Jesus on Relationships [Family] | Doug Sauder

You know, growing up, I couldn't wait You know, growing up, I couldn't wait for my dad to come home [clears throat] for my dad to come home [clears throat] for my dad to come home [clears throat] because I knew that meant football in because I knew that meant football in because I knew that meant football in the front yard with my brother. the front yard with my brother. the front yard with my brother. And then I knew we'd sit down to a And then I knew we'd sit down to a And then I knew we'd sit down to a home-cooked meal made by my mom. home-cooked meal made by my mom. home-cooked meal made by my mom. And though I didn't always love it, my And though I didn't always love it, my And though I didn't always love it, my dad would always open the Bible and read dad would always open the Bible and read dad would always open the Bible and read it at the end. And then homework and it at the end. And then homework and it at the end. And then homework and showers and bedtime and prayers. showers and bedtime and prayers. showers and bedtime and prayers. And that was a beautiful part of my And that was a beautiful part of my And that was a beautiful part of my childhood. childhood. childhood. But I also remember, well, I was a But I also remember, well, I was a But I also remember, well, I was a strong willed kid and I was hyperactive. strong willed kid and I was hyperactive. strong willed kid and I was hyperactive. I was one of the hardest kids that I was one of the hardest kids that I was one of the hardest kids that anyone's ever raised. Anyone hard to anyone's ever raised. Anyone hard to anyone's ever raised. Anyone hard to raise? raise? raise? And so spankings, lots of them. Notes And so spankings, lots of them. Notes And so spankings, lots of them. Notes home from the teacher, uh, fights with home from the teacher, uh, fights with home from the teacher, uh, fights with my brother, being locked out of the my brother, being locked out of the my brother, being locked out of the house, waiting for my mom to come home house, waiting for my mom to come home house, waiting for my mom to come home to let me back into the house, all the to let me back into the house, all the to let me back into the house, all the things. And not a lot of processing of things. And not a lot of processing of things. And not a lot of processing of negative emotions. not a lot of tears or negative emotions. not a lot of tears or negative emotions. not a lot of tears or time for sadness or sorrow or anger. You time for sadness or sorrow or anger. You time for sadness or sorrow or anger. You know, we can talk about the happy know, we can talk about the happy know, we can talk about the happy things, but we don't talk about anything things, but we don't talk about anything things, but we don't talk about anything that's sad.

that's sad. that's sad. And in this family, those experiences, And in this family, those experiences, And in this family, those experiences, they shaped me. They made Doug Souder they shaped me. They made Doug Souder they shaped me. They made Doug Souder the person that he is today. the person that he is today. the person that he is today. And the same is true for you. You were And the same is true for you. You were And the same is true for you. You were shaped by your family because a family shaped by your family because a family shaped by your family because a family is a place is a place is a place of formation. of formation. of formation. God has so designed it that way. It is God has so designed it that way. It is God has so designed it that way. It is the most powerful social unit or the most powerful social unit or the most powerful social unit or connector that exists. connector that exists. connector that exists. And today we're going to explore how And today we're going to explore how And today we're going to explore how Jesus experienced his childhood, his Jesus experienced his childhood, his Jesus experienced his childhood, his family, and in three situations. What we family, and in three situations. What we family, and in three situations. What we can learn from how Jesus lived in his can learn from how Jesus lived in his can learn from how Jesus lived in his family, was formed in his family, and family, was formed in his family, and family, was formed in his family, and interactions he had with his family interactions he had with his family interactions he had with his family through all these different stages of through all these different stages of through all these different stages of life. And this is why I love the Bible life. And this is why I love the Bible life. And this is why I love the Bible because the Bible describes so many because the Bible describes so many because the Bible describes so many different types of family. Your family different types of family. Your family different types of family. Your family is different than my family. your is different than my family. your is different than my family. your experience different than mine. The experience different than mine. The experience different than mine. The Bible talks about single parents and Bible talks about single parents and Bible talks about single parents and blended families and and two parent blended families and and two parent blended families and and two parent traditional families. It talks about all traditional families. It talks about all traditional families. It talks about all different types of adoptive and foster different types of adoptive and foster different types of adoptive and foster families and and all of us will see families and and all of us will see families and and all of us will see these powerful connections with our these powerful connections with our these powerful connections with our lived experience and what we see in lived experience and what we see in lived experience and what we see in God's word and see that family is God's God's word and see that family is God's God's word and see that family is God's idea. And so I want to show you what God idea. And so I want to show you what God idea. And so I want to show you what God thinks about family in a conversation he thinks about family in a conversation he thinks about family in a conversation he has about Abraham, the man he has picked has about Abraham, the man he has picked has about Abraham, the man he has picked to be the father of faith. Listen to the to be the father of faith. Listen to the to be the father of faith. Listen to the words of God himself describing the words of God himself describing the words of God himself describing the power of the family unit.

power of the family unit. power of the family unit. He writes Genesis 18, for I have chosen He writes Genesis 18, for I have chosen He writes Genesis 18, for I have chosen him, that's Abraham, so that he will him, that's Abraham, so that he will him, that's Abraham, so that he will direct his children and his household direct his children and his household direct his children and his household after him to keep the ways of the Lord after him to keep the ways of the Lord after him to keep the ways of the Lord by doing what is right and just. by doing what is right and just. by doing what is right and just. So that the Lord will bring about for So that the Lord will bring about for So that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him. You Abraham what he has promised him. You Abraham what he has promised him. You see that? So that see that? So that see that? So that all the promises that God had for all the promises that God had for all the promises that God had for Abraham and his descendants and all of Abraham and his descendants and all of Abraham and his descendants and all of us were possible through the family. And us were possible through the family. And us were possible through the family. And if Abraham would obey God and pass his if Abraham would obey God and pass his if Abraham would obey God and pass his faith on to his kids, well, we would be faith on to his kids, well, we would be faith on to his kids, well, we would be recipients of the beautiful gospel recipients of the beautiful gospel recipients of the beautiful gospel because Jesus came from the line of because Jesus came from the line of because Jesus came from the line of Abraham as a direct result of that Abraham as a direct result of that Abraham as a direct result of that promise. And here's where we see the promise. And here's where we see the promise. And here's where we see the power of family. What happens in a home power of family. What happens in a home power of family. What happens in a home can change the world. Now, you might go, can change the world. Now, you might go, can change the world. Now, you might go, "Well, that's great because Abraham, "Well, that's great because Abraham, "Well, that's great because Abraham, father of faith, great. You should you father of faith, great. You should you father of faith, great. You should you should have met my dad. should have met my dad. should have met my dad. You should have met my mom." Now, here's You should have met my mom." Now, here's You should have met my mom." Now, here's the beautiful thing about the Bible. the beautiful thing about the Bible. the beautiful thing about the Bible. When you read it carefully, he does not When you read it carefully, he does not When you read it carefully, he does not sanitize the characters. Abraham turns sanitize the characters. Abraham turns sanitize the characters. Abraham turns out to be sort of a compulsive liar.

out to be sort of a compulsive liar. out to be sort of a compulsive liar. Every time he gets into a struggle, he Every time he gets into a struggle, he Every time he gets into a struggle, he tells a lie to try to get out. puts his tells a lie to try to get out. puts his tells a lie to try to get out. puts his wife in vulnerable situations with other wife in vulnerable situations with other wife in vulnerable situations with other men while he is at ease. He is a a men while he is at ease. He is a a men while he is at ease. He is a a passive father. There's favoritism in passive father. There's favoritism in passive father. There's favoritism in his family. When God makes a promise, he his family. When God makes a promise, he his family. When God makes a promise, he laughs at God. Abraham was not the laughs at God. Abraham was not the laughs at God. Abraham was not the perfect dad or the perfect husband. He perfect dad or the perfect husband. He perfect dad or the perfect husband. He had so many flaws and yet God used him had so many flaws and yet God used him had so many flaws and yet God used him and his family to bless and his family to bless and his family to bless the world. the world. the world. And that's sort of like our family. And that's sort of like our family. And that's sort of like our family. There's some really good formational There's some really good formational There's some really good formational things, maybe some really difficult, things, maybe some really difficult, things, maybe some really difficult, painful things. And it's the mixture of painful things. And it's the mixture of painful things. And it's the mixture of all those things that's formed us. That all those things that's formed us. That all those things that's formed us. That That's why people say that you live the That's why people say that you live the That's why people say that you live the first 18 years of your life and then you first 18 years of your life and then you first 18 years of your life and then you spend the rest of your life processing spend the rest of your life processing spend the rest of your life processing the first 18 years. Yeah. You know what the first 18 years. Yeah. You know what the first 18 years. Yeah. You know what I'm talking about. I'm talking about. I'm talking about. The power of formation The power of formation The power of formation in a family. in a family. in a family. And when God was going to send his son And when God was going to send his son And when God was going to send his son to the world, he picked a family for his to the world, he picked a family for his to the world, he picked a family for his son, son, son, Joseph Joseph Joseph and Mary. Now, before we describe this and Mary. Now, before we describe this and Mary. Now, before we describe this family, I want you to know this. God family, I want you to know this. God family, I want you to know this. God picked your family and God picked my picked your family and God picked my picked your family and God picked my family.

family. family. He picked them for a divine purpose. He picked them for a divine purpose. He picked them for a divine purpose. Your family is not a twist of fate or a Your family is not a twist of fate or a Your family is not a twist of fate or a coincidence or a cosmic accident. God coincidence or a cosmic accident. God coincidence or a cosmic accident. God picked a family because he wanted to picked a family because he wanted to picked a family because he wanted to form you in a particular way. form you in a particular way. form you in a particular way. And that was by And that was by And that was by design. So we want to be curious about design. So we want to be curious about design. So we want to be curious about what's happening. Let's think about what's happening. Let's think about what's happening. Let's think about Jesus childhood. Jesus childhood. Jesus childhood. God could have picked anyone to raise God could have picked anyone to raise God could have picked anyone to raise his son. He picked a peasant carpenter his son. He picked a peasant carpenter his son. He picked a peasant carpenter in a nothing town called Nazareth and a in a nothing town called Nazareth and a in a nothing town called Nazareth and a teenage girl. teenage girl. teenage girl. And the promise was that she would be And the promise was that she would be And the promise was that she would be pregnant though she was a virgin and pregnant though she was a virgin and pregnant though she was a virgin and they would be together. And in a small they would be together. And in a small they would be together. And in a small town when an unmarried woman gets town when an unmarried woman gets town when an unmarried woman gets pregnant, pregnant, pregnant, everyone talks. So Mary spends much of everyone talks. So Mary spends much of everyone talks. So Mary spends much of her pregnancy out of that city with her her pregnancy out of that city with her her pregnancy out of that city with her cousin Elizabeth. And then they go from cousin Elizabeth. And then they go from cousin Elizabeth. And then they go from Nazareth to Bethlehem because of taxing. Nazareth to Bethlehem because of taxing. Nazareth to Bethlehem because of taxing. Then they go from Bethlehem to Egypt Then they go from Bethlehem to Egypt Then they go from Bethlehem to Egypt because Herod wants to kill baby Jesus. because Herod wants to kill baby Jesus. because Herod wants to kill baby Jesus. And then Jesus goes back to Nazareth and And then Jesus goes back to Nazareth and And then Jesus goes back to Nazareth and is raised in a small town where everyone is raised in a small town where everyone is raised in a small town where everyone knows he's that bastard child born out knows he's that bastard child born out knows he's that bastard child born out of wedlock. Jesus' childhood was filled of wedlock. Jesus' childhood was filled of wedlock. Jesus' childhood was filled with chaos.

