Dust It Off and Do It Again | Rebuilding Community After Being Hurt

>> You give me hope and renew my strength >> You give me hope and renew my strength every morning. I hide your words inside my heart so I I hide your words inside my heart so I can be more like you.

Let me show you a proven way to a better Let me show you a proven way to a better life. For real, they've done studies on life. For real, they've done studies on life. For real, they've done studies on this. Proven to give you better sleep, this. Proven to give you better sleep, this. Proven to give you better sleep, lower your anxiety, improve your lower your anxiety, improve your lower your anxiety, improve your cardiovascular health, give you better cardiovascular health, give you better cardiovascular health, give you better immune function, lower blood pressure, immune function, lower blood pressure, immune function, lower blood pressure, and greater life satisfaction. It's the and greater life satisfaction. It's the and greater life satisfaction. It's the habit of prayer, gratitude, [music] habit of prayer, gratitude, [music] habit of prayer, gratitude, [music] and Bible reading. You can start that and Bible reading. You can start that and Bible reading. You can start that habit 100% free and guided for you in habit 100% free and guided for you in habit 100% free and guided for you in the Crossroads Anywhere app. A better the Crossroads Anywhere app. A better the Crossroads Anywhere app. A better life starts with a good day. And a good life starts with a good day. And a good life starts with a good day. And a good day starts in the Crossroads [music] day starts in the Crossroads [music] day starts in the Crossroads [music] Anywhere app.

Do you want to see God do something new Do you want to see God do something new in Louisville? We're bringing Crossroads in Louisville? We're bringing Crossroads in Louisville? We're bringing Crossroads Church Live to South Fourth Street for Church Live to South Fourth Street for Church Live to South Fourth Street for one night only. We're praying wild one night only. We're praying wild one night only. We're praying wild prayers for your city with live worship, prayers for your city with live worship, prayers for your city with live worship, inspiring teaching, and real inspiring teaching, and real inspiring teaching, and real connections. Because God doesn't call us connections. Because God doesn't call us connections. Because God doesn't call us to play it safe. He calls us to pray to play it safe. He calls us to pray to play it safe. He calls us to pray big. Doors open at 5. It's free and it's big. Doors open at 5. It's free and it's big. Doors open at 5. It's free and it's happening right here in Louisville. You happening right here in Louisville. You happening right here in Louisville. You can learn more at crossroads.net. I pray to the father [singing] I pray to the father [singing] protector and [music] protector and [music] protector and [music] provider provider provider the only one who hasn't failed me yet. Well, hey everybody. Welcome to Well, hey everybody. Welcome to Crossroads. Actually, I read this stat Crossroads. Actually, I read this stat Crossroads. Actually, I read this stat recently that loneliness is like smoking recently that loneliness is like smoking recently that loneliness is like smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Now, I'm fighting a 15 cigarettes a day. Now, I'm fighting a 15 cigarettes a day. Now, I'm fighting a cold right now, so I feel and sound like cold right now, so I feel and sound like cold right now, so I feel and sound like I've been smoking 15 cigarettes. But I've been smoking 15 cigarettes. But I've been smoking 15 cigarettes. But today, we're talking about the antidote today, we're talking about the antidote today, we're talking about the antidote to that. We're talking about to that. We're talking about to that. We're talking about friendships. [music] friendships. [music] friendships. [music] My name's Andy Ryder, community pastor My name's Andy Ryder, community pastor My name's Andy Ryder, community pastor of Crossroads Anywhere. I'm here with my of Crossroads Anywhere. I'm here with my of Crossroads Anywhere. I'm here with my friend Victor.

friend Victor. friend Victor. >> That's right. Gracias, amigo. Like Andy >> That's right. Gracias, amigo. Like Andy >> That's right. Gracias, amigo. Like Andy said, my name is Victor, community said, my name is Victor, community said, my name is Victor, community pastor of Crossroads in Espanola. And pastor of Crossroads in Espanola. And pastor of Crossroads in Espanola. And whether you go to any of our [music] whether you go to any of our [music] whether you go to any of our [music] sites or watch from around the world sites or watch from around the world sites or watch from around the world connecting in English or espanol, we're connecting in English or espanol, we're connecting in English or espanol, we're so glad that you're here. so glad that you're here. so glad that you're here. >> Yeah. And we'd actually love to know >> Yeah. And we'd actually love to know >> Yeah. And we'd actually love to know where you're watching from. There's a QR where you're watching from. There's a QR where you're watching from. There's a QR code up on the screen. [music] We'd love code up on the screen. [music] We'd love code up on the screen. [music] We'd love for you to enter your name and where for you to enter your name and where for you to enter your name and where you're tuning in from so that we can you're tuning in from so that we can you're tuning in from so that we can connect with you and know, man, we've connect with you and know, man, we've connect with you and know, man, we've got people all over the map. But f got people all over the map. But f got people all over the map. But f first, we're actually going to use some first, we're actually going to use some first, we're actually going to use some songs to [music] connect ourselves to songs to [music] connect ourselves to songs to [music] connect ourselves to God, to remind ourselves what God says God, to remind ourselves what God says God, to remind ourselves what God says is true about us and what the Bible says is true about us and what the Bible says is true about us and what the Bible says is true [music] about him. So don't just is true [music] about him. So don't just is true [music] about him. So don't just use these as a playlist. to use this as use these as a playlist. to use this as use these as a playlist. to use this as a chance to start a conversation with a chance to start a conversation with a chance to start a conversation with the God of the universe. [music] the God of the universe. [music] the God of the universe. [music] >> Yes. So, let's connect together. Let's >> Yes. So, let's connect together. Let's >> Yes. So, let's connect together. Let's turn it off. Stand up if you can and turn it off. Stand up if you can and turn it off. Stand up if you can and let's worship and connect with our God. let's worship and connect with our God. let's worship and connect with our God. >> That's right. [music] Love it. Thanks so >> That's right. [music] Love it. Thanks so >> That's right. [music] Love it. Thanks so much for joining us. Let's jump in right much for joining us. Let's jump in right much for joining us. Let's jump in right now as we sing as we worship. Connect now as we sing as we worship. Connect now as we sing as we worship. Connect with God [music] using this time right with God [music] using this time right with God [music] using this time right now. now. now. Listen up. We want you to be free. You Listen up. We want you to be free. You Listen up. We want you to be free. You can sing. You can move. You can just can sing. You can move. You can just can sing. You can move. You can just consider these words and let's do it consider these words and let's do it consider these words and let's do it together. Let's [music] go.

>> I'm shaking [music] off the heaviness. >> I'm shaking [music] off the heaviness. I'm dancing out of [singing] my regrets. I'm dancing out of [singing] my regrets. I'm dancing out of [singing] my regrets. Yes, I I'm [music] Yes, I I'm [music] Yes, I I'm [music] caution to the way. caution to the way. caution to the way. No, [singing] I am not ashamed to pray No, [singing] I am not ashamed to pray No, [singing] I am not ashamed to pray like this. Some say it's [music] like this. Some say it's [music] like this. Some say it's [music] foolishness, foolishness, foolishness, but I say it's worth the risk. Yeah. I but I say it's worth the risk. Yeah. I but I say it's worth the risk. Yeah. I [music] can't believe what Jesus did. [music] can't believe what Jesus did. [music] can't believe what Jesus did. No, I am not [music] ashamed to pray No, I am not [music] ashamed to pray No, I am not [music] ashamed to pray like this. Listen. Well, all those like this. Listen. Well, all those like this. Listen. Well, all those [music] chains I won't [singing] tell [music] chains I won't [singing] tell [music] chains I won't [singing] tell me. I'm free. I'm free. I'm [music] me. I'm free. I'm free. I'm [music] me. I'm free. I'm free. I'm [music] free. I'm free. My sin is gone. I free. I'm free. My sin is gone. I free. I'm free. My sin is gone. I [singing] can't even be. I'm free. I'm [singing] can't even be. I'm free. I'm [singing] can't even be. I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free and free. [music] I'm free. I'm free and free. [music] I'm free. I'm free and looking looking looking [music] I'm never going back to the [music] I'm never going back to the [music] I'm never going back to the [singing] way I was. I'll sing I'll [singing] way I was. I'll sing I'll [singing] way I was. I'll sing I'll be [music] be [music] be [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free.

I found a friend that never quit. I found a friend that never quit. No other [music and singing] love as No other [music and singing] love as No other [music and singing] love as good as this. good as this. good as this. I don't care what anyone says. [music] I don't care what anyone says. [music] I don't care what anyone says. [music] Never be ashamed to pray like this. Never be ashamed to pray like this. Never be ashamed to pray like this. Where are the [music] shame? Where are the [music] shame? Where are the [music] shame? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I see. I'm free. I see. I'm free. I see. I can't even. I'm free. I'm free. I'm I can't even. I'm free. I'm free. I'm I can't even. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm looking. [music] I'm never going back to the way I was. I'm never going back to the way I was. [music] [music] [music] I think I live cuz I I'm free. I'm free. I think I live cuz I I'm free. I'm free. I think I live cuz I I'm free. I'm free. I'm [music] free. I'm [music] free. I'm [music] free. The cross and your broken body. [music] The cross and your broken body. [music] The cross and your broken body. [music] Shed your blood. Now [singing] the s Shed your blood. Now [singing] the s Shed your blood. Now [singing] the s can't see. I did paid in my record easy. can't see. I did paid in my record easy. can't see. I did paid in my record easy. I couldn't do it. [music] So you did it I couldn't do it. [music] So you did it I couldn't do it. [music] So you did it for me. for me. for me. You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your body.

body. body. You shed your [music] blood. Got a s I'm free. I'm free. Thank [music] God I'm free. I'm free. Thank [music] God I'm free. You took the cross since you I'm free. You took the cross since you I'm free. You took the cross since you broke your body. broke your body. broke your body. You shed your blood. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> My go go [music] [music] [music] back to the way [music and singing] [music and singing] I'm going back to the way.

[music and singing] [music and singing] I'm never going back to the way [music] I'm never going back to the way [music] I'm never going back to the way [music] I I I look at the Lord. look at the Lord. look at the Lord. I'm never going [music] back to the way I'm never going [music] back to the way I'm never going [music] back to the way I take a breath. take a breath. I know who [music and singing] I am. cuz I [music] know who you are. cuz I [music] know who you are. The cross [music] of salvation and it's worth the living.

and it's worth the living. Come on, sing together. Come on, sing together. Come on, sing together. >> I [music] was made to be tending. >> I [music] was made to be tending. >> I [music] was made to be tending. >> I was called by thee, born [music] and >> I was called by thee, born [music] and >> I was called by thee, born [music] and raised back to life again. raised back to life again. raised back to life again. I was made more. I was made more. I was made more. [music] [music] [music] Oh, Oh, Oh, so why would I make so why would I make so why would I make [singing] my shame with a fountain of [singing] my shame with a fountain of [singing] my shame with a fountain of [music] standing my [singing] way? I [music] standing my [singing] way? I [music] standing my [singing] way? I know I am. know I am. know I am. I was faithful. I was faithful. I was faithful. [music] [music] [music] All right, let's go. I know who I am cuz I [music] know who you are. cuz I [music] know who you are. [singing] and it's worth living. [music] and it's worth living. [music] Come on, lift it up. Cuz I wasn't made Come on, lift it up. Cuz I wasn't made Come on, lift it up. Cuz I wasn't made [music] to be s in the grave. I was [music] to be s in the grave. I was [music] to be s in the grave. I was called by called by called by [music] [music] [music] raised back to life. [singing]

I [music] I [music] my [singing] sh glory. glory. All the praise. [music] All the praise. [music] All the praise. [music] Hallelujah. [singing] You p out my name. [music] So I'll sing You p out my name. [music] So I'll sing out your praise. out your praise. out your praise. Hallelujah. [music] You buried my past and I'm not going You buried my past and I'm not going [music and singing] back. [music] [music] You p out my name. I sing out your You p out my name. I sing out your You p out my name. I sing out your praise. Hallelujah. You buried [music] my past and I'm not You buried [music] my past and I'm not going back. No. going back. No. going back. No. Cuz I [music] wasn't made to be tended Cuz I [music] wasn't made to be tended Cuz I [music] wasn't made to be tended in [singing] the grave. I was called by in [singing] the grave. I was called by in [singing] the grave. I was called by name. Born and [music] raised back to name. Born and [music] raised back to name. Born and [music] raised back to life [singing] again.

life [singing] again. life [singing] again. I was made for more. [screaming] [screaming] Why would I [music] Why would I [music] Why would I [music] make a bed in my shame when a thousand make a bed in my shame when a thousand make a bed in my shame when a thousand [music and singing] of grace is running [music and singing] of grace is running [music and singing] of grace is running in my way? I know I [music and singing] in my way? I know I [music and singing] in my way? I know I [music and singing] am yours. I was made for am yours. I was made for am yours. I was made for sing. [music] I was sing. [music] I was sing. [music] I was made to be in [music] the grave. I was made to be in [music] the grave. I was made to be in [music] the grave. I was born [music] that night. born [music] that night. born [music] that night. I was made. I was made. I was made. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] So I'm not going back. So I'm not going back. So I'm not going back. Why [music] would I be Why [music] would I be Why [music] would I be my my my thous thous thous [music] [music] [music] [singing] you call out [music] my name so I sing you call out [music] my name so I sing out your [music] [music] you

Cuz [music] I was made to pretend in the Cuz [music] I was made to pretend in the [singing] brave. I was called by name. [singing] brave. I was called by name. [singing] brave. I was called by name. Born and raised back [music and singing] Born and raised back [music and singing] Born and raised back [music and singing] to life of you. I to life of you. I to life of you. I [music] [music] [music] Yes, you were. So why would I why Yes, you were. So why would I why Yes, you were. So why would I why [music and singing] would I make bed in [music and singing] would I make bed in [music and singing] would I make bed in my same way when a fountain of grace is my same way when a fountain of grace is my same way when a fountain of grace is running [music] my [singing] way? I know running [music] my [singing] way? I know running [music] my [singing] way? I know I am yours and I [singing] was [music] I am yours and I [singing] was [music] I am yours and I [singing] was [music] made for more. I I don't know if it's [music] hard for I I don't know if it's [music] hard for you to sing those words about yourself you to sing those words about yourself you to sing those words about yourself based on I don't know last night or the based on I don't know last night or the based on I don't know last night or the week you've had or the year you've had. week you've had or the year you've had. week you've had or the year you've had. But that is what we believe about you to But that is what we believe about you to But that is what we believe about you to the core of who we are. That you got a the core of who we are. That you got a the core of who we are. That you got a creator who deeply loves you, who made creator who deeply loves you, who made creator who deeply loves you, who made you for so much more than you can ever you for so much more than you can ever you for so much more than you can ever imagine. And I I hope that's at least a imagine. And I I hope that's at least a imagine. And I I hope that's at least a part of why you came into this place part of why you came into this place part of why you came into this place today.

today. today. the three words for me that I've found the three words for me that I've found the three words for me that I've found Jesus on the other side of. I've found Jesus on the other side of. I've found Jesus on the other side of. I've found life and freedom on the other side of life and freedom on the other side of life and freedom on the other side of three words that are still so hard for three words that are still so hard for three words that are still so hard for me to say. I need help. me to say. I need help. me to say. I need help. You can ask my wife how hard it is for You can ask my wife how hard it is for You can ask my wife how hard it is for me to say that. me to say that. me to say that. I It just doesn't come natural. I It just doesn't come natural. I It just doesn't come natural. But on the other side of those three But on the other side of those three But on the other side of those three words is where I found life and freedom. words is where I found life and freedom. words is where I found life and freedom. A life with Jesus looks like those three A life with Jesus looks like those three A life with Jesus looks like those three words in action. I need help. words in action. I need help. words in action. I need help. And this next song has been used for And this next song has been used for And this next song has been used for over a thousand years to help people who over a thousand years to help people who over a thousand years to help people who follow Jesus say those three words. I follow Jesus say those three words. I follow Jesus say those three words. I need help. And it's an old one. It's a need help. And it's an old one. It's a need help. And it's an old one. It's a prayer written over a thousand years prayer written over a thousand years prayer written over a thousand years ago. So it sounds old. It's got ths and ago. So it sounds old. It's got ths and ago. So it sounds old. It's got ths and these and arts in them. these and arts in them. these and arts in them. And we didn't pump it into AI to update And we didn't pump it into AI to update And we didn't pump it into AI to update it. All right. It's just we kept it what it. All right. It's just we kept it what it. All right. It's just we kept it what it is because the heart's still the it is because the heart's still the it is because the heart's still the same. A thousand years ago, [music] a same. A thousand years ago, [music] a same. A thousand years ago, [music] a guy following Jesus still needed to say, guy following Jesus still needed to say, guy following Jesus still needed to say, "I need help. So would you be thou my "I need help. So would you be thou my "I need help. So would you be thou my [music] vision? Be thou my wisdom, my [music] vision? Be thou my wisdom, my [music] vision? Be thou my wisdom, my light. Would you guide my heart back to light. Would you guide my heart back to light. Would you guide my heart back to [music] what really matters?"

[music] what really matters?" [music] what really matters?" So take a breath if you need to close So take a breath if you need to close So take a breath if you need to close your eyes to center yourself. [music] your eyes to center yourself. [music] your eyes to center yourself. [music] And then I invite you to do something And then I invite you to do something And then I invite you to do something dangerous and say, "I need help, God. Be thou [singing] my vision, Be thou [singing] my vision, oh Lord of my heart, oh Lord of my heart, oh Lord of my heart, not be all else [singing] to me, save not be all else [singing] to me, save not be all else [singing] to me, save [music] that thou art, [music] that thou art, [music] that thou art, and thou my best [singing and music] and thou my best [singing and music] and thou my best [singing and music] by day or by night. by day or by night. by day or by night. Waking or sleeping, [music] Waking or sleeping, [music] Waking or sleeping, [music] thy presence my [singing] life. Be thou [singing] my wisdom and thou my Be thou [singing] my wisdom and thou my [music] true one.

