Jesus on Relationships [Friendship] | Doug Sauder

All the [music] time that's passed. As All the [music] time that's passed. As I'm looking back, your goodness [music] I'm looking back, your goodness [music] I'm looking back, your goodness [music] is all I see. is all I see. is all I see. Your love has kept me. Your love [music] Your love has kept me. Your love [music] Your love has kept me. Your love [music] is keeping me. >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] Your love is keeping. Your love is Your love is keeping. Your love is keeping me.

for the Lord our God the [music] for the Lord our God the [music] Almighty. You are king [music] You are king [music] of kings of kings of kings and your lord and your lord and your lord of lords. of lords. of lords. You are king You are king You are king of kings of kings of kings and your lord and your lord and your lord of lord. [music] for [music] for [music] the Lord our God the Almighty. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] For the Lord our God we are mighty. For the Lord our God we are mighty. For the Lord our God we are mighty. [music] [music] [music] You are king You are king You are king of kings [music] and you're all and you're all of of of [music] [music] [music] you are king you are king you are king of kings of kings of kings [music] [music] [music] and lord and lord and lord of of of [music] you are king you are king of [music] King of [music] King of [music] King and your Lord and your Lord and your Lord of all. of all. of all. [music] [music] [music] You are King You are King You are King of Kings [music] and the Lord and the Lord of Lord.

You [music] are the Lord. You [music] are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are King You are King of [music] of [music] of [music] Kings. Kings. Kings. You are Lord You are Lord You are Lord of Lords. You are king You are king of [music] of [music] of [music] kings. kings. kings. You are lord You are lord You are lord of [music] A good thing can take you [music] A good thing can take you without asking.

You pulled me in. [music] You pulled me in. [music] It's connected. I said the last [music] time and I meant I said the last [music] time and I meant it. it. it. Oh, where do I will I have a place in the safe [music] will I have a place in the safe [music] for a feast? for a feast? for a feast? Hold me home. But I got real good doing what I should. But I got real good doing what I should. And I [music] miss where I belong. >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, Where can [singing] I go from your

Where can [singing] I go from your presence? Where can [music and singing] I hide Where can [music and singing] I hide from your love? from your love? from your love? There's no place you wouldn't [music] There's no place you wouldn't [music] There's no place you wouldn't [music] come find me. come find me. come find me. From valleyies to mountains above, From valleyies to mountains above, From valleyies to mountains above, you [singing] guide me wherever I go. you [singing] guide me wherever I go. you [singing] guide me wherever I go. [music] [music] [music] Like a beacon of light. >> [music] >> [music] >> You are a [singing] faithful >> You are a [singing] faithful >> You are a [singing] faithful father. father. father. [music] [music] [music] You are an ever present You are an ever present You are an ever present friend. friend. friend. You [music] are a loving You [music] are a loving You [music] are a loving God. You are [singing] the livinging You are [singing] the livinging water. water. water. Water.

Water. Water. With [singing] you I'll [music] never With [singing] you I'll [music] never With [singing] you I'll [music] never thirst again. thirst again. thirst again. [music] [music] [music] Your love is like no [singing] other cuz you're a faithful cuz you're a faithful father. Where [singing] can I run when [music] Where [singing] can I run when [music] I'm broken? I'm broken? I'm broken? When heartache and pain [singing] steal When heartache and pain [singing] steal When heartache and pain [singing] steal my mind, my mind, my mind, I've searched [music and singing] for I've searched [music and singing] for I've searched [music and singing] for the waters to fill me. [music] the waters to fill me. [music] the waters to fill me. [music] When wondering from you satisfies, When wondering from you satisfies, When wondering from you satisfies, [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] oh you are a faithful you are a faithful father. You [music and singing] are an ever You [music and singing] are an ever present friend. [music] present friend. [music] present friend. [music] You are [singing] a love.

You are the livinging [music] You are the livinging [music] water. With you I'll never thirst again. With you I'll never thirst again. [music] Your love is like no [singing] other. Your love is like no [singing] other. Cuz Cuz Cuz you're a faithful, [singing] you're a faithful, [singing] you're a faithful, [singing] faithful faithful faithful father. [music] No high, no death could [music] stand No high, no death could [music] stand against your love for me. Oh, your against your love for me. Oh, your against your love for me. Oh, your [music] love for me. No high, no death [music] love for me. No high, no death [music] love for me. No high, no death could stand [music] could stand [music] could stand [music] against you. >> Hello everyone and welcome to Cavalry >> Hello everyone and welcome to Cavalry Online. We are streaming live from the Online. We are streaming live from the Online. We are streaming live from the Fort Lauderdale campus Fort Lauderdale campus Fort Lauderdale campus >> and we're so glad that you're watching >> and we're so glad that you're watching >> and we're so glad that you're watching with us today. My name is Sammy and I with us today. My name is Sammy and I with us today. My name is Sammy and I serve here with our communications team.

serve here with our communications team. serve here with our communications team. And my name is Shara and I'm with our And my name is Shara and I'm with our And my name is Shara and I'm with our jail and prison ministry here at jail and prison ministry here at jail and prison ministry here at Calvary. And this weekend we are Calvary. And this weekend we are Calvary. And this weekend we are starting a brand new teaching series starting a brand new teaching series starting a brand new teaching series titled Jesus on relationships. And titled Jesus on relationships. And titled Jesus on relationships. And Sammy, I don't know about you, but when Sammy, I don't know about you, but when Sammy, I don't know about you, but when I hear that, I'm like, tell me more. I hear that, I'm like, tell me more. I hear that, I'm like, tell me more. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Right. I'm so excited because our entire >> Right. I'm so excited because our entire >> Right. I'm so excited because our entire lives are made up of relationships. So, lives are made up of relationships. So, lives are made up of relationships. So, of course, we want to look at scripture of course, we want to look at scripture of course, we want to look at scripture and see what Jesus says about them. and see what Jesus says about them. and see what Jesus says about them. >> For sure. And today, guys, we're talking >> For sure. And today, guys, we're talking >> For sure. And today, guys, we're talking about friendship. So, here's a question. about friendship. So, here's a question. about friendship. So, here's a question. What comes to your mind when you hear What comes to your mind when you hear What comes to your mind when you hear the word friend? For me, when I think of the word friend? For me, when I think of the word friend? For me, when I think of friend, I think of laughter. I think of friend, I think of laughter. I think of friend, I think of laughter. I think of coffee. I think of someone who I can sit coffee. I think of someone who I can sit coffee. I think of someone who I can sit in the hard places with and them with me in the hard places with and them with me in the hard places with and them with me and just do life together. For me, I and just do life together. For me, I and just do life together. For me, I think of matcha dates cuz I don't really think of matcha dates cuz I don't really think of matcha dates cuz I don't really like coffee that much. But just having like coffee that much. But just having like coffee that much. But just having girls around me that could always pray girls around me that could always pray girls around me that could always pray for me and cheer me on in life and for me and cheer me on in life and for me and cheer me on in life and getting to be fully known and loved by getting to be fully known and loved by getting to be fully known and loved by them. Now, I'm sure you have your own them. Now, I'm sure you have your own them. Now, I'm sure you have your own thoughts and even questions about thoughts and even questions about thoughts and even questions about friendship. So, stay with us as we look friendship. So, stay with us as we look friendship. So, stay with us as we look at friendship through the lens of at friendship through the lens of at friendship through the lens of scripture. But before today's message, scripture. But before today's message, scripture. But before today's message, guys, let's get ready to praise our God guys, let's get ready to praise our God guys, let's get ready to praise our God because he is so worthy of all our because he is so worthy of all our because he is so worthy of all our praise. So, let's join the worship team praise. So, let's join the worship team praise. So, let's join the worship team now.

now. now. >> Well, good morning, Calvary Chapel. Come >> Well, good morning, Calvary Chapel. Come >> Well, good morning, Calvary Chapel. Come on, let's stand to our feet. Hope ready on, let's stand to our feet. Hope ready on, let's stand to our feet. Hope ready [music] to worship the Lord. Let's give [music] to worship the Lord. Let's give [music] to worship the Lord. Let's give him our highest praise this morning. him our highest praise this morning. him our highest praise this morning. Let's put our hands together. Lift your voice. Sing this. [music] Lift your voice. Sing this. [music] Lift up the banner or lift up [singing] Lift up the banner or lift up [singing] Lift up the banner or lift up [singing] his name. Jesus the Savior is here in this place. Jesus the Savior is here in this place. [music] For all of [singing] eternity praise For all of [singing] eternity praise will resound. I don't have to worry on like right now. I don't have to worry on like right now. [singing] He shall [music] be praised. He shall be He shall [music] be praised. He shall be praised praised praised [music] in heaven and earth the same. He [music] in heaven and earth the same. He [music] in heaven and earth the same. He shall be praised. He shall be praised. shall be praised. He shall be praised. shall be praised. He shall be praised. Exalted [singing] for endless days. Exalted [singing] for endless days. Exalted [singing] for endless days. [music] [music] [music] The lion of Judah. The lamb will save The lion of Judah. The lamb will save The lion of Judah. The lamb will save forever and ever he forever and ever he forever and ever he shall [music] be praised.

[music] [music] He shall be praised. No trouble, [music] No trouble, [music] no trouble, [singing] trial will silence no trouble, [singing] trial will silence no trouble, [singing] trial will silence my song. My strength is [music] in Jesus. The My strength is [music] in Jesus. The rock I stand on rock I stand on rock I stand on [music] [music] [music] mountains and valleys. My joy will mountains and valleys. My joy will mountains and valleys. My joy will [music] God [singing] God [singing] empty the grave. [music] We shall be praised. We shall [music] be We shall be praised. We shall [music] be praised praised praised in heaven. and earth. [singing] in heaven. and earth. [singing] in heaven. and earth. [singing] He shall [music] be praised. He shall be He shall [music] be praised. He shall be He shall [music] be praised. He shall be praised. praised. praised. Exalted [music and singing] forever to the lamb to the lamb forever [music] forever [music] forever [music] and ever. He and ever. He and ever. He shall be praised.

[music] Praise. [music] Praise. He shall be [singing] praised. >> [music] >> [music] >> Well, come on, church. Let's put our >> Well, come on, church. Let's put our >> Well, come on, church. Let's put our hands together and celebrate the Lord hands together and celebrate the Lord hands together and celebrate the Lord today. today. today. [music] [music] [music] Everybody clap your hands. Everybody Everybody clap your hands. Everybody Everybody clap your hands. Everybody move your feet. Isn't [music] he worthy, move your feet. Isn't [music] he worthy, move your feet. Isn't [music] he worthy, worthy of everything? Give it all. Don't worthy of everything? Give it all. Don't worthy of everything? Give it all. Don't [music] hold back. Praise him with all [music] hold back. Praise him with all [music] hold back. Praise him with all you have. Isn't he worthy? Worthy of you have. Isn't he worthy? Worthy of you have. Isn't he worthy? Worthy of everything. Everybody [music] clap your everything. Everybody [music] clap your everything. Everybody [music] clap your hands. Everybody move your feet. Isn't hands. Everybody move your feet. Isn't hands. Everybody move your feet. Isn't he worthy? Worthy of everything. Give it he worthy? Worthy of everything. Give it he worthy? Worthy of everything. Give it all. [music] Don't hold back. Praise him all. [music] Don't hold back. Praise him all. [music] Don't hold back. Praise him with all you have. Isn't he worthy? with all you have. Isn't he worthy? with all you have. Isn't he worthy? Worthy [music and singing] of Worthy [music and singing] of Worthy [music and singing] of everything. Everybody clap your hands. everything. Everybody clap your hands. everything. Everybody clap your hands. Everybody move [music] your feet. Is he Everybody move [music] your feet. Is he Everybody move [music] your feet. Is he worthy? Worthy of everything. worthy? Worthy of everything. worthy? Worthy of everything. [music] Is he worthy? worthy of everything.

Is he worthy? worthy of everything. He shall [music] be praised. He shall be He shall [music] be praised. He shall be He shall [music] be praised. He shall be praised praised praised in in in the same [music] the same [music] the same [music] he he he [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] forever forever and ever. forever and ever. Praise Wasn't that a great way to start [music] Wasn't that a great way to start [music] the morning church? to sing. He [music] shall be praised and to sing. He [music] shall be praised and he shall be praised for all that he's he shall be praised for all that he's he shall be praised for all that he's done in all of our lives. [music] This done in all of our lives. [music] This done in all of our lives. [music] This next song is our collective story. It's next song is our collective story. It's next song is our collective story. It's the story of all humanity [music] that the story of all humanity [music] that the story of all humanity [music] that we were lost. We were in need of a we were lost. We were in need of a we were lost. We were in need of a savior and Jesus stepped in to that savior and Jesus stepped in to that savior and Jesus stepped in to that story. You guys know [music] this song.

story. You guys know [music] this song. story. You guys know [music] this song. Please sing it along with us. Please sing it along with us. Please sing it along with us. How great the chasm [singing] How great the chasm [singing] How great the chasm [singing] that lay between [music] that lay between [music] that lay between [music] us. How high the [singing] mountain us. How high the [singing] mountain us. How high the [singing] mountain [music] [music] [music] I could not climb. I could not climb. I could not climb. In [music] desperation In [music] desperation In [music] desperation I turned to [singing] heaven I turned to [singing] heaven I turned to [singing] heaven and spoke your [music] name into the and spoke your [music] name into the and spoke your [music] name into the night. night. night. And [singing and music] through the And [singing and music] through the And [singing and music] through the darkness, darkness, darkness, your loving kindness [music] your loving kindness [music] your loving kindness [music] tore through [singing] the shadows tore through [singing] the shadows tore through [singing] the shadows of my soul. [music] of my soul. [music] of my soul. [music] The work is finished. [singing] The work is finished. [singing] The work is finished. [singing] The end is written. The end is written. The end is written. Jesus [music] Christ my livinging Jesus [music] Christ my livinging Jesus [music] Christ my livinging hope. Who [music] could imagine Who [music] could imagine so [singing] great a mercy?

so [singing] great a mercy? so [singing] great a mercy? What heart could fathom What heart could fathom What heart could fathom such [music] boundless grace? such [music] boundless grace? such [music] boundless grace? The God [singing] of ages The God [singing] of ages The God [singing] of ages stepped down from glory stepped down from glory stepped down from glory to wear my sin [music] and bear my to wear my sin [music] and bear my to wear my sin [music] and bear my shame. shame. shame. The cross has [music and singing] The cross has [music and singing] The cross has [music and singing] broken. broken. broken. I am forgiven. I am forgiven. I am forgiven. The King of [music] Kings cross The King of [music] Kings cross The King of [music] Kings cross [singing] [singing] [singing] his own. his own. his own. Beautiful [music and singing] Beautiful [music and singing] Beautiful [music and singing] Savior, Savior, Savior, I'm yours forever. I'm yours forever. I'm yours forever. Jesus [singing and music] Christ, my Jesus [singing and music] Christ, my Jesus [singing and music] Christ, my livinging livinging livinging Lord. Lord. Lord. Hallelujah. [music] Praise the one who set me free. Praise the one who set me free. Hallelujah. Death has [music] lost its grip on me.

Death has [music] lost its grip on me. You have broken every chain. [music] is You have broken every chain. [music] is You have broken every chain. [music] is salvation in [singing] your name Jesus salvation in [singing] your name Jesus salvation in [singing] your name Jesus Christ my living Christ my living Christ my living hope. [music] Then came the morning Then came the morning [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. Your buried [singing] Your buried [singing] Your buried [singing] body body body began to breathe. began to breathe. began to breathe. And out of the silence, [music] And out of the silence, [music] And out of the silence, [music] the roaring lion the roaring lion the roaring lion declare the grave [music] has no claim declare the grave [music] has no claim declare the grave [music] has no claim on me. Hallelujah. [music] >> Then came the morning [singing] >> Then came the morning [singing] and [music] sealed the proise. and [music] sealed the proise. and [music] sealed the proise. Your very heart [singing] Your very heart [singing] Your very heart [singing] [music] began to breathe. [music] began to breathe. [music] began to breathe. Out of the silence, Out of the silence, Out of the silence, the roaring lion the roaring lion the roaring lion [music] declare the grave has no [music] Praise the one who set me free.

[music] Praise the one who set me free. Hallelujah. Death has lost it for [music] me. You Death has lost it for [music] me. You have broken every chain. There [music] have broken every chain. There [music] have broken every chain. There [music] salvation [singing] salvation [singing] salvation [singing] in your name. Jesus Christ my living. in your name. Jesus Christ my living. in your name. Jesus Christ my living. [music] Praise the [music] word who set me free. Praise the [music] word who set me free. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Jesus Christ Jesus Christ my [music] living. [applause] [applause] [music] Amen.

Amen. You know, when we gather for worship and You know, when we gather for worship and You know, when we gather for worship and we gather to sing, it's not [music] only we gather to sing, it's not [music] only we gather to sing, it's not [music] only us singing. We are joining all of God's us singing. We are joining all of God's us singing. We are joining all of God's people all around [music] the world in people all around [music] the world in people all around [music] the world in their worship to God, in their worship their worship to God, in their worship their worship to God, in their worship to our creator, our King. And even then, to our creator, our King. And even then, to our creator, our King. And even then, it's not only just [music] us on earth it's not only just [music] us on earth it's not only just [music] us on earth worshiping the Lord. The scriptures tell worshiping the Lord. The scriptures tell worshiping the Lord. The scriptures tell us that right now in heaven, there is a us that right now in heaven, there is a us that right now in heaven, there is a [music] worship service with all the [music] worship service with all the [music] worship service with all the heavenly creatures worshiping God. And heavenly creatures worshiping God. And heavenly creatures worshiping God. And so just give a I want to give you a so just give a I want to give you a so just give a I want to give you a picture of what's happening in heaven picture of what's happening in heaven picture of what's happening in heaven right now as we worship. Here's what it right now as we worship. Here's what it right now as we worship. Here's what it says. Revelation 5:9. And they talking says. Revelation 5:9. And they talking says. Revelation 5:9. And they talking about the angels and heavenly creatures. about the angels and heavenly creatures. about the angels and heavenly creatures. They [music] sang a new song saying you They [music] sang a new song saying you They [music] sang a new song saying you are worthy to take the scroll and to are worthy to take the scroll and to are worthy to take the scroll and to open its [music] seals because you were open its [music] seals because you were open its [music] seals because you were slain. And with your blood you purchased slain. And with your blood you purchased slain. And with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and for God persons from every tribe and for God persons from every tribe and language and [music] people and nation. language and [music] people and nation. language and [music] people and nation. That's us. You've made them to be a That's us. You've made them to be a That's us. You've made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, kingdom and priests to serve our God, kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will [music] reign on the and they will [music] reign on the and they will [music] reign on the earth." And in a loud voice, they were earth." And in a loud voice, they were earth." And in a loud voice, they were saying, "Worthy is the Lamb who was saying, "Worthy is the Lamb who was saying, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and slain to receive power and wealth and slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory wisdom and strength and honor and glory wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise." that I heard every creature and praise." that I heard every creature and praise." that I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the in heaven and on earth and under the in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea and all that is earth and on the sea and all that is earth and on the sea and all that is [music] in them saying to him who sits [music] in them saying to him who sits [music] in them saying to him who sits on the throne and to the lamb be praise on the throne and to the lamb be praise on the throne and to the lamb be praise [music] and honor and glory and power [music] and honor and glory and power [music] and honor and glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

forever and ever. Amen. forever and ever. Amen. And as the first song said that God will And as the first song said that God will And as the first song said that God will be praised in [music] heaven and on be praised in [music] heaven and on be praised in [music] heaven and on earth the same that means when we join earth the same that means when we join earth the same that means when we join in song we are joining the song of in song we are joining the song of in song we are joining the song of heaven. So let's join the heavens heaven. So let's join the heavens heaven. So let's join the heavens [music] in worshiping God today. [music] Let's sing this together. [music] Let's sing this together. A thousand generations A thousand generations A thousand generations falling [music] down [singing] in falling [music] down [singing] in falling [music] down [singing] in worship worship worship to sing the song of ages [music] to me. And all who've gone before us and all And all who've gone before us and all who [music and singing] will believe who [music and singing] will believe who [music and singing] will believe will sing the song of ages to him. Sing will sing the song of ages to him. Sing will sing the song of ages to him. Sing your name. [music] your name. [music] your name. [music] Your name is the highest. Your name Your name is the highest. Your name Your name is the highest. Your name [music] [music] [music] is the greatest. Your name is the greatest. Your name is the greatest. Your name stands [singing] above them all. [music] All thrones and dominions, All thrones and dominions, all powers [singing] and [music] all powers [singing] and [music] all powers [singing] and [music] positions, your name positions, your name positions, your name stands [singing] above them all.

