but they didn’t stay that way.

#3 The Finished Product
Acts 12:1–2

“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 1:9 (NKJV)

The process of being refined by God is lifelong.

1. Pray
2. Serve
3. Give
4. Be Present

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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://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.