[music] true one. [music] true one. I ever with thee and thou with me, I ever with thee and thou with me, I ever with thee and thou with me, [singing] Lord, [singing] Lord, [singing] Lord, and thou my great [music] and thou my great [music] and thou my great [music] father and I thy true son. father and I thy true son. father and I thy true son. Thou [singing] in me [music] dwelling, Thou [singing] in me [music] dwelling, Thou [singing] in me [music] dwelling, let I be one. let I be one. let I be one. [music] Riches [singing] I heed not, nor [music] Riches [singing] I heed not, nor [music] man's empty praise. man's empty praise. man's empty praise. Thou my inherititance Thou my inherititance Thou my inherititance [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] now and always. now and always. now and always. Thou [singing] and thou hold me [music] Thou [singing] and thou hold me [music] Thou [singing] and thou hold me [music] first in my heart. first in my heart. first in my heart. I King [music] of heaven, my treasure I King [music] of heaven, my treasure I King [music] of heaven, my treasure [singing] thou [music] are my king of heaven, my king of heaven, my [music and singing] victory my [music and singing] victory my [music and singing] victory one.

one. one. May I reach heaven's joys, oh bright May I reach heaven's joys, oh bright May I reach heaven's joys, oh bright heaven's son [singing and music] heaven's son [singing and music] heaven's son [singing and music] and heart of my own heart, [singing] and heart of my own heart, [singing] and heart of my own heart, [singing] whatever whatever whatever before before before still [music] be my vision. still [music] be my vision. still [music] be my vision. Oh Lord Oh Lord Oh Lord of all of all of all heart of [singing and music] my own heart of [singing and music] my own heart of [singing and music] my own heart. Whatever heart. Whatever heart. Whatever before before before still [music and singing] be my vision. still [music and singing] be my vision. still [music and singing] be my vision. Oh ruler [music] Oh ruler [music] Oh ruler [music] of all. that it is that God's vision for our that it is that God's vision for our lives might be different than our own. lives might be different than our own. lives might be different than our own. And part of what it [music] is to follow And part of what it [music] is to follow And part of what it [music] is to follow Jesus is every day say, "God, I want to Jesus is every day say, "God, I want to Jesus is every day say, "God, I want to see my life. I want to see myself. I see my life. I want to see myself. I see my life. I want to see myself. I want to see my friendships. I want to want to see my friendships. I want to want to see my friendships. I want to see my church community. I [music] want see my church community. I [music] want see my church community. I [music] want to see my life more the way you see it."

to see my life more the way you see it." to see my life more the way you see it." So God, would you inform? [music] Would So God, would you inform? [music] Would So God, would you inform? [music] Would you be our vision? I just want to pray you be our vision? I just want to pray you be our vision? I just want to pray for that for all of us right now. for that for all of us right now. for that for all of us right now. Father, would you help us to see Father, would you help us to see Father, would you help us to see ourselves and to see each other the way ourselves and to see each other the way ourselves and to see each other the way you see us? God, give us your vision for you see us? God, give us your vision for you see us? God, give us your vision for our lives and for the [music] lives of our lives and for the [music] lives of our lives and for the [music] lives of those around us. those around us. those around us. Amen. Amen. Amen. And before we jump in today, I actually And before we jump in today, I actually And before we jump in today, I actually want to do something with everybody want to do something with everybody want to do something with everybody joining us [music] online. One of the joining us [music] online. One of the joining us [music] online. One of the coolest things about Crossroads and one coolest things about Crossroads and one coolest things about Crossroads and one of the visions that I love about our of the visions that I love about our of the visions that I love about our church is the picture that we [music] church is the picture that we [music] church is the picture that we [music] have people joining from all all over have people joining from all all over have people joining from all all over the place. So, we put a QR code up on the place. So, we put a QR code up on the place. So, we put a QR code up on the screen. We did that earlier. Would the screen. We did that earlier. Would the screen. We did that earlier. Would love to know where you are tuning in love to know where you are tuning in love to know where you are tuning in from today. from today. from today. >> Yeah. So, grab the phone and scan that >> Yeah. So, grab the phone and scan that >> Yeah. So, grab the phone and scan that [music] QR code. Just tell us where [music] QR code. Just tell us where [music] QR code. Just tell us where you're streaming from. We would love to you're streaming from. We would love to you're streaming from. We would love to say hi and we would love to know where say hi and we would love to know where say hi and we would love to know where you're coming from. [music] you're coming from. [music] you're coming from. [music] >> Yeah. Maybe you're at home in >> Yeah. Maybe you're at home in >> Yeah. Maybe you're at home in Cincinnati. Maybe you're traveling this Cincinnati. Maybe you're traveling this Cincinnati. Maybe you're traveling this weekend, maybe with some friends or weekend, maybe with some friends or weekend, maybe with some friends or hundreds or even thousands of [music] hundreds or even thousands of [music] hundreds or even thousands of [music] miles away. We just want to know that miles away. We just want to know that miles away. We just want to know that you're here. you're here. you're here. >> Yes. So, while that comes up, uh, if you >> Yes. So, while that comes up, uh, if you >> Yes. So, while that comes up, uh, if you haven't scan the code, drop your city haven't scan the code, drop your city haven't scan the code, drop your city in. Let us let us know where you're in. Let us let us know where you're in. Let us let us know where you're gathering from today. And you know what, gathering from today. And you know what, gathering from today. And you know what, Andy, one of the things [music] that I Andy, one of the things [music] that I Andy, one of the things [music] that I really appreciate and and gotten to love really appreciate and and gotten to love really appreciate and and gotten to love about our church is the fact that we can about our church is the fact that we can about our church is the fact that we can be connected. Doesn't matter where we be connected. Doesn't matter where we be connected. Doesn't matter where we live.

live. live. >> Yeah, that's right. So, we've got lots >> Yeah, that's right. So, we've got lots >> Yeah, that's right. So, we've got lots of folks coming in. We've got Tim and of folks coming in. We've got Tim and of folks coming in. We've got Tim and Wanda in Tampa. We've got Andrew in Wanda in Tampa. We've got Andrew in Wanda in Tampa. We've got Andrew in Auburn. Who else we got here? Auburn. Who else we got here? Auburn. Who else we got here? >> Yeah, we got Corey from Virginia Beach. >> Yeah, we got Corey from Virginia Beach. >> Yeah, we got Corey from Virginia Beach. We have Kimberly in Myrtle Beach. So, We have Kimberly in Myrtle Beach. So, We have Kimberly in Myrtle Beach. So, all the beaches. Yes. Vicki in Hamilton. all the beaches. Yes. Vicki in Hamilton. all the beaches. Yes. Vicki in Hamilton. Yeah, that's right. We got people from Yeah, that's right. We got people from Yeah, that's right. We got people from all over the world watching me. I want all over the world watching me. I want all over the world watching me. I want to special shout out people near and to special shout out people near and to special shout out people near and dear to my heart in Batesville, Indiana. dear to my heart in Batesville, Indiana. dear to my heart in Batesville, Indiana. Love you guys. Thankful for your Love you guys. Thankful for your Love you guys. Thankful for your faithfulness meeting for almost a decade faithfulness meeting for almost a decade faithfulness meeting for almost a decade now. Um and in Bolivia, we actually got now. Um and in Bolivia, we actually got now. Um and in Bolivia, we actually got to hang out with our Bolivia folks a few to hang out with our Bolivia folks a few to hang out with our Bolivia folks a few months ago. months ago. months ago. >> That's right. So, hola toita and Nila >> That's right. So, hola toita and Nila >> That's right. So, hola toita and Nila and all the beautiful uh community from and all the beautiful uh community from and all the beautiful uh community from Bolivia, Los Samos. Yes, Bolivia, Los Samos. Yes, Bolivia, Los Samos. Yes, >> that's right. That's right. And [music] >> that's right. That's right. And [music] >> that's right. That's right. And [music] our community, brothers and sisters that our community, brothers and sisters that our community, brothers and sisters that are part of our Crossroads Anywhere are part of our Crossroads Anywhere are part of our Crossroads Anywhere community meeting in prisons. So community meeting in prisons. So community meeting in prisons. So thankful for you guys. We love we've got thankful for you guys. We love we've got thankful for you guys. We love we've got tens of thousands of you. Man, I don't I tens of thousands of you. Man, I don't I tens of thousands of you. Man, I don't I don't know who you are. I don't know you don't know who you are. I don't know you don't know who you are. I don't know you might be watching the screen by might be watching the screen by might be watching the screen by yourself, but hey, you need to know yourself, but hey, you need to know yourself, but hey, you need to know you're not doing this alone. There are you're not doing this alone. There are you're not doing this alone. There are real people on the other side of the real people on the other side of the real people on the other side of the screen growing alongside you. screen growing alongside you. screen growing alongside you. >> That's right. And so, wherever you're >> That's right. And so, wherever you're >> That's right. And so, wherever you're joining from us today, you are part of joining from us today, you are part of joining from us today, you are part of this. You're part of this community and this. You're part of this community and this. You're part of this community and we're just excited to be here with you.

we're just excited to be here with you. we're just excited to be here with you. >> Yeah. And that actually leads perfectly >> Yeah. And that actually leads perfectly >> Yeah. And that actually leads perfectly into what we're going to do next. Uh into what we're going to do next. Uh into what we're going to do next. Uh because being a part of Cross isn't the because being a part of Cross isn't the because being a part of Cross isn't the same as just going to a building. It's same as just going to a building. It's same as just going to a building. It's actually about making connections. Let's actually about making connections. Let's actually about making connections. Let's [music] hear Josh's story now. >> Every one of these seats has a story >> Every one of these seats has a story about what God has done. about what God has done. about what God has done. >> This is Joshua's story. >> This is Joshua's story. >> This is Joshua's story. >> When I moved here, I didn't know anyone. >> When I moved here, I didn't know anyone. >> When I moved here, I didn't know anyone. I just looked up Cincinnati, like what's I just looked up Cincinnati, like what's I just looked up Cincinnati, like what's in Cincinnati? Um, in Cincinnati? Um, in Cincinnati? Um, what can I do out there? I checked out what can I do out there? I checked out what can I do out there? I checked out Oakley and first time there was Oakley and first time there was Oakley and first time there was definitely aing definitely aing definitely aing walking in [music] I was just like wow walking in [music] I was just like wow walking in [music] I was just like wow [laughter] this place is huge. during [laughter] this place is huge. during [laughter] this place is huge. during service they were like service they were like service they were like you know how they have the [music] you know how they have the [music] you know how they have the [music] announcements join a small group get to announcements join a small group get to announcements join a small group get to know people which I've now found that at know people which I've now found that at know people which I've now found that at Crossroads you really Crossroads you really Crossroads you really can't like [music] have intentional can't like [music] have intentional can't like [music] have intentional relationships unless you do that just relationships unless you do that just relationships unless you do that just because of how big Crossroads is is you because of how big Crossroads is is you because of how big Crossroads is is you need to kind of you need to join a small need to kind of you need to join a small need to kind of you need to join a small group or go to smaller events to really group or go to smaller events to really group or go to smaller events to really get to know people say go to welcome get to know people say go to welcome get to know people say go to welcome center if you're new here. They'll help center if you're new here. They'll help center if you're new here. They'll help you get plugged in and meet new people.

you get plugged in and meet new people. you get plugged in and meet new people. And I was like, I need to meet people in And I was like, I need to meet people in And I was like, I need to meet people in this not only this big [music] church, this not only this big [music] church, this not only this big [music] church, but this new city. I met uh Emanuel but this new city. I met uh Emanuel but this new city. I met uh Emanuel Montgomery at the welcome center, and he Montgomery at the welcome center, and he Montgomery at the welcome center, and he directed me to a young adults event at directed me to a young adults event at directed me to a young adults event at Uptown. The funny thing is he wasn't Uptown. The funny thing is he wasn't Uptown. The funny thing is he wasn't going to be there. [laughter] going to be there. [laughter] going to be there. [laughter] So, he was he told me about a friend of So, he was he told me about a friend of So, he was he told me about a friend of his who he knew would be there. He was his who he knew would be there. He was his who he knew would be there. He was like, "Hey, when you get there, ask for like, "Hey, when you get there, ask for like, "Hey, when you get there, ask for this guy. tell him that I told you to go this guy. tell him that I told you to go this guy. tell him that I told you to go and he should be able to like help you and he should be able to like help you and he should be able to like help you out. I just kind of walked in and out. I just kind of walked in and out. I just kind of walked in and found his friend and then from there found his friend and then from there found his friend and then from there kind of just got bounced around being kind of just got bounced around being kind of just got bounced around being introduced to a bunch of different introduced to a bunch of different introduced to a bunch of different people. I was I started volunteering at people. I was I started volunteering at people. I was I started volunteering at the welcome center and it was just like the welcome center and it was just like the welcome center and it was just like fun. It was just to me it was just fun. It was just to me it was just fun. It was just to me it was just another opportunity to hang out with another opportunity to hang out with another opportunity to hang out with people. You end up serving with the same people. You end up serving with the same people. You end up serving with the same people pretty much every single time. It people pretty much every single time. It people pretty much every single time. It was just being with community. It was was just being with community. It was was just being with community. It was just hanging out. I showed up to Bible just hanging out. I showed up to Bible just hanging out. I showed up to Bible study on Tuesday, saw a couple familiar study on Tuesday, saw a couple familiar study on Tuesday, saw a couple familiar faces that I had met. I felt like that faces that I had met. I felt like that faces that I had met. I felt like that was [music] what kind of took me deeper.

was [music] what kind of took me deeper. was [music] what kind of took me deeper. Being vulnerable in that group had meant Being vulnerable in that group had meant Being vulnerable in that group had meant a lot because I didn't have to hold in a lot because I didn't have to hold in a lot because I didn't have to hold in the thoughts or emotions [music] the thoughts or emotions [music] the thoughts or emotions [music] that I was experiencing from wanting a that I was experiencing from wanting a that I was experiencing from wanting a fresh start. Um, being in a new city, fresh start. Um, being in a new city, fresh start. Um, being in a new city, trying to find community, trying to trying to find community, trying to trying to find community, trying to [music] rebuild my relationship with [music] rebuild my relationship with [music] rebuild my relationship with God. One of the guys I was in Bible God. One of the guys I was in Bible God. One of the guys I was in Bible study with, he had a group of friends study with, he had a group of friends study with, he had a group of friends which we called back porch crew which we called back porch crew which we called back porch crew and we would just we would hang out and we would just we would hang out and we would just we would hang out randomly. I actually met one of my randomly. I actually met one of my randomly. I actually met one of my groomsmen [music] in that group. I also groomsmen [music] in that group. I also groomsmen [music] in that group. I also met my future wife which is pretty nice met my future wife which is pretty nice met my future wife which is pretty nice too. [laughter] too. [laughter] too. [laughter] I met another one of my groomsmen. He I met another one of my groomsmen. He I met another one of my groomsmen. He was like, "Let's all go to man camp was like, "Let's all go to man camp was like, "Let's all go to man camp together." And it was an amazing together." And it was an amazing together." And it was an amazing experience. I feel like really helped me experience. I feel like really helped me experience. I feel like really helped me understand through crisis and how he understand through crisis and how he understand through crisis and how he loves me. I'm not a huge [music] crier. loves me. I'm not a huge [music] crier. loves me. I'm not a huge [music] crier. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> at man camp. I cried a lot cuz that was >> at man camp. I cried a lot cuz that was >> at man camp. I cried a lot cuz that was pretty much pretty much pretty much marked one year in Cincinnati. It was marked one year in Cincinnati. It was marked one year in Cincinnati. It was kind of just full full circle moment kind of just full full circle moment kind of just full full circle moment just being grateful for everything, just being grateful for everything, just being grateful for everything, grateful for community, grateful for grateful for community, grateful for grateful for community, grateful for brotherhood, for [music] the guys I was brotherhood, for [music] the guys I was brotherhood, for [music] the guys I was there with, the relationships that have there with, the relationships that have there with, the relationships that have been built. Cuz if they weren't here, been built. Cuz if they weren't here, been built. Cuz if they weren't here, [music] my story definitely wouldn't be [music] my story definitely wouldn't be [music] my story definitely wouldn't be what it is.