stands [singing] above them all. stands [singing] above them all. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And the angels cry out holy [singing] >> And the angels cry out holy [singing] >> And the angels cry out holy [singing] [music] all creation cry singing. [music] [music] You've been forgiven. You've been forgiven. You've been forgiven. And if you've been redeemed, And if you've been redeemed, And if you've been redeemed, I sing the song forever to I sing the song forever to I sing the song forever to you. you. you. If you [music] walk [singing] in freedom If you [music] walk [singing] in freedom If you [music] walk [singing] in freedom and if you bear the same, and if you bear the same, and if you bear the same, sing a [music] song [singing] forever to sing [music and singing] a song forever sing [music and singing] a song forever and amen.

and amen. and amen. And the angels cry. And the angels cry. And the angels cry. [music] Holy [music] Holy [music] Holy all creation cries. [music] all creation cries. [music] all creation cries. [music] Holy Holy Holy you are lifted high you are lifted high you are lifted high [music] be be holy, [music] We sing your name. [music] We sing your name. [music] Your name is the highest. Your [music] Your name is the highest. Your [music] Your name is the highest. Your [music] name is the greatest. Your name name is the greatest. Your name name is the greatest. Your name stands above [music and singing] them stands above [music and singing] them stands above [music and singing] them all.

all. all. of all host and dominions, [music] of all host and dominions, [music] of all host and dominions, [music] all powers and positions. Your name all powers and positions. Your name all powers and positions. Your name [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] stands above them all. [music] stands above them all. [music] stands above them all. >> Jesus, your name is the highest. Your >> Jesus, your name is the highest. Your >> Jesus, your name is the highest. Your name is [music] the greatest. Your name name is [music] the greatest. Your name name is [music] the greatest. Your name stands [singing] above the Lord. stands [singing] above the Lord. stands [singing] above the Lord. All All All your name is all your name is all your name is all in the vision. [music] in the vision. [music] in the vision. [music] Your name Your name Your name stands above [singing] stands above [singing] stands above [singing] all. all. all. The angels cry. [music] The angels cry. [music] The angels cry. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Holy Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] [music] you to the king of kings.

to the king of kings. [music and singing] [music] [music] We cry, [music] cry, [music] holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, we we we holy, [music] holy, holy, [music] holy, holy, [music] holy, holy. holy. holy. We We We holy, [music] holy, [singing] holy, [music] holy, [singing] holy, [music] holy, [singing] holy, holy, holy, holy. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Holy, [music] Holy, [music] holy, holy, holy, we cry [music] we cry [music] we cry [music] holy, holy, [singing] holy, holy, holy, [singing] holy, holy, holy, [singing] holy, holy forever. [music] We praise you We praise you for you are holy.

for you are holy. for you are holy. You are worthy. You're so worthy, God, of all of our You're so worthy, God, of all of our praise, all of our worship. praise, all of our worship. praise, all of our worship. [music] Would you sing that chorus again [music] Would you sing that chorus again [music] Would you sing that chorus again with me? And the angels [singing] with me? And the angels [singing] with me? And the angels [singing] cry, cry, cry, "Holy, "Holy, "Holy, all creation cries, all creation cries, all creation cries, holy, holy, holy, you are lifted high, [singing] Hear your people. [music] Hear your people. [music] Hear your people [singing] sing. Hear your people [singing] sing. Hear your people [singing] sing. Oh, this is all [music] for you, Jesus. Oh, this is all [music] for you, Jesus. Oh, this is all [music] for you, Jesus. King of kings. King of kings. King of kings. Holy. [singing] Holy. [singing] Holy. [singing] You will [music] always [music] [music] >> holy forever. [singing] Love you, God.

Love you, God. >> [music] [applause] [applause] >> Let's pray. >> Let's pray. >> Let's pray. Gracious Lord, will you heal your heal Gracious Lord, will you heal your heal Gracious Lord, will you heal your heal your people? your people? your people? Would you hear us? We [music] worship you and you alone. We We [music] worship you and you alone. We come into your presence offering our come into your presence offering our come into your presence offering our hearts [music] and our voices to you. hearts [music] and our voices to you. hearts [music] and our voices to you. It's just our response the way that you It's just our response the way that you It's just our response the way that you have loved us. We sang it before, Lord, have loved us. We sang it before, Lord, have loved us. We sang it before, Lord, when the chasm was far too wide. You when the chasm was far too wide. You when the chasm was far too wide. You chased after us. You would send your son chased after us. You would send your son chased after us. You would send your son to do what [music] we couldn't to live to do what [music] we couldn't to live to do what [music] we couldn't to live the life that none of us could live on the life that none of us could live on the life that none of us could live on our own. our own. our own. And out of a response to such love, And out of a response to such love, And out of a response to such love, grace, and mercy, we lay our lives and grace, and mercy, we lay our lives and grace, and mercy, we lay our lives and our hearts down at your feet. our hearts down at your feet. our hearts down at your feet. have our worship and have our praise have our worship and have our praise have our worship and have our praise because it's in your name that [music] because it's in your name that [music] because it's in your name that [music] we sing. In your name we pray and all of we sing. In your name we pray and all of we sing. In your name we pray and all of God's people said together. Amen.

God's people said together. Amen. God's people said together. Amen. Church, isn't it great to worship in the Church, isn't it great to worship in the Church, isn't it great to worship in the house of the Lord today. [music] house of the Lord today. [music] house of the Lord today. [music] You can have a seat. Hey guys, good morning. Before we join Hey guys, good morning. Before we join all of our campuses with the message all of our campuses with the message all of our campuses with the message today, I just want to share with you our today, I just want to share with you our today, I just want to share with you our hearts for a new rhythm that starts this hearts for a new rhythm that starts this hearts for a new rhythm that starts this Wednesday night. You know, one of the Wednesday night. You know, one of the Wednesday night. You know, one of the things I remember about Calvary back in things I remember about Calvary back in things I remember about Calvary back in the day was a weekend services full of the day was a weekend services full of the day was a weekend services full of people and then this midweek gathering people and then this midweek gathering people and then this midweek gathering on Wednesdays where people would come in on Wednesdays where people would come in on Wednesdays where people would come in the middle of the week and they would the middle of the week and they would the middle of the week and they would worship together and study God's word worship together and study God's word worship together and study God's word together and and so many things have together and and so many things have together and and so many things have changed that rhythm in people's lives. changed that rhythm in people's lives. changed that rhythm in people's lives. But we want to introduce back a new But we want to introduce back a new But we want to introduce back a new rhythm. And we've been doing this for rhythm. And we've been doing this for rhythm. And we've been doing this for the last couple of Wednesdays. And it the last couple of Wednesdays. And it the last couple of Wednesdays. And it really kicks off this Wednesday where really kicks off this Wednesday where really kicks off this Wednesday where we're going to invite you to come in the we're going to invite you to come in the we're going to invite you to come in the middle of the week and come at 5:30, middle of the week and come at 5:30, middle of the week and come at 5:30, grab some food in the generous cafe, grab some food in the generous cafe, grab some food in the generous cafe, come in the sanctuary at 6:30 and have a come in the sanctuary at 6:30 and have a come in the sanctuary at 6:30 and have a few worship songs together. And then few worship songs together. And then few worship songs together. And then split up into different groups. Care split up into different groups. Care split up into different groups. Care groups where people find the care they groups where people find the care they groups where people find the care they need for the journeys they're going need for the journeys they're going need for the journeys they're going through. A time of prayer. We have our through. A time of prayer. We have our through. A time of prayer. We have our prayer groups that meet on Wednesday prayer groups that meet on Wednesday prayer groups that meet on Wednesday nights. And then in the sanctuary for nights. And then in the sanctuary for nights. And then in the sanctuary for the next 5 weeks, conversations that are the next 5 weeks, conversations that are the next 5 weeks, conversations that are going to go deeper from this going to go deeper from this going to go deeper from this conversation on relationships where you conversation on relationships where you conversation on relationships where you can text in questions over the weekend.

can text in questions over the weekend. can text in questions over the weekend. We'll answer those questions. And what We'll answer those questions. And what We'll answer those questions. And what happens in this sanctuary on Wednesday happens in this sanctuary on Wednesday happens in this sanctuary on Wednesday will be more of a dialogue than a will be more of a dialogue than a will be more of a dialogue than a monologue as you meet with people in monologue as you meet with people in monologue as you meet with people in groups as get to know people because groups as get to know people because groups as get to know people because here's my heart. Here's my passion for here's my heart. Here's my passion for here's my heart. Here's my passion for you. There's not a week that doesn't go you. There's not a week that doesn't go you. There's not a week that doesn't go by where someone says to me, "Doug, I by where someone says to me, "Doug, I by where someone says to me, "Doug, I love this church. I love the worship. I love this church. I love the worship. I love this church. I love the worship. I love the teaching, but but frankly, I love the teaching, but but frankly, I love the teaching, but but frankly, I don't know anybody. I've been coming to don't know anybody. I've been coming to don't know anybody. I've been coming to the church for years. I don't have any the church for years. I don't have any the church for years. I don't have any deep friendships. And that that burdens deep friendships. And that that burdens deep friendships. And that that burdens me for for you and for us. And so, we're me for for you and for us. And so, we're me for for you and for us. And so, we're trying to create this place in the space trying to create this place in the space trying to create this place in the space where you prioritize time. You show up where you prioritize time. You show up where you prioritize time. You show up and you find some of these relationships and you find some of these relationships and you find some of these relationships being formed together. And so, so we being formed together. And so, so we being formed together. And so, so we decided, let's just practice this just decided, let's just practice this just decided, let's just practice this just for a minute before we get started. So, for a minute before we get started. So, for a minute before we get started. So, I'm going to ask everyone to stand up I'm going to ask everyone to stand up I'm going to ask everyone to stand up and I'm going to ask this is the and I'm going to ask this is the and I'm going to ask this is the introvert's worst fear, but we're going introvert's worst fear, but we're going introvert's worst fear, but we're going to do it anyway. to stand up and and to do it anyway. to stand up and and to do it anyway. to stand up and and we're going to give you like a minute, we're going to give you like a minute, we're going to give you like a minute, just a minute or so, just have a just a minute or so, just have a just a minute or so, just have a conversation with someone, get to know conversation with someone, get to know conversation with someone, get to know them, and practice being friendly. >> As people are greeting one another in >> As people are greeting one another in the room, we are so glad you have joined the room, we are so glad you have joined the room, we are so glad you have joined us online.

us online. us online. >> Yes. And if you're new here, we would >> Yes. And if you're new here, we would >> Yes. And if you're new here, we would love to meet you, too. So, just text the love to meet you, too. So, just text the love to meet you, too. So, just text the word new to 31352 word new to 31352 word new to 31352 and we will connect with you from there. and we will connect with you from there. and we will connect with you from there. And guys, we have a great time coming up And guys, we have a great time coming up And guys, we have a great time coming up on Wednesday night. As Pastor Doug on Wednesday night. As Pastor Doug on Wednesday night. As Pastor Doug shared, remember this is not going to be shared, remember this is not going to be shared, remember this is not going to be streamed online. It's only going to be streamed online. It's only going to be streamed online. It's only going to be in person cuz we want it to be an in person cuz we want it to be an in person cuz we want it to be an inperson experience, but we're so ready inperson experience, but we're so ready inperson experience, but we're so ready and so excited for Wednesday nights here and so excited for Wednesday nights here and so excited for Wednesday nights here at Calvary. at Calvary. at Calvary. >> Yes, it's going to be a great >> Yes, it's going to be a great >> Yes, it's going to be a great opportunity in the middle of your week opportunity in the middle of your week opportunity in the middle of your week to connect with others and to grow in to connect with others and to grow in to connect with others and to grow in your faith. So, we'd love to see you your faith. So, we'd love to see you your faith. So, we'd love to see you there. But again, if you can't make it, there. But again, if you can't make it, there. But again, if you can't make it, remember to go to our website to check remember to go to our website to check remember to go to our website to check out all the resources available to you. out all the resources available to you. out all the resources available to you. All right, guys. So, we are going to All right, guys. So, we are going to All right, guys. So, we are going to jump into our service with Pastor Doug jump into our service with Pastor Doug jump into our service with Pastor Doug where we are going to hear more about where we are going to hear more about where we are going to hear more about relationships, but particularly relationships, but particularly relationships, but particularly friendship, right? And we love when you friendship, right? And we love when you friendship, right? And we love when you think about friendship like think about friendship like think about friendship like >> I hate to break up these really good >> I hate to break up these really good >> I hate to break up these really good conversations, but you guys can have a conversations, but you guys can have a conversations, but you guys can have a seat.

We would like to welcome all of our We would like to welcome all of our campuses and those joining online, our campuses and those joining online, our campuses and those joining online, our VR campuses all over as we kick off a VR campuses all over as we kick off a VR campuses all over as we kick off a new series on relationships. This is new series on relationships. This is new series on relationships. This is actually a series we've been praying actually a series we've been praying actually a series we've been praying about and thinking about for like nine about and thinking about for like nine about and thinking about for like nine months and and we're here and so we're months and and we're here and so we're months and and we're here and so we're going to we dig deep in our going to we dig deep in our going to we dig deep in our relationships with friends and then with relationships with friends and then with relationships with friends and then with family and then talk about what does it family and then talk about what does it family and then talk about what does it mean to be single or married or to love mean to be single or married or to love mean to be single or married or to love your neighbor. And so in every one of your neighbor. And so in every one of your neighbor. And so in every one of these spaces, Jesus has something to these spaces, Jesus has something to these spaces, Jesus has something to say. And so I'm going to invite you to say. And so I'm going to invite you to say. And so I'm going to invite you to open your Bibles to John chapter 15 at open your Bibles to John chapter 15 at open your Bibles to John chapter 15 at the campus where you are. Just raise the campus where you are. Just raise the campus where you are. Just raise your hand. If you don't have a Bible, we your hand. If you don't have a Bible, we your hand. If you don't have a Bible, we want to put one in your hands. And it's want to put one in your hands. And it's want to put one in your hands. And it's going to be particularly important for going to be particularly important for going to be particularly important for you to scan the code that's on the you to scan the code that's on the you to scan the code that's on the screen or on the seat in front of you screen or on the seat in front of you screen or on the seat in front of you where you're going to get notes for this where you're going to get notes for this where you're going to get notes for this message because we're going to be all message because we're going to be all message because we're going to be all over the Bible today and you're not over the Bible today and you're not over the Bible today and you're not going to be able to keep up. I can tell going to be able to keep up. I can tell going to be able to keep up. I can tell you right away. Um so scan the code, you right away. Um so scan the code, you right away. Um so scan the code, you'll get notes for the message, you'll you'll get notes for the message, you'll you'll get notes for the message, you'll get questions for your groups, and get questions for your groups, and get questions for your groups, and you'll have a chance to see all that's you'll have a chance to see all that's you'll have a chance to see all that's happening around Calvary. So, a couple happening around Calvary. So, a couple happening around Calvary. So, a couple things we want you to to know about and things we want you to to know about and things we want you to to know about and that's we have a podcast that we've done that's we have a podcast that we've done that's we have a podcast that we've done as we teach on each of these as we teach on each of these as we teach on each of these relationships where we go a little bit relationships where we go a little bit relationships where we go a little bit deeper with an an expert or a practical deeper with an an expert or a practical deeper with an an expert or a practical way to apply this. And we're going to way to apply this. And we're going to way to apply this. And we're going to have these classes in groups that are have these classes in groups that are have these classes in groups that are going to help drive deeper this ability going to help drive deeper this ability going to help drive deeper this ability for us to connect with other people. And for us to connect with other people. And for us to connect with other people. And and one of the ways we're actually going and one of the ways we're actually going and one of the ways we're actually going to celebrate that is we want to to celebrate that is we want to to celebrate that is we want to celebrate what happened Friday night celebrate what happened Friday night celebrate what happened Friday night here as all of our women from all of our here as all of our women from all of our here as all of our women from all of our campuses came together for the campuses came together for the campuses came together for the gathering. Listen, Friday night there gathering. Listen, Friday night there gathering. Listen, Friday night there was 2500 women in this place and they was 2500 women in this place and they was 2500 women in this place and they were singing so loud and there was just were singing so loud and there was just were singing so loud and there was just so many really cool moments of new so many really cool moments of new so many really cool moments of new people coming to know Jesus and people coming to know Jesus and people coming to know Jesus and connections being made. And so I I just connections being made. And so I I just connections being made. And so I I just want to do this. Can we shout out all want to do this. Can we shout out all want to do this. Can we shout out all the women of Calvary at all of these

the women of Calvary at all of these the women of Calvary at all of these houses all over South Florida? We love houses all over South Florida? We love houses all over South Florida? We love you. We honor you. You make us better you. We honor you. You make us better you. We honor you. You make us better than we can be on our own. And and guys, than we can be on our own. And and guys, than we can be on our own. And and guys, it's going to be your turn in September. it's going to be your turn in September. it's going to be your turn in September. If you scan that QR code, the men's If you scan that QR code, the men's If you scan that QR code, the men's huddle is September 11th. We're going to huddle is September 11th. We're going to huddle is September 11th. We're going to gather here together and we're going to gather here together and we're going to gather here together and we're going to have a time where we talk about what have a time where we talk about what have a time where we talk about what that deep connection looks like. So, that deep connection looks like. So, that deep connection looks like. So, let's not let the women of Calvary outdo let's not let the women of Calvary outdo let's not let the women of Calvary outdo us again. Grab a friend, grab your sons, us again. Grab a friend, grab your sons, us again. Grab a friend, grab your sons, grab your grandsons, show up and let's grab your grandsons, show up and let's grab your grandsons, show up and let's watch God speak and work and move in watch God speak and work and move in watch God speak and work and move in connecting us deeply with one another. connecting us deeply with one another. connecting us deeply with one another. And so, our Bibles are open and I want And so, our Bibles are open and I want And so, our Bibles are open and I want to pray that God would prepare hearts as to pray that God would prepare hearts as to pray that God would prepare hearts as we read his word today. Let's pray we read his word today. Let's pray we read his word today. Let's pray together. Father, we take a moment and pause Father, we take a moment and pause just to remind our hearts just to remind our hearts just to remind our hearts that you see us, that you know us as we that you see us, that you know us as we that you see us, that you know us as we sit here. You know everything about us sit here. You know everything about us sit here. You know everything about us and you love us anyway. You love us and you love us anyway. You love us and you love us anyway. You love us deeply. And God, I pray the security and deeply. And God, I pray the security and deeply. And God, I pray the security and safety of that friendship would allow us safety of that friendship would allow us safety of that friendship would allow us to step out of our comfort zones and out to step out of our comfort zones and out to step out of our comfort zones and out of our shells and of our shells and of our shells and to make new friends, to go on a mission to make new friends, to go on a mission to make new friends, to go on a mission for you, to watch you do work that only for you, to watch you do work that only for you, to watch you do work that only you could do in our lives. And God, I you could do in our lives. And God, I you could do in our lives. And God, I pray that as your word is read today, as pray that as your word is read today, as pray that as your word is read today, as we look at Jesus and how he lived, that we look at Jesus and how he lived, that we look at Jesus and how he lived, that we would feel this sense of challenge we would feel this sense of challenge we would feel this sense of challenge and expectation for the good things you and expectation for the good things you and expectation for the good things you have for us as your kids.

