Heaven's Light Breaking | God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes
Dec 23, 2024
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Discover how God transforms ordinary people into instruments of extraordinary purpose. The discussion revolves around Zechariah and Elizabeth’s unwavering faith and their role in the miraculous story of John the Baptist. Learn about the humble beginnings of the greatest prophet and the significance of Christ’s birth. The podcast also highlights the importance of supporting new believers and recognizing everyone's unique value in God's grand plan. Prepare for a journey of encouragement and inspiration!
God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes, highlighting the importance of availability over ability in fulfilling His plan.
John the Baptist's role as the forerunner of Christ emphasizes the significance of servitude and pointing others toward Jesus as true greatness.
Deep dives
The Story of Ronald Reagan
A film titled 'Reagan' showcases the inspiring story of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, who was known for his strong Christian beliefs. This movie emphasizes the profound impact Reagan had on the world and highlights key moments from his life, showcasing not only his political achievements but also his faith. Starring Dennis Quaid, the film serves as both a tribute to Reagan’s legacy and an encouragement for viewers to reflect on the influence of faith in leadership. The film is available as a gift for donations, reinforcing the connection between Reagan’s values and the mission of sharing uplifting narratives.
God's Use of Humble People
The message highlights how God often chooses humble and unexpected individuals to fulfill significant roles, demonstrating that He looks for availability rather than ability. Pastor Greg Laurie emphasizes characters from the Bible, illustrating that many prominent figures were ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary things through their faith. For example, he discusses Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple who was chosen to be the parents of John the Baptist, despite their old age and long struggle with barrenness. The underlying theme is that God can use anyone willing to serve, regardless of their circumstances, as His work is not limited by human limitations.
The Role of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is presented as the greatest of the Old Testament prophets due to his unique role as the forerunner of the Messiah. Pastor Laurie explains that John's ministry was crucial in preparing the hearts of the people for Jesus' arrival, and that he had a profound impact on society during his time. Multitudes came to hear him speak, and he boldly confronted religious authorities, clearly identifying Jesus as the Lamb of God. Ultimately, John's mission was to point others to Jesus, embodying the principle that true greatness lies in being a servant and facilitating others' awareness of Christ.
We tend to carve those in Bible stories into our mental Mt. Rushmore. We think of them as uniquely talented, uncompromising and above reproach. But a careful reading of those stories shows, in almost every instance, that they were rather ordinary, unremarkable people whom God used in remarkable ways. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie focuses on one such individual who helped prepare for the coming of Christ. Good encouragement is coming.
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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.