with chaos. with chaos. I mean, growing up as a refugee, hunted I mean, growing up as a refugee, hunted I mean, growing up as a refugee, hunted down, all the trauma, all the moving, down, all the trauma, all the moving, down, all the trauma, all the moving, all the changing, all the ridicule, all all the changing, all the ridicule, all all the changing, all the ridicule, all the laughter, all the things. And God the laughter, all the things. And God the laughter, all the things. And God picked this family picked this family picked this family as the place of formation for his son. as the place of formation for his son. as the place of formation for his son. That should make us curious like why did That should make us curious like why did That should make us curious like why did I have the perfect family? Well, none of I have the perfect family? Well, none of I have the perfect family? Well, none of these men and women faith, not even these men and women faith, not even these men and women faith, not even God's own son, had the perfect family. God's own son, had the perfect family. God's own son, had the perfect family. So, we're going to look at something So, we're going to look at something So, we're going to look at something that happened in Jesus' childhood. We're that happened in Jesus' childhood. We're that happened in Jesus' childhood. We're going to actually look at three episodes going to actually look at three episodes going to actually look at three episodes of his life and his family. The first is of his life and his family. The first is of his life and his family. The first is a description of what happens when he's a description of what happens when he's a description of what happens when he's 12 years old and how he responds to his 12 years old and how he responds to his 12 years old and how he responds to his family. So, there's only 12 verses family. So, there's only 12 verses family. So, there's only 12 verses written about Jesus' entire childhood. written about Jesus' entire childhood. written about Jesus' entire childhood. It's in Luke 2:es 41-52. And it It's in Luke 2:es 41-52. And it It's in Luke 2:es 41-52. And it describes that every year Joseph and describes that every year Joseph and describes that every year Joseph and Mary would take their kids to Jerusalem. Mary would take their kids to Jerusalem. Mary would take their kids to Jerusalem. That's a 3 to four day journey, a 75mm That's a 3 to four day journey, a 75mm That's a 3 to four day journey, a 75mm walk. It was a pilgrimage. Every year walk. It was a pilgrimage. Every year walk. It was a pilgrimage. Every year his brothers, his sisters, their his brothers, his sisters, their his brothers, his sisters, their cousins, their aunts, their uncles would cousins, their aunts, their uncles would cousins, their aunts, their uncles would go on this long journey to celebrate go on this long journey to celebrate go on this long journey to celebrate Passover, God's provision. And in Passover, God's provision. And in Passover, God's provision. And in particular, when Jesus was 12, well, particular, when Jesus was 12, well, particular, when Jesus was 12, well, they go to Passover and they start they go to Passover and they start they go to Passover and they start walking back and they're a day into walking back and they're a day into walking back and they're a day into their walk and they realize Jesus is not their walk and they realize Jesus is not their walk and they realize Jesus is not with them.

with them. with them. I imagine that leaving a 12-year-old in I imagine that leaving a 12-year-old in I imagine that leaving a 12-year-old in the big city all by himself. I mean, the big city all by himself. I mean, the big city all by himself. I mean, Joseph and Mary have been given God's Joseph and Mary have been given God's Joseph and Mary have been given God's one and only son. They have one job. one and only son. They have one job. one and only son. They have one job. Don't lose him. And they lost him. Think Don't lose him. And they lost him. Think Don't lose him. And they lost him. Think about the pressure of raising God's son, about the pressure of raising God's son, about the pressure of raising God's son, right? So, it takes him a day to get right? So, it takes him a day to get right? So, it takes him a day to get back and then they have to search back and then they have to search back and then they have to search another day. So, on the third day, he's another day. So, on the third day, he's another day. So, on the third day, he's been gone for three days. They finally been gone for three days. They finally been gone for three days. They finally find him in the temple and he's teaching find him in the temple and he's teaching find him in the temple and he's teaching all the older scribes and elders and all the older scribes and elders and all the older scribes and elders and teachers of the law and they're amazed teachers of the law and they're amazed teachers of the law and they're amazed of the wisdom of this 12-year-old. And of the wisdom of this 12-year-old. And of the wisdom of this 12-year-old. And then they get like, "Son, where have you then they get like, "Son, where have you then they get like, "Son, where have you been worried sick?" You know, like the been worried sick?" You know, like the been worried sick?" You know, like the mom thing. And he's like, "Mom, don't mom thing. And he's like, "Mom, don't mom thing. And he's like, "Mom, don't you know I was supposed to be about my you know I was supposed to be about my you know I was supposed to be about my father's business." father's business." father's business." And then something powerful happens. And then something powerful happens. And then something powerful happens. Mary and Joseph make a request. Mary and Joseph make a request. Mary and Joseph make a request. Hey, we want you to leave this place of Hey, we want you to leave this place of Hey, we want you to leave this place of ministry. We want you to come back home. ministry. We want you to come back home. ministry. We want you to come back home. And and watch Jesus response as a And and watch Jesus response as a And and watch Jesus response as a 12year-old young man. It says, "Then he 12year-old young man. It says, "Then he 12year-old young man. It says, "Then he Jesus went down to Nazareth with them Jesus went down to Nazareth with them Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. and was obedient to them. and was obedient to them. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.

in favor with God and man. in favor with God and man. This is the only description we have of This is the only description we have of This is the only description we have of Jesus from 12 years old to 30 years old. Jesus from 12 years old to 30 years old. Jesus from 12 years old to 30 years old. Those formative years in a family. And Those formative years in a family. And Those formative years in a family. And it describes he honored and obeyed his it describes he honored and obeyed his it describes he honored and obeyed his mom and dad. Even though he could have mom and dad. Even though he could have mom and dad. Even though he could have launched a ministry at 12 years old, he launched a ministry at 12 years old, he launched a ministry at 12 years old, he submitted himself to them. He honored submitted himself to them. He honored submitted himself to them. He honored his parents. And then he grew in these his parents. And then he grew in these his parents. And then he grew in these four ways. And these are the same four four ways. And these are the same four four ways. And these are the same four ways all of us grew. He grew in wisdom, ways all of us grew. He grew in wisdom, ways all of us grew. He grew in wisdom, stature, favor with God, and favor with stature, favor with God, and favor with stature, favor with God, and favor with man. Let's think about this. In wisdom, man. Let's think about this. In wisdom, man. Let's think about this. In wisdom, he grew intellectually. He learned. He he grew intellectually. He learned. He he grew intellectually. He learned. He grew emotionally. He was able to process grew emotionally. He was able to process grew emotionally. He was able to process knowledge and learn how to make knowledge and learn how to make knowledge and learn how to make decisions from 12 to 16 to 20 to 25 to decisions from 12 to 16 to 20 to 25 to decisions from 12 to 16 to 20 to 25 to 30. He learned to regulate those 30. He learned to regulate those 30. He learned to regulate those emotions. emotions. emotions. He learned to communicate. He grew in He learned to communicate. He grew in He learned to communicate. He grew in stature. He grew physically. From 12 to stature. He grew physically. From 12 to stature. He grew physically. From 12 to 30, he grew into a man. He went through 30, he grew into a man. He went through 30, he grew into a man. He went through puberty. puberty. puberty. He grew in favor with God. He grew He grew in favor with God. He grew He grew in favor with God. He grew spiritually in his connection. He spiritually in his connection. He spiritually in his connection. He learned to pray. He learned to read the learned to pray. He learned to read the learned to pray. He learned to read the Bible. He learned to sing songs. His Bible. He learned to sing songs. His Bible. He learned to sing songs. His mother Mary likely sang these songs over mother Mary likely sang these songs over mother Mary likely sang these songs over him as a child and read the scriptures him as a child and read the scriptures him as a child and read the scriptures to him and taught him how to pray.

to him and taught him how to pray. to him and taught him how to pray. Imagine teaching the son of God how to Imagine teaching the son of God how to Imagine teaching the son of God how to pray. pray. pray. And he grew socially in favor with men, And he grew socially in favor with men, And he grew socially in favor with men, connection with other people, becoming connection with other people, becoming connection with other people, becoming self-aware, other centered, learning to self-aware, other centered, learning to self-aware, other centered, learning to share. All the things you learn in a share. All the things you learn in a share. All the things you learn in a family. The reality is every human being family. The reality is every human being family. The reality is every human being grows in these four ways. And besides grows in these four ways. And besides grows in these four ways. And besides physical growth, which stops at a physical growth, which stops at a physical growth, which stops at a certain point, you never stop growing certain point, you never stop growing certain point, you never stop growing socially in your interaction with socially in your interaction with socially in your interaction with people. You never stop growing in people. You never stop growing in people. You never stop growing in emotional, intellectual connection. You emotional, intellectual connection. You emotional, intellectual connection. You never stop growing spiritually in your never stop growing spiritually in your never stop growing spiritually in your relationship with God. And so we see relationship with God. And so we see relationship with God. And so we see that Jesus was that Jesus was that Jesus was fully God fully God fully God in a human body in a human body in a human body formed together in a human formed together in a human formed together in a human family. And as you are formed, well, you family. And as you are formed, well, you family. And as you are formed, well, you go through stages of formation. And I'm go through stages of formation. And I'm go through stages of formation. And I'm going to talk about the stages of going to talk about the stages of going to talk about the stages of formation because this process of formation because this process of formation because this process of formation is very important for us to formation is very important for us to formation is very important for us to understand that God designed it this way understand that God designed it this way understand that God designed it this way for every human being. And so let's for every human being. And so let's for every human being. And so let's think about the early years. How is a think about the early years. How is a think about the early years. How is a child formed in the earliest years of child formed in the earliest years of child formed in the earliest years of their life? Well, I have the privilege their life? Well, I have the privilege their life? Well, I have the privilege right now of being a grandpa and right now of being a grandpa and right now of being a grandpa and watching my son raise his uh daughter.

watching my son raise his uh daughter. watching my son raise his uh daughter. And you know, it seems like in the early And you know, it seems like in the early And you know, it seems like in the early years, all you're doing is feeding the years, all you're doing is feeding the years, all you're doing is feeding the baby and burping the baby and changing baby and burping the baby and changing baby and burping the baby and changing the baby and getting the baby to to the baby and getting the baby to to the baby and getting the baby to to sleep and and and by the time you get sleep and and and by the time you get sleep and and and by the time you get that all done, you do it again the next that all done, you do it again the next that all done, you do it again the next day. And you're like, "This is day. And you're like, "This is day. And you're like, "This is exhausting. I feel like I'm just keeping exhausting. I feel like I'm just keeping exhausting. I feel like I'm just keeping a human being alive." a human being alive." a human being alive." But I want you to know, especially if But I want you to know, especially if But I want you to know, especially if you're a new mom or new dad, you're you're a new mom or new dad, you're you're a new mom or new dad, you're doing so much more than keeping a human doing so much more than keeping a human doing so much more than keeping a human being alive. You are forming the heart being alive. You are forming the heart being alive. You are forming the heart and mind and soul of a child through and mind and soul of a child through and mind and soul of a child through something that we've learned about over something that we've learned about over something that we've learned about over the last couple decades called the last couple decades called the last couple decades called attachment theory. What is attachment attachment theory. What is attachment attachment theory. What is attachment theory? Attachment theory means when a theory? Attachment theory means when a theory? Attachment theory means when a baby cries and a parent comes, that baby baby cries and a parent comes, that baby baby cries and a parent comes, that baby learns that they are seen and known, learns that they are seen and known, learns that they are seen and known, that they can trust that person to take that they can trust that person to take that they can trust that person to take care of them. I cry, you feed me. I'm care of them. I cry, you feed me. I'm care of them. I cry, you feed me. I'm wet, you change me. I'm lonely or scared wet, you change me. I'm lonely or scared wet, you change me. I'm lonely or scared and you comfort me. And it's in this and you comfort me. And it's in this and you comfort me. And it's in this powerful eye contact. It's in this powerful eye contact. It's in this powerful eye contact. It's in this powerful connection that the human soul powerful connection that the human soul powerful connection that the human soul is formed. You are not just a series of is formed. You are not just a series of is formed. You are not just a series of genetic binary codes. You learn to genetic binary codes. You learn to genetic binary codes. You learn to trust. You learn to love and receive trust. You learn to love and receive trust. You learn to love and receive love through human connection and love through human connection and love through human connection and relationships. I want to show you a relationships. I want to show you a relationships. I want to show you a picture, a powerful picture of what my picture, a powerful picture of what my picture, a powerful picture of what my wife snapped as she looked at our son wife snapped as she looked at our son wife snapped as she looked at our son stare into the eyes of his newborn stare into the eyes of his newborn stare into the eyes of his newborn daughter, Cali. What's happening here?

daughter, Cali. What's happening here? daughter, Cali. What's happening here? Those little eyes. Those little eyes. Those little eyes. She's searching for safety. She's searching for safety. She's searching for safety. She's searching for who she can trust. She's searching for who she can trust. She's searching for who she can trust. and her heart and mind is being formed and her heart and mind is being formed and her heart and mind is being formed in a way that will affect her for the in a way that will affect her for the in a way that will affect her for the rest of her life. We we know this. rest of her life. We we know this. rest of her life. We we know this. Research tells us if you don't hold a Research tells us if you don't hold a Research tells us if you don't hold a baby, we see this in in Eastern European baby, we see this in in Eastern European baby, we see this in in Eastern European orphanages. Babies that were just fed orphanages. Babies that were just fed orphanages. Babies that were just fed and placed in a crib, their brains did and placed in a crib, their brains did and placed in a crib, their brains did not develop. Their ability to connect not develop. Their ability to connect not develop. Their ability to connect socially with people did not develop. socially with people did not develop. socially with people did not develop. They were stunted in all these ways They were stunted in all these ways They were stunted in all these ways because our brains are not just again because our brains are not just again because our brains are not just again binary genetic code. We are wired for binary genetic code. We are wired for binary genetic code. We are wired for relationship. relationship. relationship. And the early foundational years are all And the early foundational years are all And the early foundational years are all about that bond. And the same thing about that bond. And the same thing about that bond. And the same thing happens spiritually in our early journey happens spiritually in our early journey happens spiritually in our early journey with God. In early childhood, we learn with God. In early childhood, we learn with God. In early childhood, we learn to call out to God. And and one of my to call out to God. And and one of my to call out to God. And and one of my favorite scriptures about the bond of favorite scriptures about the bond of favorite scriptures about the bond of attachment between a person and God attachment between a person and God attachment between a person and God comes from David. Look at this line from comes from David. Look at this line from comes from David. Look at this line from David. He says this, "I love the Lord David. He says this, "I love the Lord David. He says this, "I love the Lord for he heard my voice. He heard my cry for he heard my voice. He heard my cry for he heard my voice. He heard my cry for mercy. because he turned his ear to for mercy. because he turned his ear to for mercy. because he turned his ear to me. I will call on him as long as I me. I will call on him as long as I me. I will call on him as long as I live.