have for us as your kids. have for us as your kids. And so Jesus, speak through your word And so Jesus, speak through your word And so Jesus, speak through your word today. We're listening. today. We're listening. today. We're listening. We pray this in your name. Amen. We pray this in your name. Amen. We pray this in your name. Amen. You know, growing up, all all through my You know, growing up, all all through my You know, growing up, all all through my childhood and teenage years, I was childhood and teenage years, I was childhood and teenage years, I was surrounded by friends in my neighborhood surrounded by friends in my neighborhood surrounded by friends in my neighborhood and plantation, this little bike gang, and plantation, this little bike gang, and plantation, this little bike gang, you know, going around playing football you know, going around playing football you know, going around playing football in the park and at school and class and in the park and at school and class and in the park and at school and class and on all the soccer teams and football on all the soccer teams and football on all the soccer teams and football teams and basketball teams. I was always teams and basketball teams. I was always teams and basketball teams. I was always surrounded by friends. And in in high surrounded by friends. And in in high surrounded by friends. And in in high school, the friendships weren't always, school, the friendships weren't always, school, the friendships weren't always, you know, the the right type of you know, the the right type of you know, the the right type of friendships cuz, you know, life at the friendships cuz, you know, life at the friendships cuz, you know, life at the party and all the things that happen party and all the things that happen party and all the things that happen when you're not connected to Jesus. But when you're not connected to Jesus. But when you're not connected to Jesus. But but I was never really alone. And then I but I was never really alone. And then I but I was never really alone. And then I became a Christian at 18 years old and became a Christian at 18 years old and became a Christian at 18 years old and all my friends sort of disappeared. And all my friends sort of disappeared. And all my friends sort of disappeared. And for the first time in my life, for the first time in my life, for the first time in my life, I was alone. I was alone. I was alone. On a Friday night, there was no one to On a Friday night, there was no one to On a Friday night, there was no one to call because all my friends were call because all my friends were call because all my friends were partying and that wasn't my life partying and that wasn't my life partying and that wasn't my life anymore. And though I found that God had anymore. And though I found that God had anymore. And though I found that God had met me in a place he'd filled that that met me in a place he'd filled that that met me in a place he'd filled that that hole, that God-shaped hole in all of us hole, that God-shaped hole in all of us hole, that God-shaped hole in all of us that I was looking for, a sense of peace that I was looking for, a sense of peace that I was looking for, a sense of peace with God and purpose and joy, and it was with God and purpose and joy, and it was with God and purpose and joy, and it was worth it. That sense of loneliness, that worth it. That sense of loneliness, that worth it. That sense of loneliness, that aching, like there's got to be something aching, like there's got to be something aching, like there's got to be something more. It just wouldn't leave me.

more. It just wouldn't leave me. more. It just wouldn't leave me. And then I read this And then I read this And then I read this scripture in the book of Genesis, on the scripture in the book of Genesis, on the scripture in the book of Genesis, on the first few pages of the Bible about Adam first few pages of the Bible about Adam first few pages of the Bible about Adam in the Garden of Eden. Here's what it in the Garden of Eden. Here's what it in the Garden of Eden. Here's what it says about Adam in the garden. It is not says about Adam in the garden. It is not says about Adam in the garden. It is not good for the man to be alone. good for the man to be alone. good for the man to be alone. This is God speaking about Adam. Adam is This is God speaking about Adam. Adam is This is God speaking about Adam. Adam is in a perfect garden. Sin has not entered in a perfect garden. Sin has not entered in a perfect garden. Sin has not entered the world yet. Adam walks with God in the world yet. Adam walks with God in the world yet. Adam walks with God in the morning. He is deeply wired and the morning. He is deeply wired and the morning. He is deeply wired and connected to God, but has no earthly or connected to God, but has no earthly or connected to God, but has no earthly or human companion. And God says it's not human companion. And God says it's not human companion. And God says it's not good for him to be alone. And that's good for him to be alone. And that's good for him to be alone. And that's when it clicked that not only do we as when it clicked that not only do we as when it clicked that not only do we as human beings have a God-shaped hole that human beings have a God-shaped hole that human beings have a God-shaped hole that only he can fill in our lives, but we only he can fill in our lives, but we only he can fill in our lives, but we also have a human-shaped hole that only also have a human-shaped hole that only also have a human-shaped hole that only other people can fill in our lives. And other people can fill in our lives. And other people can fill in our lives. And we are wired for this deep connection. we are wired for this deep connection. we are wired for this deep connection. You see, the feeling a lot of us could You see, the feeling a lot of us could You see, the feeling a lot of us could have in a room like this is have in a room like this is have in a room like this is I'm alone and I'm the only one. But I'm alone and I'm the only one. But I'm alone and I'm the only one. But that's a lie because you are not alone that's a lie because you are not alone that's a lie because you are not alone in your loneliness. Every human being at in your loneliness. Every human being at in your loneliness. Every human being at different stages and moments of life different stages and moments of life different stages and moments of life will struggle with loneliness. I just will struggle with loneliness. I just will struggle with loneliness. I just got a new job. I don't know anyone. I'm got a new job. I don't know anyone. I'm got a new job. I don't know anyone. I'm going away to a new college. I'm not going away to a new college. I'm not going away to a new college. I'm not sure what it's going to be like. I I sure what it's going to be like. I I sure what it's going to be like. I I just uh went home to be with the kids just uh went home to be with the kids just uh went home to be with the kids and now I'm home and I I don't feel the and now I'm home and I I don't feel the and now I'm home and I I don't feel the connections I used to have. What do I do connections I used to have. What do I do connections I used to have. What do I do with that sense of loneliness? And to with that sense of loneliness? And to with that sense of loneliness? And to admit that you're lonely.

admit that you're lonely. admit that you're lonely. That's tough cuz like if you meet alone, That's tough cuz like if you meet alone, That's tough cuz like if you meet alone, you aren't people that are lonely, you aren't people that are lonely, you aren't people that are lonely, aren't they like losers? They don't have aren't they like losers? They don't have aren't they like losers? They don't have friends that no one wants to hang out friends that no one wants to hang out friends that no one wants to hang out with them and I can't say that. So I with them and I can't say that. So I with them and I can't say that. So I just say, "Praise the Lord. Life is just say, "Praise the Lord. Life is just say, "Praise the Lord. Life is good. I sing my songs. I read my Bible. good. I sing my songs. I read my Bible. good. I sing my songs. I read my Bible. I show up in church. I smile and wave. I show up in church. I smile and wave. I show up in church. I smile and wave. But inside, But inside, But inside, [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] if we're honest, if we're honest, if we're honest, all of us have those moments. all of us have those moments. all of us have those moments. We are wired deeply to connect with God. We are wired deeply to connect with God. We are wired deeply to connect with God. And we are wired deeply to connect with And we are wired deeply to connect with And we are wired deeply to connect with others. And what the Bible teaches, others. And what the Bible teaches, others. And what the Bible teaches, social science confirms. I want to share social science confirms. I want to share social science confirms. I want to share with you a study. with you a study. with you a study. This is the longest longitudinal study This is the longest longitudinal study This is the longest longitudinal study of human health and happiness ever done of human health and happiness ever done of human health and happiness ever done by Harvard University. It began in 1934. by Harvard University. It began in 1934. by Harvard University. It began in 1934. And they were studying 724 men. And it And they were studying 724 men. And it And they were studying 724 men. And it was going to follow them through was going to follow them through was going to follow them through adolescence all the way through old age adolescence all the way through old age adolescence all the way through old age and then their kids and grandkids. 724 and then their kids and grandkids. 724 and then their kids and grandkids. 724 men, 1300 of their descendants. This men, 1300 of their descendants. This men, 1300 of their descendants. This study has been in effect for 92 study has been in effect for 92 study has been in effect for 92 years. And they're looking for factors years. And they're looking for factors years. And they're looking for factors that lead to happiness in life and that lead to happiness in life and that lead to happiness in life and longevity in life. How what are habits longevity in life. How what are habits longevity in life. How what are habits that help people stay healthy and happy?

that help people stay healthy and happy? that help people stay healthy and happy? And so they started looking at all these And so they started looking at all these And so they started looking at all these different factors individually. Is it different factors individually. Is it different factors individually. Is it money? If you have more money, will you money? If you have more money, will you money? If you have more money, will you be happier and live longer? Is it good be happier and live longer? Is it good be happier and live longer? Is it good physical health? If you work out and physical health? If you work out and physical health? If you work out and sleep good and have proper diet, is that sleep good and have proper diet, is that sleep good and have proper diet, is that going to help you to live a longer and going to help you to live a longer and going to help you to live a longer and happier life? What what about happier life? What what about happier life? What what about IQ? Well, if you're smarter than IQ? Well, if you're smarter than IQ? Well, if you're smarter than everyone else, well, certainly you're everyone else, well, certainly you're everyone else, well, certainly you're going to have a better life because going to have a better life because going to have a better life because you're going to make better decisions. you're going to make better decisions. you're going to make better decisions. And all of those factors pad in And all of those factors pad in And all of those factors pad in comparison comparison comparison to this one factor that was more to this one factor that was more to this one factor that was more dominant than any other factor in dominant than any other factor in dominant than any other factor in producing a life of health and happiness producing a life of health and happiness producing a life of health and happiness and it was deep relationships, social and it was deep relationships, social and it was deep relationships, social connection. Harvard stumbled across connection. Harvard stumbled across connection. Harvard stumbled across something we could have read in the something we could have read in the something we could have read in the second page of our Bible. It is not good second page of our Bible. It is not good second page of our Bible. It is not good for you to be alone. We are wired to for you to be alone. We are wired to for you to be alone. We are wired to connect with other people. In fact, connect with other people. In fact, connect with other people. In fact, they they really looked closely at the they they really looked closely at the they they really looked closely at the difference between physical fitness and difference between physical fitness and difference between physical fitness and what they called social fitness. And what they called social fitness. And what they called social fitness. And they discovered that you are better off they discovered that you are better off they discovered that you are better off having strong, deep connections and having strong, deep connections and having strong, deep connections and being unhealthy being unhealthy being unhealthy than you are being super healthy when than you are being super healthy when than you are being super healthy when having no social connection. So, here's having no social connection. So, here's having no social connection. So, here's how I conclude the whole study. You are how I conclude the whole study. You are how I conclude the whole study. You are better off eating Twinkies with friends better off eating Twinkies with friends better off eating Twinkies with friends than you are eating broccoli all by than you are eating broccoli all by than you are eating broccoli all by yourself.

yourself. yourself. Some of you guys, that's all you're Some of you guys, that's all you're Some of you guys, that's all you're going to remember from the sermon. going to remember from the sermon. going to remember from the sermon. You're going to go home and go, I need You're going to go home and go, I need You're going to go home and go, I need to eat some Twinkies with my friends. to eat some Twinkies with my friends. to eat some Twinkies with my friends. And we think about social connections And we think about social connections And we think about social connections and how they help us to live the full and how they help us to live the full and how they help us to live the full life that God created for us. Well, life that God created for us. Well, life that God created for us. Well, they just re released some data about they just re released some data about they just re released some data about how many people now eat meals how many people now eat meals how many people now eat meals all by themselves. all by themselves. all by themselves. More people eat meals by themselves than More people eat meals by themselves than More people eat meals by themselves than people who eat meals with other people. people who eat meals with other people. people who eat meals with other people. What's happening? places of social What's happening? places of social What's happening? places of social connection where we get to know each connection where we get to know each connection where we get to know each other, where we look each other in the other, where we look each other in the other, where we look each other in the eyes. These social connections are being eyes. These social connections are being eyes. These social connections are being frayed by all sorts of factors. The frayed by all sorts of factors. The frayed by all sorts of factors. The busyiness factor, the remote work busyiness factor, the remote work busyiness factor, the remote work factor. I work from home now. COVID factor. I work from home now. COVID factor. I work from home now. COVID created social distancing. And then of created social distancing. And then of created social distancing. And then of course there's this thing, this thing course there's this thing, this thing course there's this thing, this thing that we touch 2600 times a day. this that we touch 2600 times a day. this that we touch 2600 times a day. this thing that if you're walking away and thing that if you're walking away and thing that if you're walking away and you can't find you, [panting] you can't find you, [panting] you can't find you, [panting] okay, okay, okay, I'm not talking about myself. I have I'm not talking about myself. I have I'm not talking about myself. I have friends that that do that.

friends that that do that. friends that that do that. This thing that causes us to miss This thing that causes us to miss This thing that causes us to miss moments where we're with the most moments where we're with the most moments where we're with the most important people in our lives and we important people in our lives and we important people in our lives and we have this distracted, have this distracted, have this distracted, the thing that robs us of eye contact, the thing that robs us of eye contact, the thing that robs us of eye contact, one of the deepest ways we socially one of the deepest ways we socially one of the deepest ways we socially connect with other people. connect with other people. connect with other people. And it creates this level of distraction And it creates this level of distraction And it creates this level of distraction and addiction that makes us feel and addiction that makes us feel and addiction that makes us feel connected with a thousand people, but connected with a thousand people, but connected with a thousand people, but really we're not connected at all. really we're not connected at all. really we're not connected at all. This is happening in our world. We're This is happening in our world. We're This is happening in our world. We're eating together less. We're more eating together less. We're more eating together less. We're more distracted. We're less engaged. distracted. We're less engaged. distracted. We're less engaged. And we see in the first few pages of And we see in the first few pages of And we see in the first few pages of Bible, it's not good for us to be alone. Bible, it's not good for us to be alone. Bible, it's not good for us to be alone. It's not good for us to be isolated. In It's not good for us to be isolated. In It's not good for us to be isolated. In fact, this this loneliness epidemic was fact, this this loneliness epidemic was fact, this this loneliness epidemic was described by the US surgeon general in described by the US surgeon general in described by the US surgeon general in 2023 after COVID and after all the 2023 after COVID and after all the 2023 after COVID and after all the things. And he he described loneliness things. And he he described loneliness things. And he he described loneliness as a national public health epidemic. as a national public health epidemic. as a national public health epidemic. And here's the line from his report. And here's the line from his report. And here's the line from his report. Isolation is as deadly as smoking 15 Isolation is as deadly as smoking 15 Isolation is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

cigarettes a day. cigarettes a day. Now, this is science. Now, this is science. Now, this is science. plan yet if you if you really think like plan yet if you if you really think like plan yet if you if you really think like that's crazy smoking 15 cigarettes a that's crazy smoking 15 cigarettes a that's crazy smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It's just as crazy to be all by day. It's just as crazy to be all by day. It's just as crazy to be all by yourself and let anxiety take its place yourself and let anxiety take its place yourself and let anxiety take its place in your heart and let depression make in your heart and let depression make in your heart and let depression make you feel more and more disconnected from you feel more and more disconnected from you feel more and more disconnected from other people and you find yourself going other people and you find yourself going other people and you find yourself going into yourself and that pressure and into yourself and that pressure and into yourself and that pressure and stress and burden and feeling of I'm all stress and burden and feeling of I'm all stress and burden and feeling of I'm all by myself is not how you were wired to by myself is not how you were wired to by myself is not how you were wired to live. live. live. And so one of the questions we want to And so one of the questions we want to And so one of the questions we want to ask ourselves is like so so what happens ask ourselves is like so so what happens ask ourselves is like so so what happens when you have all these connections but when you have all these connections but when you have all these connections but none of them are deep none of them are deep none of them are deep like as we're the most connected like as we're the most connected like as we're the most connected generation right now I can FaceTime generation right now I can FaceTime generation right now I can FaceTime someone in Singapore and I can in real someone in Singapore and I can in real someone in Singapore and I can in real time be connected with them but here's time be connected with them but here's time be connected with them but here's the challenge with these relationships the challenge with these relationships the challenge with these relationships that are a thousand miles wide and a that are a thousand miles wide and a that are a thousand miles wide and a half inch deep. Well Solomon says it half inch deep. Well Solomon says it half inch deep. Well Solomon says it this way. this way. this way. A man of many companions may come to A man of many companions may come to A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there's a friend who sticks ruin, but there's a friend who sticks ruin, but there's a friend who sticks closer than a brother. What is Solomon closer than a brother. What is Solomon closer than a brother. What is Solomon saying? He's saying if you have a lot of saying? He's saying if you have a lot of saying? He's saying if you have a lot of friends, you're in big trouble. What?

friends, you're in big trouble. What? friends, you're in big trouble. What? Yeah. If you have a thousand friends, Yeah. If you have a thousand friends, Yeah. If you have a thousand friends, you're in big trouble. Because when you you're in big trouble. Because when you you're in big trouble. Because when you need to call someone, you're going to need to call someone, you're going to need to call someone, you're going to realize you don't have a thousand realize you don't have a thousand realize you don't have a thousand friends, you have a thousand companions, friends, you have a thousand companions, friends, you have a thousand companions, a thousand connections that are about a thousand connections that are about a thousand connections that are about this deep. But if you could find a this deep. But if you could find a this deep. But if you could find a friend who sticks closer than a brother friend who sticks closer than a brother friend who sticks closer than a brother who will pick up your phone call in a who will pick up your phone call in a who will pick up your phone call in a time of need, then you'll never be alone time of need, then you'll never be alone time of need, then you'll never be alone in the world again. in the world again. in the world again. And so in all of this, And so in all of this, And so in all of this, we're going to let Jesus speak because we're going to let Jesus speak because we're going to let Jesus speak because you're like, "Man, I came to church you're like, "Man, I came to church you're like, "Man, I came to church today to be encouraged to talk about today to be encouraged to talk about today to be encouraged to talk about relationships and frankly, I'm relationships and frankly, I'm relationships and frankly, I'm depressed. I want to go Twinkie with my depressed. I want to go Twinkie with my depressed. I want to go Twinkie with my friend. I mean, this is this is tough friend. I mean, this is this is tough friend. I mean, this is this is tough stuff." All right, so everyone take a stuff." All right, so everyone take a stuff." All right, so everyone take a deep breath. deep breath. deep breath. [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] In all of this, Jesus is going to speak In all of this, Jesus is going to speak In all of this, Jesus is going to speak into this cultural moment. He's going to into this cultural moment. He's going to into this cultural moment. He's going to show us what friendship is about. He's show us what friendship is about. He's show us what friendship is about. He's going to speak about it. He's going to going to speak about it. He's going to going to speak about it. He's going to model it. And as followers of Jesus, we model it. And as followers of Jesus, we model it. And as followers of Jesus, we would be wise to pay attention. How did would be wise to pay attention. How did would be wise to pay attention. How did Jesus make friends? What did his Jesus make friends? What did his Jesus make friends? What did his friendships look like? How long did they friendships look like? How long did they friendships look like? How long did they last? How did he navigate all the last? How did he navigate all the last? How did he navigate all the things? And we're going to see this as things? And we're going to see this as things? And we're going to see this as we look at Mark 3 verse 14. This we look at Mark 3 verse 14. This we look at Mark 3 verse 14. This describes his introduction moment where describes his introduction moment where describes his introduction moment where he invites 12 men to be his friends and he invites 12 men to be his friends and he invites 12 men to be his friends and to walk with him for the next three to walk with him for the next three to walk with him for the next three years. Says he appointed 12 that they years. Says he appointed 12 that they years. Says he appointed 12 that they may be with him and that he might send may be with him and that he might send may be with him and that he might send them out to preach.

them out to preach. them out to preach. He picked these 12 men after praying all He picked these 12 men after praying all He picked these 12 men after praying all night long. He wanted to be with them night long. He wanted to be with them night long. He wanted to be with them and he wanted to send them on a mission. and he wanted to send them on a mission. and he wanted to send them on a mission. These two things are are descripts with These two things are are descripts with These two things are are descripts with the disciples on and on. So what does the disciples on and on. So what does the disciples on and on. So what does this look like? He wanted to be with this look like? He wanted to be with this look like? He wanted to be with them. them. them. Well, if you read the first description Well, if you read the first description Well, if you read the first description of how he met the disciples, the of how he met the disciples, the of how he met the disciples, the disciples were looking on at Jesus. He disciples were looking on at Jesus. He disciples were looking on at Jesus. He was teaching. People were following him was teaching. People were following him was teaching. People were following him and they asked him a question. Hey and they asked him a question. Hey and they asked him a question. Hey Jesus, where are you sleeping tonight? Jesus, where are you sleeping tonight? Jesus, where are you sleeping tonight? And he says, come and see. And then the And he says, come and see. And then the And he says, come and see. And then the Bible describes they spent the entire Bible describes they spent the entire Bible describes they spent the entire day with Jesus. I wonder what that was day with Jesus. I wonder what that was day with Jesus. I wonder what that was like. like. like. that first meal, that second meal, that that first meal, that second meal, that that first meal, that second meal, that conversation, where' they walk, what did conversation, where' they walk, what did conversation, where' they walk, what did they do? And then they started bringing they do? And then they started bringing they do? And then they started bringing their friends, their brothers, and this their friends, their brothers, and this their friends, their brothers, and this band of disciples began to follow Jesus. band of disciples began to follow Jesus. band of disciples began to follow Jesus. For the next three years, they ate For the next three years, they ate For the next three years, they ate together, they traveled together, they together, they traveled together, they together, they traveled together, they they slept together, they went through they slept together, they went through they slept together, they went through uh moments of high high miraculous like uh moments of high high miraculous like uh moments of high high miraculous like winds and then some really difficult winds and then some really difficult winds and then some really difficult losses and setbacks. They worked some losses and setbacks. They worked some losses and setbacks. They worked some 20our days together and then they 20our days together and then they 20our days together and then they retreated and had a totally unc retreated and had a totally unc retreated and had a totally unc cluttered time of just kind of hanging cluttered time of just kind of hanging cluttered time of just kind of hanging out together.

