Former top Mafia member, Michael Franzese, joins Pastor Greg Laurie to share one of the most captivating stories ever discussed on this podcast. Hear everything, from which movies truly replicate the real-life mafia, to the highs and lows of Franzese's faith.

When Jesus came into that prison, Franzese's life completely turned for the better. It's a story of how nobody is beyond God's reach. Listen in!

---

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

This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.

Former top Mafia member, Michael Franzese, joins Pastor Greg Laurie to share one of the most captivating stories ever discussed on this podcast. Hear everything, from which movies truly replicate the real-life mafia, to the highs and lows of Franzese's faith.
When Jesus came into that prison, Franzese's life completely turned for the better. It's a story of how nobody is beyond God's reach. Listen in!
---
Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at <a href="https://harvest.org/">harvest.org</a>.
This podcast is supported by the generosity of our <a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/">Harvest Partners.</a>

Greg Laurie delivers clear, Bible-based teaching on topics all Christians face—from marriage and family to evangelism and purpose—while emphasizing the saving power of the gospel. With humor and cultural insight, he shows how to apply God’s Word in everyday life and strengthen your walk with Christ.

He is the senior pastor of Harvest Church, with campuses located in California and Hawaii, a renowned evangelist, bestselling author, and inspiration for the 2023 “Jesus Revolution” film. He is also the founder and leader of Harvest Crusades, large-scale evangelistic events that share the gospel with thousands in stadiums worldwide. Learn more about Pastor Greg’s and Harvest Ministries’ mission to know God and make Him known at harvest.org.

Greg Laurie delivers clear, Bible-based teaching on topics all Christians face&mdash;from marriage and family to evangelism and purpose&mdash;while emphasizing the saving power of the gospel. With humor and cultural insight, he shows how to apply God&rsquo;s Word in everyday life and strengthen your walk with Christ.
He is the senior pastor of Harvest Church, with campuses located in California and Hawaii, a renowned evangelist, bestselling author, and inspiration for the 2023 &ldquo;Jesus Revolution&rdquo; film. He is also the founder and leader of Harvest Crusades, large-scale evangelistic events that share the gospel with thousands in stadiums worldwide. Learn more about Pastor Greg&rsquo;s and Harvest Ministries&rsquo; mission to know God and make Him known at <a href="https://harvest.org/">harvest.org</a>.

Greg Laurie delivers clear, Bible-based teaching on topics all Christians face.

Greg Laurie: A New Beginning

Michael Franzese shares his life story and how Jesus completely changed it.

An Ex-Mobster’s Testimony: Mafia Life, Finding God in Prison, and Emulating Jesus’ Manhood (Michael Franzese Interview) 

Have you ever made a promise you couldn't keep? Unlike us, God is completely faithful. We can always trust Him to fulfill what He's promised. Pastor Greg Laurie talks more about this in an insightful Bible study.

Notes:

Genesis 6

God promises the forgiveness of our sins.

1 John 1:9

God promises a new life in Christ if we believe in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:17

God promises He will be with us and comfort us in our hard times.

Isaiah 43:2

God promises He will complete the work He has begun in you.

Philippians 1:6

God promises peace when we pray instead of worry.

Philippians 4:6

God promises to provide for our needs.

Matthew 6:31–33

The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will come again.

John 14:3

Jesus is coming back again!

There are over 1,500 passages in Scripture that deal with Christ’s return.

It’s going to get worse before it gets better.

God is in control.

And we win in the end!

(Build)

Jesus told us our last days would be just like Noah’s time.

Matthew 24:37–44

Noah walked with God when no else did.

“Shall two walk together, except they have agreed?”

Amos 3:3

To walk with God means that I am in agreement with Him.

Early is on time, on time is late, and late is never acceptable.

To walk with God is to get in-sync with Him and move when He moves.

To walk with God is to have the same goal, purpose, and desires.

Noah was a witness for God.

2 Peter 2:5

Noah worked for God.

The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic was built by professionals.

God not only remembered Noah, but Noah remembered God.

Coming out of the Ark, Noah offers a sacrifice to the Lord.

Genesis 8:20

Noah had his priorities straight!

Saying grace over a meal.

Faithful giving of your finances.

Not skipping church.

Scripture reminds us to remember God.

Ecclesiastes 12:1

Read: Genesis 9:20–29

Noah’s fall teaches us that anyone can fall into sin. Moses sinned by striking the rock instead of speaking to it. David sinned with Bathsheba. Solomon sinned with the pursuit of pleasure.

Our goal as Christians, therefore, should be to not just start this race, but also finish well, too!

Noah’s fall teaches us about the destructive power of alcohol.

Genesis 9:21

Noah’s life stands as a warning to every person who follows Jesus!

If we see some Christian fall into sin, what should we do?

Galatians 6:1

Our goal is always to restore, not destroy.

James 5:19–20

God keeps His promises!

God never forgets about us!

Never lower your guard or rest on your laurels, spiritually.

If someone has fallen into sin, our goal should always be to restore.

—

Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years.

Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.