live. live. What is this? What is this? What is this? This is like a baby crying. This is like a baby crying. This is like a baby crying. Will someone protect me? Will someone Will someone protect me? Will someone Will someone protect me? Will someone help me? Will someone provide for me? help me? Will someone provide for me? help me? Will someone provide for me? And David said, I was desperate and I And David said, I was desperate and I And David said, I was desperate and I called to God and he answered me. And called to God and he answered me. And called to God and he answered me. And because he did, now I trust him. I'm because he did, now I trust him. I'm because he did, now I trust him. I'm going to call on him for the rest of my going to call on him for the rest of my going to call on him for the rest of my life. This is the power life. This is the power life. This is the power of a family. It's the power of of a family. It's the power of of a family. It's the power of responsiveness. So in the early years of responsiveness. So in the early years of responsiveness. So in the early years of childhood, you were being formed. And childhood, you were being formed. And childhood, you were being formed. And the beautiful thing about this is the beautiful thing about this is the beautiful thing about this is parents aren't the only ones. You see, parents aren't the only ones. You see, parents aren't the only ones. You see, my wife also snapped this picture. And my wife also snapped this picture. And my wife also snapped this picture. And this is grandpa, this is grandpa, this is grandpa, papa, papa, papa, and she's searching who is this person? and she's searching who is this person? and she's searching who is this person? Can I trust him? And I cannot wait to Can I trust him? And I cannot wait to Can I trust him? And I cannot wait to spoil her to death spoil her to death spoil her to death because the family formation is not just because the family formation is not just because the family formation is not just moms and dads. It's grandpas and moms and dads. It's grandpas and moms and dads. It's grandpas and grandmas. It's aunts and uncles. It's grandmas. It's aunts and uncles. It's grandmas. It's aunts and uncles. It's siblings. All of these things form and siblings. All of these things form and siblings. All of these things form and shape again the way you see authority shape again the way you see authority shape again the way you see authority and the way you view trust and the way and the way you view trust and the way and the way you view trust and the way you build your relationships. I mean you build your relationships. I mean you build your relationships. I mean even with brothers and sisters. I mean even with brothers and sisters. I mean even with brothers and sisters. I mean when my when my wife and I were raising when my when my wife and I were raising when my when my wife and I were raising our three sons, even though we had our three sons, even though we had our three sons, even though we had enough bedrooms to give them each their enough bedrooms to give them each their enough bedrooms to give them each their own bedroom in the early years, we put own bedroom in the early years, we put own bedroom in the early years, we put them all in the same bedroom.

them all in the same bedroom. them all in the same bedroom. Put three active boys in one bedroom. Put three active boys in one bedroom. Put three active boys in one bedroom. And here's what you have. You have a lab And here's what you have. You have a lab And here's what you have. You have a lab to teach them how to be married one day. They want to kill each other, but they They want to kill each other, but they can't. can't. can't. They have to learn how to live together They have to learn how to live together They have to learn how to live together in that room and share and walk through in that room and share and walk through in that room and share and walk through conflict. conflict. conflict. Something powerful happens in those Something powerful happens in those Something powerful happens in those formative years. Now, what happens formative years. Now, what happens formative years. Now, what happens if those moments of bonding and if those moments of bonding and if those moments of bonding and connection, connection, connection, well, aren't aren't healthy. Well, we we well, aren't aren't healthy. Well, we we well, aren't aren't healthy. Well, we we know this from psychology, know this from psychology, know this from psychology, this thing of attachment styles that you this thing of attachment styles that you this thing of attachment styles that you grow up in different ways. I'm going to grow up in different ways. I'm going to grow up in different ways. I'm going to show you just a a quadrant real quick. show you just a a quadrant real quick. show you just a a quadrant real quick. If if if things go uh the way maybe they If if if things go uh the way maybe they If if if things go uh the way maybe they were designed to go in a beautiful way, were designed to go in a beautiful way, were designed to go in a beautiful way, you experience the top left, a secure you experience the top left, a secure you experience the top left, a secure attachment. Your adult relationships, attachment. Your adult relationships, attachment. Your adult relationships, you have healthy boundaries. You have you have healthy boundaries. You have you have healthy boundaries. You have mutual trust and support. You go through mutual trust and support. You go through mutual trust and support. You go through conflict in a healthy way that that what conflict in a healthy way that that what conflict in a healthy way that that what happens with the early years affects happens with the early years affects happens with the early years affects every other relationship you have. every other relationship you have. every other relationship you have. But in the top right, if you had a But in the top right, if you had a But in the top right, if you had a parent who would come and then they they parent who would come and then they they parent who would come and then they they wouldn't come and you didn't know how to wouldn't come and you didn't know how to wouldn't come and you didn't know how to really like predict if they were going really like predict if they were going really like predict if they were going to show up or not, then you developed to show up or not, then you developed to show up or not, then you developed what you might call an anxious what you might call an anxious what you might call an anxious attachment where you have a fear of attachment where you have a fear of attachment where you have a fear of abandonment and a need for constant abandonment and a need for constant abandonment and a need for constant validation. And you're dependent on validation. And you're dependent on validation. And you're dependent on others for your identity and sense of others for your identity and sense of others for your identity and sense of selfworth.

selfworth. selfworth. Maybe bottom right you had just this Maybe bottom right you had just this Maybe bottom right you had just this very confusing way that people very confusing way that people very confusing way that people interacted with you in your family interacted with you in your family interacted with you in your family depending on there was maybe some depending on there was maybe some depending on there was maybe some domestic violence or some drug and domestic violence or some drug and domestic violence or some drug and alcohol abuse. And so you become a fear alcohol abuse. And so you become a fear alcohol abuse. And so you become a fear full of rejection. You you don't know full of rejection. You you don't know full of rejection. You you don't know how to see yourself. You have a how to see yourself. You have a how to see yourself. You have a difficult time trusting, relying on difficult time trusting, relying on difficult time trusting, relying on people because people didn't show up for people because people didn't show up for people because people didn't show up for you. So you don't know how that's going you. So you don't know how that's going you. So you don't know how that's going to happen for you. And and then maybe to happen for you. And and then maybe to happen for you. And and then maybe you end up with dismissive and avoidant you end up with dismissive and avoidant you end up with dismissive and avoidant attachment because your parents didn't attachment because your parents didn't attachment because your parents didn't express emotion. You were they were express emotion. You were they were express emotion. You were they were detached. They might have taken care of detached. They might have taken care of detached. They might have taken care of you and fed you, but maybe they didn't you and fed you, but maybe they didn't you and fed you, but maybe they didn't connect with you deeply. So you avoid connect with you deeply. So you avoid connect with you deeply. So you avoid intimacy and vulnerability. You you intimacy and vulnerability. You you intimacy and vulnerability. You you might be closed off. You might have might be closed off. You might have might be closed off. You might have issues of commitment. and and most issues of commitment. and and most issues of commitment. and and most people don't think about these things people don't think about these things people don't think about these things daytoday. daytoday. daytoday. Now, I want to say this. Now, I want to say this. Now, I want to say this. There's a beautiful revelation of what There's a beautiful revelation of what There's a beautiful revelation of what happens when we look at what the science happens when we look at what the science happens when we look at what the science and social science teaches about human and social science teaches about human and social science teaches about human development. We look at the Bible development. We look at the Bible development. We look at the Bible because we're going to see some because we're going to see some because we're going to see some beautiful mirror things. These two beautiful mirror things. These two beautiful mirror things. These two things are not opposed to each other. things are not opposed to each other. things are not opposed to each other. The Bible's not opposed to science or to The Bible's not opposed to science or to The Bible's not opposed to science or to medicine, but all truth is God's truth medicine, but all truth is God's truth medicine, but all truth is God's truth waiting to be discovered. And so what waiting to be discovered. And so what waiting to be discovered. And so what people have discovered about attachment people have discovered about attachment people have discovered about attachment is simply what the Bible teaches about is simply what the Bible teaches about is simply what the Bible teaches about how God picks a family to form a human how God picks a family to form a human how God picks a family to form a human being. And the beautiful thing about being. And the beautiful thing about being. And the beautiful thing about that formation that formation that formation is that if you're like, man, my family is that if you're like, man, my family is that if you're like, man, my family is so screwed up, which means I'm so is so screwed up, which means I'm so is so screwed up, which means I'm so screwed up, which means my whole family screwed up, which means my whole family screwed up, which means my whole family that I'm going to raise is screwed up that I'm going to raise is screwed up that I'm going to raise is screwed up and my friends, well, I'm I'm just and my friends, well, I'm I'm just and my friends, well, I'm I'm just Here's the beautiful thing. God's Here's the beautiful thing. God's Here's the beautiful thing. God's redemption is greater than any of that redemption is greater than any of that redemption is greater than any of that brokenness.

brokenness. brokenness. >> And we're going to see how that works, >> And we're going to see how that works, >> And we're going to see how that works, right? We're going to see how it works. right? We're going to see how it works. right? We're going to see how it works. And so, hang hang with me for a second. And so, hang hang with me for a second. And so, hang hang with me for a second. And so, you go through the teenage And so, you go through the teenage And so, you go through the teenage years. Jesus went through teenage years. years. Jesus went through teenage years. years. Jesus went through teenage years. Jesus went through puberty. The the Jesus went through puberty. The the Jesus went through puberty. The the hormones hit and there's conflict and hormones hit and there's conflict and hormones hit and there's conflict and misunderstanding for his brothers. There misunderstanding for his brothers. There misunderstanding for his brothers. There was probably comparison and rivalry. I was probably comparison and rivalry. I was probably comparison and rivalry. I mean, imagine being Jesus's younger mean, imagine being Jesus's younger mean, imagine being Jesus's younger brother. Just imagine that for a second. brother. Just imagine that for a second. brother. Just imagine that for a second. You just know that Mary and Joseph are You just know that Mary and Joseph are You just know that Mary and Joseph are probably like, "Can't you just be like probably like, "Can't you just be like probably like, "Can't you just be like your older brother who's perfect, by the your older brother who's perfect, by the your older brother who's perfect, by the way?" way?" way?" And we get a sense as Jesus grows up, And we get a sense as Jesus grows up, And we get a sense as Jesus grows up, his brothers have a growing resentment his brothers have a growing resentment his brothers have a growing resentment toward him. And we'll see that in a toward him. And we'll see that in a toward him. And we'll see that in a minute. Then you have the independent minute. Then you have the independent minute. Then you have the independent years where you don't need your parents years where you don't need your parents years where you don't need your parents as much. This happens when you give your as much. This happens when you give your as much. This happens when you give your kids the car keys and they're like, kids the car keys and they're like, kids the car keys and they're like, "Bye." "Bye." "Bye." When they move off to college and they When they move off to college and they When they move off to college and they don't call every day. When they move out don't call every day. When they move out don't call every day. When they move out and develop a family of their own. And and develop a family of their own. And and develop a family of their own. And and you go from when they were little, and you go from when they were little, and you go from when they were little, you sort of controlled them. If you do you sort of controlled them. If you do you sort of controlled them. If you do this, then I give you this. It's time this, then I give you this. It's time this, then I give you this. It's time for bed. It's time for here. And you for bed. It's time for here. And you for bed. It's time for here. And you have a lot of control. And then they have a lot of control. And then they have a lot of control. And then they become teenagers and you're more like become teenagers and you're more like become teenagers and you're more like coaching, advising. Well, if you do coaching, advising. Well, if you do coaching, advising. Well, if you do this, this good thing will happen. If this, this good thing will happen. If this, this good thing will happen. If you do this, this bad thing will happen.