out together. out together. And Jesus, he huddles his disciples And Jesus, he huddles his disciples And Jesus, he huddles his disciples together now because he knows he's about together now because he knows he's about together now because he knows he's about to be crucified. to be crucified. to be crucified. And he says this to his disciples, "I no And he says this to his disciples, "I no And he says this to his disciples, "I no longer call you servants longer call you servants longer call you servants because a servant does not know his because a servant does not know his because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I've called master's business. Instead, I've called master's business. Instead, I've called you friends. you friends. you friends. For everything I learned from my father, For everything I learned from my father, For everything I learned from my father, I have made known to you. I have made known to you. I have made known to you. Jesus reiterates Jesus reiterates Jesus reiterates what the Bible's been talking about for what the Bible's been talking about for what the Bible's been talking about for centuries. centuries. centuries. Jesus reveals the heart of his father Jesus reveals the heart of his father Jesus reveals the heart of his father that God wants to be that God wants to be that God wants to be your friend. your friend. your friend. Wait, what? Wait, what? Wait, what? That the creator of the universe That the creator of the universe That the creator of the universe wants to be your friend. He he gave us wants to be your friend. He he gave us wants to be your friend. He he gave us glimpses when we look at Adam and Eve glimpses when we look at Adam and Eve glimpses when we look at Adam and Eve walking in the garden. God would walk walking in the garden. God would walk walking in the garden. God would walk with Adam and Eve in the cool of the with Adam and Eve in the cool of the with Adam and Eve in the cool of the morning. This picture of friendship, morning. This picture of friendship, morning. This picture of friendship, hey, let's go on a walk. This picture of hey, let's go on a walk. This picture of hey, let's go on a walk. This picture of Abraham being called a friend of God. Abraham being called a friend of God. Abraham being called a friend of God. This picture of Moses who would talk to This picture of Moses who would talk to This picture of Moses who would talk to God face to face like a man talks to his God face to face like a man talks to his God face to face like a man talks to his friend. And Jesus is like, I'm here to friend. And Jesus is like, I'm here to friend. And Jesus is like, I'm here to reveal the father. I'm here to show you reveal the father. I'm here to show you reveal the father. I'm here to show you how the father loves. I don't just want how the father loves. I don't just want how the father loves. I don't just want to use you for my mission. You're not to use you for my mission. You're not to use you for my mission. You're not just useful for me. I actually like you.

just useful for me. I actually like you. just useful for me. I actually like you. And there's a big difference between And there's a big difference between And there's a big difference between being in partnership with someone or being in partnership with someone or being in partnership with someone or even loving someone and liking them. even loving someone and liking them. even loving someone and liking them. Let's just be honest. Let's just be honest. Let's just be honest. You know, you know why God loves you? You know, you know why God loves you? You know, you know why God loves you? Because he has to Because he has to Because he has to in your family. Your family, you have to in your family. Your family, you have to in your family. Your family, you have to love them. You're you're a family. You love them. You're you're a family. You love them. You're you're a family. You have no choice. But you might not like have no choice. But you might not like have no choice. But you might not like them. There's a difference between I them. There's a difference between I them. There's a difference between I love you and I like you. I like you is love you and I like you. I like you is love you and I like you. I like you is looking at someone and say, I am looking at someone and say, I am looking at someone and say, I am genuinely glad you were born and I'm genuinely glad you were born and I'm genuinely glad you were born and I'm genuinely glad to be in a relationship genuinely glad to be in a relationship genuinely glad to be in a relationship with you. That's a whole another level. with you. That's a whole another level. with you. That's a whole another level. God doesn't just love you. He likes you. God doesn't just love you. He likes you. God doesn't just love you. He likes you. He's got your picture on his fridge. I He's got your picture on his fridge. I He's got your picture on his fridge. I mean, he's proud of you. mean, he's proud of you. mean, he's proud of you. [clears throat] And this is what Jesus [clears throat] And this is what Jesus [clears throat] And this is what Jesus reveals. I'm not just calling you my reveals. I'm not just calling you my reveals. I'm not just calling you my servants. I'm calling you my friends. servants. I'm calling you my friends. servants. I'm calling you my friends. And he gives him this beautiful vision And he gives him this beautiful vision And he gives him this beautiful vision of friendship. And then he says things of friendship. And then he says things of friendship. And then he says things like, "Hey, and so I want to make this like, "Hey, and so I want to make this like, "Hey, and so I want to make this invitation not just to the disciples invitation not just to the disciples invitation not just to the disciples 2,000 years ago, but to you. Remain in 2,000 years ago, but to you. Remain in 2,000 years ago, but to you. Remain in my love. Abide in my love. Walk with my love. Abide in my love. Walk with my love. Abide in my love. Walk with me." And what does it look like to have me." And what does it look like to have me." And what does it look like to have a friendship with Jesus today? Well, in a friendship with Jesus today? Well, in a friendship with Jesus today? Well, in the same way Abraham spent time walking the same way Abraham spent time walking the same way Abraham spent time walking with God. Moses spent time in God's with God. Moses spent time in God's with God. Moses spent time in God's presence. We can also learn to have a presence. We can also learn to have a presence. We can also learn to have a friendship friendship friendship with Jesus.

with Jesus. with Jesus. What does it mean to have a friendship What does it mean to have a friendship What does it mean to have a friendship with Jesus? with Jesus? with Jesus? Well, was I was preparing for this Well, was I was preparing for this Well, was I was preparing for this message. I I thought of a couple message. I I thought of a couple message. I I thought of a couple moments. One was like this last Tuesday moments. One was like this last Tuesday moments. One was like this last Tuesday morning, I woke up and morning, I woke up and morning, I woke up and the sky was painted with this incredible the sky was painted with this incredible the sky was painted with this incredible sunrise. sunrise. sunrise. And I could have said, "God, thanks for And I could have said, "God, thanks for And I could have said, "God, thanks for the sunrise." the sunrise." the sunrise." But for some reason, because this was on But for some reason, because this was on But for some reason, because this was on my mind, I just said, "Jesus, my mind, I just said, "Jesus, my mind, I just said, "Jesus, thanks for making that for me." thanks for making that for me." thanks for making that for me." And this is like just this moment of And this is like just this moment of And this is like just this moment of connection. connection. connection. Or before I walk out here, Or before I walk out here, Or before I walk out here, I [clears throat] could say, "Jesus, I [clears throat] could say, "Jesus, I [clears throat] could say, "Jesus, here we go. We're doing this together." here we go. We're doing this together." here we go. We're doing this together." Because I don't know if you know this or Because I don't know if you know this or Because I don't know if you know this or not, but Jesus doesn't need me or you, not, but Jesus doesn't need me or you, not, but Jesus doesn't need me or you, but he delights to use us in this but he delights to use us in this but he delights to use us in this beautiful friendship in partnership. beautiful friendship in partnership. beautiful friendship in partnership. This is what it means to have a This is what it means to have a This is what it means to have a friendship with Jesus. friendship with Jesus. friendship with Jesus. But he also invites us to have a But he also invites us to have a But he also invites us to have a friendship with others. And so, I'm friendship with others. And so, I'm friendship with others. And so, I'm going to ask you this question that going to ask you this question that going to ask you this question that maybe you've never asked yourself before maybe you've never asked yourself before maybe you've never asked yourself before that Jesus invites us to ask, and that's that Jesus invites us to ask, and that's that Jesus invites us to ask, and that's this. What is your vision this. What is your vision this. What is your vision for friendship?

for friendship? for friendship? Your vision for your entire life if it's Your vision for your entire life if it's Your vision for your entire life if it's the most important thing according to the most important thing according to the most important thing according to God's word and the researchers on human God's word and the researchers on human God's word and the researchers on human health and happiness. health and happiness. health and happiness. Do you have a vision for your Do you have a vision for your Do you have a vision for your friendships? Because because most of us friendships? Because because most of us friendships? Because because most of us have a vision for our money. We have a a have a vision for our money. We have a a have a vision for our money. We have a a financial planner. We do our budget. We financial planner. We do our budget. We financial planner. We do our budget. We vision if I save here's what I'll be vision if I save here's what I'll be vision if I save here's what I'll be able to accomplish. We have a vision for able to accomplish. We have a vision for able to accomplish. We have a vision for our education. I'm going to get this our education. I'm going to get this our education. I'm going to get this degree and this degree and this degree. degree and this degree and this degree. degree and this degree and this degree. We have we have a vision for our We have we have a vision for our We have we have a vision for our parenting. I want my kids to go from parenting. I want my kids to go from parenting. I want my kids to go from here to here to here. We have we have a here to here to here. We have we have a here to here to here. We have we have a vision for lots of things, but almost no vision for lots of things, but almost no vision for lots of things, but almost no one has a vision for friendship. one has a vision for friendship. one has a vision for friendship. And yet, if it's one of the most And yet, if it's one of the most And yet, if it's one of the most important factors and Jesus models us, important factors and Jesus models us, important factors and Jesus models us, well, we would be wise to consider what well, we would be wise to consider what well, we would be wise to consider what would those friendships look like. And would those friendships look like. And would those friendships look like. And so, I want us to see four things that we so, I want us to see four things that we so, I want us to see four things that we see Jesus do that if we put into see Jesus do that if we put into see Jesus do that if we put into practice, it would deepen our friendship practice, it would deepen our friendship practice, it would deepen our friendship and give us a broader vision of how can and give us a broader vision of how can and give us a broader vision of how can I experience this beautiful gift that I experience this beautiful gift that I experience this beautiful gift that God has given? And so I'm going to give God has given? And so I'm going to give God has given? And so I'm going to give you four points right up front and then you four points right up front and then you four points right up front and then we're going to go through them one at a we're going to go through them one at a we're going to go through them one at a time. Here it is. If you want to grow in time. Here it is. If you want to grow in time. Here it is. If you want to grow in friendship, you got to take a risk. You friendship, you got to take a risk. You friendship, you got to take a risk. You got to show up. You got to call up. And got to show up. You got to call up. And got to show up. You got to call up. And you got to take off your mask.

you got to take off your mask. you got to take off your mask. All right. So, you ready? We're going to All right. So, you ready? We're going to All right. So, you ready? We're going to do this one at a time. Everybody ready? do this one at a time. Everybody ready? do this one at a time. Everybody ready? >> Wow, that was so enthusiastic. >> Wow, that was so enthusiastic. >> Wow, that was so enthusiastic. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] >> Is everybody ready? >> Is everybody ready? >> Is everybody ready? >> Okay, here we go. First one. Take a >> Okay, here we go. First one. Take a >> Okay, here we go. First one. Take a risk. risk. risk. Friendship is a risk. Friendship is a risk. Friendship is a risk. Why is friendship a risk? Because if I Why is friendship a risk? Because if I Why is friendship a risk? Because if I put myself out there and you do this, no put myself out there and you do this, no put myself out there and you do this, no thank you. I feel rejected. I don't want thank you. I feel rejected. I don't want thank you. I feel rejected. I don't want to feel rejected. to feel rejected. to feel rejected. Or if you put yourself out there and Or if you put yourself out there and Or if you put yourself out there and someone starts a relationship with you, someone starts a relationship with you, someone starts a relationship with you, they could hurt you. They could use you. they could hurt you. They could use you. they could hurt you. They could use you. They could betray you. Anybody know what They could betray you. Anybody know what They could betray you. Anybody know what I'm talking about? I'm talking about? I'm talking about? Jesus knows this. and chooses friends Jesus knows this. and chooses friends Jesus knows this. and chooses friends anyway. He chooses 12 and one of them anyway. He chooses 12 and one of them anyway. He chooses 12 and one of them was named Judas. was named Judas. was named Judas. And here's the description of Judas in And here's the description of Judas in And here's the description of Judas in Psalm 41. Even my close friend, someone Psalm 41. Even my close friend, someone Psalm 41. Even my close friend, someone I trusted who shared my bread has turned I trusted who shared my bread has turned I trusted who shared my bread has turned against me.

against me. against me. Jesus knew he would be betrayed Jesus knew he would be betrayed Jesus knew he would be betrayed and it would lead to his death because and it would lead to his death because and it would lead to his death because of a close friend and he chose of a close friend and he chose of a close friend and he chose friendship friendship friendship anyway. anyway. anyway. Just let that rest on you for a second. Just let that rest on you for a second. Just let that rest on you for a second. Some Some of you like, I I can't make Some Some of you like, I I can't make Some Some of you like, I I can't make friends cuz I've been hurt. friends cuz I've been hurt. friends cuz I've been hurt. Listen, Listen, Listen, the only risk greater the only risk greater the only risk greater than starting a relationship that leads than starting a relationship that leads than starting a relationship that leads to your hurt is not starting a to your hurt is not starting a to your hurt is not starting a relationship at all. relationship at all. relationship at all. You see, we read through Ecclesiastes. You see, we read through Ecclesiastes. You see, we read through Ecclesiastes. In Ecclesiastes chapter 4, Solomon In Ecclesiastes chapter 4, Solomon In Ecclesiastes chapter 4, Solomon describes a man. He says, "This man was describes a man. He says, "This man was describes a man. He says, "This man was all alone. He didn't have a a son to all alone. He didn't have a a son to all alone. He didn't have a a son to take his inheritance. He didn't have a take his inheritance. He didn't have a take his inheritance. He didn't have a friend to walk with him and protect him. friend to walk with him and protect him. friend to walk with him and protect him. And everything he was doing in life, And everything he was doing in life, And everything he was doing in life, though he looked very successful, was though he looked very successful, was though he looked very successful, was meaningless meaningless meaningless because he was all because he was all because he was all alone." And then Solomon gives this alone." And then Solomon gives this alone." And then Solomon gives this vision of why friendship is so important vision of why friendship is so important vision of why friendship is so important because two are better than one. because because two are better than one. because because two are better than one. because they have a good return for their labor. they have a good return for their labor. they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can If either of them falls down, one can If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who help the other up. But pity anyone who help the other up. But pity anyone who fail falls and has no one to help them fail falls and has no one to help them fail falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they up. Also, if two lie down together, they up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep will keep warm. But how can one keep will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be warm alone? Though one may be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

overpowered, two can defend themselves. overpowered, two can defend themselves. And a cord of three strands is not And a cord of three strands is not And a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. quickly broken. quickly broken. The only thing worth or worse than The only thing worth or worse than The only thing worth or worse than taking a risk and getting hurt is never taking a risk and getting hurt is never taking a risk and getting hurt is never taking the risk. is never trying because taking the risk. is never trying because taking the risk. is never trying because if that's the case, you won't get hurt, if that's the case, you won't get hurt, if that's the case, you won't get hurt, but you'll be all alone. And when you but you'll be all alone. And when you but you'll be all alone. And when you need help, there'll be no one there to need help, there'll be no one there to need help, there'll be no one there to keep you warm or defend you or fight for keep you warm or defend you or fight for keep you warm or defend you or fight for you or help you. And Solomon says, you you or help you. And Solomon says, you you or help you. And Solomon says, you don't want to be that isolated man. And don't want to be that isolated man. And don't want to be that isolated man. And so for me, so for me, so for me, it was the fall of 1988. I walked onto it was the fall of 1988. I walked onto it was the fall of 1988. I walked onto the campus of Florida International the campus of Florida International the campus of Florida International University. And at this point in my University. And at this point in my University. And at this point in my life, for the first time in my life, I life, for the first time in my life, I life, for the first time in my life, I had no friends. had no friends. had no friends. I knew Jesus. I was learning again to I knew Jesus. I was learning again to I knew Jesus. I was learning again to walk with him and and learning his word walk with him and and learning his word walk with him and and learning his word and but I I didn't know where to look. and but I I didn't know where to look. and but I I didn't know where to look. And so I went to the student union. I And so I went to the student union. I And so I went to the student union. I saw this table. It's Interverity saw this table. It's Interverity saw this table. It's Interverity Christian Fellowship. And so I I found Christian Fellowship. And so I I found Christian Fellowship. And so I I found out they were having meetings on like a out they were having meetings on like a out they were having meetings on like a Thursday night. And so I just showed up Thursday night. And so I just showed up Thursday night. And so I just showed up and and I saw people that were very and and I saw people that were very and and I saw people that were very different than me. I met for the first different than me. I met for the first different than me. I met for the first time a Pentecostal.

time a Pentecostal. time a Pentecostal. Anybody meet a Pentecostal for the first Anybody meet a Pentecostal for the first Anybody meet a Pentecostal for the first time? You're like, "What? What is that?" time? You're like, "What? What is that?" time? You're like, "What? What is that?" I met Presbyterians and Baptists. I met I met Presbyterians and Baptists. I met I met Presbyterians and Baptists. I met people from all over the world. Florida people from all over the world. Florida people from all over the world. Florida International University, International University, International University, people who spoke different languages, people who spoke different languages, people who spoke different languages, who had different cultures, but there who had different cultures, but there who had different cultures, but there was something about when they worshiped was something about when they worshiped was something about when they worshiped that they all loved Jesus. And there was that they all loved Jesus. And there was that they all loved Jesus. And there was something about that thing that was something about that thing that was something about that thing that was like, I don't know how all these people like, I don't know how all these people like, I don't know how all these people fit together, but they love Jesus, so fit together, but they love Jesus, so fit together, but they love Jesus, so I'm just going to give this a shot. It I'm just going to give this a shot. It I'm just going to give this a shot. It was a risk. was a risk. was a risk. You see, sometimes when we think about You see, sometimes when we think about You see, sometimes when we think about friendship, like, okay, Doug, I'm with friendship, like, okay, Doug, I'm with friendship, like, okay, Doug, I'm with you so far. I love God. I I love his you so far. I love God. I I love his you so far. I love God. I I love his word. I want to make friends. I feel word. I want to make friends. I feel word. I want to make friends. I feel that sense of loneliness, but do you that sense of loneliness, but do you that sense of loneliness, but do you know how hard it is to make friends? know how hard it is to make friends? know how hard it is to make friends? Yeah. And sometimes I hear people say, Yeah. And sometimes I hear people say, Yeah. And sometimes I hear people say, you know, my only friend is Jesus or I you know, my only friend is Jesus or I you know, my only friend is Jesus or I only trust God. And and and that's code only trust God. And and and that's code only trust God. And and and that's code for I'm going to be all by myself. It's for I'm going to be all by myself. It's for I'm going to be all by myself. It's a rejection of the way you are wired. a rejection of the way you are wired. a rejection of the way you are wired. You are wired not to connect with God You are wired not to connect with God You are wired not to connect with God alone, but with his people. And so it alone, but with his people. And so it alone, but with his people. And so it sounds spiritual at first. And our sounds spiritual at first. And our sounds spiritual at first. And our ultimate trust is only in God, but he ultimate trust is only in God, but he ultimate trust is only in God, but he creates this outflow in relationship creates this outflow in relationship creates this outflow in relationship with him that flows into other with him that flows into other with him that flows into other relationships. And so relationships. And so relationships. And so as you think about the groups that maybe as you think about the groups that maybe as you think about the groups that maybe you would navigate towards or the you would navigate towards or the you would navigate towards or the friendships you would try to there's a friendships you would try to there's a friendships you would try to there's a tendency to go, you know, but I like him tendency to go, you know, but I like him tendency to go, you know, but I like him but he talks too much or I like her but but he talks too much or I like her but but he talks too much or I like her but she seems too aloof or I like that group she seems too aloof or I like that group she seems too aloof or I like that group but they're not like me in this way. And but they're not like me in this way. And but they're not like me in this way. And we can already write people off in a we can already write people off in a we can already write people off in a sort of little internal judgy way sort of little internal judgy way sort of little internal judgy way because it's not exactly what we want it because it's not exactly what we want it because it's not exactly what we want it to be. And and there's a a theologian to be. And and there's a a theologian to be. And and there's a a theologian named Dietri Bonhoffer who warned us

named Dietri Bonhoffer who warned us named Dietri Bonhoffer who warned us against putting this trip on other against putting this trip on other against putting this trip on other people to be the perfect community people to be the perfect community people to be the perfect community before we join. And here's what he says. before we join. And here's what he says. before we join. And here's what he says. Those who love the dream of a Christian Those who love the dream of a Christian Those who love the dream of a Christian community more than they love the community more than they love the community more than they love the Christian community itself Christian community itself Christian community itself become destroyers of that Christian become destroyers of that Christian become destroyers of that Christian community. Even though their personal community. Even though their personal community. Even though their personal intentions may be ever so honest, intentions may be ever so honest, intentions may be ever so honest, earnest, and sacrificial, he's saying, "Don't be that person who's he's saying, "Don't be that person who's waiting for the perfect community. waiting for the perfect community. waiting for the perfect community. Because if you find a perfect community, Because if you find a perfect community, Because if you find a perfect community, whatever you do, don't join it because whatever you do, don't join it because whatever you do, don't join it because you're going to mess it up." you're going to mess it up." you're going to mess it up." Every community is imperfectly Every community is imperfectly Every community is imperfectly perfect. perfect. perfect. And so, you're going to have to at some And so, you're going to have to at some And so, you're going to have to at some point take a risk with a certain group point take a risk with a certain group point take a risk with a certain group of people. If you're feeling that sense of people. If you're feeling that sense of people. If you're feeling that sense of loneliness or chronic loneliness or I of loneliness or chronic loneliness or I of loneliness or chronic loneliness or I have no deep or long-term friends, have no deep or long-term friends, have no deep or long-term friends, you're going to have to take a risk. I you're going to have to take a risk. I you're going to have to take a risk. I want to encourage you. How would you do want to encourage you. How would you do want to encourage you. How would you do that? Well, you could show up here on a that? Well, you could show up here on a that? Well, you could show up here on a Wednesday night. You could you could Wednesday night. You could you could Wednesday night. You could you could join a group. You you could join join a group. You you could join join a group. You you could join classes. They're going to start in a few classes. They're going to start in a few classes. They're going to start in a few weeks, but find a way to get out of a weeks, but find a way to get out of a weeks, but find a way to get out of a bigger venue into a smaller venue where bigger venue into a smaller venue where bigger venue into a smaller venue where someone knows your name. And that's someone knows your name. And that's someone knows your name. And that's going to require you taking a risk.