what it is. what it is. Man, I love Josh's story and that just Man, I love Josh's story and that just Man, I love Josh's story and that just the idea that you don't just show up at the idea that you don't just show up at the idea that you don't just show up at a place, you get to know people, you get a place, you get to know people, you get a place, you get to know people, you get to make connections. And we want to give to make connections. And we want to give to make connections. And we want to give you a few things that are happening you a few things that are happening you a few things that are happening around Crossroads that can help you get around Crossroads that can help you get around Crossroads that can help you get connected around here. One of the first connected around here. One of the first connected around here. One of the first things is especially exciting for things is especially exciting for things is especially exciting for Crossroads Anywhere. One of the biggest Crossroads Anywhere. One of the biggest Crossroads Anywhere. One of the biggest goals for our 10X initiative is 10 goals for our 10X initiative is 10 goals for our 10X initiative is 10 cities in 10 years. We want to go where cities in 10 years. We want to go where cities in 10 years. We want to go where God is already moving and find people God is already moving and find people God is already moving and find people who want crossroads to have a physical who want crossroads to have a physical who want crossroads to have a physical presence in their city and start presence in their city and start presence in their city and start building community like Josh experienced building community like Josh experienced building community like Josh experienced there there there >> and that's already happening. We've been >> and that's already happening. We've been >> and that's already happening. We've been doing actually these things we call the doing actually these things we call the doing actually these things we call the crossroads live pop-ups in different crossroads live pop-ups in different crossroads live pop-ups in different cities around the country close to us cities around the country close to us cities around the country close to us and we were just recently in Cleveland and we were just recently in Cleveland and we were just recently in Cleveland and next up is Louisville. and next up is Louisville. and next up is Louisville. >> Let's go Louisville. Yes. Saturday, >> Let's go Louisville. Yes. Saturday, >> Let's go Louisville. Yes. Saturday, October 17th, we're taking over the October 17th, we're taking over the October 17th, we're taking over the Mercury Ballroom and this is where you Mercury Ballroom and this is where you Mercury Ballroom and this is where you can help us, right? You can be the can help us, right? You can be the can help us, right? You can be the person to help make a connection. If you person to help make a connection. If you person to help make a connection. If you know somebody in Louisville, just right know somebody in Louisville, just right know somebody in Louisville, just right now, send them a text. Send them the now, send them a text. Send them the now, send them a text. Send them the info. Seriously, say something simple info. Seriously, say something simple info. Seriously, say something simple like, "Hey, I think you might love this. like, "Hey, I think you might love this. like, "Hey, I think you might love this. My church is coming to Louisville. Go My church is coming to Louisville. Go My church is coming to Louisville. Go check this out." That could be just how check this out." That could be just how check this out." That could be just how something much bigger starts.

something much bigger starts. something much bigger starts. >> Yeah. And for those of you who are >> Yeah. And for those of you who are >> Yeah. And for those of you who are already part of Crossroads from already part of Crossroads from already part of Crossroads from somewhere outside of Cincinnati, you somewhere outside of Cincinnati, you somewhere outside of Cincinnati, you know this firsthand. Crossstro doesn't know this firsthand. Crossstro doesn't know this firsthand. Crossstro doesn't have to start with a building. It have to start with a building. It have to start with a building. It actually starts with people. actually starts with people. actually starts with people. >> Yeah, that's right. We've said this >> Yeah, that's right. We've said this >> Yeah, that's right. We've said this before, but the best thing about before, but the best thing about before, but the best thing about Crossroads isn't the the stuff to watch. Crossroads isn't the the stuff to watch. Crossroads isn't the the stuff to watch. It's not the music. It is the people. It's not the music. It is the people. It's not the music. It is the people. And speaking of people, we spent the And speaking of people, we spent the And speaking of people, we spent the last couple weeks talking with people last couple weeks talking with people last couple weeks talking with people who make Crossroads happen. Our who make Crossroads happen. Our who make Crossroads happen. Our volunteers and hundreds of you recently volunteers and hundreds of you recently volunteers and hundreds of you recently raised your hand to start serving, which raised your hand to start serving, which raised your hand to start serving, which is awesome. I just want to say thank is awesome. I just want to say thank is awesome. I just want to say thank you. Well done. you. Well done. you. Well done. >> Yes. And talking about people, there's >> Yes. And talking about people, there's >> Yes. And talking about people, there's another group of people that we want to another group of people that we want to another group of people that we want to recognize. These are the ones who are recognize. These are the ones who are recognize. These are the ones who are faithfully giving generosity. It's a faithfully giving generosity. It's a faithfully giving generosity. It's a spiritual discipline, but it also fuels spiritual discipline, but it also fuels spiritual discipline, but it also fuels the mission of Crossroads. things like the mission of Crossroads. things like the mission of Crossroads. things like new cities, crossroads anywhere, new cities, crossroads anywhere, new cities, crossroads anywhere, crossroads in espanol, the work that we crossroads in espanol, the work that we crossroads in espanol, the work that we do to fight human trafficking without do to fight human trafficking without do to fight human trafficking without people that are sacrificing and people that are sacrificing and people that are sacrificing and investing what God is doing here. We investing what God is doing here. We investing what God is doing here. We would not be able to do this. would not be able to do this. would not be able to do this. >> Yeah, that's right. And hey, next >> Yeah, that's right. And hey, next >> Yeah, that's right. And hey, next Wednesday, September 30th is an Wednesday, September 30th is an Wednesday, September 30th is an important night. So, if you are a tither important night. So, if you are a tither important night. So, if you are a tither or on the blue team or someone who's or on the blue team or someone who's or on the blue team or someone who's made a 10x commitment, you should have made a 10x commitment, you should have made a 10x commitment, you should have received an invitation. And anywhere received an invitation. And anywhere received an invitation. And anywhere people who don't live near a physical people who don't live near a physical people who don't live near a physical site, this is for you, too. Uh you don't site, this is for you, too. Uh you don't site, this is for you, too. Uh you don't have to be in Cincinnati for this. We'd have to be in Cincinnati for this. We'd have to be in Cincinnati for this. We'd love for you to join the [music] the love for you to join the [music] the love for you to join the [music] the stream and be a part of family meeting.

stream and be a part of family meeting. stream and be a part of family meeting. You should have the invitation in your You should have the invitation in your You should have the invitation in your inbox or to crossroads.netfamily inbox or to crossroads.netfamily inbox or to crossroads.netfamily meeting for the info. meeting for the info. meeting for the info. >> That's right. And if you think you >> That's right. And if you think you >> That's right. And if you think you should receive an invitation but didn't, should receive an invitation but didn't, should receive an invitation but didn't, check your junk folder. It's happening check your junk folder. It's happening check your junk folder. It's happening to me a lot recently. If it's not there, to me a lot recently. If it's not there, to me a lot recently. If it's not there, just email giving at crossroads.net and just email giving at crossroads.net and just email giving at crossroads.net and the team will help you out. the team will help you out. the team will help you out. >> Yeah. And whether giving is already a >> Yeah. And whether giving is already a >> Yeah. And whether giving is already a regular part of your sort of practicing regular part of your sort of practicing regular part of your sort of practicing of your faith and walking that out or of your faith and walking that out or of your faith and walking that out or maybe you're just starting to explore maybe you're just starting to explore maybe you're just starting to explore what that could look like for you. Hey, what that could look like for you. Hey, what that could look like for you. Hey, no stress, no pressure, but you can get no stress, no pressure, but you can get no stress, no pressure, but you can get your questions answered anytime at your questions answered anytime at your questions answered anytime at crossroads.net. crossroads.net. crossroads.net. /give. /give. /give. >> Yes. And so in just a moment, we're >> Yes. And so in just a moment, we're >> Yes. And so in just a moment, we're going to hear from our friend Chuck going to hear from our friend Chuck going to hear from our friend Chuck Mingo where you know, you know, Chuck, Mingo where you know, you know, Chuck, Mingo where you know, you know, Chuck, he's amazing. And today, he's going to he's amazing. And today, he's going to he's amazing. And today, he's going to talk about something that every single talk about something that every single talk about something that every single one of us needs. one of us needs. one of us needs. >> Yeah. Friendship. Friendship. And I >> Yeah. Friendship. Friendship. And I >> Yeah. Friendship. Friendship. And I think we know this intuitively, but I think we know this intuitively, but I think we know this intuitively, but I was actually just talking with somebody was actually just talking with somebody was actually just talking with somebody in the atrium, and I knew where person in the atrium, and I knew where person in the atrium, and I knew where person came by and said, "Man, friendship just came by and said, "Man, friendship just came by and said, "Man, friendship just gets harder the older you get, right? gets harder the older you get, right? gets harder the older you get, right? Like, it just is difficult." So, we're Like, it just is difficult." So, we're Like, it just is difficult." So, we're going to hear from Chuck Mingo right going to hear from Chuck Mingo right going to hear from Chuck Mingo right now. How we can experience meaning of now. How we can experience meaning of now. How we can experience meaning of friendship in our lives.

>> All right. All right. That's enough. >> All right. All right. That's enough. That's enough. Little Houdini for your That's enough. Little Houdini for your That's enough. Little Houdini for your Sunday morning there. That's right. Sunday morning there. That's right. Sunday morning there. That's right. That's right. If you know, you know. If That's right. If you know, you know. If That's right. If you know, you know. If you know, you know. A woman came up to you know, you know. A woman came up to you know, you know. A woman came up to me after the service. She said, "You had me after the service. She said, "You had me after the service. She said, "You had me about to break out in the wop," me about to break out in the wop," me about to break out in the wop," which which again, if you know, you which which again, if you know, you which which again, if you know, you know. So, uh, hey, I'm so glad to be know. So, uh, hey, I'm so glad to be know. So, uh, hey, I'm so glad to be here today. And we're talking about here today. And we're talking about here today. And we're talking about friendship. And by the way, I just want friendship. And by the way, I just want friendship. And by the way, I just want to welcome you to my back patio. You to welcome you to my back patio. You to welcome you to my back patio. You know, they asked they asked if they know, they asked they asked if they know, they asked they asked if they could come over to our house and take a could come over to our house and take a could come over to our house and take a couple pictures of uh what we get to couple pictures of uh what we get to couple pictures of uh what we get to enjoy every evening. I said, "Sure." You enjoy every evening. I said, "Sure." You enjoy every evening. I said, "Sure." You know, I wish more people could see my know, I wish more people could see my know, I wish more people could see my That is not my back patio. I wish it That is not my back patio. I wish it That is not my back patio. I wish it was. I wish it was, but it is not. Um, was. I wish it was, but it is not. Um, was. I wish it was, but it is not. Um, but actually, I want to start though by but actually, I want to start though by but actually, I want to start though by giving some shoutouts because last giving some shoutouts because last giving some shoutouts because last Sunday I went up and visited Crossroads Sunday I went up and visited Crossroads Sunday I went up and visited Crossroads Dayton. Can we give it up for Crossroads Dayton. Can we give it up for Crossroads Dayton. Can we give it up for Crossroads and Dayton? and Dayton? and Dayton? Oh man. And it was so cool to see the Oh man. And it was so cool to see the Oh man. And it was so cool to see the power of friendships all throughout that power of friendships all throughout that power of friendships all throughout that campus. But there's one story that I I campus. But there's one story that I I campus. But there's one story that I I just I got to share it with you guys. I just I got to share it with you guys. I just I got to share it with you guys. I got introduced to a sixth grader. His got introduced to a sixth grader. His got introduced to a sixth grader. His name is Ty. And Ty is the reason not name is Ty. And Ty is the reason not name is Ty. And Ty is the reason not one, not two, but three generations of one, not two, but three generations of one, not two, but three generations of his family are at Crossroads Dayton. It his family are at Crossroads Dayton. It his family are at Crossroads Dayton. It was amazing. It was amazing. And so Ty, was amazing. It was amazing. And so Ty, was amazing. It was amazing. And so Ty, I told you this last week. I'm saying it I told you this last week. I'm saying it I told you this last week. I'm saying it again, buddy. You have a leadership again, buddy. You have a leadership again, buddy. You have a leadership gift. God has given you a gift of gift. God has given you a gift of gift. God has given you a gift of leadership and I can't wait to see what leadership and I can't wait to see what leadership and I can't wait to see what God does with your life. It was amazing God does with your life. It was amazing God does with your life. It was amazing seeing this young man who w our church seeing this young man who w our church seeing this young man who w our church there is in a mall or near a mall and he there is in a mall or near a mall and he there is in a mall or near a mall and he said, "I want to go to church." And so said, "I want to go to church." And so said, "I want to go to church." And so because of him, his mother and his because of him, his mother and his because of him, his mother and his grandmother are now involved in grandmother are now involved in grandmother are now involved in Crossroads Dayton. It was just a Crossroads Dayton. It was just a Crossroads Dayton. It was just a beautiful picture of what happens in a

beautiful picture of what happens in a beautiful picture of what happens in a young man's life. young man's life. young man's life. And so we're talking about friendship And so we're talking about friendship And so we're talking about friendship today, but I'm coming at it from a today, but I'm coming at it from a today, but I'm coming at it from a different perspective because here's different perspective because here's different perspective because here's what I'm assuming. I don't think you what I'm assuming. I don't think you what I'm assuming. I don't think you need to be convinced that friendship is need to be convinced that friendship is need to be convinced that friendship is important. important. important. In fact, you've probably like me heard a In fact, you've probably like me heard a In fact, you've probably like me heard a lot about the loneliness epidemic that's lot about the loneliness epidemic that's lot about the loneliness epidemic that's happening in our country right now. happening in our country right now. happening in our country right now. Anybody heard of that? Right. So I I Anybody heard of that? Right. So I I Anybody heard of that? Right. So I I don't I don't think that's new don't I don't think that's new don't I don't think that's new information. So what I want to talk to information. So what I want to talk to information. So what I want to talk to today is the person in here who has today is the person in here who has today is the person in here who has tried friendship and it did not work. tried friendship and it did not work. tried friendship and it did not work. I want to talk to the person who is I want to talk to the person who is I want to talk to the person who is saying, "Really, do I do I have what it saying, "Really, do I do I have what it saying, "Really, do I do I have what it takes to step into this kind of takes to step into this kind of takes to step into this kind of friendship again? Is it worth it again? friendship again? Is it worth it again? friendship again? Is it worth it again? Is it worth it having a group that Is it worth it having a group that Is it worth it having a group that stalls out again? Is it worth it being stalls out again? Is it worth it being stalls out again? Is it worth it being ghosted on that text again? Or maybe ghosted on that text again? Or maybe ghosted on that text again? Or maybe this one, is it worth it to risk this one, is it worth it to risk this one, is it worth it to risk betrayal in a friendship again?" And I betrayal in a friendship again?" And I betrayal in a friendship again?" And I just want to tell you, I'm coming to you just want to tell you, I'm coming to you just want to tell you, I'm coming to you as someone who's asked all those same as someone who's asked all those same as someone who's asked all those same questions because I've experienced all questions because I've experienced all questions because I've experienced all those things in friendships, even in those things in friendships, even in those things in friendships, even in friendships around crossroads. And so, I friendships around crossroads. And so, I friendships around crossroads. And so, I just want to ask you to trust me right just want to ask you to trust me right just want to ask you to trust me right here at the outset. And I know I may not here at the outset. And I know I may not here at the outset. And I know I may not have relational equity with all of you have relational equity with all of you have relational equity with all of you enough to do that. But I want you to enough to do that. But I want you to enough to do that. But I want you to trust me when I tell you this. It is trust me when I tell you this. It is trust me when I tell you this. It is worth it to start friendships again.

worth it to start friendships again. worth it to start friendships again. >> That's what I want you to believe today. >> That's what I want you to believe today. >> That's what I want you to believe today. You may not believe that now. It may You may not believe that now. It may You may not believe that now. It may seem impossible for you now, but I pray seem impossible for you now, but I pray seem impossible for you now, but I pray that at the end of our time, you believe that at the end of our time, you believe that at the end of our time, you believe it enough to take one brave step. We it enough to take one brave step. We it enough to take one brave step. We talked about Joshua's story, and I think talked about Joshua's story, and I think talked about Joshua's story, and I think that's an example of someone who took that's an example of someone who took that's an example of someone who took one brave step. But know this, know that one brave step. But know this, know that one brave step. But know this, know that when the video team puts together when the video team puts together when the video team puts together someone's story in three to four someone's story in three to four someone's story in three to four minutes, WHAT YOU GET ARE THE HIGHLIGHT minutes, WHAT YOU GET ARE THE HIGHLIGHT minutes, WHAT YOU GET ARE THE HIGHLIGHT REELS. And I'm sure that if you talk to REELS. And I'm sure that if you talk to REELS. And I'm sure that if you talk to Joshua, HE WILL TELL YOU IT WASN'T ALL A Joshua, HE WILL TELL YOU IT WASN'T ALL A Joshua, HE WILL TELL YOU IT WASN'T ALL A straight line. There were some risks. straight line. There were some risks. straight line. There were some risks. There were probably some unreturned There were probably some unreturned There were probably some unreturned phone calls. There were some things in phone calls. There were some things in phone calls. There were some things in the middle of it that had to happen, but the middle of it that had to happen, but the middle of it that had to happen, but I think he would tell you it was worth I think he would tell you it was worth I think he would tell you it was worth it. And I pray today that you believe it. And I pray today that you believe it. And I pray today that you believe that as well. Let's pray for that right that as well. Let's pray for that right that as well. Let's pray for that right now. God, thank you for um the fact that now. God, thank you for um the fact that now. God, thank you for um the fact that you say that you are a friend, that you you say that you are a friend, that you you say that you are a friend, that you call us friends. And so, there is call us friends. And so, there is call us friends. And so, there is something in friendship for us that something in friendship for us that something in friendship for us that unlocks an aspect of your character and unlocks an aspect of your character and unlocks an aspect of your character and honestly, an aspect of what we need to honestly, an aspect of what we need to honestly, an aspect of what we need to thrive. So, I'm praying today for people thrive. So, I'm praying today for people thrive. So, I'm praying today for people who um man may not feel up for leaning who um man may not feel up for leaning who um man may not feel up for leaning into friendship right now for whatever into friendship right now for whatever into friendship right now for whatever reason. And I pray that my words would reason. And I pray that my words would reason. And I pray that my words would disappear and what they would experience disappear and what they would experience disappear and what they would experience over these next several minutes is your over these next several minutes is your over these next several minutes is your heart for them. And I pray that that heart for them. And I pray that that heart for them. And I pray that that would be what inspires them to take a would be what inspires them to take a would be what inspires them to take a brave next step. And I ask this in Jesus brave next step. And I ask this in Jesus brave next step. And I ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

name. Amen. name. Amen. >> So, if you are new to Crossroads, this >> So, if you are new to Crossroads, this >> So, if you are new to Crossroads, this might be new to you. or if you've been might be new to you. or if you've been might be new to you. or if you've been around Crossroads, you've probably come around Crossroads, you've probably come around Crossroads, you've probably come across what we call the seven hills we across what we call the seven hills we across what we call the seven hills we die around here. We don't have values die around here. We don't have values die around here. We don't have values like on the wall. Um, but we actually like on the wall. Um, but we actually like on the wall. Um, but we actually have these seven things that we believe have these seven things that we believe have these seven things that we believe so strongly in that we are willing to so strongly in that we are willing to so strongly in that we are willing to and in most cases have taken hits and in most cases have taken hits and in most cases have taken hits because we value these things so much. because we value these things so much. because we value these things so much. Here's what they are. The way to Here's what they are. The way to Here's what they are. The way to remember them is ABCDE RG. I'm not going remember them is ABCDE RG. I'm not going remember them is ABCDE RG. I'm not going to go through all of them. You can read to go through all of them. You can read to go through all of them. You can read them there. I want to focus on the one them there. I want to focus on the one them there. I want to focus on the one right there that we're talking about right there that we're talking about right there that we're talking about today. doing life together. This is a today. doing life together. This is a today. doing life together. This is a hill we die on as a church. And it's not hill we die on as a church. And it's not hill we die on as a church. And it's not only because it's a nice to have. It's only because it's a nice to have. It's only because it's a nice to have. It's because, and I hope you see this today, because, and I hope you see this today, because, and I hope you see this today, friendship is a spiritual imperative. friendship is a spiritual imperative. friendship is a spiritual imperative. It is essential that we have spiritual It is essential that we have spiritual It is essential that we have spiritual friendships that are helping to shape us friendships that are helping to shape us friendships that are helping to shape us and form us more in the heart and in the and form us more in the heart and in the and form us more in the heart and in the direction of Jesus. Brian last week direction of Jesus. Brian last week direction of Jesus. Brian last week talked about four core callings that we talked about four core callings that we talked about four core callings that we all have in our life. And if you'll all have in our life. And if you'll all have in our life. And if you'll remember, one of those is the calling to remember, one of those is the calling to remember, one of those is the calling to be a friend. And here's why we die on be a friend. And here's why we die on be a friend. And here's why we die on this hill. Here's the big idea today.