you do this, this bad thing will happen. you do this, this bad thing will happen. You pick. And then you go to consulting. You pick. And then you go to consulting. You pick. And then you go to consulting. Like you offer advice and they might Like you offer advice and they might Like you offer advice and they might just go whatever. just go whatever. just go whatever. And that that can be hard as you go And that that can be hard as you go And that that can be hard as you go through these stages of parenting. through these stages of parenting. through these stages of parenting. Sometimes those moments of letting go Sometimes those moments of letting go Sometimes those moments of letting go actually reveal more about the parent actually reveal more about the parent actually reveal more about the parent than the child. than the child. than the child. Come on, somebody. We're doing group Come on, somebody. We're doing group Come on, somebody. We're doing group therapy right now. Come on, just hang therapy right now. Come on, just hang therapy right now. Come on, just hang with me. with me. with me. That desire of a mom for control, That desire of a mom for control, That desire of a mom for control, the desire of those parents that they the desire of those parents that they the desire of those parents that they invest in all this, they expect a invest in all this, they expect a invest in all this, they expect a certain outcome. certain outcome. certain outcome. And when that child doesn't do what they And when that child doesn't do what they And when that child doesn't do what they want them to do, want them to do, want them to do, well, there's a process. And this well, there's a process. And this well, there's a process. And this happens with Mary. Mary, who gets a happens with Mary. Mary, who gets a happens with Mary. Mary, who gets a visit from an angel to name her son visit from an angel to name her son visit from an angel to name her son Jesus, who watches all the miracles, who Jesus, who watches all the miracles, who Jesus, who watches all the miracles, who sees the dedication, who sees her sees the dedication, who sees her sees the dedication, who sees her 12-year-old son teaching the temple, she 12-year-old son teaching the temple, she 12-year-old son teaching the temple, she has a moment where she has a difficult has a moment where she has a difficult has a moment where she has a difficult time letting go, time letting go, time letting go, and it's Jesus's teaching and the crowds and it's Jesus's teaching and the crowds and it's Jesus's teaching and the crowds are coming. He's he's not taking a are coming. He's he's not taking a are coming. He's he's not taking a break. And she hears and her brothers break. And she hears and her brothers break. And she hears and her brothers hear about what Jesus is doing. Watch hear about what Jesus is doing. Watch hear about what Jesus is doing. Watch this moment of conflict when Jesus is 30 this moment of conflict when Jesus is 30 this moment of conflict when Jesus is 30 years old.

years old. years old. Mark describes it. When his family heard Mark describes it. When his family heard Mark describes it. When his family heard about this this busy ministry life, they about this this busy ministry life, they about this this busy ministry life, they went to take charge of him for they said went to take charge of him for they said went to take charge of him for they said he is out of his mind. Jesus' own mother he is out of his mind. Jesus' own mother he is out of his mind. Jesus' own mother and own brothers came to take charge of and own brothers came to take charge of and own brothers came to take charge of him because they thought he was crazy. him because they thought he was crazy. him because they thought he was crazy. Maybe he's embarrassing the family. Maybe he's embarrassing the family. Maybe he's embarrassing the family. Maybe they think he's just he's just out Maybe they think he's just he's just out Maybe they think he's just he's just out of control. And so they come to get him of control. And so they come to get him of control. And so they come to get him and Mark describes it. Then Jesus mother and Mark describes it. Then Jesus mother and Mark describes it. Then Jesus mother and brothers arrived at the place and and brothers arrived at the place and and brothers arrived at the place and standing outside. They sent someone in standing outside. They sent someone in standing outside. They sent someone in to call him and a crowd was sitting to call him and a crowd was sitting to call him and a crowd was sitting around him and they told Jesus, "Your around him and they told Jesus, "Your around him and they told Jesus, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking mother and brothers are outside looking mother and brothers are outside looking for you." So they're outside the house. for you." So they're outside the house. for you." So they're outside the house. He's busy doing ministry. He's got He's busy doing ministry. He's got He's busy doing ministry. He's got people all around him. They come to take people all around him. They come to take people all around him. They come to take him by force back to home. him by force back to home. him by force back to home. And Jesus gets the message. And Jesus gets the message. And Jesus gets the message. They've come for you. They've come for you. They've come for you. And when he was 12, he honored and obey And when he was 12, he honored and obey And when he was 12, he honored and obey his mom. his mom. his mom. But now he's 30 and he has a call on his But now he's 30 and he has a call on his But now he's 30 and he has a call on his life. So watch his response. life. So watch his response. life. So watch his response. Who are my mother and my brothers? He Who are my mother and my brothers? He Who are my mother and my brothers? He asked. Then he looked at those seated in asked. Then he looked at those seated in asked. Then he looked at those seated in the circle around him. He said, "Here the circle around him. He said, "Here the circle around him. He said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever are my mother and my brothers. Whoever are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister does God's will is my brother and sister does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." Now, if you're in the and mother." Now, if you're in the and mother." Now, if you're in the circle around Jesus, you're like, "Whoa, circle around Jesus, you're like, "Whoa, circle around Jesus, you're like, "Whoa, this amazing teacher, this Messiah has this amazing teacher, this Messiah has this amazing teacher, this Messiah has just told me I'm part of this his just told me I'm part of this his just told me I'm part of this his extended family." That feels awesome.

extended family." That feels awesome. extended family." That feels awesome. But if you're the brother of Jesus or But if you're the brother of Jesus or But if you're the brother of Jesus or the mom of Jesus and you're outside, the mom of Jesus and you're outside, the mom of Jesus and you're outside, what does that feel like? Betrayal, what does that feel like? Betrayal, what does that feel like? Betrayal, rejection, like all those people are now rejection, like all those people are now rejection, like all those people are now just as important as us. And that was a just as important as us. And that was a just as important as us. And that was a moment for Jesus in his family. But we moment for Jesus in his family. But we moment for Jesus in his family. But we watch Jesus continue to honor his mom, watch Jesus continue to honor his mom, watch Jesus continue to honor his mom, though he doesn't submit to all her though he doesn't submit to all her though he doesn't submit to all her wishes. wishes. wishes. And this is the the later stages of And this is the the later stages of And this is the the later stages of life. How many of you know that one day life. How many of you know that one day life. How many of you know that one day the parents that took care of you the parents that took care of you the parents that took care of you you will one day take care of them. This you will one day take care of them. This you will one day take care of them. This role reversal is going to happen for you role reversal is going to happen for you role reversal is going to happen for you at some point in your life at some point in your life at some point in your life where your parents who fed you and where your parents who fed you and where your parents who fed you and changed you and clothed you and financed changed you and clothed you and financed changed you and clothed you and financed college and helped you buy a house and college and helped you buy a house and college and helped you buy a house and and babysat and was grandparents and did and babysat and was grandparents and did and babysat and was grandparents and did all things now all of a sudden they they all things now all of a sudden they they all things now all of a sudden they they need care. need care. need care. And that role reversal is jolting for And that role reversal is jolting for And that role reversal is jolting for some people. But watch Jesus take care some people. But watch Jesus take care some people. But watch Jesus take care of his mom. the one of the last things of his mom. the one of the last things of his mom. the one of the last things he does with one of the last breaths he does with one of the last breaths he does with one of the last breaths that he has is to make sure at 33 and a that he has is to make sure at 33 and a that he has is to make sure at 33 and a half years old that his mom will be half years old that his mom will be half years old that his mom will be taken care of. On the cross, he looks at taken care of. On the cross, he looks at taken care of. On the cross, he looks at his mom and he says this. When Jesus saw his mom and he says this. When Jesus saw his mom and he says this. When Jesus saw his mother there and the disciple whom his mother there and the disciple whom his mother there and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to he loved standing nearby, he said to he loved standing nearby, he said to her,"Woman, her,"Woman, her,"Woman, here is your son." And to the disciple, here is your son." And to the disciple, here is your son." And to the disciple, "Here is your mother."

"Here is your mother." "Here is your mother." And from that time on, this disciple And from that time on, this disciple And from that time on, this disciple took her into his home. took her into his home. took her into his home. I love this about Jesus. I love this about Jesus. I love this about Jesus. I mean, as he's suffering, he's thinking I mean, as he's suffering, he's thinking I mean, as he's suffering, he's thinking about the thief on the cross who needs about the thief on the cross who needs about the thief on the cross who needs salvation. He's thinking about his mom salvation. He's thinking about his mom salvation. He's thinking about his mom who's going to be left all alone. He's who's going to be left all alone. He's who's going to be left all alone. He's thinking about his best friend who who thinking about his best friend who who thinking about his best friend who who needs a mom. And he's able to honor his needs a mom. And he's able to honor his needs a mom. And he's able to honor his mom in his last few breaths. mom in his last few breaths. mom in his last few breaths. And listen, we we live in a culture that And listen, we we live in a culture that And listen, we we live in a culture that says older people, what use are they? I says older people, what use are they? I says older people, what use are they? I mean, maybe they should just go off mean, maybe they should just go off mean, maybe they should just go off somewhere to a home and disappear. And somewhere to a home and disappear. And somewhere to a home and disappear. And and this this place of honor, place of and this this place of honor, place of and this this place of honor, place of of of caring for is is is really been of of caring for is is is really been of of caring for is is is really been neglected in our culture. And so I I neglected in our culture. And so I I neglected in our culture. And so I I want us to I want us to focus on three want us to I want us to focus on three want us to I want us to focus on three things. We these three experiences we things. We these three experiences we things. We these three experiences we see in Jesus in this family, I want us see in Jesus in this family, I want us see in Jesus in this family, I want us to pull out the principles to apply them to pull out the principles to apply them to pull out the principles to apply them to our own life. And so here's the first to our own life. And so here's the first to our own life. And so here's the first one. When we talk about what Jesus can one. When we talk about what Jesus can one. When we talk about what Jesus can teach us about family, he teaches us to teach us about family, he teaches us to teach us about family, he teaches us to create a culture of honor in your create a culture of honor in your create a culture of honor in your family. He honors his mom in those last family. He honors his mom in those last family. He honors his mom in those last moments. He obeys his parents in those moments. He obeys his parents in those moments. He obeys his parents in those early moments when he's 12. And and and early moments when he's 12. And and and early moments when he's 12. And and and we get this scripture in in the book of we get this scripture in in the book of we get this scripture in in the book of Ephesians for Christian families, Ephesians for Christian families, Ephesians for Christian families, children, children, children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this obey your parents in the Lord, for this obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, is right. Honor your father and mother, is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a which is the first commandment with a which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you promise, so that it may go well with you promise, so that it may go well with you that you may enjoy a long life on earth.

that you may enjoy a long life on earth. that you may enjoy a long life on earth. So, so you see those two words, one is So, so you see those two words, one is So, so you see those two words, one is obey, and one is honor. What's the obey, and one is honor. What's the obey, and one is honor. What's the difference between those two words? difference between those two words? difference between those two words? Well, obey means you do what they ask Well, obey means you do what they ask Well, obey means you do what they ask you to do. My parents ask me, GS12, to you to do. My parents ask me, GS12, to you to do. My parents ask me, GS12, to come home, so I'm going to come home come home, so I'm going to come home come home, so I'm going to come home with him. You ask your kids to clean with him. You ask your kids to clean with him. You ask your kids to clean their room. Often I would say to my their room. Often I would say to my their room. Often I would say to my three boys when they're at home, hey, three boys when they're at home, hey, three boys when they're at home, hey, it's time to clean your room. You can't it's time to clean your room. You can't it's time to clean your room. You can't watch TV until you clean your room. And watch TV until you clean your room. And watch TV until you clean your room. And they would do this. [groaning] Now, is that what I hope for as a Now, is that what I hope for as a parent? parent? parent? >> They obeyed me. >> They obeyed me. >> They obeyed me. Obeying is the action. Honor is the Obeying is the action. Honor is the Obeying is the action. Honor is the heart. Honor says, "I want to do this heart. Honor says, "I want to do this heart. Honor says, "I want to do this because I love and respect my parents." because I love and respect my parents." because I love and respect my parents." The word honor actually has the root The word honor actually has the root The word honor actually has the root word of worth in it. I do this because word of worth in it. I do this because word of worth in it. I do this because of what you are worth to me. of what you are worth to me. of what you are worth to me. Sometimes we can obey God and grit our Sometimes we can obey God and grit our Sometimes we can obey God and grit our teeth because it's the right thing to teeth because it's the right thing to teeth because it's the right thing to do. But God would be more interested in do. But God would be more interested in do. But God would be more interested in saying, "Even though I don't want to, saying, "Even though I don't want to, saying, "Even though I don't want to, you're worth it to me. So, I'm going to you're worth it to me. So, I'm going to you're worth it to me. So, I'm going to do it with gratitude in my heart."