going to require you taking a risk. going to require you taking a risk. Number two, Number two, Number two, show up. show up. show up. I was given the choice to show up every I was given the choice to show up every I was given the choice to show up every week at that interarsity meeting week at that interarsity meeting week at that interarsity meeting at college. I was given the opportunity at college. I was given the opportunity at college. I was given the opportunity to show up every week at my local to show up every week at my local to show up every week at my local church. And when you show up at the same church. And when you show up at the same church. And when you show up at the same place every week, these connections place every week, these connections place every week, these connections happen. Jesus models this because if you happen. Jesus models this because if you happen. Jesus models this because if you look at Harvard University study, they look at Harvard University study, they look at Harvard University study, they say, you know, the the number one way say, you know, the the number one way say, you know, the the number one way that social connections are made, it's that social connections are made, it's that social connections are made, it's proximity. proximity. proximity. You show up at the same place every You show up at the same place every You show up at the same place every week. And the closer you are to a week. And the closer you are to a week. And the closer you are to a community, the more connections that community, the more connections that community, the more connections that will happen. And the further away you will happen. And the further away you will happen. And the further away you are, well, the less will happen. And so are, well, the less will happen. And so are, well, the less will happen. And so you look at the early church. The early you look at the early church. The early you look at the early church. The early church lived this. I mean, there's a church lived this. I mean, there's a church lived this. I mean, there's a description of the early church, the description of the early church, the description of the early church, the first Christians. And it says they met first Christians. And it says they met first Christians. And it says they met together together together daily daily daily in the temple. They broke bread in the temple. They broke bread in the temple. They broke bread together. They prayed together. They together. They prayed together. They together. They prayed together. They fellowship together. Daily Christians fellowship together. Daily Christians fellowship together. Daily Christians were meeting. They were showing up and were meeting. They were showing up and were meeting. They were showing up and learning about Jesus and they're learning about Jesus and they're learning about Jesus and they're building this community together. It was building this community together. It was building this community together. It was imperfect. If you read the book of Acts, imperfect. If you read the book of Acts, imperfect. If you read the book of Acts, there was a lot of imperfect characters there was a lot of imperfect characters there was a lot of imperfect characters in the early church just like there are in the early church just like there are in the early church just like there are today. But there was a great investment today. But there was a great investment today. But there was a great investment in I'm going to show up every day. And in I'm going to show up every day. And in I'm going to show up every day. And there's a there's a kind of a warning in there's a there's a kind of a warning in there's a there's a kind of a warning in the book of Hebrews for Christians who the book of Hebrews for Christians who the book of Hebrews for Christians who got out of that habit. And here here's got out of that habit. And here here's got out of that habit. And here here's here's what the author of Hebrews says.

here's what the author of Hebrews says. here's what the author of Hebrews says. Do not give up meeting together as some Do not give up meeting together as some Do not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage are in the habit of doing, but encourage are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another. And all the more as you see one another. And all the more as you see one another. And all the more as you see the day approaching. the day approaching. the day approaching. And so if you get in the habit of not And so if you get in the habit of not And so if you get in the habit of not showing up, you're not going to be showing up, you're not going to be showing up, you're not going to be encouraged. You're going to be encouraged. You're going to be encouraged. You're going to be discouraged. You're going to feel discouraged. You're going to feel discouraged. You're going to feel isolated. You're going to be like, "This isolated. You're going to be like, "This isolated. You're going to be like, "This I feel so lonely." But if you choose to I feel so lonely." But if you choose to I feel so lonely." But if you choose to show up, you will encourage others and show up, you will encourage others and show up, you will encourage others and others will encourage you. and you'll others will encourage you. and you'll others will encourage you. and you'll find these deep connections beginning to find these deep connections beginning to find these deep connections beginning to grow. So, where where do you show up grow. So, where where do you show up grow. So, where where do you show up every week? every week? every week? Or maybe who do you show up for Or maybe who do you show up for Or maybe who do you show up for every week? And I want to just say this every week? And I want to just say this every week? And I want to just say this to anyone who's in the online community to anyone who's in the online community to anyone who's in the online community and you're not watching online because and you're not watching online because and you're not watching online because you're live in another city or because you're live in another city or because you're live in another city or because you're unable because of physical issues you're unable because of physical issues you're unable because of physical issues to show up. You just choose to say, to show up. You just choose to say, to show up. You just choose to say, "Hey, this is the way I want to engage. "Hey, this is the way I want to engage. "Hey, this is the way I want to engage. I just want to I want to give you this I just want to I want to give you this I just want to I want to give you this warning that that habit of saying I I'd warning that that habit of saying I I'd warning that that habit of saying I I'd rather just watch on a device rather just watch on a device rather just watch on a device is dangerous for your soul because is dangerous for your soul because is dangerous for your soul because saying, "Oh, I learned a lot." is just saying, "Oh, I learned a lot." is just saying, "Oh, I learned a lot." is just part of the following Jesus. Learning part of the following Jesus. Learning part of the following Jesus. Learning about doctrine or Bible verses is all about doctrine or Bible verses is all about doctrine or Bible verses is all good and great. Understanding the gospel good and great. Understanding the gospel good and great. Understanding the gospel and living it out is great, but it was and living it out is great, but it was and living it out is great, but it was meant not just to fill your mind, but to meant not just to fill your mind, but to meant not just to fill your mind, but to fill your soul and to fill your life.

fill your soul and to fill your life. fill your soul and to fill your life. And so maybe your step is just to show And so maybe your step is just to show And so maybe your step is just to show up here on a weekly basis and go, I'm up here on a weekly basis and go, I'm up here on a weekly basis and go, I'm going to start being together with God's going to start being together with God's going to start being together with God's people again. This habit of showing up people again. This habit of showing up people again. This habit of showing up every week together is a powerful every week together is a powerful every week together is a powerful powerful connector when it comes to powerful connector when it comes to powerful connector when it comes to showing up. So So how do you know showing up. So So how do you know showing up. So So how do you know that you're deeply connected with a that you're deeply connected with a that you're deeply connected with a friend? Here's one of the ways. friend? Here's one of the ways. friend? Here's one of the ways. Call them when you have to move. Call them when you have to move. Call them when you have to move. You want to find out who your real You want to find out who your real You want to find out who your real friends are? friends are? friends are? move and see who shows up to help you. move and see who shows up to help you. move and see who shows up to help you. Now, before you get all salty like no Now, before you get all salty like no Now, before you get all salty like no one showed up for me, here's the next one showed up for me, here's the next one showed up for me, here's the next question. Who have you helped move? Ah, question. Who have you helped move? Ah, question. Who have you helped move? Ah, right. Cuz friendship goes both ways. right. Cuz friendship goes both ways. right. Cuz friendship goes both ways. And that's one of the ways friends will And that's one of the ways friends will And that's one of the ways friends will show up to help you move. And if you're show up to help you move. And if you're show up to help you move. And if you're really friends, you'll help your friend really friends, you'll help your friend really friends, you'll help your friend move two or three times, which I've move two or three times, which I've move two or three times, which I've done. It's just part of what friendship done. It's just part of what friendship done. It's just part of what friendship is. You show up and you sacrifice for is. You show up and you sacrifice for is. You show up and you sacrifice for your friends. or maybe this. If if you your friends. or maybe this. If if you your friends. or maybe this. If if you were going to go you're going through a were going to go you're going through a were going to go you're going through a difficult time and you had to call difficult time and you had to call difficult time and you had to call someone at 3:00 a.m. someone at 3:00 a.m. someone at 3:00 a.m. who would pick up your phone call at 3 who would pick up your phone call at 3 who would pick up your phone call at 3 a.m.

a.m. a.m. Now, if you know their name right away, Now, if you know their name right away, Now, if you know their name right away, that's a good friend. that's a good friend. that's a good friend. If you have no one, then maybe you're If you have no one, then maybe you're If you have no one, then maybe you're more isolated than you think because in more isolated than you think because in more isolated than you think because in a need physical, I need help moving in a a need physical, I need help moving in a a need physical, I need help moving in a need emotionally or spiritually. I need need emotionally or spiritually. I need need emotionally or spiritually. I need this in a crisis. Here, here's what the this in a crisis. Here, here's what the this in a crisis. Here, here's what the Bible says about showing up for friends. Bible says about showing up for friends. Bible says about showing up for friends. A friend loves at all times and a A friend loves at all times and a A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Yesterday I was with a group of friends Yesterday I was with a group of friends as we watched this couple that we love as we watched this couple that we love as we watched this couple that we love say goodbye to their son who's in the say goodbye to their son who's in the say goodbye to their son who's in the process of dying. process of dying. process of dying. And when you see a house full of sorrow And when you see a house full of sorrow And when you see a house full of sorrow and you see people hugging each other and you see people hugging each other and you see people hugging each other and laughing and telling stories and and laughing and telling stories and and laughing and telling stories and sharing food in a moment where your son sharing food in a moment where your son sharing food in a moment where your son is passing literally right before your is passing literally right before your is passing literally right before your eyes, it's one of those moments you'll eyes, it's one of those moments you'll eyes, it's one of those moments you'll never forget. never forget. never forget. You know, I I used to think it was corny You know, I I used to think it was corny You know, I I used to think it was corny when people would say like, "Well, when people would say like, "Well, when people would say like, "Well, friends, they they multiply your joy and friends, they they multiply your joy and friends, they they multiply your joy and they divide your sorrows." they divide your sorrows." they divide your sorrows." I thought, "Yeah, that's something that I thought, "Yeah, that's something that I thought, "Yeah, that's something that people put in a bookmark, whatever, people put in a bookmark, whatever, people put in a bookmark, whatever, whatever." But I' I've come to realize whatever." But I' I've come to realize whatever." But I' I've come to realize it's one of the most powerful truths in it's one of the most powerful truths in it's one of the most powerful truths in life that when you're celebrating life that when you're celebrating life that when you're celebrating something, I don't care if it's your something, I don't care if it's your something, I don't care if it's your team wins the Super Bowl. I don't care team wins the Super Bowl. I don't care team wins the Super Bowl. I don't care if your it's your grandson that if your it's your grandson that if your it's your grandson that graduates. I don't care if it's a moment graduates. I don't care if it's a moment graduates. I don't care if it's a moment where you rededicate their vows.

where you rededicate their vows. where you rededicate their vows. Everything you do with other people Everything you do with other people Everything you do with other people makes it that much better because you makes it that much better because you makes it that much better because you have someone to celebrate it with. have someone to celebrate it with. have someone to celebrate it with. Friendship multiplies your joy. Friendship multiplies your joy. Friendship multiplies your joy. And yesterday I experienced friendship And yesterday I experienced friendship And yesterday I experienced friendship divide sorrow. divide sorrow. divide sorrow. The sorrow wasn't some a couple, a The sorrow wasn't some a couple, a The sorrow wasn't some a couple, a family on their own in an unimaginable family on their own in an unimaginable family on their own in an unimaginable moment of grief. It was friends and moment of grief. It was friends and moment of grief. It was friends and family all around them. And that grief family all around them. And that grief family all around them. And that grief was being shared and the comfort of was being shared and the comfort of was being shared and the comfort of Christ was being shared in that Christ was being shared in that Christ was being shared in that environment. And this is what friendship environment. And this is what friendship environment. And this is what friendship looks like. A friend is born for a day looks like. A friend is born for a day looks like. A friend is born for a day of adversity. Galatians 6 says it this of adversity. Galatians 6 says it this of adversity. Galatians 6 says it this way. Carry each other's burdens and this way. Carry each other's burdens and this way. Carry each other's burdens and this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. way you will fulfill the law of Christ. way you will fulfill the law of Christ. And so if we want to experience the And so if we want to experience the And so if we want to experience the friendships that Jesus modeled that we friendships that Jesus modeled that we friendships that Jesus modeled that we see in the early church, we want to be see in the early church, we want to be see in the early church, we want to be showing up for the right people in the showing up for the right people in the showing up for the right people in the right places, making those friendships a right places, making those friendships a right places, making those friendships a priority. priority. priority. Number three, if you want to grow in Number three, if you want to grow in Number three, if you want to grow in your friendship, you have to call up.

your friendship, you have to call up. your friendship, you have to call up. You have to call people up and call You have to call people up and call You have to call people up and call people out. You see Jesus do this people out. You see Jesus do this people out. You see Jesus do this masterfully. I mean, his initial masterfully. I mean, his initial masterfully. I mean, his initial invitation to the disciples is a invitation to the disciples is a invitation to the disciples is a challenge. Follow me and I will make you challenge. Follow me and I will make you challenge. Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. You're here, but here's fishers of men. You're here, but here's fishers of men. You're here, but here's what I see you can be. And if you follow what I see you can be. And if you follow what I see you can be. And if you follow me, I will call you up. I will speak me, I will call you up. I will speak me, I will call you up. I will speak this into your life. So many times, he's this into your life. So many times, he's this into your life. So many times, he's saying to Peter and the disciples, you saying to Peter and the disciples, you saying to Peter and the disciples, you are Simon. You are a little stone, but are Simon. You are a little stone, but are Simon. You are a little stone, but I'm about to make you a rock. Here's I'm about to make you a rock. Here's I'm about to make you a rock. Here's where you are. Here's where you could where you are. Here's where you could where you are. Here's where you could be. And Jesus also had no problem be. And Jesus also had no problem be. And Jesus also had no problem calling his disciples out. calling his disciples out. calling his disciples out. In one moment, he's like, "Peter, God, In one moment, he's like, "Peter, God, In one moment, he's like, "Peter, God, and the spirit of God has inspired you and the spirit of God has inspired you and the spirit of God has inspired you to see that I am Messiah." And the next to see that I am Messiah." And the next to see that I am Messiah." And the next second, "Get behind me, Satan. You don't second, "Get behind me, Satan. You don't second, "Get behind me, Satan. You don't know the things of God." And it's this know the things of God." And it's this know the things of God." And it's this push and pull of friendship that calls push and pull of friendship that calls push and pull of friendship that calls up and calls out. up and calls out. up and calls out. Friends can say hard things to friends. Friends can say hard things to friends. Friends can say hard things to friends. And this is the gift of friendship. And And this is the gift of friendship. And And this is the gift of friendship. And this is the gift of community. this is the gift of community. this is the gift of community. And if you if you don't have friendships And if you if you don't have friendships And if you if you don't have friendships like this, then you're going to have a like this, then you're going to have a like this, then you're going to have a lot of blind spots because friends lot of blind spots because friends lot of blind spots because friends provide something called self-awareness, provide something called self-awareness, provide something called self-awareness, the gift that no one wants.

the gift that no one wants. the gift that no one wants. Here's how John Orberg describes Here's how John Orberg describes Here's how John Orberg describes community. When we are alone, we believe community. When we are alone, we believe community. When we are alone, we believe we love everyone. we love everyone. we love everyone. But community is the place where our But community is the place where our But community is the place where our limitations, our fears, and our pride limitations, our fears, and our pride limitations, our fears, and our pride are revealed to us. are revealed to us. are revealed to us. A friend A friend A friend is like a mirror. They show us our blind is like a mirror. They show us our blind is like a mirror. They show us our blind spots. spots. spots. So, what does that sound like? Well, a So, what does that sound like? Well, a So, what does that sound like? Well, a good friend when you're having good friend when you're having good friend when you're having conversations, well, they might say conversations, well, they might say conversations, well, they might say something like this. Hey, hey, Doug. Why something like this. Hey, hey, Doug. Why something like this. Hey, hey, Doug. Why do you do that? do you do that? do you do that? Do what? Well, you made that Do what? Well, you made that Do what? Well, you made that conversation was about other people. You conversation was about other people. You conversation was about other people. You made it all about yourself. Why do you made it all about yourself. Why do you made it all about yourself. Why do you do that? do that? do that? Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. Hey, Doug. Why do you do that? Do what? Hey, Doug. Why do you do that? Do what? Hey, Doug. Why do you do that? Do what? Like when it gets serious, you crack a Like when it gets serious, you crack a Like when it gets serious, you crack a joke because you can't handle the joke because you can't handle the joke because you can't handle the emotional intensity. Why? Why do you do emotional intensity. Why? Why do you do emotional intensity. Why? Why do you do that? [snorts] that? [snorts] that? [snorts] Ouch. Now I have a choice when when that Ouch. Now I have a choice when when that Ouch. Now I have a choice when when that happens to me or when happens to you, I happens to me or when happens to you, I happens to me or when happens to you, I can say, "I don't see any wings on your can say, "I don't see any wings on your can say, "I don't see any wings on your back. I get defensive and put my walls back. I get defensive and put my walls back. I get defensive and put my walls up or I can be like, "Oh, maybe maybe up or I can be like, "Oh, maybe maybe up or I can be like, "Oh, maybe maybe there's something they see in me that there's something they see in me that there's something they see in me that that I need to change because I have a that I need to change because I have a that I need to change because I have a perception of myself that's different perception of myself that's different perception of myself that's different than what they're experiencing." And than what they're experiencing." And than what they're experiencing." And especially when your friend doesn't just especially when your friend doesn't just especially when your friend doesn't just call you out, but calls you up. Hey, I call you out, but calls you up. Hey, I call you out, but calls you up. Hey, I see a leadership quality in you that's see a leadership quality in you that's see a leadership quality in you that's here, but this limitation here is here, but this limitation here is here, but this limitation here is getting in your way from who God's getting in your way from who God's getting in your way from who God's called you to be. Friendships were called you to be. Friendships were called you to be. Friendships were always meant to be mutually always meant to be mutually always meant to be mutually transforming.

