The Greg Laurie Show

Has God abandoned Israel—or is the story of His chosen people far from over? In this thought-provoking episode of The Greg Laurie Podcast, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with best-selling author, Middle East expert, and Bible prophecy teacher Joel Rosenberg for an honest, often humorous deep-dive into one of the most hotly debated questions in Christianity: Have the Jews been replaced by the Church as God’s chosen people? Together, Greg Laurie and Joel cut through centuries of theological debate, exploring “replacement theology,” the modern rebirth of Israel, and why understanding biblical prophecy is more relevant—and controversial—than ever. Drawing from real-world encounters with global leaders, first-hand stories from modern Israel, and fresh research into prophecy’s place in today’s world, this conversation reveals why the question of Israel matters for every believer. You’ll discover: Why so many pastors shy away from prophecy—and why Joel believes the Church can’t afford to ignore it. The explosive rise in Jewish believers in Jesus, and why this surge is reshaping what it means to be part of God’s family. How to share the Gospel with Jewish friends in a way that’s loving, respectful, and rooted in Scripture—not centuries-old stereotypes. Whether you’re wrestling with big questions about God’s promises, fascinated by the intersection of current events and biblical prophecy, or simply seeking wisdom for sharing your faith cross-culturally, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical insights. Don’t miss this challenging—and hope-filled—conversation that will leave you rethinking what it means to be part of God’s unfolding story. Subscribe for more conversations like this, exploring faith, culture, and the tough questions that shape our world. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the greatest threat to your soul isn’t outside—but hidden within your phone? In this thought-provoking episode, Pastor Greg Laurie exposes the perilous pursuit of self, the rise of artificial intelligence as a substitute for real relationships, and the crisis of faith facing our generation. Kicking things off with a gripping, real-life account of chaos at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and an assassination attempt that rattled the nation, Pastor Greg draws a direct line between the anxiety saturating our headlines and deeper spiritual longings that technology can never satisfy. You’ll also hear a fascinating conversation between legendary music producer Rick Rubin and his podcast guest on Gen Z’s unexpected hunger for spiritual truth. This episode dives deep into: The dangerous “main character syndrome” driven by social media and why the worship of self has left Gen Z more anxious and lonely than ever before. The heartbreaking story of a teenager’s search for solace in an AI chatbot, and a sobering call to parents about the hidden risks of digital companionship. Why ancient wisdom from Psalm 27 and the teachings of Jesus offer lasting hope and courage for anyone facing fear, uncertainty, or the pressures of modern life. From practical advice on guarding your mind and heart to an inspiring reminder of the quiet spiritual revolution stirring among young people, you’ll be challenged and encouraged to anchor your identity in something far greater than technology or self. Ready to cultivate unshakeable faith in turbulent times? Subscribe for more conversations like this, and join us in exploring where real hope, resilience, and meaning can be found. CHAPTERS:00:00 Searching for Meaning Beyond Technology02:13 Shannon Bream’s Firsthand Account of White House Chaos04:12 Prayer and Preaching: The Christian’s Secret Weapons06:18 God’s Plans: “Thoughts of Peace, Not of Evil”08:10 Main Character Syndrome and Self‑Obsession in Culture10:09 What “Deny Yourself” Really Means14:15 Dangers of AI Companions for Young People16:07 Tragic Story: Teen’s Suicide After AI Chatbot Relationship18:11 Parents: Why You Must Snoop in Your Kids’ Digital Lives20:12 Seeking Divine Intelligence Over Artificial Intelligence21:00 Gen Z’s Nostalgia for the 1990s Explained24:01 Rick Rubin on Gen Z’s “Quiet Revolution” Toward Faith27:00 America’s Top Fears and the Power of Stress30:13 “Face Your Giants”: Overcoming Addiction & Adversity32:03 Choose Faith Over Fear: Psalm 27 Insights35:15 Whale Protects Marine Biologist From Shark—God’s Unexpected Providence38:39 The One Thing: Jesus, Not Main Character Syndrome39:39 “Seek First the Kingdom”—Finding True Balance40:05 Invitation to a Relationship With God Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when one of the most notorious mobsters in American history experiences a radical encounter with faith? In this gripping episode, Greg Laurie sits down with former Colombo crime family underboss Michael Franzese for an uncensored conversation about the Mafia, redemption, and the impossible power of second chances. Raised in the shadow of organized crime, Michael Franzese lived at the epicenter of the mob world—rubbing shoulders with legendary bosses, amassing wealth and notoriety, and ultimately landing on Fortune magazine’s list of the “50 Most Powerful Mafia Bosses.” But after years of violence, betrayal, and prison, his life took a dramatic turn: a solitary Bible in the darkest moments of his incarceration led him on an unexpected journey toward Jesus Christ. Explore: The making—and unmaking—of a mobster, from growing up with Sonny Franzese to becoming a “made man” in a secret Halloween ceremony. The high price of loyalty, the devastating costs of crime on family, and the shocking story of walking away from “the life”, despite deadly consequences. A raw account of hitting rock bottom in solitary confinement, wrestling with God, and discovering hope in Scripture that changed everything. The incredible redemption of unlikely figures, including Michael Franzese’s reconciliation with his own family, and how the power of prayer can reach anyone—even the hardest hearts You’ll also hear candid reflections on masculinity, fatherhood, and what it really means to be a “man’s man” in a broken world, plus why Hollywood both glamorizes and misrepresents the Mafia lifestyle. Whether you’re fascinated by organized crime, inspired by true stories of faith, or searching for hope for someone you love, this conversation will challenge what you thought possible—and encourage you to never stop believing in transformation. Subscribe for more unforgettable conversations that prove no one is beyond the reach of grace. CHAPTERS:00:00 The Mobster Who Became a Believer: Introduction02:11 Michael’s Early Memories of Mob Life07:00 Choosing the Mafia: Family, Loyalty, and Sacrifice10:21 Behind the Scenes: Realism in Mob Movies15:29 The Mafia Initiation: “Born Again” into Cosa Nostra17:45 Surviving When All Others Didn’t: Why Michael Lived20:15 Leaving the Life: Family Devastation and Hard Choices24:47 Betrayed by My Father: Facing Death in the Mob29:04 Solitary Confinement and a Bible: Breaking Point35:59 Proverbs 16:7—Finding Peace with Enemies in Prison41:21 Masculinity and Jesus: The Ultimate Man44:50 The Crisis of Fatherhood & Masculinity Today46:33 Camille’s Faith: The Strength Behind Michael48:32 Advice to Young Men Drawn to Crime53:09 Sonny Franzese’s Faith and Forgiveness54:41 No One Is Beyond the Reach of God56:20 Surprising Conversions: From Mobsters to Believers Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you remember the first time you truly prayed? In this episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg Laurie opens up about the powerful, often overlooked practice of prayer—and why it can transform your relationship with God and your everyday life. Drawing from his own journey as a new believer and his interactions with spiritual giants like Billy Graham, Pastor Greg Laurie shares candid stories, biblical insights, and down-to-earth wisdom to help you move beyond rote words and genuinely connect with your Heavenly Father. Centering the conversation around the Lord’s Prayer, Pastor Greg Laurie unpacks its role as both a prayer for all occasions and a practical template for your daily communication with God. You’ll hear about: How the Lord’s Prayer shapes your view of God—not as some distant force, but as a loving Father who runs to embrace His children, even in their brokenness. The surprising reasons why many believers don’t pray as much as they want to—and how shifting your priorities can open the door to a more vibrant faith. What to do when God seems silent, including a memorable framework: If the request is wrong, God says “no”; if the timing is wrong, He says “slow”; if you are wrong, He says “grow”; but if everything’s right, God says “go.” Whether you’re battling doubt, longing for deeper purpose, or hungry to experience real spiritual change, this episode reminds us: prayer isn’t about getting our will in Heaven, but welcoming God’s will on earth—starting with our own hearts. Ready to rediscover the wonder and life-changing power of prayer? Subscribe for more conversations like this, and let your journey with God grow richer, one honest prayer at a time. CHAPTERS:00:00 God Is Not an AI Search Engine01:19 Pastor Greg’s First Answered Prayer Story02:27 Emergency Lord’s Prayer—A Pilot’s Crisis04:38 Praying the Lord’s Prayer at March for Life05:41 Why Memorize the Lord’s Prayer?07:47 Social Media vs. Time Spent in Prayer09:45 Do We Really Believe Prayer Works?12:49 Jesus Teaches the Lord’s Prayer: The Ultimate Model13:37 God as Father—The Prodigal Son Parallel19:46 "Father Knows Best"—What Sets God Apart22:20 The “Hallowed Be Your Name” Lifestyle Test23:53 Praying for Christ’s Return and Loved Ones’ Salvation29:39 Never Stop Praying for Those Far from God32:12 Wrestling With God’s Will—Jonah and Jesus' Struggles34:42 Prayer Isn’t Getting My Will in Heaven37:05 "Give Us This Day": Total Dependence on God39:14 Whose Cookies Are You Eating? The Cookie Parable41:48 "Forgive Us"—Power and Challenge of Forgiveness44:49 The Destructive Power of Unforgiveness46:21 Temptation Is So Tempting—How to Pray Against It49:53 Ask, Seek, Knock: The Persistence Principle53:21 Can Nonbelievers Pray? The Sinner’s Prayer Invitation55:53 Closing Prayer and Invitation to New Believers Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Could a single act of forgiveness rewrite a life shattered by war, pain, and betrayal? On this extraordinary episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with the legendary Louis Zamperini—Olympic runner, WWII hero, and the subject of the best-selling book and film Unbroken. From his childhood as a self-proclaimed “rotten kid” in Torrance, California, to facing sharks and starvation adrift in the Pacific for 47 harrowing days, and enduring years of brutal captivity in a Japanese POW camp, Louis Zamperini shares his story in his own captivating words. But survival is only the beginning. In a conversation filled with wit, candor, and deep vulnerability, Louis Zamperini reveals how trauma after the war nearly destroyed him—until a pivotal moment at a Billy Graham crusade transformed anger and nightmares into a life of peace, faith, and radical forgiveness. Key Moments You Won’t Forget: The chilling truth about survival at sea—including a moment when Louis Zamperini turns the tables on circling sharks. His face-to-face encounter with Adolf Hitler after an electrifying race at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The astonishing night forgiveness replaced hatred—ending years of torment and shaping the rest of his life. This is more than a war story. It’s a powerful testimony to the resilience of the human spirit, the possibility of redemption, and the freedom found in forgiveness. Whether you’re familiar with Unbroken or discovering Louis Zamperini's legacy for the first time, you’ll be inspired by his journey from bitterness to forgiveness, and the profound faith that anchored it all. Subscribe for more conversations that will challenge and uplift your faith journey. -------- CHAPTERS:00:00 "God Help Me"—Facing Death in a Plane Crash00:38 Louis Zamperini: The Unbroken Story Unveiled05:16 Qualifying for the 1936 Olympics Against All Odds11:19 Meeting Hitler After the Olympic Race13:28 Stealing a Nazi Flag—A Risky Souvenir15:13 Surviving the Green Hornet Plane Crash19:01 Fighting for Life—Miraculous Escape from Underwater Wreckage24:09 Mental Exercises for Survival on the Life Raft25:25 Shark Attack—Turning Predator Into Dinner32:09 POW Camp Recognition—Japanese Know Zamperini’s Olympic Fame34:15 The Bird—Facing His Cruelest Captor40:41 Nightmares & Post‑War Trauma: The Bird Haunts Home Life42:40 Billy Graham Crusade—Life‑Changing Faith Decision43:01 Forgiving the Bird—Conversion Ends Nightmares44:01 Reading the Forgiveness Letter to Watanabe48:07 Experiencing Instant Transformation Through Christ49:16 How Anyone Can Accept Jesus—Zamperini’s Simple Explanation50:36 All Things Work Together for Good—Faith Tested Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.