do it with gratitude in my heart." do it with gratitude in my heart." That's honor. And you can Yeah. and and That's honor. And you can Yeah. and and That's honor. And you can Yeah. and and you can create you can create you can create a culture of honor in your home that a culture of honor in your home that a culture of honor in your home that that runs both ways. that runs both ways. that runs both ways. Maybe you've heard it this way. Just Maybe you've heard it this way. Just Maybe you've heard it this way. Just because rules themselves, rules without because rules themselves, rules without because rules themselves, rules without relationship lead to rebellion. In other relationship lead to rebellion. In other relationship lead to rebellion. In other words, you can get your kids to obey you words, you can get your kids to obey you words, you can get your kids to obey you at a young age. You can sort of control at a young age. You can sort of control at a young age. You can sort of control them and you can use all sorts of forms them and you can use all sorts of forms them and you can use all sorts of forms to get them to obey. You can shame them. to get them to obey. You can shame them. to get them to obey. You can shame them. You can get angry and raise your voice You can get angry and raise your voice You can get angry and raise your voice and scream at them. and scream at them. and scream at them. You can use comparison to make them feel You can use comparison to make them feel You can use comparison to make them feel less than. You can in some ways ask them less than. You can in some ways ask them less than. You can in some ways ask them to do things you're not willing to do. to do things you're not willing to do. to do things you're not willing to do. And those things have short-term And those things have short-term And those things have short-term impacts, but long-term they destroy impacts, but long-term they destroy impacts, but long-term they destroy relationships. And so that's why the relationships. And so that's why the relationships. And so that's why the next command is this. Fathers, do not next command is this. Fathers, do not next command is this. Fathers, do not exasperate your children. Instead, bring exasperate your children. Instead, bring exasperate your children. Instead, bring them up in the training and instruction them up in the training and instruction them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. of the Lord. of the Lord. That honor actually goes both ways. Do That honor actually goes both ways. Do That honor actually goes both ways. Do not exasperate your children. So, the not exasperate your children. So, the not exasperate your children. So, the biggest way that parents can exasperate biggest way that parents can exasperate biggest way that parents can exasperate their children is hypocrisy.

their children is hypocrisy. their children is hypocrisy. Hey, I'm going to drop you off at church Hey, I'm going to drop you off at church Hey, I'm going to drop you off at church because you need to know about God. I'm because you need to know about God. I'm because you need to know about God. I'm going out to breakfast. I'll be back. going out to breakfast. I'll be back. going out to breakfast. I'll be back. Hey, read your Bible. Hey, read your Bible. Hey, read your Bible. But I don't have time to read my my But I don't have time to read my my But I don't have time to read my my Bible. Or the most common one, say Bible. Or the most common one, say Bible. Or the most common one, say you're sorry. you're sorry. you're sorry. And your kids have never heard you say And your kids have never heard you say And your kids have never heard you say you're sorry. you're sorry. you're sorry. Huh? Huh? Huh? One of the things I love about my wife One of the things I love about my wife One of the things I love about my wife is she'd be the first one in our family is she'd be the first one in our family is she'd be the first one in our family to own something where she'd be like, to own something where she'd be like, to own something where she'd be like, "Hey, hey, son. I I just want to let you "Hey, hey, son. I I just want to let you "Hey, hey, son. I I just want to let you know like the way I said you're know like the way I said you're know like the way I said you're grounded." Like I said it in anger and I grounded." Like I said it in anger and I grounded." Like I said it in anger and I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I don't just wanted to say I'm sorry. I don't just wanted to say I'm sorry. I don't want to talk to you that way. I love want to talk to you that way. I love want to talk to you that way. I love you. You're you're still grounded, you. You're you're still grounded, you. You're you're still grounded, but I'm sorry. What is that? Firm but I'm sorry. What is that? Firm but I'm sorry. What is that? Firm training instruction. But mommy needs training instruction. But mommy needs training instruction. But mommy needs grace just like you need grace. modeling grace just like you need grace. modeling grace just like you need grace. modeling apology, forgiveness. So now your kids apology, forgiveness. So now your kids apology, forgiveness. So now your kids aren't exasperated because they're aren't exasperated because they're aren't exasperated because they're they're doing what you are doing. they're doing what you are doing. they're doing what you are doing. They're they're seeing it. And and this They're they're seeing it. And and this They're they're seeing it. And and this is what the Bible instructs parents. In is what the Bible instructs parents. In is what the Bible instructs parents. In Deuteronomy chapter 6, we get this Deuteronomy chapter 6, we get this Deuteronomy chapter 6, we get this little primer for parents where God little primer for parents where God little primer for parents where God says, "Hey, if you're going to parent, says, "Hey, if you're going to parent, says, "Hey, if you're going to parent, make sure that you honor me first, and make sure that you honor me first, and make sure that you honor me first, and out of that will flow everything else."

out of that will flow everything else." out of that will flow everything else." Here, here's the command to every Hebrew Here, here's the command to every Hebrew Here, here's the command to every Hebrew parent in the Old Testament. Love the parent in the Old Testament. Love the parent in the Old Testament. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with Lord your God with all your heart, with Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your all your soul, and with all your all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give strength. These commandments that I give strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. you today are to be on your hearts. you today are to be on your hearts. Mom, dad, it has to be in you first. It Mom, dad, it has to be in you first. It Mom, dad, it has to be in you first. It has to be your priority. God, I love you has to be your priority. God, I love you has to be your priority. God, I love you first and I love you most. And I pray first and I love you most. And I pray first and I love you most. And I pray that your love and patience and wisdom that your love and patience and wisdom that your love and patience and wisdom would be poured into me so that I can would be poured into me so that I can would be poured into me so that I can then pour it into my kids. And then once then pour it into my kids. And then once then pour it into my kids. And then once that priority of honoring God is set, that priority of honoring God is set, that priority of honoring God is set, well then the next command. So now well then the next command. So now well then the next command. So now impress them on your children. Talk impress them on your children. Talk impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when about them when you sit at home and when about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road and when you lie you walk along the road and when you lie you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you get up down and when you get up down and when you get up something powerful, just the simple something powerful, just the simple something powerful, just the simple things of life as you wake up and make things of life as you wake up and make things of life as you wake up and make your coffee and sit around the breakfast your coffee and sit around the breakfast your coffee and sit around the breakfast table, a conversation about God, a table, a conversation about God, a table, a conversation about God, a sharing of scripture as you drive in the sharing of scripture as you drive in the sharing of scripture as you drive in the car, maybe dropping your kids off to car, maybe dropping your kids off to car, maybe dropping your kids off to school or taking them to practice and school or taking them to practice and school or taking them to practice and you instead of turning on all the music you instead of turning on all the music you instead of turning on all the music and noise and Spotify, just let it sit and noise and Spotify, just let it sit and noise and Spotify, just let it sit quiet and just say, "Hey, how can I pray quiet and just say, "Hey, how can I pray quiet and just say, "Hey, how can I pray for you today?" And before they get out for you today?" And before they get out for you today?" And before they get out of the car, pray for them before they of the car, pray for them before they of the car, pray for them before they walk into school or at that practice.

walk into school or at that practice. walk into school or at that practice. And make it the car a place of And make it the car a place of And make it the car a place of connection, connection, connection, a place of training, instruction, a place of training, instruction, a place of training, instruction, nurturing, nurturing, nurturing, modeling. You see, when this happens, modeling. You see, when this happens, modeling. You see, when this happens, the family unit will become the most the family unit will become the most the family unit will become the most powerful powerful powerful transformational transformational transformational relational connection that the world has relational connection that the world has relational connection that the world has ever seen. This this type of connection ever seen. This this type of connection ever seen. This this type of connection changes people. It changes families. It changes people. It changes families. It changes people. It changes families. It changes churches. It changes cities. It changes churches. It changes cities. It changes churches. It changes cities. It changes the world. Psalm 127 says, changes the world. Psalm 127 says, changes the world. Psalm 127 says, "A man and his wife." When they have "A man and his wife." When they have "A man and his wife." When they have kids, they're like a warrior whose kids, they're like a warrior whose kids, they're like a warrior whose quiver is full of kids who were like quiver is full of kids who were like quiver is full of kids who were like arrows and they launch them and they are arrows and they launch them and they are arrows and they launch them and they are these mighty warriors that we have the these mighty warriors that we have the these mighty warriors that we have the potential that within families, we have potential that within families, we have potential that within families, we have the potential to change the world. And the potential to change the world. And the potential to change the world. And how many of you know that the enemy how many of you know that the enemy how many of you know that the enemy doesn't like that? And so the enemy is doesn't like that? And so the enemy is doesn't like that? And so the enemy is going to go after families. is going to going to go after families. is going to going to go after families. is going to go after marriages. He comes to steal, go after marriages. He comes to steal, go after marriages. He comes to steal, kill, kill, kill, and destroy. And so all the brokenness and destroy. And so all the brokenness and destroy. And so all the brokenness in your family is not just a result of in your family is not just a result of in your family is not just a result of dysfunction that's happened dysfunction that's happened dysfunction that's happened generationally. It's also part of a generationally. It's also part of a generationally. It's also part of a spiritual plan of attack that wants to spiritual plan of attack that wants to spiritual plan of attack that wants to destroy you, that wants to destroy all destroy you, that wants to destroy all destroy you, that wants to destroy all your future relationships.

your future relationships. your future relationships. And so we see in Jesus' family a And so we see in Jesus' family a And so we see in Jesus' family a powerful redemption of God. And so powerful redemption of God. And so powerful redemption of God. And so here's the second idea. Embrace God's here's the second idea. Embrace God's here's the second idea. Embrace God's redemption for your family. redemption for your family. redemption for your family. Jesus sees his brothers mock him. His Jesus sees his brothers mock him. His Jesus sees his brothers mock him. His brothers doubt him. His brothers try to brothers doubt him. His brothers try to brothers doubt him. His brothers try to take charge of him because he's crazy. take charge of him because he's crazy. take charge of him because he's crazy. And he sees them come to faith and And he sees them come to faith and And he sees them come to faith and become four of the greatest leaders in become four of the greatest leaders in become four of the greatest leaders in the early church. Their full redemption the early church. Their full redemption the early church. Their full redemption of God happened in Jesus broken family. of God happened in Jesus broken family. of God happened in Jesus broken family. And that means it could happen in your And that means it could happen in your And that means it could happen in your family and my family. So let's talk family and my family. So let's talk family and my family. So let's talk about the brokenness just for a moment. about the brokenness just for a moment. about the brokenness just for a moment. You know, there's a growing trend in our You know, there's a growing trend in our You know, there's a growing trend in our culture. It's a trend that's signified culture. It's a trend that's signified culture. It's a trend that's signified by these two words, no contact. by these two words, no contact. by these two words, no contact. And what it is, it's a family member who And what it is, it's a family member who And what it is, it's a family member who cuts off other family members. I cut off cuts off other family members. I cut off cuts off other family members. I cut off my father. I cut off my mother. I cut my father. I cut off my mother. I cut my father. I cut off my mother. I cut off my brother. I cut off my sister off my brother. I cut off my sister off my brother. I cut off my sister because at some point in our life, there because at some point in our life, there because at some point in our life, there was such conflict or hurt that now I was such conflict or hurt that now I was such conflict or hurt that now I just don't want to deal with it. How just don't want to deal with it. How just don't want to deal with it. How widespread is this? Cornell University widespread is this? Cornell University widespread is this? Cornell University did a study a few years back. 27% of did a study a few years back. 27% of did a study a few years back. 27% of Americans 18 years and older have asked Americans 18 years and older have asked Americans 18 years and older have asked for no contact with another family for no contact with another family for no contact with another family member. A 2024 Harris poll it was 35%.