transforming. transforming. But, you know, the definition and vision But, you know, the definition and vision But, you know, the definition and vision for friendship has changed for for friendship has changed for for friendship has changed for centuries. The Greeks, Aristotle, all centuries. The Greeks, Aristotle, all centuries. The Greeks, Aristotle, all the people who talked about friendship, the people who talked about friendship, the people who talked about friendship, two people who deeply connect will both two people who deeply connect will both two people who deeply connect will both be transformed and grow in character and be transformed and grow in character and be transformed and grow in character and maturity. But that's not what friendship maturity. But that's not what friendship maturity. But that's not what friendship is today. is today. is today. You know what friendship has become You know what friendship has become You know what friendship has become today? today? today? I need you to affirm me. I need you to I need you to affirm me. I need you to I need you to affirm me. I need you to encourage me. Here are my list of needs encourage me. Here are my list of needs encourage me. Here are my list of needs for you to be my friend. And if you fill for you to be my friend. And if you fill for you to be my friend. And if you fill those needs, I'll be your friend. And if those needs, I'll be your friend. And if those needs, I'll be your friend. And if not, I need to find someone else who not, I need to find someone else who not, I need to find someone else who knows me and sees me and understands me knows me and sees me and understands me knows me and sees me and understands me because I am a rainbow. I am a flower. And we have developed such thin skin And we have developed such thin skin that we can't handle a rebuke that we can't handle a rebuke that we can't handle a rebuke or a correction. or a correction. or a correction. And so, do you know what one of the And so, do you know what one of the And so, do you know what one of the scariest trends is in our day today? scariest trends is in our day today? scariest trends is in our day today? It's not that we touch this 2600 times a It's not that we touch this 2600 times a It's not that we touch this 2600 times a day. It's not that we look at it 150 day. It's not that we look at it 150 day. It's not that we look at it 150 times.

times. times. It's what we ask it. It's what we ask it. It's what we ask it. I had a conflict at work I had a conflict at work I had a conflict at work and I don't want to hear my friend say, and I don't want to hear my friend say, and I don't want to hear my friend say, "Well, maybe a little bit of that was "Well, maybe a little bit of that was "Well, maybe a little bit of that was you with a co-orker and with the boss." you with a co-orker and with the boss." you with a co-orker and with the boss." I don't want to hear that, Claude. I had I don't want to hear that, Claude. I had I don't want to hear that, Claude. I had this, you know, issue with my boss and this, you know, issue with my boss and this, you know, issue with my boss and he said something in front of other he said something in front of other he said something in front of other people and I felt ashamed. And what do people and I felt ashamed. And what do people and I felt ashamed. And what do you think? Oh, you think I was treated you think? Oh, you think I was treated you think? Oh, you think I was treated unjustly? unjustly? unjustly? You think I should be the boss? You think I should be the boss? You think I should be the boss? You think that person was wrong to say You think that person was wrong to say You think that person was wrong to say that? I that? I that? I >> I love you. >> I love you. >> I love you. And so there's a trend toward what's And so there's a trend toward what's And so there's a trend toward what's called digital intimacy. called digital intimacy. called digital intimacy. I want to hear what I want to hear, but I want to hear what I want to hear, but I want to hear what I want to hear, but I want to hear from something else. And I want to hear from something else. And I want to hear from something else. And I don't even care if it's a chatbot I don't even care if it's a chatbot I don't even care if it's a chatbot that's clicking back what I want to that's clicking back what I want to that's clicking back what I want to hear. hear. hear. And it's called a frictionless And it's called a frictionless And it's called a frictionless relationship. relationship. relationship. A frictionless relationship where I A frictionless relationship where I A frictionless relationship where I don't have to change, where I can be don't have to change, where I can be don't have to change, where I can be affirmed. And what we don't realize is affirmed. And what we don't realize is affirmed. And what we don't realize is that makes us even more isolated from that makes us even more isolated from that makes us even more isolated from the world. And that's not what the world. And that's not what the world. And that's not what friendship is for. Friendship is not friendship is for. Friendship is not friendship is for. Friendship is not supposed to be a frictionless supposed to be a frictionless supposed to be a frictionless relationship. Here here's here's how the relationship. Here here's here's how the relationship. Here here's here's how the Bible describes this relationship. As Bible describes this relationship. As Bible describes this relationship. As iron sharpens iron, so one person iron sharpens iron, so one person iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

sharpens another. sharpens another. That that's sparks flying. That's you That that's sparks flying. That's you That that's sparks flying. That's you both getting sharper in the process. both getting sharper in the process. both getting sharper in the process. that that requires some pain, some that that requires some pain, some that that requires some pain, some staying in the pocket and saying, staying in the pocket and saying, staying in the pocket and saying, [snorts] "And one of the ways you know [snorts] "And one of the ways you know [snorts] "And one of the ways you know you have a friendship like this is you have a friendship like this is you have a friendship like this is you've had a difficult conversation with you've had a difficult conversation with you've had a difficult conversation with your friend in the last few weeks or your friend in the last few weeks or your friend in the last few weeks or months." months." months." So, here's here's the question. So, here's here's the question. So, here's here's the question. Everyone, buckle your seat belt. Everyone, buckle your seat belt. Everyone, buckle your seat belt. When was the last time one of your When was the last time one of your When was the last time one of your friends said, "Hey, I want to want to friends said, "Hey, I want to want to friends said, "Hey, I want to want to share something with you. Here's what I share something with you. Here's what I share something with you. Here's what I see." see." see." And you're like, "Oh, no. None of my And you're like, "Oh, no. None of my And you're like, "Oh, no. None of my friends say that. friends say that. friends say that. Well, I want to say this. It's not Well, I want to say this. It's not Well, I want to say this. It's not because you're perfect. because you're perfect. because you're perfect. It's because maybe you've sent a certain It's because maybe you've sent a certain It's because maybe you've sent a certain message that you don't invite feedback message that you don't invite feedback message that you don't invite feedback into your life. into your life. into your life. And so, if you really want to test a And so, if you really want to test a And so, if you really want to test a friendship, friendship, friendship, ask who you consider your best friend ask who you consider your best friend ask who you consider your best friend this week. Ready? Buckle your seat belt. this week. Ready? Buckle your seat belt. this week. Ready? Buckle your seat belt. Hey, has there been anything you've Hey, has there been anything you've Hey, has there been anything you've wanted to say to me that you see in me, wanted to say to me that you see in me, wanted to say to me that you see in me, but you haven't because you don't think but you haven't because you don't think but you haven't because you don't think I could handle it or our friendship I could handle it or our friendship I could handle it or our friendship could handle it?

And if you mean it And if you mean it and you're ready to listen, you might and you're ready to listen, you might and you're ready to listen, you might get some of the most enlightening get some of the most enlightening get some of the most enlightening insight that will help you to grow in insight that will help you to grow in insight that will help you to grow in character and maturity that will make character and maturity that will make character and maturity that will make you a better friend, a better father, you a better friend, a better father, you a better friend, a better father, mother, son, daughter, leader if you're mother, son, daughter, leader if you're mother, son, daughter, leader if you're open to it. Solomon says, "A wise person open to it. Solomon says, "A wise person open to it. Solomon says, "A wise person invites correction." invites correction." invites correction." And so I want to say this too that in And so I want to say this too that in And so I want to say this too that in friendship, conflict is inevitable, friendship, conflict is inevitable, friendship, conflict is inevitable, but resentment is optional. but resentment is optional. but resentment is optional. In other words, if you're going to go In other words, if you're going to go In other words, if you're going to go deep with someone, there's going to be deep with someone, there's going to be deep with someone, there's going to be sparks. There's going to be moments you sparks. There's going to be moments you sparks. There's going to be moments you have to ask for forgiveness, give have to ask for forgiveness, give have to ask for forgiveness, give forgiveness, just like family, just like forgiveness, just like family, just like forgiveness, just like family, just like marriage, like everything else. marriage, like everything else. marriage, like everything else. But because marriage and and family are But because marriage and and family are But because marriage and and family are more connected, friendships were more more connected, friendships were more more connected, friendships were more easily just dismissed. Like we're not easily just dismissed. Like we're not easily just dismissed. Like we're not friends anymore. And if all your friends anymore. And if all your friends anymore. And if all your friendships are like a year long, you friendships are like a year long, you friendships are like a year long, you realize you just keep dismissing realize you just keep dismissing realize you just keep dismissing friendships and you're not keeping these friendships and you're not keeping these friendships and you're not keeping these long-term friendships. And what we see long-term friendships. And what we see long-term friendships. And what we see in Jesus life and the lives of the in Jesus life and the lives of the in Jesus life and the lives of the apostles, these long-term friendships apostles, these long-term friendships apostles, these long-term friendships over time where even if brokenness over time where even if brokenness over time where even if brokenness happens, there's this desire for happens, there's this desire for happens, there's this desire for forgiveness and reconciliation. This forgiveness and reconciliation. This forgiveness and reconciliation. This rupture and repair that makes the rupture and repair that makes the rupture and repair that makes the relationship stronger over time. And relationship stronger over time. And relationship stronger over time. And then finally, number four, we see Jesus then finally, number four, we see Jesus then finally, number four, we see Jesus do this. Take off your mask.

do this. Take off your mask. do this. Take off your mask. Inviting people into a whole another Inviting people into a whole another Inviting people into a whole another level. If you notice Jesus' life, he level. If you notice Jesus' life, he level. If you notice Jesus' life, he spent three times as much time with his spent three times as much time with his spent three times as much time with his 12 disciples as he did with the big 12 disciples as he did with the big 12 disciples as he did with the big crowds. crowds. crowds. And toward the end of his life in And toward the end of his life in And toward the end of his life in ministry, he pulled even to a narrower ministry, he pulled even to a narrower ministry, he pulled even to a narrower group, just three of those 12 disciples, group, just three of those 12 disciples, group, just three of those 12 disciples, Peter, James, and John. And on three Peter, James, and John. And on three Peter, James, and John. And on three occasions, he invites them to see what's occasions, he invites them to see what's occasions, he invites them to see what's actually going on behind the scenes. The actually going on behind the scenes. The actually going on behind the scenes. The first case is the miracle of raising first case is the miracle of raising first case is the miracle of raising Gyrus's daughter. He pulls Peter, James Gyrus's daughter. He pulls Peter, James Gyrus's daughter. He pulls Peter, James down, I want to show you something. And down, I want to show you something. And down, I want to show you something. And they get to see a resurrection happen. they get to see a resurrection happen. they get to see a resurrection happen. No, the other disciples get to see it. No, the other disciples get to see it. No, the other disciples get to see it. He takes him another day on this He takes him another day on this He takes him another day on this mountain of transfiguration. He says, "I mountain of transfiguration. He says, "I mountain of transfiguration. He says, "I want to show you something." And he want to show you something." And he want to show you something." And he shows Peter, James, and John what he shows Peter, James, and John what he shows Peter, James, and John what he looks like in heaven, his glory. He this looks like in heaven, his glory. He this looks like in heaven, his glory. He this the shining of his glory, his the shining of his glory, his the shining of his glory, his countenance looks like the sun. And then countenance looks like the sun. And then countenance looks like the sun. And then he says, "Peter, James, John, don't tell he says, "Peter, James, John, don't tell he says, "Peter, James, John, don't tell the other disciples about this. This is the other disciples about this. This is the other disciples about this. This is just for you and me. Into me see just for you and me. Into me see just for you and me. Into me see intimacy. I want to take off my mask. intimacy. I want to take off my mask. intimacy. I want to take off my mask. I'm going to show you who I am." And I'm going to show you who I am." And I'm going to show you who I am." And then the third time is the garden of then the third time is the garden of then the third time is the garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane. Gethsemane. Peter, James, and John's. I want you to Peter, James, and John's. I want you to Peter, James, and John's. I want you to follow me. And he looks him in the eyes follow me. And he looks him in the eyes follow me. And he looks him in the eyes and he says something that he's never and he says something that he's never and he says something that he's never said to the disciples before in any way said to the disciples before in any way said to the disciples before in any way that's ever been recorded. He shows them that's ever been recorded. He shows them that's ever been recorded. He shows them his weakness.

his weakness. his weakness. He says, I'm overwhelmed with sorrow to He says, I'm overwhelmed with sorrow to He says, I'm overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Please the point of death. Please the point of death. Please pray for me. pray for me. pray for me. Jesus is revealing intimacy at this Jesus is revealing intimacy at this Jesus is revealing intimacy at this level with just a few people taking off level with just a few people taking off level with just a few people taking off this mask. And so we as people, we're this mask. And so we as people, we're this mask. And so we as people, we're like, do I am I finding myself going like, do I am I finding myself going like, do I am I finding myself going from the large groups to the small group from the large groups to the small group from the large groups to the small group to this one or two or three people where to this one or two or three people where to this one or two or three people where I can be completely open? I can be completely open? I can be completely open? And I'm a little nervous about that. And And I'm a little nervous about that. And And I'm a little nervous about that. And I I just want to show you like how that I I just want to show you like how that I I just want to show you like how that might work. And I'm going to show you might work. And I'm going to show you might work. And I'm going to show you this this friendship matrix. And I want this this friendship matrix. And I want this this friendship matrix. And I want you to think think about where you are you to think think about where you are you to think think about where you are in this with different friendships and in this with different friendships and in this with different friendships and relationships. So our greatest need is relationships. So our greatest need is relationships. So our greatest need is to be fully accepted and fully known and to be fully accepted and fully known and to be fully accepted and fully known and loved. It's our greatest hope and it's loved. It's our greatest hope and it's loved. It's our greatest hope and it's our greatest fear. And in the top right our greatest fear. And in the top right our greatest fear. And in the top right quadrant, we see if you are fully known quadrant, we see if you are fully known quadrant, we see if you are fully known and fully accepted, this is intimacy. and fully accepted, this is intimacy. and fully accepted, this is intimacy. This is the deepest form of human This is the deepest form of human This is the deepest form of human connection you can have in life. But connection you can have in life. But connection you can have in life. But most of us don't get there in all areas most of us don't get there in all areas most of us don't get there in all areas of our life. And so if you look at u the of our life. And so if you look at u the of our life. And so if you look at u the the top left, impression management the top left, impression management the top left, impression management means you're accepted, but you're not means you're accepted, but you're not means you're accepted, but you're not known. Which means you feel like an known. Which means you feel like an known. Which means you feel like an impostor. The people know the you you impostor. The people know the you you impostor. The people know the you you want them to know, the social media you, want them to know, the social media you, want them to know, the social media you, the successful you, than the ones the successful you, than the ones the successful you, than the ones without all the flaws. And the question without all the flaws. And the question without all the flaws. And the question is, if I let people know who I really is, if I let people know who I really is, if I let people know who I really am, will they still accept me? So, I am, will they still accept me? So, I am, will they still accept me? So, I work so hard. This is exhausting, making work so hard. This is exhausting, making work so hard. This is exhausting, making sure everyone sees the best of me. But sure everyone sees the best of me. But sure everyone sees the best of me. But bottom left is isolation. I mean, think bottom left is isolation. I mean, think bottom left is isolation. I mean, think Peter Parker in Brand New Day. No one Peter Parker in Brand New Day. No one Peter Parker in Brand New Day. No one knows me. No one accepts me. I'm I'm knows me. No one accepts me. I'm I'm knows me. No one accepts me. I'm I'm invisible. Even Spider-Man needs a invisible. Even Spider-Man needs a invisible. Even Spider-Man needs a friend, guys. Come on. I mean, this is friend, guys. Come on. I mean, this is friend, guys. Come on. I mean, this is real

real real isolation. No one knows me. No one isolation. No one knows me. No one isolation. No one knows me. No one cares. I'm all by myself. And then into cares. I'm all by myself. And then into cares. I'm all by myself. And then into the bottom right is I put myself out the bottom right is I put myself out the bottom right is I put myself out there. And when people find out the real there. And when people find out the real there. And when people find out the real me, they're like, "No thanks." me, they're like, "No thanks." me, they're like, "No thanks." And so we want to be conscious of how And so we want to be conscious of how And so we want to be conscious of how this works in our life and and how we're this works in our life and and how we're this works in our life and and how we're navigating between these quadrants navigating between these quadrants navigating between these quadrants because when we feel the sense of because when we feel the sense of because when we feel the sense of rejection, we want to hide. rejection, we want to hide. rejection, we want to hide. You see, if you want the joy of being You see, if you want the joy of being You see, if you want the joy of being fully known and fully loved, you have to fully known and fully loved, you have to fully known and fully loved, you have to go through the discomfort and the pain go through the discomfort and the pain go through the discomfort and the pain of of showing who you are. of of showing who you are. of of showing who you are. Healing Healing Healing doesn't come when we hide. It comes when doesn't come when we hide. It comes when doesn't come when we hide. It comes when we step out into the light. And so, so we step out into the light. And so, so we step out into the light. And so, so here's the process of progressive here's the process of progressive here's the process of progressive disclosure, bringing your friends even disclosure, bringing your friends even disclosure, bringing your friends even closer, taking a risk, and saying, "This closer, taking a risk, and saying, "This closer, taking a risk, and saying, "This is what's actually going on." This is is what's actually going on." This is is what's actually going on." This is harder to do than it is to confess to harder to do than it is to confess to harder to do than it is to confess to God. I'll just give you a quick God. I'll just give you a quick God. I'll just give you a quick scenario. If you're confessing to God, scenario. If you're confessing to God, scenario. If you're confessing to God, you can pretty much say it because you you can pretty much say it because you you can pretty much say it because you know he already knows it. So you're know he already knows it. So you're know he already knows it. So you're like, "God, I like, "God, I like, "God, I I lied to my boss this week I lied to my boss this week I lied to my boss this week and you saw that and then I slandered and you saw that and then I slandered and you saw that and then I slandered him just to try to get rid of that shame him just to try to get rid of that shame him just to try to get rid of that shame and make maybe put it on him." And then and make maybe put it on him." And then and make maybe put it on him." And then I got with a co-orker who was I got with a co-orker who was I got with a co-orker who was disgruntled and and fed that a little disgruntled and and fed that a little disgruntled and and fed that a little bit just to try to get the deflection bit just to try to get the deflection bit just to try to get the deflection off me. And then I felt guilty and I off me. And then I felt guilty and I off me. And then I felt guilty and I came home and I yelled at my kids and came home and I yelled at my kids and came home and I yelled at my kids and then I felt even more guilty and then I then I felt even more guilty and then I then I felt even more guilty and then I I looked at porn and now I feel like I looked at porn and now I feel like I looked at porn and now I feel like [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] but God I know that your grace is but God I know that your grace is but God I know that your grace is sufficient for all those sins. I want to sufficient for all those sins. I want to sufficient for all those sins. I want to live live right. That's honesty with live live right. That's honesty with live live right. That's honesty with God. That's intimacy with God. That's God. That's intimacy with God. That's God. That's intimacy with God. That's real. But then you go to your your guys real. But then you go to your your guys real. But then you go to your your guys group. You're like, "Hey, what's up? How group. You're like, "Hey, what's up? How group. You're like, "Hey, what's up? How was your week?" "Oh, it was good."

was your week?" "Oh, it was good." was your week?" "Oh, it was good." You know, regular struggles, just little You know, regular struggles, just little You know, regular struggles, just little things here and there. You know, it's things here and there. You know, it's things here and there. You know, it's not fall short. God's, you know, God's not fall short. God's, you know, God's not fall short. God's, you know, God's perfect, I'm not. And what you perfect, I'm not. And what you perfect, I'm not. And what you experience is like a general confession experience is like a general confession experience is like a general confession with a general repentance and a general with a general repentance and a general with a general repentance and a general transformation. And and your transformation. And and your transformation. And and your relationships are just uh it's not real. relationships are just uh it's not real. relationships are just uh it's not real. And and what we discover is more And and what we discover is more And and what we discover is more embarrassing to look someone in the embarrassing to look someone in the embarrassing to look someone in the face, a human being, and confess than it face, a human being, and confess than it face, a human being, and confess than it is to confess to a God that we can't see is to confess to a God that we can't see is to confess to a God that we can't see or touch. But God says in his word, "If or touch. But God says in his word, "If or touch. But God says in his word, "If you confess your sins to one another, you confess your sins to one another, you confess your sins to one another, you'll experience you'll experience you'll experience healing." James 5:16. Wow. And there's healing." James 5:16. Wow. And there's healing." James 5:16. Wow. And there's something more than just physical something more than just physical something more than just physical healing in that verse. There's something healing in that verse. There's something healing in that verse. There's something about saying, "I am as sick as my about saying, "I am as sick as my about saying, "I am as sick as my secrets. I want to step into the light. secrets. I want to step into the light. secrets. I want to step into the light. I want to find that one person I take a I want to find that one person I take a I want to find that one person I take a risk with. I go deep. I take off my risk with. I go deep. I take off my risk with. I go deep. I take off my mask. This is me. Will you love me mask. This is me. Will you love me mask. This is me. Will you love me anyway? And this is a beautiful anyway? And this is a beautiful anyway? And this is a beautiful invitation of Jesus as he models this invitation of Jesus as he models this invitation of Jesus as he models this with his disciples. with his disciples. with his disciples. Dietri Bonhaofer says it this way. If if Dietri Bonhaofer says it this way. If if Dietri Bonhaofer says it this way. If if a Christian is in fellowship of a Christian is in fellowship of a Christian is in fellowship of confession with another brother, he will confession with another brother, he will confession with another brother, he will never be alone again never be alone again never be alone again anywhere.