Have you ever made a promise you couldn't keep? Unlike us, God is completely faithful. We can always trust Him to fulfill what He's promised. Pastor Greg Laurie talks more about this in an insightful Bible study.
Notes:
Genesis 6
God promises the forgiveness of our sins.
1 John 1:9
God promises a new life in Christ if we believe in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17
God promises He will be with us and comfort us in our hard times.
Isaiah 43:2
God promises He will complete the work He has begun in you.
Philippians 1:6
God promises peace when we pray instead of worry.
Philippians 4:6
God promises to provide for our needs.
Matthew 6:31&ndash;33
The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will come again.
John 14:3
Jesus is coming back again!
There are over 1,500 passages in Scripture that deal with Christ&rsquo;s return.
It&rsquo;s going to get worse before it gets better.
God is in control.
And we win in the end!
(Build)
Jesus told us our last days would be just like Noah&rsquo;s time.
Matthew 24:37&ndash;44
Noah walked with God when no else did.
&ldquo;Shall two walk together, except they have agreed?&rdquo;
Amos 3:3
To walk with God means that I am in agreement with Him.
Early is on time, on time is late, and late is never acceptable.
To walk with God is to get in-sync with Him and move when He moves.
To walk with God is to have the same goal, purpose, and desires.
Noah was a witness for God.
2 Peter 2:5
Noah worked for God.
The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic was built by professionals.
God not only remembered Noah, but Noah remembered God.
Coming out of the Ark, Noah offers a sacrifice to the Lord.
Genesis 8:20
Noah had his priorities straight!
Saying grace over a meal.
Faithful giving of your finances.
Not skipping church.
Scripture reminds us to remember God.
Ecclesiastes 12:1
Read: Genesis 9:20&ndash;29
Noah&rsquo;s fall teaches us that anyone can fall into sin. Moses sinned by striking the rock instead of speaking to it. David sinned with Bathsheba. Solomon sinned with the pursuit of pleasure.
Our goal as Christians, therefore, should be to not just start this race, but also finish well, too!
Noah&rsquo;s fall teaches us about the destructive power of alcohol.
Genesis 9:21
Noah&rsquo;s life stands as a warning to every person who follows Jesus!
If we see some Christian fall into sin, what should we do?
Galatians 6:1
Our goal is always to restore, not destroy.
James 5:19&ndash;20
God keeps His promises!
God never forgets about us!
Never lower your guard or rest on your laurels, spiritually.
If someone has fallen into sin, our goal should always be to restore.
&mdash;
<a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/?utm_source=ANB&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestPartners">Become a Harvest Partner</a> today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years.
<a href="https://harvest.org/resources/?utm_source=ANB&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestResources">Explore more resources</a> from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and&nbsp;equip you to walk closely with Christ.

Have you ever made a promise you couldn't keep? Unlike us, God is completely faithful. We can always trust Him to fulfill what He's promised. Pastor Greg Laurie talks more about this in an insightful Bible study.

God Keeps His Promises | Sunday Message

In this special episode, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us discover the meaning and the purpose of our lives—to bring glory to God.

As we enter the new year, what should be the outlook of every Christian? Pastor Greg encourages us to take a heavenly perspective on our lives and warns us against three things that can keep us "earthbound" in 2026. 

—

Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years.

Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.

In this special episode, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us discover the meaning and the purpose of our lives&mdash;to bring glory to God.
As we enter the new year, what should be the outlook of every Christian? Pastor Greg encourages us to take a heavenly perspective on our lives and warns us against three things that can keep us "earthbound" in 2026.&nbsp;
&mdash;
<a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/?utm_source=ANB&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestPartners">Become a Harvest Partner</a> today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years.
<a href="https://harvest.org/resources/?utm_source=ANB&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestResources">Explore more resources</a> from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and&nbsp;equip you to walk closely with Christ.

Greg Laurie gives us encouragement on pursuing God with everything we have.

How to Fulfill Your Purpose This Year

It’s a strange day indeed when a “man of the cloth” runs from the Lord. Jonah was a prophet of God . . . but when God gave him an assignment, he literally left town in the opposite direction. That solved everything, right? Not at all. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out, when we run from God, He still knows where we are, and He has some amazing ways to get our attention. And He may stop at nothing to get us back on track. Let’s learn more.

—

Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years.

Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.

It&rsquo;s a strange day indeed when a &ldquo;man of the cloth&rdquo; runs from the Lord. Jonah was a&nbsp;prophet of God . . . but when God gave him an assignment, he literally left town in the&nbsp;opposite direction. That solved everything, right? Not at all. Today on A NEW&nbsp;BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out, when we run from God, He still knows&nbsp;where we are, and He has some amazing ways to get our attention. And He may stop&nbsp;at nothing to get us back on track. Let&rsquo;s learn more.
&mdash;
<a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/?utm_source=ANB&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestPartners">Become a Harvest Partner</a> today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years.
<a href="https://harvest.org/resources/?utm_source=ANB&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestResources">Explore more resources</a> from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and&nbsp;equip you to walk closely with Christ.

An Ex-Mobster’s Testimony: Mafia Life, Finding God in Prison, and Emulating Jesus’ Manhood (Michael Franzese Interview)

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