This is the product of the cancel This is the product of the cancel culture. culture. culture. You hurt me, You hurt me, You hurt me, I cut you off. I cut you off. I cut you off. And again, there are some valid reasons And again, there are some valid reasons And again, there are some valid reasons why we might create boundaries with why we might create boundaries with why we might create boundaries with family members that are harmful. So family members that are harmful. So family members that are harmful. So obviously if there's domestic violence, obviously if there's domestic violence, obviously if there's domestic violence, if there's danger, if there's abuse of if there's danger, if there's abuse of if there's danger, if there's abuse of any kind, we don't want to just say, any kind, we don't want to just say, any kind, we don't want to just say, "Well, Jesus loves and forgives and "Well, Jesus loves and forgives and "Well, Jesus loves and forgives and let's go back." No, no, no, no, no. And let's go back." No, no, no, no, no. And let's go back." No, no, no, no, no. And that's part of why counselors and a that's part of why counselors and a that's part of why counselors and a community of people will help you make community of people will help you make community of people will help you make those decisions when it comes to those those decisions when it comes to those those decisions when it comes to those boundaries. But often these polls boundaries. But often these polls boundaries. But often these polls suggest suggest suggest that the reason people cut off family that the reason people cut off family that the reason people cut off family members members members has more to do with disagreeing about has more to do with disagreeing about has more to do with disagreeing about lifestyle choices or sexuality or faith lifestyle choices or sexuality or faith lifestyle choices or sexuality or faith or politics. or politics. or politics. It's people who say it's about me. The It's people who say it's about me. The It's people who say it's about me. The rise of individualism. rise of individualism. rise of individualism. It's a focus or overfocus. I want to be It's a focus or overfocus. I want to be It's a focus or overfocus. I want to be healthy and happy. I don't want to deal healthy and happy. I don't want to deal healthy and happy. I don't want to deal with the pain of my past because in the with the pain of my past because in the with the pain of my past because in the past when I was a child, I felt past when I was a child, I felt past when I was a child, I felt dismissed or criticized. I felt dismissed or criticized. I felt dismissed or criticized. I felt controlled. I felt judged. controlled. I felt judged. controlled. I felt judged. I felt wounded. There was favoritism in I felt wounded. There was favoritism in I felt wounded. There was favoritism in my family.

my family. my family. and we swept under the rug for so long and we swept under the rug for so long and we swept under the rug for so long that walking through redemption feels that walking through redemption feels that walking through redemption feels too long, too slow, too hard, too much too long, too slow, too hard, too much too long, too slow, too hard, too much effort, too much drama. It'd be better effort, too much drama. It'd be better effort, too much drama. It'd be better off if I just off if I just off if I just moved on. moved on. moved on. And I wonder what that does to our And I wonder what that does to our And I wonder what that does to our souls. souls. souls. I wonder what that does when God says, I wonder what that does when God says, I wonder what that does when God says, "Honor your father and mother." And we "Honor your father and mother." And we "Honor your father and mother." And we say, "Well, I see that, but I've decided say, "Well, I see that, but I've decided say, "Well, I see that, but I've decided this." this." this." And so as the people of God, one of the And so as the people of God, one of the And so as the people of God, one of the things that we need more than else is things that we need more than else is things that we need more than else is hope. Hope that it all won't always be hope. Hope that it all won't always be hope. Hope that it all won't always be this hard. Hope that we can't fix it, this hard. Hope that we can't fix it, this hard. Hope that we can't fix it, but God God's redemption runs deeper but God God's redemption runs deeper but God God's redemption runs deeper than your family brokenness. than your family brokenness. than your family brokenness. You see, some people are going to hear You see, some people are going to hear You see, some people are going to hear this message and they're going to be this message and they're going to be this message and they're going to be like, "Yeah, I'm screwed up. My family like, "Yeah, I'm screwed up. My family like, "Yeah, I'm screwed up. My family screwed up. We're going to be screwed up screwed up. We're going to be screwed up screwed up. We're going to be screwed up forever." No, that's not that's not the forever." No, that's not that's not the forever." No, that's not that's not the message of the gospel. I I want to share message of the gospel. I I want to share message of the gospel. I I want to share with you um a line from Psalm 130 in the with you um a line from Psalm 130 in the with you um a line from Psalm 130 in the Bible that describes the power of the Bible that describes the power of the Bible that describes the power of the hope that we have for our families. It hope that we have for our families. It hope that we have for our families. It comes after Psalm 127 and 128 which sort comes after Psalm 127 and 128 which sort comes after Psalm 127 and 128 which sort of describe the perfect families in the of describe the perfect families in the of describe the perfect families in the Bible. They're like family songs. Then Bible. They're like family songs. Then Bible. They're like family songs. Then Psalm 130 breaks out with this this Psalm 130 breaks out with this this Psalm 130 breaks out with this this line, Israel, put your hope in the Lord line, Israel, put your hope in the Lord line, Israel, put your hope in the Lord for with the Lord is unfailing love and for with the Lord is unfailing love and for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. What's the with him is full redemption. What's the with him is full redemption. What's the word before redemption?

word before redemption? word before redemption? It's not a test. What's the word before It's not a test. What's the word before It's not a test. What's the word before redemption? Full. Doesn't say partial redemption? Full. Doesn't say partial redemption? Full. Doesn't say partial redemption, halfway redemption. redemption, halfway redemption. redemption, halfway redemption. Full redemption. Now, what is Full redemption. Now, what is Full redemption. Now, what is redemption? Redemption is when something redemption? Redemption is when something redemption? Redemption is when something is so broken, you throw it away. is so broken, you throw it away. is so broken, you throw it away. And then someone goes, "Hey, I can do And then someone goes, "Hey, I can do And then someone goes, "Hey, I can do something with this." This is what God something with this." This is what God something with this." This is what God loves to do. That's why one of his names loves to do. That's why one of his names loves to do. That's why one of his names is the redeemer. That broken is the redeemer. That broken is the redeemer. That broken relationship, that broken family, I can relationship, that broken family, I can relationship, that broken family, I can do something with this. With God, there do something with this. With God, there do something with this. With God, there is full redemption. That's why the song is full redemption. That's why the song is full redemption. That's why the song says, "Put your hope not in your says, "Put your hope not in your says, "Put your hope not in your therapists, [snorts] therapists, [snorts] therapists, [snorts] not in your own insight and not in your not in your own insight and not in your not in your own insight and not in your mom or dad's ability to receive mom or dad's ability to receive mom or dad's ability to receive feedback. Put your hope in God because feedback. Put your hope in God because feedback. Put your hope in God because with him is full redemption. Come on with him is full redemption. Come on with him is full redemption. Come on people. This is our God, right? This is people. This is our God, right? This is people. This is our God, right? This is our song. This is our hope." our song. This is our hope." our song. This is our hope." Now, this is where this is where I get Now, this is where this is where I get Now, this is where this is where I get curious because I want to remember I curious because I want to remember I curious because I want to remember I said to you earlier like there there's said to you earlier like there there's said to you earlier like there there's no dichotomy between science and no dichotomy between science and no dichotomy between science and physiology and the Bible that we're all physiology and the Bible that we're all physiology and the Bible that we're all waiting to discover the truth that God waiting to discover the truth that God waiting to discover the truth that God is embedded in creation in our bodies.

is embedded in creation in our bodies. is embedded in creation in our bodies. So, I want to show you something So, I want to show you something So, I want to show you something fascinating about your brain. Your brain fascinating about your brain. Your brain fascinating about your brain. Your brain and the way you trust, your brain and and the way you trust, your brain and and the way you trust, your brain and the way you look at authority, your the way you look at authority, your the way you look at authority, your brain, the way you let people in, love brain, the way you let people in, love brain, the way you let people in, love and receive love was formed as a child and receive love was formed as a child and receive love was formed as a child and it shapes the way you attach. and it shapes the way you attach. and it shapes the way you attach. However, it's not permanent. However, it's not permanent. However, it's not permanent. In the last several decades, neuro In the last several decades, neuro In the last several decades, neuro neurological researchers have discovered neurological researchers have discovered neurological researchers have discovered that new pathways can form and they've that new pathways can form and they've that new pathways can form and they've described the brain as this described the brain as this described the brain as this neuroplasticity. The chance that neuroplasticity. The chance that neuroplasticity. The chance that entrenched ways of thinking because of a entrenched ways of thinking because of a entrenched ways of thinking because of a lack of human connection in childhood lack of human connection in childhood lack of human connection in childhood can be reformed by can be reformed by can be reformed by new human connections. Which means you new human connections. Which means you new human connections. Which means you can learn to trust again. You can learn can learn to trust again. You can learn can learn to trust again. You can learn to go through conflict resolution. to go through conflict resolution. to go through conflict resolution. You can learn to be alone with your You can learn to be alone with your You can learn to be alone with your thoughts and not freak out. thoughts and not freak out. thoughts and not freak out. You can learn to be in a relationship You can learn to be in a relationship You can learn to be in a relationship and not control. and not control. and not control. You can learn to figure out who you are You can learn to figure out who you are You can learn to figure out who you are without someone constantly affirming without someone constantly affirming without someone constantly affirming into that little vacuum that's just into that little vacuum that's just into that little vacuum that's just endless.

endless. endless. When you realize, I can hear God's voice When you realize, I can hear God's voice When you realize, I can hear God's voice for me. I can discover who I am and how for me. I can discover who I am and how for me. I can discover who I am and how he called me to be here. he called me to be here. he called me to be here. And that idea of renewing your mind And that idea of renewing your mind And that idea of renewing your mind was written about 2,000 years ago was written about 2,000 years ago was written about 2,000 years ago before the phrase neuroplasticity ever before the phrase neuroplasticity ever before the phrase neuroplasticity ever existed. Check this out. How does a existed. Check this out. How does a existed. Check this out. How does a person change? Romans 12:2, do not person change? Romans 12:2, do not person change? Romans 12:2, do not conform to the pattern of this world, conform to the pattern of this world, conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of but be transformed by the renewing of but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. your mind. your mind. That word transformed That word transformed That word transformed literally means literally means literally means literally means literally means literally means metamorphosis. metamorphosis. metamorphosis. You were formed a certain way, but now You were formed a certain way, but now You were formed a certain way, but now God invites you to be transformed by God invites you to be transformed by God invites you to be transformed by renewing renewing renewing the way that you think and submitting the way that you think and submitting the way that you think and submitting yourself to God's word and not just yourself to God's word and not just yourself to God's word and not just letting your experiences letting your experiences letting your experiences define you. And so this provides an define you. And so this provides an define you. And so this provides an opportunity for any brokenness in your opportunity for any brokenness in your opportunity for any brokenness in your family to be curious. Why am I like family to be curious. Why am I like family to be curious. Why am I like that? That that attachment thing. I that? That that attachment thing. I that? That that attachment thing. I think I'm got that dismissive thing. I think I'm got that dismissive thing. I think I'm got that dismissive thing. I I'm guarded. got this fear of rejection I'm guarded. got this fear of rejection I'm guarded. got this fear of rejection ab why am I like this ab why am I like this ab why am I like this and I want to be careful not just to and I want to be careful not just to and I want to be careful not just to blame my mom and blame my dad because if blame my mom and blame my dad because if blame my mom and blame my dad because if I'm thoughtful I could ask why are they I'm thoughtful I could ask why are they I'm thoughtful I could ask why are they like that oh they were raised and they like that oh they were raised and they like that oh they were raised and they had a father who was an alcoholic and had a father who was an alcoholic and had a father who was an alcoholic and they had a a mother who left and they they had a a mother who left and they they had a a mother who left and they experienced poverty as a child and experienced poverty as a child and experienced poverty as a child and that's why they hoarded and that's why that's why they hoarded and that's why that's why they hoarded and that's why they tried to control and I was raised they tried to control and I was raised they tried to control and I was raised in that environment and that shaped me in that environment and that shaped me in that environment and that shaped me and so I'm not just going to simply and so I'm not just going to simply and so I'm not just going to simply blame my parents or my siblings for all blame my parents or my siblings for all blame my parents or my siblings for all the things that are happening in my life the things that are happening in my life the things that are happening in my life no I want to own my own stuff

no I want to own my own stuff no I want to own my own stuff and I want to give myself compassion and I want to give myself compassion and I want to give myself compassion passion passion passion and my self mercy like I want to extend and my self mercy like I want to extend and my self mercy like I want to extend to them and be curious God. How could to them and be curious God. How could to them and be curious God. How could you bring healing to them? How could you you bring healing to them? How could you you bring healing to them? How could you bring healing to me? How could you use bring healing to me? How could you use bring healing to me? How could you use me as an agent of healing in their life? me as an agent of healing in their life? me as an agent of healing in their life? You might be the only Christian in your You might be the only Christian in your You might be the only Christian in your family. You might be the youngest family. You might be the youngest family. You might be the youngest Christian in your family. You are not Christian in your family. You are not Christian in your family. You are not too young for God to use you in your too young for God to use you in your too young for God to use you in your family. family. family. You are not too alone for just praying You are not too alone for just praying You are not too alone for just praying for your parents, praying for your for your parents, praying for your for your parents, praying for your brothers and sisters, praying for aunts brothers and sisters, praying for aunts brothers and sisters, praying for aunts and uncles where a stranger has taken and uncles where a stranger has taken and uncles where a stranger has taken place. God can use those prayers to place. God can use those prayers to place. God can use those prayers to change your entire change your entire change your entire family. Every week I see it. People family. Every week I see it. People family. Every week I see it. People like, I didn't talk to my kid for 10 like, I didn't talk to my kid for 10 like, I didn't talk to my kid for 10 years and then I started to pray. Bam. I years and then I started to pray. Bam. I years and then I started to pray. Bam. I didn't talk to my brother for a decade didn't talk to my brother for a decade didn't talk to my brother for a decade and then I prayed and sent a voice text and then I prayed and sent a voice text and then I prayed and sent a voice text just wonder what would happen. And he just wonder what would happen. And he just wonder what would happen. And he responded and we had lunch and we made responded and we had lunch and we made responded and we had lunch and we made up for all that lost time. This is what up for all that lost time. This is what up for all that lost time. This is what God wants to do in your family. And so God wants to do in your family. And so God wants to do in your family. And so there's a posture that's important. there's a posture that's important. there's a posture that's important. First is curiosity.