this hill. Here's the big idea today. this hill. Here's the big idea today. Next to only your relationship with Next to only your relationship with Next to only your relationship with Jesus and your spouse, your friends Jesus and your spouse, your friends Jesus and your spouse, your friends determine the quality and the potency of determine the quality and the potency of determine the quality and the potency of your life. If you have friends that are your life. If you have friends that are your life. If you have friends that are guiding you in the right direction, you guiding you in the right direction, you guiding you in the right direction, you will fly higher. You will. You will fly higher. You will. You will fly higher. You will. You absolutely will. You don't even have to absolutely will. You don't even have to absolutely will. You don't even have to have it in you, and they will pull you have it in you, and they will pull you have it in you, and they will pull you up. If you have the wrong set of friends up. If you have the wrong set of friends up. If you have the wrong set of friends in your life, they will pull you down no in your life, they will pull you down no in your life, they will pull you down no matter what you have in you. And the matter what you have in you. And the matter what you have in you. And the same is true spiritually as well. Your same is true spiritually as well. Your same is true spiritually as well. Your friends will determine the quality and friends will determine the quality and friends will determine the quality and the potency of your life. And so, one of the potency of your life. And so, one of the potency of your life. And so, one of the things that I look at in the Bible the things that I look at in the Bible the things that I look at in the Bible in love are the examples of friendship. in love are the examples of friendship. in love are the examples of friendship. Brian talked about one of, I think, the Brian talked about one of, I think, the Brian talked about one of, I think, the most beautiful examples of friendship most beautiful examples of friendship most beautiful examples of friendship last week, David and Jonathan. And I'm last week, David and Jonathan. And I'm last week, David and Jonathan. And I'm just going to hit on that really just going to hit on that really just going to hit on that really briefly. If you're not familiar with the briefly. If you're not familiar with the briefly. If you're not familiar with the story, this is the soontobe King David story, this is the soontobe King David story, this is the soontobe King David of Israel. But at the time before he was of Israel. But at the time before he was of Israel. But at the time before he was king, his closest friend was Jonathan. king, his closest friend was Jonathan. king, his closest friend was Jonathan. Jonathan was the son of the current Jonathan was the son of the current Jonathan was the son of the current king, Saul. Which means that by rights, king, Saul. Which means that by rights, king, Saul. Which means that by rights, Jonathan should have been next in line Jonathan should have been next in line Jonathan should have been next in line for the throne. And Saul wanted to kill for the throne. And Saul wanted to kill for the throne. And Saul wanted to kill David. So David would never assume the David. So David would never assume the David. So David would never assume the throne. And yet Jonathan loved David so throne. And yet Jonathan loved David so throne. And yet Jonathan loved David so much that he was willing to put his much that he was willing to put his much that he was willing to put his relationship with David above his desire relationship with David above his desire relationship with David above his desire for the throne. And quite frankly, he for the throne. And quite frankly, he for the throne. And quite frankly, he put his relationship with David above put his relationship with David above put his relationship with David above his unity with his father because he his unity with his father because he his unity with his father because he knew that what his father was trying to knew that what his father was trying to knew that what his father was trying to do to David was wrong. So David, as he's do to David was wrong. So David, as he's do to David was wrong. So David, as he's about to leave Jonathan and run because about to leave Jonathan and run because about to leave Jonathan and run because Saul continued to try to kill him, he Saul continued to try to kill him, he Saul continued to try to kill him, he says this to Jonathan in 2 Samuel 1:26, says this to Jonathan in 2 Samuel 1:26, says this to Jonathan in 2 Samuel 1:26, he says, "I am distressed for you, my he says, "I am distressed for you, my he says, "I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. Very pleasant have you brother Jonathan. Very pleasant have you brother Jonathan. Very pleasant have you been to me. Your love to me was

been to me. Your love to me was been to me. Your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of a extraordinary, surpassing the love of a extraordinary, surpassing the love of a woman." And Brian said this last week, woman." And Brian said this last week, woman." And Brian said this last week, "This is not male romance in that way. "This is not male romance in that way. "This is not male romance in that way. It isn't. This is a guy willing to take It isn't. This is a guy willing to take It isn't. This is a guy willing to take a bullet for his friend. a bullet for his friend. a bullet for his friend. This is a level of ride or die This is a level of ride or die This is a level of ride or die friendship that very few of us have ever friendship that very few of us have ever friendship that very few of us have ever experienced. And David said, "You have experienced. And David said, "You have experienced. And David said, "You have loved me so well." And yet, if even loved me so well." And yet, if even loved me so well." And yet, if even hearing that friendship is important, hearing that friendship is important, hearing that friendship is important, friends determine the quality and the friends determine the quality and the friends determine the quality and the potency of your life. If you're still potency of your life. If you're still potency of your life. If you're still like, "Yeah, Chuck, but I'm tapping out like, "Yeah, Chuck, but I'm tapping out like, "Yeah, Chuck, but I'm tapping out on friendship." I I understand. And it's on friendship." I I understand. And it's on friendship." I I understand. And it's probably because when you read that, you probably because when you read that, you probably because when you read that, you say, "That's beautiful for David and say, "That's beautiful for David and say, "That's beautiful for David and Jonathan, but that has not ever been my Jonathan, but that has not ever been my Jonathan, but that has not ever been my experience." Or maybe recently I've had experience." Or maybe recently I've had experience." Or maybe recently I've had a an experience that's been painfully a an experience that's been painfully a an experience that's been painfully not that. I want to tell you about a not that. I want to tell you about a not that. I want to tell you about a friendship of mine that got tested friendship of mine that got tested friendship of mine that got tested recently in the last couple weeks. This recently in the last couple weeks. This recently in the last couple weeks. This is a guy that I have been doing life is a guy that I have been doing life is a guy that I have been doing life with. We went through a critical with. We went through a critical with. We went through a critical formation experience together. We've formation experience together. We've formation experience together. We've been on a weekly rhythm of connecting been on a weekly rhythm of connecting been on a weekly rhythm of connecting and being in each other's lives, sharing and being in each other's lives, sharing and being in each other's lives, sharing our hearts, praying together, praying our hearts, praying together, praying our hearts, praying together, praying for each other, with each other. We've for each other, with each other. We've for each other, with each other. We've had some experiences of fun and hanging had some experiences of fun and hanging had some experiences of fun and hanging out together. Like, this is a friend.

out together. Like, this is a friend. out together. Like, this is a friend. This is a friend of mine. And yet over This is a friend of mine. And yet over This is a friend of mine. And yet over the 10 years there's been a topic that the 10 years there's been a topic that the 10 years there's been a topic that we've strategically avoided. we've strategically avoided. we've strategically avoided. Politics. Politics. Politics. You feel me? You feel me? You feel me? And a couple of weeks ago, we could no And a couple of weeks ago, we could no And a couple of weeks ago, we could no longer avoid it because of a thing that longer avoid it because of a thing that longer avoid it because of a thing that I was doing that I was committed to and I was doing that I was committed to and I was doing that I was committed to and I wanted him to understand was going on I wanted him to understand was going on I wanted him to understand was going on in my life. And I and I could have in my life. And I and I could have in my life. And I and I could have easily just, you know, as we did our easily just, you know, as we did our easily just, you know, as we did our weekly checkup, not talked about it. But weekly checkup, not talked about it. But weekly checkup, not talked about it. But I'm like, no, I need to share this. I I'm like, no, I need to share this. I I'm like, no, I need to share this. I need to I need to bring this out. And I need to I need to bring this out. And I need to I need to bring this out. And I just want to tell you, I was afraid. I just want to tell you, I was afraid. I just want to tell you, I was afraid. I was afraid to have this conversation was afraid to have this conversation was afraid to have this conversation with my friend because politics can be with my friend because politics can be with my friend because politics can be so polarizing. I was afraid as we got so polarizing. I was afraid as we got so polarizing. I was afraid as we got into the conversation, I shared some into the conversation, I shared some into the conversation, I shared some things. I shared my heart. He shared things. I shared my heart. He shared things. I shared my heart. He shared some perspectives that were different some perspectives that were different some perspectives that were different from that. There were points where I was from that. There were points where I was from that. There were points where I was offended. And I felt like I was really offended. And I felt like I was really offended. And I felt like I was really being vulnerable because I wanted him to being vulnerable because I wanted him to being vulnerable because I wanted him to understand the values that were bringing understand the values that were bringing understand the values that were bringing me to some of the sets of decisions that me to some of the sets of decisions that me to some of the sets of decisions that I would make. And so we had the I would make. And so we had the I would make. And so we had the conversation about politics. And you conversation about politics. And you conversation about politics. And you know what happened?

know what happened? know what happened? Well, I'll tell you what happened in a Well, I'll tell you what happened in a Well, I'll tell you what happened in a minute. But first, let me tell you what minute. But first, let me tell you what minute. But first, let me tell you what I was in my head thinking were the I was in my head thinking were the I was in my head thinking were the outcomes. I was like, there's an outcome outcomes. I was like, there's an outcome outcomes. I was like, there's an outcome that says my buddy's not going to want that says my buddy's not going to want that says my buddy's not going to want to hang with me anymore and this is to hang with me anymore and this is to hang with me anymore and this is going to be the end of the friendship. going to be the end of the friendship. going to be the end of the friendship. He's going to walk away from the He's going to walk away from the He's going to walk away from the friendship. This is going to be friendship. This is going to be friendship. This is going to be something that we can't get over. I I something that we can't get over. I I something that we can't get over. I I had a part wasn't wasn't a true part, had a part wasn't wasn't a true part, had a part wasn't wasn't a true part, but it was a part of fear. I was but it was a part of fear. I was but it was a part of fear. I was thinking that. Here's the other I was thinking that. Here's the other I was thinking that. Here's the other I was thinking maybe I'm not going to want to thinking maybe I'm not going to want to thinking maybe I'm not going to want to be his friend anymore. We're going to be his friend anymore. We're going to be his friend anymore. We're going to have this conversation. There's going to have this conversation. There's going to have this conversation. There's going to be some things here that just cut too be some things here that just cut too be some things here that just cut too deep and and I'm not going to want it. deep and and I'm not going to want it. deep and and I'm not going to want it. And here's the subtle, more devious one And here's the subtle, more devious one And here's the subtle, more devious one that was also in my brain. Maybe I just that was also in my brain. Maybe I just that was also in my brain. Maybe I just don't want to anymore. don't want to anymore. don't want to anymore. I don't have to. I got other people in I don't have to. I got other people in I don't have to. I got other people in my life. my life. my life. But we had the conversation. But we had the conversation. But we had the conversation. It was not the easiest conversation It was not the easiest conversation It was not the easiest conversation we've ever had, but the friendship held. we've ever had, but the friendship held. we've ever had, but the friendship held. We're still friends. We're still We're still friends. We're still We're still friends. We're still connecting. We're still doing life connecting. We're still doing life connecting. We're still doing life together. And here's the thing. I wasn't together. And here's the thing. I wasn't together. And here's the thing. I wasn't afraid to be af I wasn't wrong to be afraid to be af I wasn't wrong to be afraid to be af I wasn't wrong to be afraid because it's a risky thing. I was afraid because it's a risky thing. I was afraid because it's a risky thing. I was wrong to let fear or even offense keep wrong to let fear or even offense keep wrong to let fear or even offense keep me from a friendship that over 10 years me from a friendship that over 10 years me from a friendship that over 10 years has positively impacted the quality and has positively impacted the quality and has positively impacted the quality and the potency of my life. And so I just the potency of my life. And so I just the potency of my life. And so I just want to tell you if you're in that want to tell you if you're in that want to tell you if you're in that place, you can clap for that if you want place, you can clap for that if you want place, you can clap for that if you want to. You don't have to. You don't have to. You don't have to. You don't have to. You don't have to. You don't have to. Thank you. I guess. Thank you. But to. Thank you. I guess. Thank you. But to. Thank you. I guess. Thank you. But here's the thing. I I just know I want here's the thing. I I just know I want here's the thing. I I just know I want you to know I know what it's like to you to know I know what it's like to you to know I know what it's like to have to ask that question. Am I going to have to ask that question. Am I going to have to ask that question. Am I going to risk this again? Because let me tell risk this again? Because let me tell risk this again? Because let me tell you, I've had that break up some you, I've had that break up some you, I've had that break up some friendships. There are some people I friendships. There are some people I friendships. There are some people I don't have friendships with now because

don't have friendships with now because don't have friendships with now because of that topic. I So, it's not like I'm of that topic. I So, it's not like I'm of that topic. I So, it's not like I'm unaware of what that looks like. And unaware of what that looks like. And unaware of what that looks like. And what I realized is, you know what, if what I realized is, you know what, if what I realized is, you know what, if you're anything like me, we can be you're anything like me, we can be you're anything like me, we can be really good escape artists when it comes really good escape artists when it comes really good escape artists when it comes to friendships when they get hard, can't to friendships when they get hard, can't to friendships when they get hard, can't we? we? we? >> All of a sudden, you know, we got a busy >> All of a sudden, you know, we got a busy >> All of a sudden, you know, we got a busy season that we're in. But the busy season that we're in. But the busy season that we're in. But the busy season lasts a year and we just cut off season lasts a year and we just cut off season lasts a year and we just cut off that friendship. You know, we have a that friendship. You know, we have a that friendship. You know, we have a commitment to be somewhere, but commitment to be somewhere, but commitment to be somewhere, but something comes up at work AND IT JUST something comes up at work AND IT JUST something comes up at work AND IT JUST SEEMS LIKE THERE'S A PATTERN of SEEMS LIKE THERE'S A PATTERN of SEEMS LIKE THERE'S A PATTERN of something coming up in their work and something coming up in their work and something coming up in their work and they don't say this friendship is over, they don't say this friendship is over, they don't say this friendship is over, but you know, you know what it's like but you know, you know what it's like but you know, you know what it's like when that happens. And so, I just when that happens. And so, I just when that happens. And so, I just realized for a lot of us, this is a realized for a lot of us, this is a realized for a lot of us, this is a challenge. And I'm going to say this a challenge. And I'm going to say this a challenge. And I'm going to say this a couple times today. I'm Chuck and I'm couple times today. I'm Chuck and I'm couple times today. I'm Chuck and I'm your friend. I want to be your friend. your friend. I want to be your friend. your friend. I want to be your friend. And as your friend, I want to tell you And as your friend, I want to tell you And as your friend, I want to tell you the truth. It is easier. It is way the truth. It is easier. It is way the truth. It is easier. It is way easier to just form your life around easier to just form your life around easier to just form your life around people who already think like you do, people who already think like you do, people who already think like you do, look like you do, have all the same look like you do, have all the same look like you do, have all the same things you have. That's an easy way to things you have. That's an easy way to things you have. That's an easy way to do friendship. Only one problem. That is do friendship. Only one problem. That is do friendship. Only one problem. That is not the kind of friendships we're not the kind of friendships we're not the kind of friendships we're committed to at Crossroads because it's committed to at Crossroads because it's committed to at Crossroads because it's not the kind of friendships that Jesus not the kind of friendships that Jesus not the kind of friendships that Jesus calls us to as people who follow him.

