Jesus and the Open Heart - Part 1 - 9 April 2026

·22 min·2 clips

Jesus says adults must become like children to know God—what does that mean for our hardened hearts?

The episode opens with the theme of childlike faith, quoting Jesus that one must receive the kingdom like a child. Pastor Greg Laurie explains this means coming to God with complete honesty, unlike adults who build hardened hearts from life's disappointments. He transitions to discussing a New York Times article reporting that young men are now more religious than young women in America, attributing this to a cultural war on masculinity. Laurie defines biblical masculinity using 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, emphasizing men should be watchful, stand firm, act like men, be strong, and do all in love. He critiques passive or feminized men in Christian homes, advocating for spiritual leadership. Laurie identifies Jesus as the strongest man, highlighting his meekness as power under constraint. The episode then shifts to Luke 18, where Jesus blesses children and rebukes the disciples, contrasting this with the rich young ruler who walks away sad due to a closed heart. Laurie outlines two points: Jesus loves children and parents should bring children to Jesus, citing Proverbs 22:6 about training children. He uses an analogy of creating thirst for God like sharing fries to illustrate parental influence. A story about a child's honest prayer exemplifies childlike honesty. The episode concludes with an altar call, leading listeners in a salvation prayer and offering a New Believers Growth Pack.

As heard by us

Childlike faith, plainspoken parenting, and a clear call to stay open before God.

Greg Laurie’s message stays close to Luke 18 and the gap between childlike openness to God and the guarded skepticism adults can pick up after disappointment. The shell image and the reminders about cynicism and a hardened heart make that contrast easy to see.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want Luke 18 framed as childlike trust and an open heart toward God.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from A New Beginning with Greg Laurie