First is curiosity. First is curiosity. It's not a posture of blaming. It's a It's not a posture of blaming. It's a It's not a posture of blaming. It's a posture of wondering God. And could you posture of wondering God. And could you posture of wondering God. And could you take this and use it for something? And take this and use it for something? And take this and use it for something? And then Romans 12 gives us like three ways then Romans 12 gives us like three ways then Romans 12 gives us like three ways to think about this transformation. to think about this transformation. to think about this transformation. Right after it talks about being Right after it talks about being Right after it talks about being transformed, it gives us three ways to transformed, it gives us three ways to transformed, it gives us three ways to think about how do we enter into this think about how do we enter into this think about how do we enter into this very difficult space. Romans 12:3, "For very difficult space. Romans 12:3, "For very difficult space. Romans 12:3, "For by the grace by the grace by the grace given me, I say to every one of you, do given me, I say to every one of you, do given me, I say to every one of you, do not think of yourself more highly than not think of yourself more highly than not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself you ought, but rather think of yourself you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment in accordance with with sober judgment in accordance with with sober judgment in accordance with faith that God has distributed to each faith that God has distributed to each faith that God has distributed to each of you." of you." of you." Approach other people with humility. You Approach other people with humility. You Approach other people with humility. You don't approach them with, "I'm a don't approach them with, "I'm a don't approach them with, "I'm a Christian. I know Jesus. I have the Christian. I know Jesus. I have the Christian. I know Jesus. I have the Bible. I'm right. You're wrong. You need Bible. I'm right. You're wrong. You need Bible. I'm right. You're wrong. You need to change." to change." to change." I've never seen that work with anybody I've never seen that work with anybody I've never seen that work with anybody because your family doesn't care how because your family doesn't care how because your family doesn't care how much you know until they know how much much you know until they know how much much you know until they know how much you care. Humbly. This is my role in the you care. Humbly. This is my role in the you care. Humbly. This is my role in the conflict. Humbly. I I I can't fix conflict. Humbly. I I I can't fix conflict. Humbly. I I I can't fix everything. I can only tell you what everything. I can only tell you what everything. I can only tell you what I've learned. I can only tell you where I've learned. I can only tell you where I've learned. I can only tell you where I've learned it from. I've learned it from. I've learned it from. Humility, Humility, Humility, curiosity, and then Romans 12:10, love.

curiosity, and then Romans 12:10, love. curiosity, and then Romans 12:10, love. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor Be devoted to one another in love. Honor Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Consider one another above yourselves. Consider one another above yourselves. Consider the worth of that brother, that sister, the worth of that brother, that sister, the worth of that brother, that sister, that aunt, that uncle, that grandparent, that aunt, that uncle, that grandparent, that aunt, that uncle, that grandparent, that grandchild, that grandchild, that grandchild, that mom, that dad. that mom, that dad. that mom, that dad. What are they worth to God? And could I What are they worth to God? And could I What are they worth to God? And could I see them for a minute in the lens of how see them for a minute in the lens of how see them for a minute in the lens of how you see them? you see them? you see them? And extend the same grace to them you've And extend the same grace to them you've And extend the same grace to them you've extended to me. extended to me. extended to me. And then Romans 12:18, "And if it's And then Romans 12:18, "And if it's And then Romans 12:18, "And if it's possible, as far as it depends on you, possible, as far as it depends on you, possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." My goal is live at peace with everyone." My goal is live at peace with everyone." My goal is peace. peace. peace. My goal is not to argue with him. My My goal is not to argue with him. My My goal is not to argue with him. My goal is not to win the argument. My goal goal is not to win the argument. My goal goal is not to win the argument. My goal is not to be contentious. My goal is to is not to be contentious. My goal is to is not to be contentious. My goal is to win the person, to win back the win the person, to win back the win the person, to win back the relationship, to be at peace, right? relationship, to be at peace, right? relationship, to be at peace, right? And and [applause] it's crazy like all all these things in it's crazy like all all these things in the parts of our life we don't want to the parts of our life we don't want to the parts of our life we don't want to talk about are flushed to the surface in talk about are flushed to the surface in talk about are flushed to the surface in God's word. And then this road map of God's word. And then this road map of God's word. And then this road map of how we might navigate, no guarantee of how we might navigate, no guarantee of how we might navigate, no guarantee of the outcome, but a road map of how we the outcome, but a road map of how we the outcome, but a road map of how we might navigate the full redemption of might navigate the full redemption of might navigate the full redemption of God in our family is given to us. And God in our family is given to us. And God in our family is given to us. And we're like, well, I should just try we're like, well, I should just try we're like, well, I should just try this. I should just try praying. I mean, this. I should just try praying. I mean, this. I should just try praying. I mean, at the close of our service after at the close of our service after at the close of our service after communion, we're going to have a chance communion, we're going to have a chance communion, we're going to have a chance just to pray because I know that just to pray because I know that just to pray because I know that different relationships and areas have different relationships and areas have different relationships and areas have come to your mind and heart in this come to your mind and heart in this come to your mind and heart in this time. And we just want to be people who time. And we just want to be people who time. And we just want to be people who who pray and begin to pray every day for who pray and begin to pray every day for who pray and begin to pray every day for that person by name. and just be that person by name. and just be that person by name. and just be curious, God, what is one step I can curious, God, what is one step I can curious, God, what is one step I can take in humility, take in humility, take in humility, as a peacemaker, in love, to be a part as a peacemaker, in love, to be a part as a peacemaker, in love, to be a part of building that bridge. And so Jesus

of building that bridge. And so Jesus of building that bridge. And so Jesus talks about creating this culture of talks about creating this culture of talks about creating this culture of honor. honor. honor. He talks about trusting in God's He talks about trusting in God's He talks about trusting in God's redemption, even for his own brothers. redemption, even for his own brothers. redemption, even for his own brothers. And then then he he models this this And then then he he models this this And then then he he models this this expanding view of the family. Expand expanding view of the family. Expand expanding view of the family. Expand your view of the family. the the family your view of the family. the the family your view of the family. the the family that you're a part of is way bigger than that you're a part of is way bigger than that you're a part of is way bigger than you think, way bigger than you can see you think, way bigger than you can see you think, way bigger than you can see because Jesus defines the family not because Jesus defines the family not because Jesus defines the family not just biologically blood related, but just biologically blood related, but just biologically blood related, but blood related. You understand what I'm blood related. You understand what I'm blood related. You understand what I'm saying? We're all related together by saying? We're all related together by saying? We're all related together by the blood of Jesus when we take the blood of Jesus when we take the blood of Jesus when we take communion in a moment. We are connecting communion in a moment. We are connecting communion in a moment. We are connecting over a family meal, over the death of over a family meal, over the death of over a family meal, over the death of Jesus that binds us together as one Jesus that binds us together as one Jesus that binds us together as one unit. And and I love this church because unit. And and I love this church because unit. And and I love this church because so many people in this church have so many people in this church have so many people in this church have understood that idea from the very understood that idea from the very understood that idea from the very beginning. I mean, so many of you have beginning. I mean, so many of you have beginning. I mean, so many of you have opened up your families to kids in opened up your families to kids in opened up your families to kids in foster care. You've adopted kids who are foster care. You've adopted kids who are foster care. You've adopted kids who are not your biological kids, and you have not your biological kids, and you have not your biological kids, and you have learned, as I have learned, to love that learned, as I have learned, to love that learned, as I have learned, to love that child as if they came from my own body. child as if they came from my own body. child as if they came from my own body. And you start to see the power And you start to see the power And you start to see the power of the expansive view of God's family. of the expansive view of God's family. of the expansive view of God's family. So many of you in your own families have So many of you in your own families have So many of you in your own families have like, "Hey, I've had a really good like, "Hey, I've had a really good like, "Hey, I've had a really good family, but how do we open our family up family, but how do we open our family up family, but how do we open our family up to that single mom and that child who to that single mom and that child who to that single mom and that child who doesn't have a father? How can they eat doesn't have a father? How can they eat doesn't have a father? How can they eat at our table? How can they experience a at our table? How can they experience a at our table? How can they experience a part of this? And we can invite them part of this? And we can invite them part of this? And we can invite them in."

in." in." And when you experience this, there's And when you experience this, there's And when you experience this, there's nothing like it in the world because we nothing like it in the world because we nothing like it in the world because we know it's not good for anyone to be know it's not good for anyone to be know it's not good for anyone to be alone. alone. alone. And I wanted to just say a word for And I wanted to just say a word for And I wanted to just say a word for those who are watching online. You know, those who are watching online. You know, those who are watching online. You know, I know some people watch online because I know some people watch online because I know some people watch online because they don't live in the area and some they don't live in the area and some they don't live in the area and some people watch online because they're sick people watch online because they're sick people watch online because they're sick or they're traveling. But there are many or they're traveling. But there are many or they're traveling. But there are many people who watch online. You choose to people who watch online. You choose to people who watch online. You choose to watch online as your engagement with our watch online as your engagement with our watch online as your engagement with our church. And I I just want to just want church. And I I just want to just want church. And I I just want to just want to say if you do that over a long period to say if you do that over a long period to say if you do that over a long period of time, it's like engaging with a of time, it's like engaging with a of time, it's like engaging with a Thanksgiving family dinner over Zoom. Thanksgiving family dinner over Zoom. Thanksgiving family dinner over Zoom. You see them eat the turkey. You hear You see them eat the turkey. You hear You see them eat the turkey. You hear grandpa pray the prayer, grandpa pray the prayer, grandpa pray the prayer, but you miss the encounter. You miss the but you miss the encounter. You miss the but you miss the encounter. You miss the presence. presence. presence. You miss the moments where we worship You miss the moments where we worship You miss the moments where we worship together and God's spirit inhabits us. together and God's spirit inhabits us. together and God's spirit inhabits us. You miss the moments of prayer at the You miss the moments of prayer at the You miss the moments of prayer at the altar. You miss the moments of altar. You miss the moments of altar. You miss the moments of communion. I want to encourage you if communion. I want to encourage you if communion. I want to encourage you if you've gotten into the habit of saying you've gotten into the habit of saying you've gotten into the habit of saying my connection to the family is just my connection to the family is just my connection to the family is just virtual. You're missing you're missing virtual. You're missing you're missing virtual. You're missing you're missing what it means to be part of a family in what it means to be part of a family in what it means to be part of a family in the most important moments. And I want the most important moments. And I want the most important moments. And I want to give you two. I one I experienced on to give you two. I one I experienced on to give you two. I one I experienced on Saturday and one I'm about to experience Saturday and one I'm about to experience Saturday and one I'm about to experience next Saturday.

next Saturday. next Saturday. Most of you may have heard that Pastor Most of you may have heard that Pastor Most of you may have heard that Pastor Chris and his wife Shona their son Jacob Chris and his wife Shona their son Jacob Chris and his wife Shona their son Jacob Bosichi passed away last week and now Bosichi passed away last week and now Bosichi passed away last week and now he's with Jesus. he's with Jesus. he's with Jesus. And burying a 16-year-old son is not an And burying a 16-year-old son is not an And burying a 16-year-old son is not an easy task. easy task. easy task. But we we gathered yesterday at the But we we gathered yesterday at the But we we gathered yesterday at the plantation campus. plantation campus. plantation campus. I can only say that the love in that I can only say that the love in that I can only say that the love in that family was palpable family was palpable family was palpable and the relationships of people who were and the relationships of people who were and the relationships of people who were not related to each other at all felt so not related to each other at all felt so not related to each other at all felt so close close close that you could just feel the presence of that you could just feel the presence of that you could just feel the presence of God. I I was overwhelmed. And I've God. I I was overwhelmed. And I've God. I I was overwhelmed. And I've experienced many of these moments of the experienced many of these moments of the experienced many of these moments of the level of love and connection and hope as level of love and connection and hope as level of love and connection and hope as two parents grieve the loss of their two parents grieve the loss of their two parents grieve the loss of their teenage son. teenage son. teenage son. And God wants that for us in those And God wants that for us in those And God wants that for us in those moments. moments. moments. Next Saturday, Next Saturday, Next Saturday, there's a Calvary House graduation. Men there's a Calvary House graduation. Men there's a Calvary House graduation. Men and women who were stuck in addiction. and women who were stuck in addiction. and women who were stuck in addiction. They were this close to death. And Jesus They were this close to death. And Jesus They were this close to death. And Jesus rescued them and put them in a house rescued them and put them in a house rescued them and put them in a house together, in a family together. And now together, in a family together. And now together, in a family together. And now when you hear them share their when you hear them share their when you hear them share their testimonies, not just how they got free testimonies, not just how they got free testimonies, not just how they got free of drugs and alcohol, but how in a of drugs and alcohol, but how in a of drugs and alcohol, but how in a community their lives are being forged community their lives are being forged community their lives are being forged and changed together, there's going to and changed together, there's going to and changed together, there's going to be this like sense like I I want that.

