Jesus and The Open Heart | A Sold‑Out Faith
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Pastor Greg Laurie delivers a powerful message titled 'Jesus and the Open Heart' on the podcast A New Beginning, exploring the biblical story of the rich young ruler and the contrast between his closed heart and the open hearts of children. He emphasizes that true faith requires surrender—letting go of anything that competes with Christ for first place in our lives. Using the story of the rich young ruler who walked away sad because he was unwilling to give up his wealth, Laurie illustrates how Jesus calls each person to a personal, radical discipleship tailored to their unique struggle. He contrasts this with the Ethiopian eunuch, who, despite his status and wealth, responded with joy and was baptized after encountering the gospel. The message underscores that following Christ may require sacrifice, but the reward—eternal life, forgiveness, and purpose—is infinitely greater. Laurie closes with an invitation to make a personal commitment to Jesus, offering a free Bible for new believers and encouraging listeners to support the ministry through ongoing partnership.
A truly open heart before God is childlike—humble, dependent, honest, and receptive.
Jesus calls each person to surrender what holds them back, not as a universal rule, but as a personal invitation to discipleship.
The love of money, not money itself, is the root of evil; it becomes an idol when it displaces God.
Every person who comes to Christ should expect to give up something, but the gain in eternal life is worth infinitely more.
The choice to follow Christ is personal and urgent—will you leave today sad or rejoicing?
The Invitation to Heaven and the Open Heart
“Nothing takes the place of a sold-out relationship with the Lord. Not a big check in the offering plate, not packing a pew with friends and relatives on Sunday morning, not even the God is my co-pilot bumper sticker on the back of the car.”
Jesus and the Little Children: The Model of a Childlike Heart
“The kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these little children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
The Rich Young Ruler: A Heart Closed by Wealth
“Jesus never said this to any other person. It was to this guy alone because Jesus knew that was his issue.”
Contrast: The Ethiopian Eunuch and the Power of a Open Heart
Laurie contrasts the rich young ruler with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8), who, despite his status, responded to the gospel with joy and was baptized, illustrating that true openness to God leads to salvation and rejoicing.
The Call to Decision: Will You Go Away Sad or Glad?
“Whatever you trade in to follow Christ is more than worth it for what he gives you and the place of that thing that you gave up.”
“The kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these little children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
“If this was your last opportunity to hear the gospel. Are you going to be like the rich young ruler and go away sad? Or are you going to be like this other man I mentioned, the Ethiopian, and go away glad?”
“Whatever you trade in to follow Christ is more than worth it for what he gives you and the place of that thing that you gave up.”
Host
Greg Laurie
person
Jesus Christ
person
Rich Young Ruler
person
A New Beginning
media
Luke 18
book
Harvest Ministries
organization
Harvest.org
product
Ethiopian Eunuch
person
Harvest Plus
product
Acts 8
book
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