calls us to as people who follow him. calls us to as people who follow him. It's also really easy to just tap out on It's also really easy to just tap out on It's also really easy to just tap out on friendship altogether and say, "Hey, I'm friendship altogether and say, "Hey, I'm friendship altogether and say, "Hey, I'm just going to do it on my own. I keep just going to do it on my own. I keep just going to do it on my own. I keep people at arms length." Can I remind you people at arms length." Can I remind you people at arms length." Can I remind you lone wolves die? lone wolves die? lone wolves die? >> So that is not a place where we actually >> So that is not a place where we actually >> So that is not a place where we actually can live. And so we have to realize can live. And so we have to realize can live. And so we have to realize friendships determine the quality and friendships determine the quality and friendships determine the quality and potency of our life. And we got to be potency of our life. And we got to be potency of our life. And we got to be willing to step into it. Even Jesus willing to step into it. Even Jesus willing to step into it. Even Jesus chose not to do life alone when he lived chose not to do life alone when he lived chose not to do life alone when he lived on the earth. He chose not to do life on the earth. He chose not to do life on the earth. He chose not to do life alone. So, for the rest of our time, alone. So, for the rest of our time, alone. So, for the rest of our time, we're going to look at Jesus, not Jesus we're going to look at Jesus, not Jesus we're going to look at Jesus, not Jesus as the savior, although he is the as the savior, although he is the as the savior, although he is the savior. We're not going to even look at savior. We're not going to even look at savior. We're not going to even look at him as Jesus the good shepherd, although him as Jesus the good shepherd, although him as Jesus the good shepherd, although he is the good shepherd. We're going to he is the good shepherd. We're going to he is the good shepherd. We're going to look at Jesus, the friend, and look at Jesus, the friend, and look at Jesus, the friend, and particularly his friendship with one of particularly his friendship with one of particularly his friendship with one of his closest friends, a guy named Peter, his closest friends, a guy named Peter, his closest friends, a guy named Peter, because Jesus made some commitments to because Jesus made some commitments to because Jesus made some commitments to his friendship with Peter. And they're his friendship with Peter. And they're his friendship with Peter. And they're the same commitments you and I need to the same commitments you and I need to the same commitments you and I need to make if we're going to do friendship make if we're going to do friendship make if we're going to do friendship again, or if we're going to have our again, or if we're going to have our again, or if we're going to have our friendships go to the next level. Those friendships go to the next level. Those friendships go to the next level. Those four commitments are habits, light, four commitments are habits, light, four commitments are habits, light, friction, and hope. And we're going to friction, and hope. And we're going to friction, and hope. And we're going to walk through all four of those. Let's walk through all four of those. Let's walk through all four of those. Let's start with habits. You know, I think the start with habits. You know, I think the start with habits. You know, I think the reason that my friend and I were able to reason that my friend and I were able to reason that my friend and I were able to have a difficult conversation and still have a difficult conversation and still have a difficult conversation and still be in relationship is because we've had be in relationship is because we've had be in relationship is because we've had years of habits. We've had years of years of habits. We've had years of years of habits. We've had years of habits of sharing emotional, honest habits of sharing emotional, honest habits of sharing emotional, honest things with each other. We've had years things with each other. We've had years things with each other. We've had years of habits of giving each other grace.

of habits of giving each other grace. of habits of giving each other grace. We've had years of habits of listening We've had years of habits of listening We've had years of habits of listening well to each other. We've had years of well to each other. We've had years of well to each other. We've had years of habits of enjoying each other and habits of enjoying each other and habits of enjoying each other and understanding each other's hearts. And understanding each other's hearts. And understanding each other's hearts. And those habits were able to help us when those habits were able to help us when those habits were able to help us when we hit that spot of needing to have a we hit that spot of needing to have a we hit that spot of needing to have a difficult conversation. Jesus had habits difficult conversation. Jesus had habits difficult conversation. Jesus had habits of friendship. Let me give you an of friendship. Let me give you an of friendship. Let me give you an example. Mark 1:16-18 says this, example. Mark 1:16-18 says this, example. Mark 1:16-18 says this, "Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee. "Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee. "Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee. He Jesus saw Simon." And every time you He Jesus saw Simon." And every time you He Jesus saw Simon." And every time you see Simon today, that's the same guy see Simon today, that's the same guy see Simon today, that's the same guy Peter. Uh Jesus would name him uh Peter, Peter. Uh Jesus would name him uh Peter, Peter. Uh Jesus would name him uh Peter, but his name was Simon. Simon and but his name was Simon. Simon and but his name was Simon. Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were net into the sea, for they were net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to fishermen. And Jesus said to fishermen. And Jesus said to them,"Follow me, and I will make you them,"Follow me, and I will make you them,"Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." And immediately become fishers of men." And immediately become fishers of men." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. they left their nets and followed him. they left their nets and followed him. Now, I got to be honest. I used to read Now, I got to be honest. I used to read Now, I got to be honest. I used to read verses like this, and I would be really verses like this, and I would be really verses like this, and I would be really confused because I'm like, they'd spent confused because I'm like, they'd spent confused because I'm like, they'd spent their whole life being fishermen. Jesus their whole life being fishermen. Jesus their whole life being fishermen. Jesus comes and in one moment they like drop comes and in one moment they like drop comes and in one moment they like drop everything and go follow him. And I was everything and go follow him. And I was everything and go follow him. And I was confused because that's the image that confused because that's the image that confused because that's the image that all of the 70s and 80s movies about all of the 70s and 80s movies about all of the 70s and 80s movies about Jesus depicted. I don't know if you've Jesus depicted. I don't know if you've Jesus depicted. I don't know if you've seen any of these movies. Lots of them seen any of these movies. Lots of them seen any of these movies. Lots of them are really weird. And in lots of them, are really weird. And in lots of them, are really weird. And in lots of them, Jesus walks around like he is high all Jesus walks around like he is high all Jesus walks around like he is high all the time. I mean, it's just like, am I the time. I mean, it's just like, am I the time. I mean, it's just like, am I right? Like, he's just walk he's just right? Like, he's just walk he's just right? Like, he's just walk he's just walking around, you know, just like not walking around, you know, just like not walking around, you know, just like not making eye contact. He's just, you know, making eye contact. He's just, you know, making eye contact. He's just, you know, and so he WALKS TO THE SEA OF GALILEE and so he WALKS TO THE SEA OF GALILEE and so he WALKS TO THE SEA OF GALILEE and he's like, "Come f." He didn't even and he's like, "Come f." He didn't even and he's like, "Come f." He didn't even look at him. He's like, "Come follow look at him. He's like, "Come follow look at him. He's like, "Come follow me." And they're like zombies. THEY DROP me." And they're like zombies. THEY DROP me." And they're like zombies. THEY DROP THEIR NETS and they're like, "Yes, we THEIR NETS and they're like, "Yes, we THEIR NETS and they're like, "Yes, we will follow Jes." Just weird. It's just will follow Jes." Just weird. It's just will follow Jes." Just weird. It's just weird. I'M LIKE, "FRIENDSHIPS DON'T WORK

weird. I'M LIKE, "FRIENDSHIPS DON'T WORK weird. I'M LIKE, "FRIENDSHIPS DON'T WORK LIKE THAT. RELATIONSHIPS don't work like LIKE THAT. RELATIONSHIPS don't work like LIKE THAT. RELATIONSHIPS don't work like that." And guess what? Neither did that." And guess what? Neither did that." And guess what? Neither did Jesus's. Jesus's. Jesus's. >> Yes, we have this picture of him >> Yes, we have this picture of him >> Yes, we have this picture of him inviting them into something deeper, but inviting them into something deeper, but inviting them into something deeper, but that wasn't his first interaction with that wasn't his first interaction with that wasn't his first interaction with him. We know that because we have him. We know that because we have him. We know that because we have different accounts of Jesus's life. And different accounts of Jesus's life. And different accounts of Jesus's life. And in John chapter 1, we see an earlier in John chapter 1, we see an earlier in John chapter 1, we see an earlier meeting Jesus had with Simon, who he meeting Jesus had with Simon, who he meeting Jesus had with Simon, who he would nickname Peter. This is from John would nickname Peter. This is from John would nickname Peter. This is from John chapter 1. One of the two who heard John chapter 1. One of the two who heard John chapter 1. One of the two who heard John that in that case, John the Baptist that in that case, John the Baptist that in that case, John the Baptist speak and follow Jesus was Andrew, Simon speak and follow Jesus was Andrew, Simon speak and follow Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. his he first found his Peter's brother. his he first found his Peter's brother. his he first found his own brother Simon and said to him we own brother Simon and said to him we own brother Simon and said to him we have found the Messiah which means have found the Messiah which means have found the Messiah which means Christ. He brought him to Jesus. Jesus Christ. He brought him to Jesus. Jesus Christ. He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said you are Simon son looked at him and said you are Simon son looked at him and said you are Simon son of John. You shall be called Cphus which of John. You shall be called Cphus which of John. You shall be called Cphus which means Peter which means rock. So Jesus means Peter which means rock. So Jesus means Peter which means rock. So Jesus had some level of engaging with Peter had some level of engaging with Peter had some level of engaging with Peter before he did the come follow me and he before he did the come follow me and he before he did the come follow me and he dropped his nets and followed him. Jesus dropped his nets and followed him. Jesus dropped his nets and followed him. Jesus had habits and practices of friendship. had habits and practices of friendship. had habits and practices of friendship. I'm thankful for guys in my life who I'm thankful for guys in my life who I'm thankful for guys in my life who have modeled this for me. One of them, have modeled this for me. One of them, have modeled this for me. One of them, he attends the first service today. I he attends the first service today. I he attends the first service today. I was talking to him or talking to him was talking to him or talking to him was talking to him or talking to him about this this week. Um, his name is about this this week. Um, his name is about this this week. Um, his name is Chris. And Chris is captain intentional.

Chris. And Chris is captain intentional. Chris. And Chris is captain intentional. And Chris, actually, our relationship And Chris, actually, our relationship And Chris, actually, our relationship started, we think in 2017, 2018, I was started, we think in 2017, 2018, I was started, we think in 2017, 2018, I was giving a message on friendship. And I giving a message on friendship. And I giving a message on friendship. And I actually gave a challenge at the end. actually gave a challenge at the end. actually gave a challenge at the end. I'm going to give you one too at the I'm going to give you one too at the I'm going to give you one too at the end. And Chris took me up on the end. And Chris took me up on the end. And Chris took me up on the challenge and he said, "Hey, I want to challenge and he said, "Hey, I want to challenge and he said, "Hey, I want to have that connection with you." We had have that connection with you." We had have that connection with you." We had been together uh he had a nonprofit that been together uh he had a nonprofit that been together uh he had a nonprofit that was helping people who are homeless run was helping people who are homeless run was helping people who are homeless run half marathons and marathons and I came half marathons and marathons and I came half marathons and marathons and I came down and gave a talk and ran with them down and gave a talk and ran with them down and gave a talk and ran with them back when I was in my running days. And back when I was in my running days. And back when I was in my running days. And then uh a little bit later he had moved then uh a little bit later he had moved then uh a little bit later he had moved to Geneva and we just happened to bump to Geneva and we just happened to bump to Geneva and we just happened to bump into each other at the Paris airport. I into each other at the Paris airport. I into each other at the Paris airport. I was on my way to India for a mission was on my way to India for a mission was on my way to India for a mission trip. He was coming back to Cincinnati trip. He was coming back to Cincinnati trip. He was coming back to Cincinnati and it was one of those things we were and it was one of those things we were and it was one of those things we were like man we should get together when you like man we should get together when you like man we should get together when you get back into the states. And so he was get back into the states. And so he was get back into the states. And so he was back and with intentionality he said hey back and with intentionality he said hey back and with intentionality he said hey let's build a habit around this. And so let's build a habit around this. And so let's build a habit around this. And so for the last several years since that for the last several years since that for the last several years since that time, Chris and I have built habits of time, Chris and I have built habits of time, Chris and I have built habits of friendship that have changed my life, friendship that have changed my life, friendship that have changed my life, that have blessed my life. We've done that have blessed my life. We've done that have blessed my life. We've done things like run together, ran half things like run together, ran half things like run together, ran half marathons together. We've done things marathons together. We've done things marathons together. We've done things like hang out and have breakfast like hang out and have breakfast like hang out and have breakfast together. We've done things like together. We've done things like together. We've done things like celebrating high moments and challenging celebrating high moments and challenging celebrating high moments and challenging moments in each other's lives. I moments in each other's lives. I moments in each other's lives. I officiated his mom's funeral. Like, we officiated his mom's funeral. Like, we officiated his mom's funeral. Like, we we've just been in each other's lives we've just been in each other's lives we've just been in each other's lives because there's been this habit that has because there's been this habit that has because there's been this habit that has been built. You and I need habits to been built. You and I need habits to been built. You and I need habits to build friendships. So, I'm gonna give build friendships. So, I'm gonna give build friendships. So, I'm gonna give you a couple to think about. One is you a couple to think about. One is you a couple to think about. One is practice the habit of saying yes.

practice the habit of saying yes. practice the habit of saying yes. We get invitations. People invite us to We get invitations. People invite us to We get invitations. People invite us to things. Hey, would you come do this things. Hey, would you come do this things. Hey, would you come do this thing? I'd love to, you know, connect thing? I'd love to, you know, connect thing? I'd love to, you know, connect with you. Say yes. with you. Say yes. with you. Say yes. Say yes. Who knows where that friendship Say yes. Who knows where that friendship Say yes. Who knows where that friendship might go. Here's another one. Show up. might go. Here's another one. Show up. might go. Here's another one. Show up. So, it's one thing we say yes to it, but So, it's one thing we say yes to it, but So, it's one thing we say yes to it, but then a lots of times it's like, "Oh, then a lots of times it's like, "Oh, then a lots of times it's like, "Oh, something came up. I got to change." No. something came up. I got to change." No. something came up. I got to change." No. Show up. show up and keep showing up Show up. show up and keep showing up Show up. show up and keep showing up because it communicates that I value because it communicates that I value because it communicates that I value this friendship. And I'm amazed at what this friendship. And I'm amazed at what this friendship. And I'm amazed at what happens when you just have a habit of happens when you just have a habit of happens when you just have a habit of saying yes and showing up and how saying yes and showing up and how saying yes and showing up and how friendships grow over time. Here's friendships grow over time. Here's friendships grow over time. Here's another one. Stop lying. another one. Stop lying. another one. Stop lying. Stop li What am I saying? What am I Stop li What am I saying? What am I Stop li What am I saying? What am I SAYING? I PROMISE YOU, YOU PROBABLY DONE SAYING? I PROMISE YOU, YOU PROBABLY DONE SAYING? I PROMISE YOU, YOU PROBABLY DONE THIS LIE THIS WEEK. WHEN'S THE LAST TIME THIS LIE THIS WEEK. WHEN'S THE LAST TIME THIS LIE THIS WEEK. WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU TOLD SOMEBODY, "WE SHOULD CONNECT. YOU TOLD SOMEBODY, "WE SHOULD CONNECT. YOU TOLD SOMEBODY, "WE SHOULD CONNECT. WE SHOULD WE SHOULD GET LUNCH. WE WE WE SHOULD WE SHOULD GET LUNCH. WE WE WE SHOULD WE SHOULD GET LUNCH. WE WE SHOULD GET COFFEE, RIGHT? I MEAN, WE WE SHOULD GET COFFEE, RIGHT? I MEAN, WE WE SHOULD GET COFFEE, RIGHT? I MEAN, WE WE LIE. WE LIE BECAUSE IT NOT IT never LIE. WE LIE BECAUSE IT NOT IT never LIE. WE LIE BECAUSE IT NOT IT never happens, right? So, I'm going to give happens, right? So, I'm going to give happens, right? So, I'm going to give you a simple trick. Simple trick. Next you a simple trick. Simple trick. Next you a simple trick. Simple trick. Next time you find yourself saying to time you find yourself saying to time you find yourself saying to someone, "We should connect. We should someone, "We should connect. We should someone, "We should connect. We should get coffee." Do this. I don't have mine get coffee." Do this. I don't have mine get coffee." Do this. I don't have mine on me right now, but take out your phone on me right now, but take out your phone on me right now, but take out your phone and say, "Can we see if we can do that and say, "Can we see if we can do that and say, "Can we see if we can do that in the next week?" I'm surprised at how in the next week?" I'm surprised at how in the next week?" I'm surprised at how many times it's easier to schedule many times it's easier to schedule many times it's easier to schedule something within the next seven days something within the next seven days something within the next seven days than within the next 40 days.