be this like sense like I I want that. be this like sense like I I want that. And as you live in the church and the And as you live in the church and the And as you live in the church and the family of God, you begin to experience family of God, you begin to experience family of God, you begin to experience this extended family moments. And if this extended family moments. And if this extended family moments. And if you've not not experienced that, then you've not not experienced that, then you've not not experienced that, then showing up at some other time than a showing up at some other time than a showing up at some other time than a weekend, show up on a Wednesday night. weekend, show up on a Wednesday night. weekend, show up on a Wednesday night. We'll we'll dig into this a little We'll we'll dig into this a little We'll we'll dig into this a little deeper. We'll do a Q&A, deeper. We'll do a Q&A, deeper. We'll do a Q&A, listen to a podcast, show up at these listen to a podcast, show up at these listen to a podcast, show up at these small environments where the big church small environments where the big church small environments where the big church becomes small and you get to know people becomes small and you get to know people becomes small and you get to know people and they get to know you and you and they get to know you and you and they get to know you and you experience the beauty of this moment. Family Family is the most powerful is the most powerful is the most powerful social unit that exists on this planet, social unit that exists on this planet, social unit that exists on this planet, created by God [snorts] to form people. created by God [snorts] to form people. created by God [snorts] to form people. And the church is his family. And the church is his family. And the church is his family. And today we're going to share And today we're going to share And today we're going to share communion. And so I'm going to ask you communion. And so I'm going to ask you communion. And so I'm going to ask you to pull out your communion elements. to pull out your communion elements. to pull out your communion elements. This again is a family meal. Paul says This again is a family meal. Paul says This again is a family meal. Paul says that we together that we together that we together as the household and family of God will as the household and family of God will as the household and family of God will try to grasp how high and long and wide try to grasp how high and long and wide try to grasp how high and long and wide and deep is the love of Christ. and deep is the love of Christ. and deep is the love of Christ. You don't have communion elements, you You don't have communion elements, you You don't have communion elements, you can raise your hand. If you're if you're can raise your hand. If you're if you're can raise your hand. If you're if you're not a Christian, I want to encourage you not a Christian, I want to encourage you not a Christian, I want to encourage you to watch us do this because this is a to watch us do this because this is a to watch us do this because this is a a moment for Christians to remember that a moment for Christians to remember that a moment for Christians to remember that Jesus died for them.

Jesus died for them. Jesus died for them. This blood was spilled for them. This blood was spilled for them. This blood was spilled for them. And if you're curious, how do I become And if you're curious, how do I become And if you're curious, how do I become part of the family? It's not that you part of the family? It's not that you part of the family? It's not that you give a big donation or you go help all give a big donation or you go help all give a big donation or you go help all the poor people in the world or climb a the poor people in the world or climb a the poor people in the world or climb a mountain or work off your sins. The the mountain or work off your sins. The the mountain or work off your sins. The the simple way you start a relationship with simple way you start a relationship with simple way you start a relationship with God and be a part of his family is to God and be a part of his family is to God and be a part of his family is to receive the gift that he's given you. receive the gift that he's given you. receive the gift that he's given you. The Bible says this, to as many as The Bible says this, to as many as The Bible says this, to as many as received him, he gave the right to be received him, he gave the right to be received him, he gave the right to be called the children of God, not by human called the children of God, not by human called the children of God, not by human decision or origin, but by the gift of decision or origin, but by the gift of decision or origin, but by the gift of God. Which means if you want to be in God. Which means if you want to be in God. Which means if you want to be in relationship with God, if you want to be relationship with God, if you want to be relationship with God, if you want to be forgiven by God, if you want to be forgiven by God, if you want to be forgiven by God, if you want to be adopted by God, you have to receive adopted by God, you have to receive adopted by God, you have to receive the gift of forgiveness and salvation the gift of forgiveness and salvation the gift of forgiveness and salvation and adoption. How do you do that? and adoption. How do you do that? and adoption. How do you do that? It's simply a prayer. It's simply a prayer. It's simply a prayer. where you repent of your sins, you're where you repent of your sins, you're where you repent of your sins, you're distanced from God, where you believe distanced from God, where you believe distanced from God, where you believe the good news of the gospel for the good news of the gospel for the good news of the gospel for yourself. And yourself. And yourself. And and if you're here today and you want to and if you're here today and you want to and if you're here today and you want to start a relationship with God, I'm just start a relationship with God, I'm just start a relationship with God, I'm just going to lead you in a quiet prayer to going to lead you in a quiet prayer to going to lead you in a quiet prayer to God. He He's watching. He's attentive to God. He He's watching. He's attentive to God. He He's watching. He's attentive to everything that's happening in this everything that's happening in this everything that's happening in this room. And so, Father, if there's anyone room. And so, Father, if there's anyone room. And so, Father, if there's anyone here who doesn't know you, I pray they here who doesn't know you, I pray they here who doesn't know you, I pray they would just utter the simple prayer. God, would just utter the simple prayer. God, would just utter the simple prayer. God, I open my heart and I invite you inside I open my heart and I invite you inside I open my heart and I invite you inside to be my savior.

to be my savior. to be my savior. forgive my sins. I want to follow you. forgive my sins. I want to follow you. forgive my sins. I want to follow you. This This This a simple prayer if you prayed it in a simple prayer if you prayed it in a simple prayer if you prayed it in faith means that you can join us in faith means that you can join us in faith means that you can join us in communion. communion. communion. And so we're going to give you a moment And so we're going to give you a moment And so we're going to give you a moment of quiet reflection as you think about of quiet reflection as you think about of quiet reflection as you think about how do how have I been able to create a how do how have I been able to create a how do how have I been able to create a culture of honor? What I've been culture of honor? What I've been culture of honor? What I've been convicted of today? convicted of today? convicted of today? How can I be comforted in the hope of How can I be comforted in the hope of How can I be comforted in the hope of the gospel that no matter how broken my the gospel that no matter how broken my the gospel that no matter how broken my family situation is, no matter how deep family situation is, no matter how deep family situation is, no matter how deep the divide between me and a family the divide between me and a family the divide between me and a family member or friend that God can bridge it member or friend that God can bridge it member or friend that God can bridge it and heal it and just talk to Jesus about and heal it and just talk to Jesus about and heal it and just talk to Jesus about that? that? that? Maybe how can God use my family? I never Maybe how can God use my family? I never Maybe how can God use my family? I never thought about that before. How do I thought about that before. How do I thought about that before. How do I connect deeply with other Christians? connect deeply with other Christians? connect deeply with other Christians? And and then we're going to sing a song And and then we're going to sing a song And and then we're going to sing a song over you. It's not a typical communion over you. It's not a typical communion over you. It's not a typical communion song. It's a song called the blessing. song. It's a song called the blessing. song. It's a song called the blessing. The Lord bless you. The Lord bless you. The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. The Lord keep you. The Lord keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you. The Lord make his face shine upon you. The Lord make his face shine upon you. The Lord be gracious to you. The Lord The Lord be gracious to you. The Lord The Lord be gracious to you. The Lord give you peace.

And then after that song, we'll take And then after that song, we'll take communion together as a family. Lord [singing] bless you Lord [singing] bless you and keep you. and keep you. and keep you. Make [music] his [singing] face shine Make [music] his [singing] face shine Make [music] his [singing] face shine upon you. Be gracious to you. The Lord upon you. Be gracious to you. The Lord upon you. Be gracious to you. The Lord turn his turn his turn his face toward you face toward you face toward you and give you peace.

The [music] Lord [singing] bless you The [music] Lord [singing] bless you and keep you. and keep you. and keep you. Make his [music and singing] face shine Make his [music and singing] face shine Make his [music and singing] face shine upon you and be gracious [music] upon you and be gracious [music] upon you and be gracious [music] to you. The Lord turn his to you. The Lord turn his to you. The Lord turn his face [singing] toward you face [singing] toward you face [singing] toward you and give you peace. [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. May his [music] favor be upon you in a May his [music] favor be upon you in a thousand generations thousand generations thousand generations in your family and your children in your family and your children in your family and your children [singing] [singing] [singing] and their children and their [music] and their children and their [music] and their children and their [music] children. May his presence go before you children. May his presence go before you children. May his presence go before you and behind you and beside you, all and behind you and beside you, all and behind you and beside you, all [music and singing] around you and [music and singing] around you and [music and singing] around you and within you. He is with within you. He is with within you. He is with [music and singing] you. is with you in [music and singing] you. is with you in [music and singing] you. is with you in the morning, in the [music and singing] the morning, in the [music and singing] the morning, in the [music and singing] evening, in your coming and you're

evening, in your coming and you're evening, in your coming and you're going, in [music] your weeping [singing] going, in [music] your weeping [singing] going, in [music] your weeping [singing] and rejoicing. and rejoicing. and rejoicing. He is for you. He is for you. He is for He is for you. He is for you. He is for He is for you. He is for you. He is for [singing and music] you. He is for you. [singing and music] you. He is for you. [singing and music] you. He is for you. He is for you. He is [music] for you. He He is for you. He is [music] for you. He He is for you. He is [music] for you. He is for you. He is for you. is for you. He is for you. is for you. He is for you. >> [singing] amen. amen. Amen. The Lord bless you The Lord bless you and keep you.

and keep you. and keep you. Make his [music and singing] face shine Make his [music and singing] face shine Make his [music and singing] face shine upon you. Be gracious upon you. Be gracious upon you. Be gracious [music and singing] to you. The Lord [music and singing] to you. The Lord [music and singing] to you. The Lord turn his turn his turn his face [singing] toward you face [singing] toward you face [singing] toward you and give you peace. Our God is for you. Our God is for you. He sees you. He sees you. He sees you. He knows [music] you. He knows [music] you. He knows [music] you. He loves you. He loves you. He loves you. And we hold the proof of that in our And we hold the proof of that in our And we hold the proof of that in our hands. He sent his one and only son hands. He sent his one and only son hands. He sent his one and only son so that we could be adopted [music] into so that we could be adopted [music] into so that we could be adopted [music] into his family. his family. his family. And so this is the family meal of a And so this is the family meal of a And so this is the family meal of a grateful people. grateful people. grateful people. On the night that Jesus was arrested, On the night that Jesus was arrested, On the night that Jesus was arrested, he took bread and he broke it. He said, he took bread and he broke it. He said, he took bread and he broke it. He said, "This is my body. It's given for you. "This is my body. It's given for you. "This is my body. It's given for you. Every time you eat it, remember me." Every time you eat it, remember me." Every time you eat it, remember me." Let's remember Jesus together.

On that same night, he took the cup and On that same night, he took the cup and he said, "This cup is the new covenant he said, "This cup is the new covenant he said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. It's given for you. Every in my blood. It's given for you. Every in my blood. It's given for you. Every time you drink it, remember me. Let's time you drink it, remember me. Let's time you drink it, remember me. Let's remember Jesus." Everyone take [music] a deep breath. Everyone take [music] a deep breath. [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] So, we talked about a lot and this is So, we talked about a lot and this is So, we talked about a lot and this is when our service would typically end, when our service would typically end, when our service would typically end, but I'm going to invite you just to stay but I'm going to invite you just to stay but I'm going to invite you just to stay for a few more moments as we pray and for a few more moments as we pray and for a few more moments as we pray and process together all that we've talked process together all that we've talked process together all that we've talked about. I'm going invite Pastor Ruben to about. I'm going invite Pastor Ruben to about. I'm going invite Pastor Ruben to lead us in a time of prayer. Thanks for listening to today's message. Thanks for listening to today's message. You know, here at Calvary, we believe a You know, here at Calvary, we believe a You know, here at Calvary, we believe a relationship with Jesus changes relationship with Jesus changes relationship with Jesus changes everything. And if you've decided to everything. And if you've decided to everything. And if you've decided to follow Jesus, we'd [music] love for you follow Jesus, we'd [music] love for you follow Jesus, we'd [music] love for you to text the word believe to 31352 to text the word believe to 31352 to text the word believe to 31352 so you can find out what it means to so you can find out what it means to so you can find out what it means to follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're free to visit calvaryftl.org.