Jesus and the Open Heart | Sunday Message

Pastor Greg Laurie dives into how young people sought Jesus in biblical times as we reflect on the children He warmly welcomed, and the story of the rich young ruler—a man searching for something he wasn’t ready to fully embrace.

Notes:

Focus verse - Luke 18

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Let all that you do be done in love.” –1 Corinthians 16:13–14

A man is to be watchful.

A man is to be a provider. He takes care of his wife and children.
1 Timothy 5:8

A man is to stand firm.
He is the spiritual leader in the home.

A man is to be strong.

Jesus was the strongest man to ever live and the ultimate definition of masculinity.

The man of God does all that he does in love.
He is faithful to his wife for a lifetime.

Read Luke 18:15–17

Jesus loves little children, and so should we.

We need to bring our children to Jesus.

It is the job of parents to teach their children, to lead them, and to guide them.
Proverbs 22:6

Parents, have a walk with God that is attractive.

Ephesians 6:4

Jesus took the little children into His arms and fervently blessed them.

"Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them…”
Luke 18:16

Mark 10:16

We must become like a child.
Luke 18:17

To be childlike means to come with complete honesty to God.

Children come in complete helplessness.

We need to evangelize our children.

To evangelize children:
-Build a bridge
-Keep it simple and understandable
-Make the focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus
-Give them an opportunity to respond

The rich young ruler he was powerful and independent.

The rich young ruler saw something unique and special in Jesus that deeply touched him.

Read Luke 18:18–23

Jesus challenged the rich young ruler’s opening statement.
Luke 18:19

Read Luke 18:22–23

Jesus pointed out the primary sin in this man’s life, his love of earthly things.

The Ethiopian man went on his way rejoicing.
Acts 8:39

The rich young ruler went on his way full of sorrow.
Luke 18:23

Come to Jesus with an open heart.
He will receive and forgive you.

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Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org.

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