anywhere. anywhere. And just so you know, the weakness part And just so you know, the weakness part And just so you know, the weakness part scares you. You connect with human scares you. You connect with human scares you. You connect with human beings way more over your weaknesses beings way more over your weaknesses beings way more over your weaknesses than you do over your strengths. Our than you do over your strengths. Our than you do over your strengths. Our strengths keep us from each other, but strengths keep us from each other, but strengths keep us from each other, but our weaknesses connect us deeply. And so our weaknesses connect us deeply. And so our weaknesses connect us deeply. And so I invite you to take a step. Here's I invite you to take a step. Here's I invite you to take a step. Here's here's the question. Are you in your here's the question. Are you in your here's the question. Are you in your life in your vision of friendship moving life in your vision of friendship moving life in your vision of friendship moving toward one person or two people who know toward one person or two people who know toward one person or two people who know everything everything everything about you, about you, about you, fully disclosing your life, a man of fully disclosing your life, a man of fully disclosing your life, a man of many companions comes to ruin, but there many companions comes to ruin, but there many companions comes to ruin, but there is that one friend who sticks closer is that one friend who sticks closer is that one friend who sticks closer than a brother. And over the last than a brother. And over the last than a brother. And over the last 35 or so years, from a brand new 35 or so years, from a brand new 35 or so years, from a brand new Christian who had no friends to a a guy Christian who had no friends to a a guy Christian who had no friends to a a guy who took a risk and showed up at who took a risk and showed up at who took a risk and showed up at different places, God has blessed me different places, God has blessed me different places, God has blessed me with several friendships that are 25, 30 with several friendships that are 25, 30 with several friendships that are 25, 30 years long where we raised our kids years long where we raised our kids years long where we raised our kids together. We went through marriage together. We went through marriage together. We went through marriage together, went to celebrations together, together, went to celebrations together, together, went to celebrations together, went through death and loss together, went through death and loss together, went through death and loss together, went through tragedy and financial went through tragedy and financial went through tragedy and financial crisis together, went through all these crisis together, went through all these crisis together, went through all these moments together, up and down and up and moments together, up and down and up and moments together, up and down and up and down and up and down. And it's a down and up and down. And it's a down and up and down. And it's a beautiful gift that God gives when he beautiful gift that God gives when he beautiful gift that God gives when he can find those friends and have a vision can find those friends and have a vision can find those friends and have a vision for friendship for decades.

for friendship for decades. for friendship for decades. This is what God has for us. And it's This is what God has for us. And it's This is what God has for us. And it's what Jamie and Don and Don have found. what Jamie and Don and Don have found. what Jamie and Don and Don have found. This this testimony was shared at the This this testimony was shared at the This this testimony was shared at the gathering. I thought it was so gathering. I thought it was so gathering. I thought it was so appropriate. I thought we we need to appropriate. I thought we we need to appropriate. I thought we we need to watch it here again. And if you haven't watch it here again. And if you haven't watch it here again. And if you haven't seen it, I want you to watch what seen it, I want you to watch what seen it, I want you to watch what happens as friendship is formed over happens as friendship is formed over happens as friendship is formed over decades. Take a look at Jaime's story. Before I was a Christian, I [music] was Before I was a Christian, I [music] was seeking. I was unsure. And I was filled seeking. I was unsure. And I was filled seeking. I was unsure. And I was filled with fear. with fear. with fear. And I met this [music] girl at a job I And I met this [music] girl at a job I And I met this [music] girl at a job I was working at. And was working at. And was working at. And she was the epitome of [music] this she was the epitome of [music] this she was the epitome of [music] this blonde surfer girl. Like, oh, blonde surfer girl. Like, oh, blonde surfer girl. Like, oh, everything's great. Always smiling. I everything's great. Always smiling. I everything's great. Always smiling. I used to think she did drugs. It's like, used to think she did drugs. It's like, used to think she did drugs. It's like, why are you so happy all the time? why are you so happy all the time? why are you so happy all the time? [music] And when I went up to her one [music] And when I went up to her one [music] And when I went up to her one day, I said, Robin, you need to like day, I said, Robin, you need to like day, I said, Robin, you need to like punch out because of Michael, who he was punch out because of Michael, who he was punch out because of Michael, who he was our manager, sees that you're you're our manager, sees that you're you're our manager, sees that you're you're stone. you're going to get fired. And stone. you're going to get fired. And stone. you're going to get fired. And she just looked at me. She says, "I she just looked at me. She says, "I she just looked at me. She says, "I don't do drugs." I said, "Well, then why don't do drugs." I said, "Well, then why don't do drugs." I said, "Well, then why are you so happy?" [music] She said, are you so happy?" [music] She said, are you so happy?" [music] She said, "Because I'm a Christian." I said, "Oh." "Because I'm a Christian." I said, "Oh." "Because I'm a Christian." I said, "Oh." She says, "Would you like to come to She says, "Would you like to come to She says, "Would you like to come to Bible study with me?" I'm like, "Yeah, Bible study with me?" I'm like, "Yeah, Bible study with me?" I'm like, "Yeah, sure. I'll come." Heard the gospel. And sure. I'll come." Heard the gospel. And sure. I'll come." Heard the gospel. And one night I was by myself [music] in my one night I was by myself [music] in my one night I was by myself [music] in my room and I just said prayed to receive room and I just said prayed to receive room and I just said prayed to receive the Lord. Like, Lord, please forgive me.

the Lord. Like, Lord, please forgive me. the Lord. Like, Lord, please forgive me. I don't know what I'm doing, but I need I don't know what I'm doing, but I need I don't know what I'm doing, but I need you to come into my life. I met [music] you to come into my life. I met [music] you to come into my life. I met [music] Dawn when my daughter was in first grade Dawn when my daughter was in first grade Dawn when my daughter was in first grade and we just and we just >> [music] >> [music] >> uh became friends throughout the years. >> uh became friends throughout the years. >> uh became friends throughout the years. That was many many years ago, over 30 That was many many years ago, over 30 That was many many years ago, over 30 years ago that I've known Don. She years ago that I've known Don. She years ago that I've known Don. She stopped teaching there and um [music] I stopped teaching there and um [music] I stopped teaching there and um [music] I went my way and but we still kept in went my way and but we still kept in went my way and but we still kept in touch. I'd see her at church and she touch. I'd see her at church and she touch. I'd see her at church and she always sent me the Christmas cards of always sent me the Christmas cards of always sent me the Christmas cards of her and her family. [music] And then one her and her family. [music] And then one her and her family. [music] And then one day almost nine years ago when the Lord day almost nine years ago when the Lord day almost nine years ago when the Lord called me to start working with high called me to start working with high called me to start working with high school ministry [music] and she was school ministry [music] and she was school ministry [music] and she was leading a group with Donna and that's leading a group with Donna and that's leading a group with Donna and that's how we met and never looked back. Once we started [music] serving together Once we started [music] serving together in youth in youth in youth just that rhythm of Saturday nights day just that rhythm of Saturday nights day just that rhythm of Saturday nights day after day it became special to me after day it became special to me after day it became special to me [music] just working serving alongside [music] just working serving alongside [music] just working serving alongside her and um our other friend Donna. I her and um our other friend Donna. I her and um our other friend Donna. I couldn't wait to go just because I couldn't wait to go just because I couldn't wait to go just because I [music] got to serve with them. [music] got to serve with them. [music] got to serve with them. >> We just started doing life together.

>> We just started doing life together. >> We just started doing life together. That's all. It was just like we served That's all. It was just like we served That's all. It was just like we served [music] together. Then we started going [music] together. Then we started going [music] together. Then we started going out. We would go out for coffee, for out. We would go out for coffee, for out. We would go out for coffee, for lunch. We had lunch dates all the time. lunch. We had lunch dates all the time. lunch. We had lunch dates all the time. And we just like sort of became more And we just like sort of became more And we just like sort of became more than just friends, more like family. than just friends, more like family. than just friends, more like family. Biblical [music] friendship that I've Biblical [music] friendship that I've Biblical [music] friendship that I've experienced through Jamie and through experienced through Jamie and through experienced through Jamie and through Donna is not being afraid to just be who Donna is not being afraid to just be who Donna is not being afraid to just be who I am and not being afraid to tell them I am and not being afraid to tell them I am and not being afraid to tell them when I'm having a rough [music] day and when I'm having a rough [music] day and when I'm having a rough [music] day and I need prayer and I'm at my lowest or I I need prayer and I'm at my lowest or I I need prayer and I'm at my lowest or I celebrate my joys with them and they do celebrate my joys with them and they do celebrate my joys with them and they do the same for for us. My daughter, she developed [music] My daughter, she developed [music] Crohn's disease and that changed her Crohn's disease and that changed her Crohn's disease and that changed her life. life. life. She was able still to go to college and She was able still to go to college and She was able still to go to college and finish her four years, but like I said, finish her four years, but like I said, finish her four years, but like I said, the Crohn's disease took everything out the Crohn's disease took everything out the Crohn's disease took everything out of her [music] and um she developed of her [music] and um she developed of her [music] and um she developed colon cancer. The first year that I lost her, the The first year that I lost her, the [music] anniversary, I told them, I [music] anniversary, I told them, I [music] anniversary, I told them, I don't I want I just I need to be alone.

don't I want I just I need to be alone. don't I want I just I need to be alone. I don't want to talk to anybody. I don't want to talk to anybody. I don't want to talk to anybody. So, first thing in the morning, I hear a So, first thing in the morning, I hear a So, first thing in the morning, I hear a knock on the door and there they are. knock on the door and there they are. knock on the door and there they are. [music] Every year they're there for me. [music] Every year they're there for me. [music] Every year they're there for me. They're not forgotten. They give [music] They're not forgotten. They give [music] They're not forgotten. They give [music] me a plant. They g They gave me this me a plant. They g They gave me this me a plant. They g They gave me this necklace with R on it. Rachel, that's necklace with R on it. Rachel, that's necklace with R on it. Rachel, that's loyalty. loyalty. loyalty. That's friendship. [music] And they have That's friendship. [music] And they have That's friendship. [music] And they have always been there for me. And I will always been there for me. And I will always been there for me. And I will always be there for them. God's timing always be there for them. God's timing always be there for them. God's timing [music] is always perfect. [music] is always perfect. [music] is always perfect. And he knew what I needed when I needed And he knew what I needed when I needed And he knew what I needed when I needed it. When I lost my [music] daughter, I it. When I lost my [music] daughter, I it. When I lost my [music] daughter, I tried to do it alone. I didn't want to tried to do it alone. I didn't want to tried to do it alone. I didn't want to talk to anybody. I just God's got talk to anybody. I just God's got talk to anybody. I just God's got [music] those people there for you to [music] those people there for you to [music] those people there for you to hold you up. I hear and think of the hold you up. I hear and think of the hold you up. I hear and think of the word friend. First off, I think of my word friend. First off, I think of my word friend. First off, I think of my relationship with the Lord. [music] He's relationship with the Lord. [music] He's relationship with the Lord. [music] He's not only my savior. Oh, I get so not only my savior. Oh, I get so not only my savior. Oh, I get so emotional. He's my friend. What is a emotional. He's my friend. What is a emotional. He's my friend. What is a friend? A friend loves [music] friend? A friend loves [music] friend? A friend loves [music] unconditionally. A friend stands by you. unconditionally. A friend stands by you. unconditionally. A friend stands by you. A friend is loyal. A friend calls A friend is loyal. A friend calls A friend is loyal. A friend calls [music] you out when it needs to be [music] you out when it needs to be [music] you out when it needs to be called out. But a friend is committed.

called out. But a friend is committed. called out. But a friend is committed. That's what a friend is. And that's kind That's what a friend is. And that's kind That's what a friend is. And that's kind of like what the Lord is. He's [music] of like what the Lord is. He's [music] of like what the Lord is. He's [music] everything. Faithful. He's good. He's everything. Faithful. He's good. He's everything. Faithful. He's good. He's loving. He's kind. He's generous. loving. He's kind. He's generous. loving. He's kind. He's generous. [music] He's giving. He's forgiving. [music] He's giving. He's forgiving. [music] He's giving. He's forgiving. That's the epitome of what a friendship That's the epitome of what a friendship That's the epitome of what a friendship is. And we learn from that, from [music] is. And we learn from that, from [music] is. And we learn from that, from [music] what God is to us, how our friendship is what God is to us, how our friendship is what God is to us, how our friendship is with God. It it just works out into what with God. It it just works out into what with God. It it just works out into what our friendship with other people should our friendship with other people should our friendship with other people should be. The same qualities [music] and be. The same qualities [music] and be. The same qualities [music] and characteristics as our friendship with characteristics as our friendship with characteristics as our friendship with God should be implemented in our God should be implemented in our God should be implemented in our friendship with other people. That's friendship with other people. That's friendship with other people. That's what friendship [music] is about. That's what friendship [music] is about. That's what friendship [music] is about. That's what community is all about. You get what community is all about. You get what community is all about. You get that all the nuances when you have a that all the nuances when you have a that all the nuances when you have a friendship and it's all based on the friendship and it's all based on the friendship and it's all based on the Lord. It's there's nothing better. Jaime articulates a truth Jaime articulates a truth that I think most followers of Jesus that I think most followers of Jesus that I think most followers of Jesus never discover never discover never discover that all of the best qualities of God that all of the best qualities of God that all of the best qualities of God toward her are the ingredients toward her are the ingredients toward her are the ingredients in healthy friendship toward others.

in healthy friendship toward others. in healthy friendship toward others. This is the vision that the Bible gives This is the vision that the Bible gives This is the vision that the Bible gives us for friendship. It's the vision that us for friendship. It's the vision that us for friendship. It's the vision that Jesus models and speaks of and that Jesus models and speaks of and that Jesus models and speaks of and that we're invited into. And so my my prayer we're invited into. And so my my prayer we're invited into. And so my my prayer for us is that we don't live life alone. for us is that we don't live life alone. for us is that we don't live life alone. And so some of you, you're going to need And so some of you, you're going to need And so some of you, you're going to need to take a first step. Some of you who to take a first step. Some of you who to take a first step. Some of you who are been watching online for a year, are been watching online for a year, are been watching online for a year, your step is just to show up and just be your step is just to show up and just be your step is just to show up and just be with God's people. Maybe you show up on with God's people. Maybe you show up on with God's people. Maybe you show up on a Wednesday or you show up in a small a Wednesday or you show up in a small a Wednesday or you show up in a small group. Maybe some of you who sat and group. Maybe some of you who sat and group. Maybe some of you who sat and just face forward for for years. You're just face forward for for years. You're just face forward for for years. You're like, you know what? I'm going to I'm like, you know what? I'm going to I'm like, you know what? I'm going to I'm going to try to join the group. I'm going to try to join the group. I'm going to try to join the group. I'm going to sign up to serve. If you show going to sign up to serve. If you show going to sign up to serve. If you show up at the same place every week, it's up at the same place every week, it's up at the same place every week, it's going to be amazing how you find those going to be amazing how you find those going to be amazing how you find those friends and those connections. For some friends and those connections. For some friends and those connections. For some of you, you have really good friends and of you, you have really good friends and of you, you have really good friends and you already serve and you're already you already serve and you're already you already serve and you're already part of a group, but but you've never part of a group, but but you've never part of a group, but but you've never prioritized friendship, like it's never prioritized friendship, like it's never prioritized friendship, like it's never on your calendar. Sort of like a on your calendar. Sort of like a on your calendar. Sort of like a leftover. What if you began to schedule leftover. What if you began to schedule leftover. What if you began to schedule a weekly coffee or a monthly dinner with a weekly coffee or a monthly dinner with a weekly coffee or a monthly dinner with those friends? You plan a mission trip those friends? You plan a mission trip those friends? You plan a mission trip together, a vacation together, or you together, a vacation together, or you together, a vacation together, or you just more intentional when you get just more intentional when you get just more intentional when you get together. You you ask intentional together. You you ask intentional together. You you ask intentional questions. questions. questions. questions about what is God teaching questions about what is God teaching questions about what is God teaching you? Where do you feel like you need you? Where do you feel like you need you? Where do you feel like you need prayer? How can I begin to inject prayer? How can I begin to inject prayer? How can I begin to inject spiritual and vulnerable connections in spiritual and vulnerable connections in spiritual and vulnerable connections in my everyday rhythms of with my friends my everyday rhythms of with my friends my everyday rhythms of with my friends and family? And you're going to find and family? And you're going to find and family? And you're going to find that those relationships go deeper. And that those relationships go deeper. And that those relationships go deeper. And so, we just want to pray right now that so, we just want to pray right now that so, we just want to pray right now that God would help us each to take our own God would help us each to take our own God would help us each to take our own step in these relationships. Let's pray step in these relationships. Let's pray step in these relationships. Let's pray together.

together. together. Holy Spirit, you brought something to Holy Spirit, you brought something to Holy Spirit, you brought something to our mind. Help us to pay attention to our mind. Help us to pay attention to our mind. Help us to pay attention to what came to mind. person's name, a step what came to mind. person's name, a step what came to mind. person's name, a step you want us to take, you want us to take, you want us to take, maybe a sense of comfort that in our maybe a sense of comfort that in our maybe a sense of comfort that in our loneliness, there's hope for change, loneliness, there's hope for change, loneliness, there's hope for change, maybe a sense of conviction that we've maybe a sense of conviction that we've maybe a sense of conviction that we've made a lot of our life a lot about made a lot of our life a lot about made a lot of our life a lot about ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. Father, whatever you brought to our Father, whatever you brought to our Father, whatever you brought to our mind, I pray you give us the courage to mind, I pray you give us the courage to mind, I pray you give us the courage to take that step and trust you forward and take that step and trust you forward and take that step and trust you forward and that our life and this church and all of that our life and this church and all of that our life and this church and all of our relationships go richer and deeper our relationships go richer and deeper our relationships go richer and deeper as we follow you, Jesus, and as we as we follow you, Jesus, and as we as we follow you, Jesus, and as we practice on earth. what will be our practice on earth. what will be our practice on earth. what will be our practice in heaven. practice in heaven. practice in heaven. And so Jesus, make us those people. We And so Jesus, make us those people. We And so Jesus, make us those people. We pray this in Jesus name. pray this in Jesus name. pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hey, I want to make a final invitation. Hey, I want to make a final invitation. Hey, I want to make a final invitation. And the final invitation is for anyone And the final invitation is for anyone And the final invitation is for anyone here who doesn't feel or know that sense here who doesn't feel or know that sense here who doesn't feel or know that sense of friendship with God that we talked of friendship with God that we talked of friendship with God that we talked about. So, I'm going to ask every about. So, I'm going to ask every about. So, I'm going to ask every Christian in the room to stay in your Christian in the room to stay in your Christian in the room to stay in your seats and pray because for someone who's seats and pray because for someone who's seats and pray because for someone who's not a Christian, who's never experienced not a Christian, who's never experienced not a Christian, who's never experienced this relationship with God, this is this relationship with God, this is this relationship with God, this is going to be the most important part of going to be the most important part of going to be the most important part of the service and their entire life.

