Are You A Pretend Believer? | Pastor Greg Laurie

Pastor Greg Laurie examines the radical conversion of Levi (Matthew) in Luke 5. He explores the concept of "following" in the modern age—contrasting the empty nature of social media algorithms with the life-altering call of Jesus Christ. The message highlights that no one is too far gone for God's grace, as evidenced by Jesus choosing a despised tax collector to be His disciple, and challenges believers to live as "Little Christs" every day of the week. Key Timestamps [00:01] Opening Prayer: A communal prayer focusing on the importance of worshiping and learning the Word of God together. [01:16] The Anxiety of Modern Following: A humorous look at worry and a critique of how social media steals hours of our lives through curated "highlight reels." [04:12] Where to Find Jesus: Practical advice on locating Christ through the Bible, the assembly of believers, and the beauty of creation. [05:37] The Meaning of "Christian": An exploration of the term’s origins in Antioch, its meaning as "Little Christ," and a call for self-examination of one's faith. [08:45] Assurance of Salvation: Pastor Greg discusses the frightening reality of "pretend" believers and clarifies that salvation is based on what God has done, not human effort. [10:35] The Invitation to Matthew: The moment Jesus calls Levi from his tax booth with the simple command: "Follow me." [12:44] The Great Physician’s Approach: Understanding that Jesus deals with every person uniquely, meeting them in their guilt, loneliness, or strength. [15:58] The Cost of Following: A deep dive into the despised profession of tax collecting and the significant material wealth Matthew abandoned to follow Christ. [22:07] The Power of Invitation: Statistical insights into how many unchurched people are actually open to faith when approached by a trusted friend. [25:52] Daily Companionship: An explanation of the Greek present tense in "Follow me," signifying a habitual, daily walk with Jesus rather than a one-time event. [33:59] The Sinner’s Banquet: Matthew’s immediate response to his conversion—throwing a party to introduce his fellow "outcasts" to Jesus. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Thank you for watching! Be sure to like and subscribe so you are notified as soon as a new video arrives. Get exclusive content on the Harvest+ Streaming App, including Harvest Films, TV shows and hundreds of messages from Pastor Greg Laurie. Available on Apple iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Google TV, and Samsung TV! Watch here: https://watch.harvest.org/ To support the ministry of Pastor Greg Laurie and help us continue to reach people with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, visit here https://harvest.org/donate/