than within the next 40 days. than within the next 40 days. >> Just try it. And guess what? If the next >> Just try it. And guess what? If the next >> Just try it. And guess what? If the next seven days don't work, you at least say, seven days don't work, you at least say, seven days don't work, you at least say, "Let me get your information, and we "Let me get your information, and we "Let me get your information, and we will find a date that works." It's a way will find a date that works." It's a way will find a date that works." It's a way to stop lying and actually do the thing to stop lying and actually do the thing to stop lying and actually do the thing that builds friendships. Speaking of that builds friendships. Speaking of that builds friendships. Speaking of this habit of friendships, I don't know this habit of friendships, I don't know this habit of friendships, I don't know if you heard this or not. There was a if you heard this or not. There was a if you heard this or not. There was a story that went viral this week of a story that went viral this week of a story that went viral this week of a woman, I think she's from here, who's woman, I think she's from here, who's woman, I think she's from here, who's actually gone viral because she's actually gone viral because she's actually gone viral because she's inviting strangers to coffee to build inviting strangers to coffee to build inviting strangers to coffee to build friendships. She's like, I want to know friendships. She's like, I want to know friendships. She's like, I want to know people in my community and it's gone people in my community and it's gone people in my community and it's gone viral. That's a woman who's committed to viral. That's a woman who's committed to viral. That's a woman who's committed to a habit. And I bet you that habit is a habit. And I bet you that habit is a habit. And I bet you that habit is going to produce some friendships for going to produce some friendships for going to produce some friendships for her. So, I want you to be people who her. So, I want you to be people who her. So, I want you to be people who practice the habit of friendship. Jesus practice the habit of friendship. Jesus practice the habit of friendship. Jesus practiced habits of friendship. Here's practiced habits of friendship. Here's practiced habits of friendship. Here's the second thing though, light. the second thing though, light. the second thing though, light. You've got to be willing to bring light You've got to be willing to bring light You've got to be willing to bring light into a relationship. And when I mean into a relationship. And when I mean into a relationship. And when I mean light, what I'm talking about is you've light, what I'm talking about is you've light, what I'm talking about is you've got to be willing to be vulnerable. At got to be willing to be vulnerable. At got to be willing to be vulnerable. At some point, you got to go under the some point, you got to go under the some point, you got to go under the surface and share more of who you are surface and share more of who you are surface and share more of who you are with someone in your life. Now, let me with someone in your life. Now, let me with someone in your life. Now, let me be very clear. I am not saying that you be very clear. I am not saying that you be very clear. I am not saying that you should share your deepest, darkest should share your deepest, darkest should share your deepest, darkest secrets with everybody. Listen, secrets with everybody. Listen, secrets with everybody. Listen, everybody don't need to know all the everybody don't need to know all the everybody don't need to know all the details of your life. You hear me? In details of your life. You hear me? In details of your life. You hear me? In fact, let me do a little coaching right fact, let me do a little coaching right fact, let me do a little coaching right here. Cuz some of you, one of the trip here. Cuz some of you, one of the trip here. Cuz some of you, one of the trip ups you have in friendships, you may not ups you have in friendships, you may not ups you have in friendships, you may not know it. I love you. I'm your friend. I know it. I love you. I'm your friend. I know it. I love you. I'm your friend. I love you enough to tell you, you are an love you enough to tell you, you are an love you enough to tell you, you are an oversharer oversharer oversharer and you're scaring the kids away. You're and you're scaring the kids away. You're and you're scaring the kids away. You're scaring potential friends away because scaring potential friends away because scaring potential friends away because within five minutes, you've gone so deep within five minutes, you've gone so deep within five minutes, you've gone so deep IN YOUR LIFE AND THEY'RE TRYING TO react IN YOUR LIFE AND THEY'RE TRYING TO react IN YOUR LIFE AND THEY'RE TRYING TO react to all the details. Everybody doesn't to all the details. Everybody doesn't to all the details. Everybody doesn't need to know your hardest thing within need to know your hardest thing within need to know your hardest thing within the first five minutes of meeting you.

the first five minutes of meeting you. the first five minutes of meeting you. That's That's That's >> right. >> right. >> right. >> Made me think about this meme right >> Made me think about this meme right >> Made me think about this meme right here. You know, I I like when you find here. You know, I I like when you find here. You know, I I like when you find yourself at that point, yourself at that point, yourself at that point, and this is where I just got to be and this is where I just got to be and this is where I just got to be honest and tell you, I'm a recovering honest and tell you, I'm a recovering honest and tell you, I'm a recovering oversharer. So, I know I know I say some oversharer. So, I know I know I say some oversharer. So, I know I know I say some things and my wife like, "Why did you things and my wife like, "Why did you things and my wife like, "Why did you say that? You just met those people." say that? You just met those people." say that? You just met those people." I'm like, "Yeah, I probably I probably I'm like, "Yeah, I probably I probably I'm like, "Yeah, I probably I probably shouldn't have gone that far." Like, I I shouldn't have gone that far." Like, I I shouldn't have gone that far." Like, I I feel you. feel you. feel you. But this is where again, we can learn But this is where again, we can learn But this is where again, we can learn from Jesus, the friend. I want to take from Jesus, the friend. I want to take from Jesus, the friend. I want to take you into a familiar story of Jesus, but you into a familiar story of Jesus, but you into a familiar story of Jesus, but I want you to see a different I want you to see a different I want you to see a different perspective on it. Uh the night before perspective on it. Uh the night before perspective on it. Uh the night before Jesus was going to be tortured and Jesus was going to be tortured and Jesus was going to be tortured and crucified, he gathered his 12 disciples, crucified, he gathered his 12 disciples, crucified, he gathered his 12 disciples, his 12 closest friends, including Peter his 12 closest friends, including Peter his 12 closest friends, including Peter at a place called the Garden of at a place called the Garden of at a place called the Garden of Gethsemane. And in the garden of Gethsemane. And in the garden of Gethsemane. And in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus really was wrestling Gethsemane, Jesus really was wrestling Gethsemane, Jesus really was wrestling with what was happening to him the next with what was happening to him the next with what was happening to him the next day. I want you to read this story, and day. I want you to read this story, and day. I want you to read this story, and I want you to see this angle on it. Says I want you to see this angle on it. Says I want you to see this angle on it. Says this in Matthew 26. Then Jesus went with this in Matthew 26. Then Jesus went with this in Matthew 26. Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane. And them to a place called Gethsemane. And them to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit here he said to his disciples, "Sit here he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." And while I go over there and pray." And while I go over there and pray." And taking with him Peter and the two sons taking with him Peter and the two sons taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John, those were of Zebedee, James and John, those were of Zebedee, James and John, those were kind of his core three. He began to be kind of his core three. He began to be kind of his core three. He began to be sorrowful and troubled. And listen to sorrowful and troubled. And listen to sorrowful and troubled. And listen to this. Then he said to them, "My soul is this. Then he said to them, "My soul is this. Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain very sorrowful, even to death. Remain very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with me." Powerful here and watch with me." Powerful here and watch with me." Powerful lessons from Jesus. I want you to notice lessons from Jesus. I want you to notice lessons from Jesus. I want you to notice this. He had his 12 with him in this. He had his 12 with him in this. He had his 12 with him in Gethsemane. But do you notice he took Gethsemane. But do you notice he took Gethsemane. But do you notice he took from the 12 just his core three and he from the 12 just his core three and he from the 12 just his core three and he went a little further with his core went a little further with his core went a little further with his core three and those are the people he shared three and those are the people he shared three and those are the people he shared the deepest part of his heart with that the deepest part of his heart with that the deepest part of his heart with that night. And I think the lesson for us is

night. And I think the lesson for us is night. And I think the lesson for us is not everybody has a right to your story. not everybody has a right to your story. not everybody has a right to your story. >> Not everybody has a right to your story. >> Not everybody has a right to your story. >> Not everybody has a right to your story. You can be in a small group of 12 people You can be in a small group of 12 people You can be in a small group of 12 people and maybe you can be in good and maybe you can be in good and maybe you can be in good relationship with those 12 people. That relationship with those 12 people. That relationship with those 12 people. That doesn't mean that all 12 of those people doesn't mean that all 12 of those people doesn't mean that all 12 of those people have a right to your story. There might have a right to your story. There might have a right to your story. There might be one that you trust and you're willing be one that you trust and you're willing be one that you trust and you're willing to shed some light and go deeper with. to shed some light and go deeper with. to shed some light and go deeper with. Because here's the thing, the other flip Because here's the thing, the other flip Because here's the thing, the other flip side of this is if you are 99% known side of this is if you are 99% known side of this is if you are 99% known from all of your friends, you are 100% from all of your friends, you are 100% from all of your friends, you are 100% unknown by anybody. unknown by anybody. unknown by anybody. Someone needs to know you fully even as Someone needs to know you fully even as Someone needs to know you fully even as you fully know them. You don't need that you fully know them. You don't need that you fully know them. You don't need that to be 12 people. It might be one person, to be 12 people. It might be one person, to be 12 people. It might be one person, but someone needs to know you. We need but someone needs to know you. We need but someone needs to know you. We need to have vulnerability in our to have vulnerability in our to have vulnerability in our relationships in order for them to grow. relationships in order for them to grow. relationships in order for them to grow. We all probably have nicknames for We all probably have nicknames for We all probably have nicknames for different, you know, text threads. One different, you know, text threads. One different, you know, text threads. One of the text threads online is Wolfpack. of the text threads online is Wolfpack. of the text threads online is Wolfpack. That's what it's called. And th because That's what it's called. And th because That's what it's called. And th because they're my wolfpack. Those are the guys they're my wolfpack. Those are the guys they're my wolfpack. Those are the guys who know everything about me. Those are who know everything about me. Those are who know everything about me. Those are the guys that when I'm having a good the guys that when I'm having a good the guys that when I'm having a good day, they know it. When I'm having a day, they know it. When I'm having a day, they know it. When I'm having a hard day, they know it. When I fail, hard day, they know it. When I fail, hard day, they know it. When I fail, they know it. When I need prayer, they they know it. When I need prayer, they they know it. When I need prayer, they know it. They know what's going on at a know it. They know what's going on at a know it. They know what's going on at a heart level with me. And it's not 10 heart level with me. And it's not 10 heart level with me. And it's not 10 people on that text thread. There's four people on that text thread. There's four people on that text thread. There's four and those are my guys and they know and those are my guys and they know and those are my guys and they know things about me because I need to have a things about me because I need to have a things about me because I need to have a place where I am fully known and so do place where I am fully known and so do place where I am fully known and so do you. So you need habits of friendship.

you. So you need habits of friendship. you. So you need habits of friendship. You also need to shed light and be You also need to shed light and be You also need to shed light and be willing to be vulnerable with somebody. willing to be vulnerable with somebody. willing to be vulnerable with somebody. You also need to be okay with friction You also need to be okay with friction You also need to be okay with friction in a friendship. I love the verse in in a friendship. I love the verse in in a friendship. I love the verse in Proverbs 27:17 that says, "As iron Proverbs 27:17 that says, "As iron Proverbs 27:17 that says, "As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another sharpens iron, one man sharpens another sharpens iron, one man sharpens another or one woman sharpens another." Real or one woman sharpens another." Real or one woman sharpens another." Real friends sharpen you. Real friends are friends sharpen you. Real friends are friends sharpen you. Real friends are not just yes men or yes women in your not just yes men or yes women in your not just yes men or yes women in your life. Real friends are willing to life. Real friends are willing to life. Real friends are willing to introduce friction into the relationship introduce friction into the relationship introduce friction into the relationship because they love you, because they're because they love you, because they're because they love you, because they're for you, not because they're against for you, not because they're against for you, not because they're against you. We see this in Jesus and Peter's you. We see this in Jesus and Peter's you. We see this in Jesus and Peter's relationship. Jesus was telling his relationship. Jesus was telling his relationship. Jesus was telling his disciples, including Peter, hey, my disciples, including Peter, hey, my disciples, including Peter, hey, my purpose in coming to the world is to purpose in coming to the world is to purpose in coming to the world is to die. I am going to die. There's going to die. I am going to die. There's going to die. I am going to die. There's going to come a time when I'm arrested and tried come a time when I'm arrested and tried come a time when I'm arrested and tried and I'm going to be crucified. He was and I'm going to be crucified. He was and I'm going to be crucified. He was honest with them about that. But you got honest with them about that. But you got honest with them about that. But you got to know Peter is full of bluster. Peter to know Peter is full of bluster. Peter to know Peter is full of bluster. Peter is like, you want Peter on your side if is like, you want Peter on your side if is like, you want Peter on your side if you're like about to go into a fist you're like about to go into a fist you're like about to go into a fist fight because he's going to be swinging fight because he's going to be swinging fight because he's going to be swinging and asking questions later. Like you and asking questions later. Like you and asking questions later. Like you need somebody like Peter in your life.

need somebody like Peter in your life. need somebody like Peter in your life. And so that's the kind of friend he was. And so that's the kind of friend he was. And so that's the kind of friend he was. SO WHEN JESUS TALKED ABOUT CRUCIFIXION, SO WHEN JESUS TALKED ABOUT CRUCIFIXION, SO WHEN JESUS TALKED ABOUT CRUCIFIXION, G PETER'S LIKE, "NO, NO, NO, I'm not G PETER'S LIKE, "NO, NO, NO, I'm not G PETER'S LIKE, "NO, NO, NO, I'm not going to let that happen to YOU. NO, NO, going to let that happen to YOU. NO, NO, going to let that happen to YOU. NO, NO, NO. I DARE SOMEBODY TO COME AND TRY TO NO. I DARE SOMEBODY TO COME AND TRY TO NO. I DARE SOMEBODY TO COME AND TRY TO MESS WITH YOU. JESUS, I I GOT YOUR BACK. MESS WITH YOU. JESUS, I I GOT YOUR BACK. MESS WITH YOU. JESUS, I I GOT YOUR BACK. I GOT YOUR BACK. BUT HE was wrong I GOT YOUR BACK. BUT HE was wrong I GOT YOUR BACK. BUT HE was wrong because Jesus, this was his purpose. And because Jesus, this was his purpose. And because Jesus, this was his purpose. And so Jesus introduces friction into his so Jesus introduces friction into his so Jesus introduces friction into his friendship with Peter when he says this friendship with Peter when he says this friendship with Peter when he says this in Matthew 16:23. He says, "But he in Matthew 16:23. He says, "But he in Matthew 16:23. He says, "But he turned to Peter and said, "Get behind turned to Peter and said, "Get behind turned to Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan." me, Satan." me, Satan." I've never had one of my friends call me I've never had one of my friends call me I've never had one of my friends call me Satan yet. Could happen. And I've never Satan yet. Could happen. And I've never Satan yet. Could happen. And I've never called a friend Satan yet. called a friend Satan yet. called a friend Satan yet. But Jesus calls Peter Satan because he But Jesus calls Peter Satan because he But Jesus calls Peter Satan because he understands Peter, you're being understands Peter, you're being understands Peter, you're being influenced by something that is not God influenced by something that is not God influenced by something that is not God right now. He he explains it. He says, right now. He he explains it. He says, right now. He he explains it. He says, "You are a hindrance to me for you are "You are a hindrance to me for you are "You are a hindrance to me for you are not setting your mind on the things of not setting your mind on the things of not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." God, but on the things of man." God, but on the things of man." So my question is, when's the last time So my question is, when's the last time So my question is, when's the last time one of your friends said to you, "Get one of your friends said to you, "Get one of your friends said to you, "Get beh When's the last time one of your beh When's the last time one of your beh When's the last time one of your friends told you you're wrong?" friends told you you're wrong?" friends told you you're wrong?" When's the last time one of your friends When's the last time one of your friends When's the last time one of your friends introduced some friction into the introduced some friction into the introduced some friction into the relationship to say, "I'm not agreeing relationship to say, "I'm not agreeing relationship to say, "I'm not agreeing with everything that you're saying."

with everything that you're saying." with everything that you're saying." There are some things you're not seeing There are some things you're not seeing There are some things you're not seeing correctly in this matter. correctly in this matter. correctly in this matter. When's the last time you said that to a When's the last time you said that to a When's the last time you said that to a friend? See, because if you don't have friend? See, because if you don't have friend? See, because if you don't have friends who introduce friction, you friends who introduce friction, you friends who introduce friction, you don't have friendships. don't have friendships. don't have friendships. You might have wellwishers. You might You might have wellwishers. You might You might have wellwishers. You might have fans. You might have surface level have fans. You might have surface level have fans. You might have surface level friendships, but you don't have a friendships, but you don't have a friendships, but you don't have a friend. friend. friend. I think about it this way. I'm not a I think about it this way. I'm not a I think about it this way. I'm not a woman, so I can't speak to female female woman, so I can't speak to female female woman, so I can't speak to female female relationships, but I can speak to guy relationships, but I can speak to guy relationships, but I can speak to guy friendships. And I know with guy friendships. And I know with guy friendships. And I know with guy friendships, it's really easy to get to friendships, it's really easy to get to friendships, it's really easy to get to a place that I would call the cozy place a place that I would call the cozy place a place that I would call the cozy place in the friendship where you're not in the friendship where you're not in the friendship where you're not really challenging each other. You're really challenging each other. You're really challenging each other. You're hanging out, you're having fun, you're hanging out, you're having fun, you're hanging out, you're having fun, you're watching a Bengals game, it's all good, watching a Bengals game, it's all good, watching a Bengals game, it's all good, BUT YOUR GUYS AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU BUT YOUR GUYS AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU BUT YOUR GUYS AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAY, even the STUPID STUFF THAT YOU SAY. SAY, even the STUPID STUFF THAT YOU SAY. SAY, even the STUPID STUFF THAT YOU SAY. SO, you're in a GROUP OF GUYS AND YOU'RE SO, you're in a GROUP OF GUYS AND YOU'RE SO, you're in a GROUP OF GUYS AND YOU'RE LIKE, "YOU KNOW WHAT, MAN? MY BOSS IS LIKE, "YOU KNOW WHAT, MAN? MY BOSS IS LIKE, "YOU KNOW WHAT, MAN? MY BOSS IS GETTING ON MY NERVE. YOU KNOW WHAT I'M GETTING ON MY NERVE. YOU KNOW WHAT I'M GETTING ON MY NERVE. YOU KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO DO ON MONDAY? I'M GONNA WALK GOING TO DO ON MONDAY? I'M GONNA WALK GOING TO DO ON MONDAY? I'M GONNA WALK INTO THE OFFICE AND I'M GOING TO TELL MY INTO THE OFFICE AND I'M GOING TO TELL MY INTO THE OFFICE AND I'M GOING TO TELL MY BOSS AND AND they're like, "Yeah, man. BOSS AND AND they're like, "Yeah, man. BOSS AND AND they're like, "Yeah, man. You should do that because you're You should do that because you're You should do that because you're getting disrespected THERE. WE'RE WITH getting disrespected THERE. WE'RE WITH getting disrespected THERE. WE'RE WITH YOU. WE GOT YOUR BACK." NO, NO, NO. LET YOU. WE GOT YOUR BACK." NO, NO, NO. LET YOU. WE GOT YOUR BACK." NO, NO, NO. LET ME TELL YOU. YOU NEED SOMEBODY WHO LOVES ME TELL YOU. YOU NEED SOMEBODY WHO LOVES ME TELL YOU. YOU NEED SOMEBODY WHO LOVES YOU ENOUGH TO SAY, "THAT'S DUMB.