the service and their entire life. the service and their entire life. So Jesus said this to his disciples the So Jesus said this to his disciples the So Jesus said this to his disciples the night he was arrested, the night he was night he was arrested, the night he was night he was arrested, the night he was going to die for them and for all of us. going to die for them and for all of us. going to die for them and for all of us. He said, "There is no greater love than He said, "There is no greater love than He said, "There is no greater love than a man will lay down his life for his a man will lay down his life for his a man will lay down his life for his friend." friend." friend." Now, maybe you've never thought about Now, maybe you've never thought about Now, maybe you've never thought about this, but Jesus died this, but Jesus died this, but Jesus died so that you could be reconnected with so that you could be reconnected with so that you could be reconnected with God, so that you could be a friend of God, so that you could be a friend of God, so that you could be a friend of God. Jesus died so that your sins that God. Jesus died so that your sins that God. Jesus died so that your sins that have separated you from God can be paid have separated you from God can be paid have separated you from God can be paid for. That gap between you and God can be for. That gap between you and God can be for. That gap between you and God can be restored. Jesus died so you could restored. Jesus died so you could restored. Jesus died so you could experience a relationship with him, the experience a relationship with him, the experience a relationship with him, the son, and his father in a way that would son, and his father in a way that would son, and his father in a way that would be uninterrupted between the moment you be uninterrupted between the moment you be uninterrupted between the moment you make this decision make this decision make this decision and the moment you close your eyes in and the moment you close your eyes in and the moment you close your eyes in death and wake up in eternity. death and wake up in eternity. death and wake up in eternity. This is God's reaching out to you just This is God's reaching out to you just This is God's reaching out to you just like he's reached out to all of us in like he's reached out to all of us in like he's reached out to all of us in this room who have made this decision. this room who have made this decision. this room who have made this decision. And so we're going to invite you if And so we're going to invite you if And so we're going to invite you if you've not yet made a decision to follow you've not yet made a decision to follow you've not yet made a decision to follow Jesus. He invites us to repent to change Jesus. He invites us to repent to change Jesus. He invites us to repent to change the way we think. that life is not about the way we think. that life is not about the way we think. that life is not about us and to believe the good news of the us and to believe the good news of the us and to believe the good news of the gospel that God so loved the world that gospel that God so loved the world that gospel that God so loved the world that he sent his only son that whoever would he sent his only son that whoever would he sent his only son that whoever would believe in him put their faith and trust believe in him put their faith and trust believe in him put their faith and trust in him pledge their allegiance to him in him pledge their allegiance to him in him pledge their allegiance to him would not have to perish but they could would not have to perish but they could would not have to perish but they could have everlasting life and this beautiful have everlasting life and this beautiful have everlasting life and this beautiful extravagant invitation of someone who extravagant invitation of someone who extravagant invitation of someone who would die for you when you didn't even would die for you when you didn't even would die for you when you didn't even think about them or know about them think about them or know about them think about them or know about them someone who would give all this up just someone who would give all this up just someone who would give all this up just so you could reconnect to God is a love so you could reconnect to God is a love so you could reconnect to God is a love that the Bible says transcends that the Bible says transcends that the Bible says transcends understanding you are so loved by God.

understanding you are so loved by God. understanding you are so loved by God. And this requires a decision. This And this requires a decision. This And this requires a decision. This lavish gift, this invitation, this price lavish gift, this invitation, this price lavish gift, this invitation, this price has been paid. You have a choice. You has been paid. You have a choice. You has been paid. You have a choice. You either say, "No thanks. I'm good." Or either say, "No thanks. I'm good." Or either say, "No thanks. I'm good." Or you receive this gift that will change you receive this gift that will change you receive this gift that will change your life. And so in this moment, we your life. And so in this moment, we your life. And so in this moment, we affectionately call this moment an alter affectionately call this moment an alter affectionately call this moment an alter call. This is an altar with space for call. This is an altar with space for call. This is an altar with space for anyone who would come. We're going to anyone who would come. We're going to anyone who would come. We're going to play a song and we're going to invite play a song and we're going to invite play a song and we're going to invite you to stand up and walk to this you to stand up and walk to this you to stand up and walk to this platform and pray a very simple prayer platform and pray a very simple prayer platform and pray a very simple prayer [music] that goes like this. God, I open [music] that goes like this. God, I open [music] that goes like this. God, I open my heart and I invite you inside. I want my heart and I invite you inside. I want my heart and I invite you inside. I want to start a relationship with you through to start a relationship with you through to start a relationship with you through your son, Jesus. your son, Jesus. your son, Jesus. I believe you came for me and died for I believe you came for me and died for I believe you came for me and died for me and now I want to live for you. It's me and now I want to live for you. It's me and now I want to live for you. It's not even about the perfect words. It's not even about the perfect words. It's not even about the perfect words. It's about a heart that's ready. This about a heart that's ready. This about a heart that's ready. This decision is the most important decision decision is the most important decision decision is the most important decision a human being can make a human being can make a human being can make because your greatest need is for because your greatest need is for because your greatest need is for forgiveness. Your greatest need is to be forgiveness. Your greatest need is to be forgiveness. Your greatest need is to be reconnected with the God who made you. reconnected with the God who made you. reconnected with the God who made you. And if that's you, I know it's going to And if that's you, I know it's going to And if that's you, I know it's going to require courage. So, we call this this require courage. So, we call this this require courage. So, we call this this moment 20 seconds of insane courage moment 20 seconds of insane courage moment 20 seconds of insane courage where you stand up in front of all these where you stand up in front of all these where you stand up in front of all these people and walk forward. people and walk forward. people and walk forward. And you're not going to get side eyes And you're not going to get side eyes And you're not going to get side eyes like, man, they must have been a bad like, man, they must have been a bad like, man, they must have been a bad sinner. What's wrong with them? You're sinner. What's wrong with them? You're sinner. What's wrong with them? You're going to start hearing applause break going to start hearing applause break going to start hearing applause break out in the room because all of us know out in the room because all of us know out in the room because all of us know what this meant for us. All of us are what this meant for us. All of us are what this meant for us. All of us are sinners. All of us need a savior. All of sinners. All of us need a savior. All of sinners. All of us need a savior. All of us, we need the same thing. And you're us, we need the same thing. And you're us, we need the same thing. And you're surrounded by people who love you, who surrounded by people who love you, who surrounded by people who love you, who are praying for you. So, if right now, are praying for you. So, if right now, are praying for you. So, if right now, this is the moment you're like, I need this is the moment you're like, I need this is the moment you're like, I need this connection with God. I want to this connection with God. I want to this connection with God. I want to experience eternal life and the experience eternal life and the experience eternal life and the forgiveness of my sins. I want this forgiveness of my sins. I want this forgiveness of my sins. I want this relationship. I'm going to ask you to relationship. I'm going to ask you to relationship. I'm going to ask you to stand wherever you are right now and stand wherever you are right now and stand wherever you are right now and walk forward and we will celebrate with walk forward and we will celebrate with walk forward and we will celebrate with all of heaven as you come. Come on. He's

all of heaven as you come. Come on. He's all of heaven as you come. Come on. He's waiting for you. waiting for you. waiting for you. >> How great us. How high the mountain us. How high the mountain I could not climb. I could not climb. I could not climb. In desperation, In desperation, In desperation, I turned to heaven. I turned to heaven. I turned to heaven. Spoke your name into the night. Spoke your name into the night. Spoke your name into the night. And through the [music and singing] And through the [music and singing] And through the [music and singing] darkness, darkness, darkness, your loving kindness your loving kindness your loving kindness tore through the [music] shadows tore through the [music] shadows tore through the [music] shadows of my soul. of my soul. of my soul. The end is written. The end is written. The end is written. The end is written. The end is written. The end is written. Jesus Christ [music] my livinging Jesus Christ [music] my livinging Jesus Christ [music] my livinging hope. hope. hope. Oh hallelujah. [music] Oh hallelujah. [music] Oh hallelujah. [music] Praise the world who set me free.

Praise the world who set me free. Praise the world who set me free. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Death has lost its grip on me. [music] Death has lost its grip on me. [music] Death has lost its grip on me. You have broken every chain. There's You have broken every chain. There's You have broken every chain. There's salvation [music and singing] salvation [music and singing] salvation [music and singing] in your name, Jesus Christ, my living in your name, Jesus Christ, my living in your name, Jesus Christ, my living hope. Oh, we celebrate with you. Oh, we celebrate with you. [applause] [applause] [applause] Living hope. That's what this is about Living hope. That's what this is about Living hope. That's what this is about right now. right now. right now. [applause] [applause] [applause] And we are honored to be a part of this And we are honored to be a part of this And we are honored to be a part of this moment where you pray this prayer. I moment where you pray this prayer. I moment where you pray this prayer. I mean, today is August 23rd, 2026. God mean, today is August 23rd, 2026. God mean, today is August 23rd, 2026. God knew on this day he would meet you here, knew on this day he would meet you here, knew on this day he would meet you here, that you would be ready. that you would be ready. that you would be ready. And as you confess that you're a sinner, And as you confess that you're a sinner, And as you confess that you're a sinner, that you need to save, all your sins are that you need to save, all your sins are that you need to save, all your sins are going to be forgiven. And all the shame going to be forgiven. And all the shame going to be forgiven. And all the shame and guilt that goes with that sin, God's and guilt that goes with that sin, God's and guilt that goes with that sin, God's going to begin the work of new creation, going to begin the work of new creation, going to begin the work of new creation, taking the brokenness of your life and taking the brokenness of your life and taking the brokenness of your life and bringing redemption. Listen, his his bringing redemption. Listen, his his bringing redemption. Listen, his his redemption is greater than your redemption is greater than your redemption is greater than your brokenness. His power is greater than brokenness. His power is greater than brokenness. His power is greater than any stronghold in your life. His any stronghold in your life. His any stronghold in your life. His forgiveness is greater than any sin forgiveness is greater than any sin forgiveness is greater than any sin you've ever committed. And you're about you've ever committed. And you're about you've ever committed. And you're about to experience this miraculous beginning to experience this miraculous beginning to experience this miraculous beginning with God. It's just the first day, just with God. It's just the first day, just with God. It's just the first day, just the starting point. And so we're excited the starting point. And so we're excited the starting point. And so we're excited for you. I want to pray with you in just for you. I want to pray with you in just for you. I want to pray with you in just a moment.

a moment. a moment. But I want to just pause for just one But I want to just pause for just one But I want to just pause for just one more minute more minute more minute for all the procrastinators out there for all the procrastinators out there for all the procrastinators out there who are thinking I should be up there, who are thinking I should be up there, who are thinking I should be up there, but I missed it. I know that because but I missed it. I know that because but I missed it. I know that because that was me for a long time. I should, I that was me for a long time. I should, I that was me for a long time. I should, I should, I should. I'll wait next week, should, I should. I'll wait next week, should, I should. I'll wait next week, maybe some other time. I have questions. maybe some other time. I have questions. maybe some other time. I have questions. I still want to do my own thing. Like I still want to do my own thing. Like I still want to do my own thing. Like all the things. all the things. all the things. And I just want to say don't hesitate. don't hesitate. This invitation is given for today. The This invitation is given for today. The This invitation is given for today. The Bible says today is the day of Bible says today is the day of Bible says today is the day of salvation. Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day of redemption. If you hear his voice, do redemption. If you hear his voice, do redemption. If you hear his voice, do not harden your heart. If that's anyone not harden your heart. If that's anyone not harden your heart. If that's anyone here, you're already standing. Just step here, you're already standing. Just step here, you're already standing. Just step into the aisle and walk this way. We we into the aisle and walk this way. We we into the aisle and walk this way. We we don't want you to miss this moment. And don't want you to miss this moment. And don't want you to miss this moment. And so this is your opportunity to come. so this is your opportunity to come. so this is your opportunity to come. Come on. Come on.

Come on. Come on, church. Let's applaud these Come on, church. Let's applaud these Come on, church. Let's applaud these decisions of faith as they're being decisions of faith as they're being decisions of faith as they're being made. This is life changing, eternity made. This is life changing, eternity made. This is life changing, eternity changing stuff right now. changing stuff right now. changing stuff right now. We celebrate with heaven. [applause] We celebrate with heaven. [applause] We celebrate with heaven. [applause] So good. So good. So good. So good. Welcome. Welcome. Glad you're here. Welcome. Welcome. Glad you're here. [applause] So now for you that have come, I'm just So now for you that have come, I'm just going to give you some simple words to going to give you some simple words to going to give you some simple words to say out loud to God. So just repeat this say out loud to God. So just repeat this say out loud to God. So just repeat this out loud. He's listening and he'll out loud. He's listening and he'll out loud. He's listening and he'll answer this prayer. Say this to God. answer this prayer. Say this to God. answer this prayer. Say this to God. Lord God, Lord God, Lord God, Lord God, Lord God, Lord 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. Forgive my sin. Forgive my sin. Forgive my sin. Today I repent. Today I repent. Today I repent. Now fill me with your spirit Now fill me with your spirit Now fill me with your spirit and I will walk with you all the days of and I will walk with you all the days of and I will walk with you all the days of my life. I pray this in Jesus name.

my life. I pray this in Jesus name. my life. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Guys, congratulations. Amen. Amen. Guys, congratulations. Amen. Amen. Guys, congratulations. Welcome to the family of God. [applause] Welcome to the family of God. [applause] Welcome to the family of God. [applause] So, I'm going to ask you just to give us So, I'm going to ask you just to give us So, I'm going to ask you just to give us five more minutes. You just made the five more minutes. You just made the five more minutes. You just made the most important decision in your life. most important decision in your life. most important decision in your life. I'm going to ask you to follow me and I'm going to ask you to follow me and I'm going to ask you to follow me and our crew over that open door right there our crew over that open door right there our crew over that open door right there where we're going to give you a Bible where we're going to give you a Bible where we're going to give you a Bible and have a quick conversation. You'll be and have a quick conversation. You'll be and have a quick conversation. You'll be back with your friends in 5 minutes. back with your friends in 5 minutes. back with your friends in 5 minutes. Church, can we give them a hand as they Church, can we give them a hand as they Church, can we give them a hand as they go this way? go this way? go this way? And listen, if you still feel that sense And listen, if you still feel that sense And listen, if you still feel that sense of alone, we're going to invite you to of alone, we're going to invite you to of alone, we're going to invite you to come forward for prayer right now or come forward for prayer right now or come forward for prayer right now or show up on Wednesday night. But right show up on Wednesday night. But right show up on Wednesday night. But right now, let's respond in worship to Jesus now, let's respond in worship to Jesus now, let's respond in worship to Jesus who is worthy of our praise. Let's who is worthy of our praise. Let's who is worthy of our praise. Let's worship, [music] church. worship, [music] church. worship, [music] church. Come on, let's put our hands together. Come on, let's put our hands together. Come on, let's put our hands together. Sing this. Everybody clap your hands. Sing this. Everybody clap your hands. Sing this. Everybody clap your hands. Everybody [music] move your feet. Isn't Everybody [music] move your feet. Isn't Everybody [music] move your feet. Isn't he worthy, [singing] he worthy, [singing] he worthy, [singing] worthy of everything? Give it all. Don't worthy of everything? Give it all. Don't worthy of everything? Give it all. Don't hold back. [music] hold back. [music] hold back. [music] Praise him with all you have. Isn't Praise him with all you have. Isn't Praise him with all you have. Isn't [singing] he worthy, worthy [music] of [singing] he worthy, worthy [music] of [singing] he worthy, worthy [music] of everything. Everybody clap your hands. everything. Everybody clap your hands. everything. Everybody clap your hands. Everybody move your feet. Isn't he Everybody move your feet. Isn't he Everybody move your feet. Isn't he worthy? Worthy of everything. [music] worthy? Worthy of everything. [music] worthy? Worthy of everything. [music] Give it all. Don't hold back. Praise Give it all. Don't hold back. Praise Give it all. Don't hold back. Praise [singing] him with all you have. Isn't [singing] him with all you have. Isn't [singing] him with all you have. Isn't he worthy? Worthy [music] of everything.

he worthy? Worthy [music] of everything. he worthy? Worthy [music] of everything. Everywhere you [music] worthy, worthy [singing] of [music] worthy, worthy [singing] of everything. Praise all you [music] have. Worthy. Praise all you [music] have. Worthy. Worthy of everything. Worthy of everything. Worthy of everything. He shall be praised. He [music] shall be He shall be praised. He [music] shall be He shall be praised. He [music] shall be praised praised praised in heaven and earth to say he shall in heaven and earth to say he shall in heaven and earth to say he shall [music] be praised. He shall be praised. [music] be praised. He shall be praised. [music] be praised. He shall be praised. You forever [music and singing] the lamb of the lamb of forever [music] and ever he forever [music] and ever he forever [music] and ever he shall be shall be shall be [music] praised. praised. He shall be [music] praised. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] If you need prayer, we have a prayer If you need prayer, we have a prayer If you need prayer, we have a prayer team down here at their front. They team down here at their front. They team down here at their front. They would love to pray for you. But enjoy would love to pray for you. But enjoy would love to pray for you. But enjoy your Sunday and we'll see you back next your Sunday and we'll see you back next your Sunday and we'll see you back next week.

>> What an encouragement today to remember >> What an encouragement today to remember the value of friendship. I love how the value of friendship. I love how the value of friendship. I love how Pastor Duck said, "It's better to eat a Pastor Duck said, "It's better to eat a Pastor Duck said, "It's better to eat a Twinkie with a friend than broccoli Twinkie with a friend than broccoli Twinkie with a friend than broccoli alone." And I would say amen to that, alone." And I would say amen to that, alone." And I would say amen to that, right? Not really. I don't love right? Not really. I don't love right? Not really. I don't love broccoli. But we want to say if you broccoli. But we want to say if you broccoli. But we want to say if you prayed a prayer today to begin that prayed a prayer today to begin that prayed a prayer today to begin that relationship with Jesus, congratulations relationship with Jesus, congratulations relationship with Jesus, congratulations and welcome to the family of God. Not and welcome to the family of God. Not and welcome to the family of God. Not only is Jesus your savior, he is your only is Jesus your savior, he is your only is Jesus your savior, he is your friend. And I want to invite you to text friend. And I want to invite you to text friend. And I want to invite you to text the word believe to the number 31352 the word believe to the number 31352 the word believe to the number 31352 so we can connect with you, encourage so we can connect with you, encourage so we can connect with you, encourage you, and give you a helpful Bible study. you, and give you a helpful Bible study. you, and give you a helpful Bible study. And whether your journey with Jesus just And whether your journey with Jesus just And whether your journey with Jesus just began or you've been following him for a began or you've been following him for a began or you've been following him for a while, we want to invite you to take a while, we want to invite you to take a while, we want to invite you to take a second after service and head to second after service and head to second after service and head to calvaryftl.org/adaglance. It's the best place to explore your best It's the best place to explore your best next step with God here at Calvary. Yes. next step with God here at Calvary. Yes. next step with God here at Calvary. Yes. And you'll see when you go there the And you'll see when you go there the And you'll see when you go there the huddle. Calvary men, this is for you. huddle. Calvary men, this is for you. huddle. Calvary men, this is for you. Friday night, September 11th, the theme Friday night, September 11th, the theme Friday night, September 11th, the theme is don't go alone. So don't miss a is don't go alone. So don't miss a is don't go alone. So don't miss a chance to stand strong with a thousand chance to stand strong with a thousand chance to stand strong with a thousand other men. And remember, this Wednesday, other men. And remember, this Wednesday, other men. And remember, this Wednesday, we begin our fall rhythm of gathering we begin our fall rhythm of gathering we begin our fall rhythm of gathering here at the Fort Lauderdale campus to here at the Fort Lauderdale campus to here at the Fort Lauderdale campus to grow together. Whether you're coming to grow together. Whether you're coming to grow together. Whether you're coming to pray, join a care group, or just take a pray, join a care group, or just take a pray, join a care group, or just take a deeper dive into the topic of deeper dive into the topic of deeper dive into the topic of friendship. Remember, we're not friendship. Remember, we're not friendship. Remember, we're not streaming this, so we hope to see you streaming this, so we hope to see you streaming this, so we hope to see you here in person. Well, that's it for here in person. Well, that's it for here in person. Well, that's it for today, guys. We will see you next today, guys. We will see you next today, guys. We will see you next weekend where we'll be talking about weekend where we'll be talking about weekend where we'll be talking about family relationships. But unless your

family relationships. But unless your family relationships. But unless your family is kind of perfect, then you family is kind of perfect, then you family is kind of perfect, then you might want to skip this one. [laughter] might want to skip this one. [laughter] might want to skip this one. [laughter] But otherwise, we'll see you right here. But otherwise, we'll see you right here. But otherwise, we'll see you right here. >> We love you guys and have a great week. Planted by the Planted by the streams of water, streams of water, streams of water, a leaf will not wither a leaf will not wither a leaf will not wither and will always prosper. [music] Cuz I know you are Cuz I know you are faithful [singing] father. faithful [singing] father. faithful [singing] father. You shelter the [music] weery. You shelter the [music] weery. You shelter the [music] weery. You're seasoned with plenty. day and night. I do.

day and night. I do. [music] Blessed are the Blessed are the ways of the righteous ways of the righteous ways of the righteous with beauty and splendor. with beauty and splendor. with beauty and splendor. We look like our father We look like our father We look like our father and step by step in and step by step in and step by step in new creation. [music] I'm learning the new me. I'm learning the new me. I find it at [music] your feet. [music] [music] I delight in you I delight in you I delight in you [music] I delight in you.

I delight in you. [music]