YOU ENOUGH TO SAY, "THAT'S DUMB. YOU ENOUGH TO SAY, "THAT'S DUMB. Don't do that." [laughter] Don't do that." [laughter] Don't do that." [laughter] And if you have that, then you have a And if you have that, then you have a And if you have that, then you have a friend. I think sometimes we don't have friend. I think sometimes we don't have friend. I think sometimes we don't have friction in a friendship because we run friction in a friendship because we run friction in a friendship because we run at the first sign of it. at the first sign of it. at the first sign of it. May I'd ask you that question. Maybe if May I'd ask you that question. Maybe if May I'd ask you that question. Maybe if you look around, you're like, gosh, I you look around, you're like, gosh, I you look around, you're like, gosh, I only have people in my life who are only have people in my life who are only have people in my life who are offering friction. It might be because offering friction. It might be because offering friction. It might be because they tried they tried they tried and you cut the friendship off. It was and you cut the friendship off. It was and you cut the friendship off. It was very clear that you were not going to very clear that you were not going to very clear that you were not going to let them speak into that part of your let them speak into that part of your let them speak into that part of your life. Or how about this? For some of us, life. Or how about this? For some of us, life. Or how about this? For some of us, we don't have a problem bringing we don't have a problem bringing we don't have a problem bringing friction to a friendship. It's kind of friction to a friendship. It's kind of friction to a friendship. It's kind of our mo. You know, I'm a truth teller. I our mo. You know, I'm a truth teller. I our mo. You know, I'm a truth teller. I shoot people straight. Well, let me ask shoot people straight. Well, let me ask shoot people straight. Well, let me ask you this question. Before you offer that you this question. Before you offer that you this question. Before you offer that truth, ask yourself the question, am I truth, ask yourself the question, am I truth, ask yourself the question, am I trying to build up my friend or control trying to build up my friend or control trying to build up my friend or control my friend? my friend? my friend? But we need healthy friction to grow in But we need healthy friction to grow in But we need healthy friction to grow in a friendship. Jesus models that with a friendship. Jesus models that with a friendship. Jesus models that with Peter. I think about a moment in my life Peter. I think about a moment in my life Peter. I think about a moment in my life recently where my friend loved me enough recently where my friend loved me enough recently where my friend loved me enough to introduce some friction into the to introduce some friction into the to introduce some friction into the friendship. Now, I got to tell you guys, friendship. Now, I got to tell you guys, friendship. Now, I got to tell you guys, when I tell you stories about me and my when I tell you stories about me and my when I tell you stories about me and my wife, I needed to stay here.

wife, I needed to stay here. wife, I needed to stay here. Are we good? Are we good with that? I Are we good? Are we good with that? I Are we good? Are we good with that? I needed to stay here. needed to stay here. needed to stay here. So, a couple a couple days ago, So, a couple a couple days ago, So, a couple a couple days ago, honestly, I was at Starbucks and I was honestly, I was at Starbucks and I was honestly, I was at Starbucks and I was complaining to my friend about my wife. complaining to my friend about my wife. complaining to my friend about my wife. I was complaining. I She did this and I was complaining. I She did this and I was complaining. I She did this and then she did that and I can't believe then she did that and I can't believe then she did that and I can't believe this and I can't believe that and this and I can't believe that and this and I can't believe that and doesn't she know? Doesn't she see? And doesn't she know? Doesn't she see? And doesn't she know? Doesn't she see? And my friend is like giving me really good my friend is like giving me really good my friend is like giving me really good eye contact. And so, I know he didn't eye contact. And so, I know he didn't eye contact. And so, I know he didn't say anything yet, BUT I KNOW WHAT HE say anything yet, BUT I KNOW WHAT HE say anything yet, BUT I KNOW WHAT HE WANTS. I KNOW WHAT HE'S THINKING. He's WANTS. I KNOW WHAT HE'S THINKING. He's WANTS. I KNOW WHAT HE'S THINKING. He's thinking and he's like, "You are such a thinking and he's like, "You are such a thinking and he's like, "You are such a good husband to her. You are so patient good husband to her. You are so patient good husband to her. You are so patient with her." I mean like she is really with her." I mean like she is really with her." I mean like she is really blessed to have you as her. I know she blessed to have you as her. I know she blessed to have you as her. I know she so so I so I go on and I rant some more so so I so I go on and I rant some more so so I so I go on and I rant some more and I say some more and then at the end and I say some more and then at the end and I say some more and then at the end of all that I finally stop cuz I needed of all that I finally stop cuz I needed of all that I finally stop cuz I needed to give him room to affirm me. So I stop to give him room to affirm me. So I stop to give him room to affirm me. So I stop talking and he looks at me and he says and he looks at me and he says you have completely got this wrong. you have completely got this wrong. you have completely got this wrong. Have you stopped to think about what she Have you stopped to think about what she Have you stopped to think about what she might be thinking and what she need? might be thinking and what she need? might be thinking and what she need? YOUR ONLY THING ALL I'M HEARING IS I I I YOUR ONLY THING ALL I'M HEARING IS I I I YOUR ONLY THING ALL I'M HEARING IS I I I AND ME ME. WHAT ABOUT WHERE SHE IS, AND ME ME. WHAT ABOUT WHERE SHE IS, AND ME ME. WHAT ABOUT WHERE SHE IS, CHUCK? I THINK INSTEAD OF YOU THINKING CHUCK? I THINK INSTEAD OF YOU THINKING CHUCK? I THINK INSTEAD OF YOU THINKING you need to go home and ask her to do you need to go home and ask her to do you need to go home and ask her to do something different, YOU NEED TO GO HOME something different, YOU NEED TO GO HOME something different, YOU NEED TO GO HOME AND APOLOGIZE to your wife. And I got to AND APOLOGIZE to your wife. And I got to AND APOLOGIZE to your wife. And I got to tell you, I am so glad that I have tell you, I am so glad that I have tell you, I am so glad that I have friends who don't just love me, but love friends who don't just love me, but love friends who don't just love me, but love my wife and want me to have a healthy my wife and want me to have a healthy my wife and want me to have a healthy marriage. And they're willing to PUT marriage. And they're willing to PUT marriage. And they're willing to PUT FRICTION IN MY WAY WHEN I NEED IT. YOU FRICTION IN MY WAY WHEN I NEED IT. YOU FRICTION IN MY WAY WHEN I NEED IT. YOU NEED FRIENDS LIKE THAT IN YOUR LIFE.

NEED FRIENDS LIKE THAT IN YOUR LIFE. NEED FRIENDS LIKE THAT IN YOUR LIFE. THOSE ARE GOOD friends to have. Those THOSE ARE GOOD friends to have. Those THOSE ARE GOOD friends to have. Those are good friends to have. Now, here's are good friends to have. Now, here's are good friends to have. Now, here's what I hope you're hearing today. what I hope you're hearing today. what I hope you're hearing today. Friendship is worth it Friendship is worth it Friendship is worth it and it is work. and it is work. and it is work. Both are true. It's worth it and it is Both are true. It's worth it and it is Both are true. It's worth it and it is work. work. work. But let's be honest, sometimes they But let's be honest, sometimes they But let's be honest, sometimes they don't work. don't work. don't work. And sometimes they don't work because we And sometimes they don't work because we And sometimes they don't work because we have wrong expectations, have wrong expectations, have wrong expectations, because we want a frictionless because we want a frictionless because we want a frictionless friendship. We just want people to tell friendship. We just want people to tell friendship. We just want people to tell us that we're already okay. us that we're already okay. us that we're already okay. Sometimes they don't work because we get Sometimes they don't work because we get Sometimes they don't work because we get hurt hurt hurt or we hurt a friend. Sometimes they or we hurt a friend. Sometimes they or we hurt a friend. Sometimes they don't work because of woundedness that don't work because of woundedness that don't work because of woundedness that has happened in a friendship. has happened in a friendship. has happened in a friendship. Sometimes we're the one who has been Sometimes we're the one who has been Sometimes we're the one who has been betrayed. betrayed. betrayed. Sometimes we're the betrayer. Sometimes we're the betrayer. Sometimes we're the betrayer. And I think this is particularly where And I think this is particularly where And I think this is particularly where this the the friendship of Jesus and this the the friendship of Jesus and this the the friendship of Jesus and Peter is I think very very helpful Peter is I think very very helpful Peter is I think very very helpful because that happened in their because that happened in their because that happened in their friendship too. Jesus invested in Peter friendship too. Jesus invested in Peter friendship too. Jesus invested in Peter for three years. They had a deep for three years. They had a deep for three years. They had a deep friendship. And one of the things that friendship. And one of the things that friendship. And one of the things that Jesus was very clear of, I hope you hear Jesus was very clear of, I hope you hear Jesus was very clear of, I hope you hear this, is the theme. He would tell them this, is the theme. He would tell them this, is the theme. He would tell them like what was coming. He was honest with like what was coming. He was honest with like what was coming. He was honest with them about why he was here. And at one them about why he was here. And at one them about why he was here. And at one point, he's talking about when he was point, he's talking about when he was point, he's talking about when he was when he was going to be betrayed and when he was going to be betrayed and when he was going to be betrayed and when he was going to be arrested, when when he was going to be arrested, when when he was going to be arrested, when he was going to be crucified. And he he was going to be crucified. And he he was going to be crucified. And he looks at Peter and he says, "And Peter, looks at Peter and he says, "And Peter, looks at Peter and he says, "And Peter, you're going to deny even knowing me you're going to deny even knowing me you're going to deny even knowing me three times before the rooster crows."

three times before the rooster crows." three times before the rooster crows." And again, Peter full of bluster is And again, Peter full of bluster is And again, Peter full of bluster is like, "No way. No way. These 11 losers like, "No way. No way. These 11 losers like, "No way. No way. These 11 losers might do that, but no way. Not me. I might do that, but no way. Not me. I might do that, but no way. Not me. I will never deny you, said Peter. will never deny you, said Peter. will never deny you, said Peter. Until he did. Until he did. Until he did. And the night that Jesus was arrested, And the night that Jesus was arrested, And the night that Jesus was arrested, tried, sham trial, beaten, crown of tried, sham trial, beaten, crown of tried, sham trial, beaten, crown of thorns put on his head, we know that thorns put on his head, we know that thorns put on his head, we know that Peter was nearby in the courtyard. He Peter was nearby in the courtyard. He Peter was nearby in the courtyard. He hadn't completely abandoned Jesus, but hadn't completely abandoned Jesus, but hadn't completely abandoned Jesus, but he was at a distance. I don't know how he was at a distance. I don't know how he was at a distance. I don't know how far. far. far. Someone, hey, aren't you one of his Someone, hey, aren't you one of his Someone, hey, aren't you one of his friends? And Peter's like, I don't even friends? And Peter's like, I don't even friends? And Peter's like, I don't even know him. Time number one. And another know him. Time number one. And another know him. Time number one. And another person comes to No, no, you you talk person comes to No, no, you you talk person comes to No, no, you you talk like him. You're from the kind of same like him. You're from the kind of same like him. You're from the kind of same area. Peter's like, "Look, I don't know area. Peter's like, "Look, I don't know area. Peter's like, "Look, I don't know him." Second time. And then he denies him." Second time. And then he denies him." Second time. And then he denies him a third time. And this is what the him a third time. And this is what the him a third time. And this is what the Bible says in Luke 22. But Peter said, Bible says in Luke 22. But Peter said, Bible says in Luke 22. But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you're talking "Man, I do not know what you're talking "Man, I do not know what you're talking about." That's his third denial of about." That's his third denial of about." That's his third denial of Jesus. And immediately while he was Jesus. And immediately while he was Jesus. And immediately while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And still speaking, the rooster crowed. And still speaking, the rooster crowed. And this is the part that cut me to the this is the part that cut me to the this is the part that cut me to the heart. And the Lord turned and looked at heart. And the Lord turned and looked at heart. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Can you imagine Peter. Can you imagine Peter. Can you imagine denying your friend denying your friend denying your friend and then they turn and look at you. Now, and then they turn and look at you. Now, and then they turn and look at you. Now, I don't know if Jesus turned to look to I don't know if Jesus turned to look to I don't know if Jesus turned to look to him because he was with an earshot and him because he was with an earshot and him because he was with an earshot and he heard him. I don't know if Jesus was he heard him. I don't know if Jesus was he heard him. I don't know if Jesus was maybe at a distance, but in that moment, maybe at a distance, but in that moment, maybe at a distance, but in that moment, they locked eyes. I don't know what they locked eyes. I don't know what they locked eyes. I don't know what happened, but I do know this.

happened, but I do know this. happened, but I do know this. It crushed Peter It crushed Peter It crushed Peter because it says, "And Peter remembered because it says, "And Peter remembered because it says, "And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord that before the the saying of the Lord that before the the saying of the Lord that before the rooster crows today, you will deny me rooster crows today, you will deny me rooster crows today, you will deny me three times. And he went out and wept three times. And he went out and wept three times. And he went out and wept bitterly." bitterly." bitterly." Peter thought the relationship was over. Peter thought the relationship was over. Peter thought the relationship was over. And let's be clear, Jesus had every And let's be clear, Jesus had every And let's be clear, Jesus had every reason to walk away from the reason to walk away from the reason to walk away from the relationship, too. relationship, too. relationship, too. Which is why the next interaction these Which is why the next interaction these Which is why the next interaction these two men have for me is one of the most two men have for me is one of the most two men have for me is one of the most tender stories in the Bible. tender stories in the Bible. tender stories in the Bible. Jesus would go and be crucified. He Jesus would go and be crucified. He Jesus would go and be crucified. He would die. He would suffer and die. He would die. He would suffer and die. He would die. He would suffer and die. He was buried for three days. Three days was buried for three days. Three days was buried for three days. Three days after that, he rises from the grave. after that, he rises from the grave. after that, he rises from the grave. This amazing miracle that happens. And This amazing miracle that happens. And This amazing miracle that happens. And Peter hears about it. And as much as Peter hears about it. And as much as Peter hears about it. And as much as Peter, I'm sure, was surprised and Peter, I'm sure, was surprised and Peter, I'm sure, was surprised and amazed at all the things that might be amazed at all the things that might be amazed at all the things that might be happening in his mind, I'm sure there happening in his mind, I'm sure there happening in his mind, I'm sure there was a part of him that was like, "But was a part of him that was like, "But was a part of him that was like, "But how's it going to be between me and how's it going to be between me and how's it going to be between me and Jesus if we ever connect again?" Because Jesus if we ever connect again?" Because Jesus if we ever connect again?" Because the last interaction we had was him the last interaction we had was him the last interaction we had was him seeing me after I denied even knowing seeing me after I denied even knowing seeing me after I denied even knowing him three times.

him three times. him three times. Well, time goes by and that interaction Well, time goes by and that interaction Well, time goes by and that interaction happens. happens. happens. It starts with Peter and many of the It starts with Peter and many of the It starts with Peter and many of the other 12 being together and Peter says, other 12 being together and Peter says, other 12 being together and Peter says, "I'm going fishing." And you got to know "I'm going fishing." And you got to know "I'm going fishing." And you got to know that was a symbolic thing. It wasn't that was a symbolic thing. It wasn't that was a symbolic thing. It wasn't just like, "Hey, I'm going fishing just like, "Hey, I'm going fishing just like, "Hey, I'm going fishing because I'm bored today." Peter, as because I'm bored today." Peter, as because I'm bored today." Peter, as Jesus had called him, was being groomed Jesus had called him, was being groomed Jesus had called him, was being groomed to be a fisher of men, to be a pastor, to be a fisher of men, to be a pastor, to be a fisher of men, to be a pastor, to be someone who was a leader and a to be someone who was a leader and a to be someone who was a leader and a founder of the church. But after denying founder of the church. But after denying founder of the church. But after denying Jesus three times, Peter probably Jesus three times, Peter probably Jesus three times, Peter probably thought, "That's done for me. I I'm not thought, "That's done for me. I I'm not thought, "That's done for me. I I'm not doing that. I'm going back to fishing. doing that. I'm going back to fishing. doing that. I'm going back to fishing. I'm going to go back to the life I had I'm going to go back to the life I had I'm going to go back to the life I had before Jesus because clearly this before Jesus because clearly this before Jesus because clearly this relationship is over." And so, he's relationship is over." And so, he's relationship is over." And so, he's going fishing and that day they didn't going fishing and that day they didn't going fishing and that day they didn't catch any fish. And all of a sudden, catch any fish. And all of a sudden, catch any fish. And all of a sudden, early at morning, they hear a voice from early at morning, they hear a voice from early at morning, they hear a voice from the shore saying, "Hey, have you caught the shore saying, "Hey, have you caught the shore saying, "Hey, have you caught any fish?" any fish?" any fish?" And eventually, Peter realizes that And eventually, Peter realizes that And eventually, Peter realizes that voice is the voice of Jesus. voice is the voice of Jesus. voice is the voice of Jesus. And I love that Peter again, he's And I love that Peter again, he's And I love that Peter again, he's impulsive. He's full of bluster. He's impulsive. He's full of bluster. He's impulsive. He's full of bluster. He's running at one point, getting out of the running at one point, getting out of the running at one point, getting out of the BOAT TO GET BACK TO JESUS. AND I'M SURE BOAT TO GET BACK TO JESUS. AND I'M SURE BOAT TO GET BACK TO JESUS. AND I'M SURE IN his mind, he's wondering, "But how's IN his mind, he's wondering, "But how's IN his mind, he's wondering, "But how's it going to be?" Like, is Jesus going to it going to be?" Like, is Jesus going to it going to be?" Like, is Jesus going to give me a tongue tongue lashing? Is give me a tongue tongue lashing? Is give me a tongue tongue lashing? Is Jesus going to give me the cold Jesus going to give me the cold Jesus going to give me the cold shoulder? Is Jesus going to punch me IN shoulder? Is Jesus going to punch me IN shoulder? Is Jesus going to punch me IN THE FACE? I'M SURE HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE FACE? I'M SURE HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE FACE? I'M SURE HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.

WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. But when he came to Jesus, Jesus had But when he came to Jesus, Jesus had But when he came to Jesus, Jesus had created a fish lunch or fresh breakfast created a fish lunch or fresh breakfast created a fish lunch or fresh breakfast or fish dinner, whatever time of day it or fish dinner, whatever time of day it or fish dinner, whatever time of day it was for him. And as they sat down around was for him. And as they sat down around was for him. And as they sat down around the fire, Jesus asked Peter the same the fire, Jesus asked Peter the same the fire, Jesus asked Peter the same question three times. He said, "Peter, question three times. He said, "Peter, question three times. He said, "Peter, do you love me?" do you love me?" do you love me?" Peter said, "You know I I love you." Peter said, "You know I I love you." Peter said, "You know I I love you." Jesus said, "Well, feed my sheep." He Jesus said, "Well, feed my sheep." He Jesus said, "Well, feed my sheep." He asked him the same question again. asked him the same question again. asked him the same question again. Peter, Peter, do you love me? Peter, Peter, do you love me? Peter, Peter, do you love me? Lord, you know I love you. Well, feed my Lord, you know I love you. Well, feed my Lord, you know I love you. Well, feed my lambs. lambs. lambs. He asked him one more time, Peter, do He asked him one more time, Peter, do He asked him one more time, Peter, do you love me? And the third time, Peter you love me? And the third time, Peter you love me? And the third time, Peter is like, Lord, you know all things. You is like, Lord, you know all things. You is like, Lord, you know all things. You know I love you. And Jesus says, well, know I love you. And Jesus says, well, know I love you. And Jesus says, well, feed my sheep. feed my sheep. feed my sheep. What was Jesus doing in that moment? What was Jesus doing in that moment? What was Jesus doing in that moment? The fourth commitment that we have to The fourth commitment that we have to The fourth commitment that we have to have in friendship is what Jesus was have in friendship is what Jesus was have in friendship is what Jesus was doing in that moment. He was practicing doing in that moment. He was practicing doing in that moment. He was practicing hope in the friendship. He asked Peter hope in the friendship. He asked Peter hope in the friendship. He asked Peter three times, "Are you committed to me?" three times, "Are you committed to me?" three times, "Are you committed to me?" Because he was erasing the three times Because he was erasing the three times Because he was erasing the three times when he denied being committed to Jesus. when he denied being committed to Jesus. when he denied being committed to Jesus. What Jesus was saying in that moment to What Jesus was saying in that moment to What Jesus was saying in that moment to Peter is, "Peter, I believe in you and I Peter is, "Peter, I believe in you and I Peter is, "Peter, I believe in you and I believe in this friendship and I believe believe in this friendship and I believe believe in this friendship and I believe in the purpose that I have in your life.

in the purpose that I have in your life. in the purpose that I have in your life. And even though you have denied me, I And even though you have denied me, I And even though you have denied me, I forgive you. And even though you THINK I forgive you. And even though you THINK I forgive you. And even though you THINK I DON'T HAVE PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE, I DON'T HAVE PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE, I DON'T HAVE PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE, I STILL DO BECAUSE JESUS IS that kind of STILL DO BECAUSE JESUS IS that kind of STILL DO BECAUSE JESUS IS that kind of friend." friend." friend." >> And that's what he was offering to Peter >> And that's what he was offering to Peter >> And that's what he was offering to Peter in that moment. And I just want you to in that moment. And I just want you to in that moment. And I just want you to know, you and I are going to have to know, you and I are going to have to know, you and I are going to have to offer the same. If our friendships are offer the same. If our friendships are offer the same. If our friendships are going to work, there's going to come going to work, there's going to come going to work, there's going to come moments when people let us down. There's moments when people let us down. There's moments when people let us down. There's going to come moments where people going to come moments where people going to come moments where people offend us. There's going to come moments offend us. There's going to come moments offend us. There's going to come moments when our friends hurt us or we hurt when our friends hurt us or we hurt when our friends hurt us or we hurt them. And in those moments, we have to them. And in those moments, we have to them. And in those moments, we have to be willing to practice a certain kind of be willing to practice a certain kind of be willing to practice a certain kind of hope. A hope that says, "I have hope in hope. A hope that says, "I have hope in hope. A hope that says, "I have hope in this friendship, even though we might this friendship, even though we might this friendship, even though we might not be in a great place right now." The not be in a great place right now." The not be in a great place right now." The kind of hope that says, "I have hope in kind of hope that says, "I have hope in kind of hope that says, "I have hope in the eternal friend, Jesus." I love this the eternal friend, Jesus." I love this the eternal friend, Jesus." I love this verse in Proverbs. It says that there is verse in Proverbs. It says that there is verse in Proverbs. It says that there is a man of many companions that comes to a man of many companions that comes to a man of many companions that comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks ruin, but there is a friend who sticks ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. I want you to closer than a brother. I want you to closer than a brother. I want you to know that if you're in friendship with know that if you're in friendship with know that if you're in friendship with Jesus, you are never friendless. Jesus, you are never friendless. Jesus, you are never friendless. You are never friendless. And what that You are never friendless. And what that You are never friendless. And what that means is you can borrow on the hope of means is you can borrow on the hope of means is you can borrow on the hope of your friendship with Jesus and you can your friendship with Jesus and you can your friendship with Jesus and you can offer it in your friendships in this offer it in your friendships in this offer it in your friendships in this world. We have to be people who are world. We have to be people who are world. We have to be people who are willing to have that kind of hope. The willing to have that kind of hope. The willing to have that kind of hope. The kind of hope that helps us take a brave kind of hope that helps us take a brave kind of hope that helps us take a brave next step. So I want to give you an next step. So I want to give you an next step. So I want to give you an invitation today to consider a brave invitation today to consider a brave invitation today to consider a brave next step God is calling you to in next step God is calling you to in next step God is calling you to in friendship because your friends friendship because your friends friendship because your friends determine the quality and the potency of determine the quality and the potency of determine the quality and the potency of your life. Give you three options.

your life. Give you three options. your life. Give you three options. Option A. Option A is maybe for you it's Option A. Option A is maybe for you it's Option A. Option A is maybe for you it's picking a place and building there. I picking a place and building there. I picking a place and building there. I think about what Joshua did, right? He think about what Joshua did, right? He think about what Joshua did, right? He picked this church. He picked this group picked this church. He picked this group picked this church. He picked this group of guys and he built there. Maybe for of guys and he built there. Maybe for of guys and he built there. Maybe for you it's a similar thing. Or maybe for you it's a similar thing. Or maybe for you it's a similar thing. Or maybe for you, it's the coffee shop in your new you, it's the coffee shop in your new you, it's the coffee shop in your new neighborhood that you just moved into neighborhood that you just moved into neighborhood that you just moved into where you want to know people. And maybe where you want to know people. And maybe where you want to know people. And maybe it's like, "Hey, be a regular there. Get it's like, "Hey, be a regular there. Get it's like, "Hey, be a regular there. Get to know the baristas. Get to know your to know the baristas. Get to know your to know the baristas. Get to know your neighbors." Just be in a in a place neighbors." Just be in a in a place neighbors." Just be in a in a place where you can build friendships. Maybe where you can build friendships. Maybe where you can build friendships. Maybe you're new in school and you're in the you're new in school and you're in the you're new in school and you're in the fall and it's like you're still trying fall and it's like you're still trying fall and it's like you're still trying to build your college friendships. Maybe to build your college friendships. Maybe to build your college friendships. Maybe it's like, "Hey, I'm just going to be it's like, "Hey, I'm just going to be it's like, "Hey, I'm just going to be committed. I'm going to do this thing committed. I'm going to do this thing committed. I'm going to do this thing and I'm going to be committed to build and I'm going to be committed to build and I'm going to be committed to build there." Maybe option A is where you need there." Maybe option A is where you need there." Maybe option A is where you need to start. Maybe for you it's option B. to start. Maybe for you it's option B. to start. Maybe for you it's option B. You've got some surface level You've got some surface level You've got some surface level friendships and it's time to bring more friendships and it's time to bring more friendships and it's time to bring more light. Not to all of them, but maybe to light. Not to all of them, but maybe to light. Not to all of them, but maybe to one of them, maybe to a few of them. And one of them, maybe to a few of them. And one of them, maybe to a few of them. And again, it doesn't mean you have to share again, it doesn't mean you have to share again, it doesn't mean you have to share your deepest, darkest secret. It could your deepest, darkest secret. It could your deepest, darkest secret. It could be this. It could be just saying, "Man, be this. It could be just saying, "Man, be this. It could be just saying, "Man, I like you, and I would love to get I like you, and I would love to get I like you, and I would love to get together more regularly. Let's let's together more regularly. Let's let's together more regularly. Let's let's make that happen." Maybe that's the make that happen." Maybe that's the make that happen." Maybe that's the vulnerable step that you need to do. Or vulnerable step that you need to do. Or vulnerable step that you need to do. Or maybe it is you need to go to a friend maybe it is you need to go to a friend maybe it is you need to go to a friend and make it right. You need to apologize and make it right. You need to apologize and make it right. You need to apologize for something that you've done that's for something that you've done that's for something that you've done that's hurt them for the sake of the hurt them for the sake of the hurt them for the sake of the friendship. You need to do that. Or friendship. You need to do that. Or friendship. You need to do that. Or maybe that friend's going to come to you maybe that friend's going to come to you maybe that friend's going to come to you and they're going to apologize and you and they're going to apologize and you and they're going to apologize and you need to forgive.

need to forgive. need to forgive. You need to say, you know what? I'm not You need to say, you know what? I'm not You need to say, you know what? I'm not going to let that keep us from a going to let that keep us from a going to let that keep us from a friendship that is positively impacting friendship that is positively impacting friendship that is positively impacting the quality and the potency of my life. the quality and the potency of my life. the quality and the potency of my life. Maybe for you, that's what it is. It's Maybe for you, that's what it is. It's Maybe for you, that's what it is. It's option C. So, here's what I want you to option C. So, here's what I want you to option C. So, here's what I want you to do. At the beginning, we flipped the do. At the beginning, we flipped the do. At the beginning, we flipped the script and rather than just do a high script and rather than just do a high script and rather than just do a high five or a hello, you got to meet some five or a hello, you got to meet some five or a hello, you got to meet some people. You got to meet two or three people. You got to meet two or three people. You got to meet two or three people. You told them your name. You people. You told them your name. You people. You told them your name. You told them how long you've been at told them how long you've been at told them how long you've been at Crossroads. Here's what I'm going to ask Crossroads. Here's what I'm going to ask Crossroads. Here's what I'm going to ask you to do before you leave today. In a you to do before you leave today. In a you to do before you leave today. In a moment, I'm going to pray. And then moment, I'm going to pray. And then moment, I'm going to pray. And then after this, I want you to do this next after this, I want you to do this next after this, I want you to do this next thing. Before you leave today, I want thing. Before you leave today, I want thing. Before you leave today, I want you to get back with those three people you to get back with those three people you to get back with those three people and I want you to tell them which of and I want you to tell them which of and I want you to tell them which of these options you're stepping into. You these options you're stepping into. You these options you're stepping into. You don't have to give them details, but you don't have to give them details, but you don't have to give them details, but you can just be like, "Hey, I'm going with can just be like, "Hey, I'm going with can just be like, "Hey, I'm going with option A. I'm going with option B. I'm option A. I'm going with option B. I'm option A. I'm going with option B. I'm going with option C." Now, here's what going with option C." Now, here's what going with option C." Now, here's what you can do. As people are telling you you can do. As people are telling you you can do. As people are telling you those options, you get a chance this those options, you get a chance this those options, you get a chance this week, as much as you think about them, week, as much as you think about them, week, as much as you think about them, just to pray for them. Just to pray as just to pray for them. Just to pray as just to pray for them. Just to pray as they're stepping into that. If you've they're stepping into that. If you've they're stepping into that. If you've never prayed before, that's okay. You never prayed before, that's okay. You never prayed before, that's okay. You can just say, "God, would you help this can just say, "God, would you help this can just say, "God, would you help this person with that thing?" That's all you person with that thing?" That's all you person with that thing?" That's all you have to do. And God hears that prayer. have to do. And God hears that prayer. have to do. And God hears that prayer. Maybe that's what you're going to do. Maybe that's what you're going to do. Maybe that's what you're going to do. Now, here's the good thing. I don't know Now, here's the good thing. I don't know Now, here's the good thing. I don't know if you've noticed this or not, but y'all if you've noticed this or not, but y'all if you've noticed this or not, but y'all sit in the same seats all the time.

sit in the same seats all the time. sit in the same seats all the time. So, my guess is you probably connected a So, my guess is you probably connected a So, my guess is you probably connected a name today with someone you've been name today with someone you've been name today with someone you've been looking at for days or weeks or months. looking at for days or weeks or months. looking at for days or weeks or months. Guess what? Next week when you see them, Guess what? Next week when you see them, Guess what? Next week when you see them, now you know their name. Now you know now you know their name. Now you know now you know their name. Now you know how long they've been at Crossroads. And how long they've been at Crossroads. And how long they've been at Crossroads. And now you know that they were trying to do now you know that they were trying to do now you know that they were trying to do a thing. You can just say, "Hey, how was a thing. You can just say, "Hey, how was a thing. You can just say, "Hey, how was it with that thing?" You don't even have it with that thing?" You don't even have it with that thing?" You don't even have to remember what it was. You don't have to remember what it was. You don't have to remember what it was. You don't have to remember the option. How did it go? to remember the option. How did it go? to remember the option. How did it go? How is it going? It's an opportunity for How is it going? It's an opportunity for How is it going? It's an opportunity for you to be a friend. You guys good with you to be a friend. You guys good with you to be a friend. You guys good with that? that? that? >> All right. So, I'm going to pray and >> All right. So, I'm going to pray and >> All right. So, I'm going to pray and we're going to do that. And if you're we're going to do that. And if you're we're going to do that. And if you're watching online, there's a QR code watching online, there's a QR code watching online, there's a QR code that's going to come up and you can that's going to come up and you can that's going to come up and you can click on that QR code and you'll have a click on that QR code and you'll have a click on that QR code and you'll have a chance to declare your option A, B, or chance to declare your option A, B, or chance to declare your option A, B, or C. So, you can be in community and get C. So, you can be in community and get C. So, you can be in community and get some prayer support around that, too. some prayer support around that, too. some prayer support around that, too. Let me pray. God, I thank you for the Let me pray. God, I thank you for the Let me pray. God, I thank you for the gift of friendship. gift of friendship. gift of friendship. Not always thankful for the hard work of Not always thankful for the hard work of Not always thankful for the hard work of friendship, but even that is a gift. And friendship, but even that is a gift. And friendship, but even that is a gift. And so God, I just pray that for someone so God, I just pray that for someone so God, I just pray that for someone today, they are encouraged to take the today, they are encouraged to take the today, they are encouraged to take the next brave step, whatever that looks next brave step, whatever that looks next brave step, whatever that looks like for them. God, I pray your grace on like for them. God, I pray your grace on like for them. God, I pray your grace on our friendships. Help us to continue to our friendships. Help us to continue to our friendships. Help us to continue to be a place where we do life together in be a place where we do life together in be a place where we do life together in Jesus name. Amen.

Jesus name. Amen. Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Hey, before you go, we don't want to >> Hey, before you go, we don't want to >> Hey, before you go, we don't want to just hear all of that and just move on just hear all of that and just move on just hear all of that and just move on with our day. I want you to think back with our day. I want you to think back with our day. I want you to think back to everything Chuck just shared to to everything Chuck just shared to to everything Chuck just shared to Joshua's story. Even connection at some Joshua's story. Even connection at some Joshua's story. Even connection at some point, it takes courage. Somebody's got point, it takes courage. Somebody's got point, it takes courage. Somebody's got to make that move. So, we want you to to make that move. So, we want you to to make that move. So, we want you to make your brave choice right now. make your brave choice right now. make your brave choice right now. >> That's right. So, like Chuck said, you >> That's right. So, like Chuck said, you >> That's right. So, like Chuck said, you can see a QR code on your screen. Scan can see a QR code on your screen. Scan can see a QR code on your screen. Scan it. We're giving you three choices, it. We're giving you three choices, it. We're giving you three choices, right? We Which one of these are right? We Which one of these are right? We Which one of these are actually going to happen for you this actually going to happen for you this actually going to happen for you this week? A, you pick a place and you build week? A, you pick a place and you build week? A, you pick a place and you build a habit there? You show up, you become a a habit there? You show up, you become a a habit there? You show up, you become a regular. You give relationship time to regular. You give relationship time to regular. You give relationship time to form. And B, bring some light. Think form. And B, bring some light. Think form. And B, bring some light. Think about a relationship that stayed on the about a relationship that stayed on the about a relationship that stayed on the surface and choose to get a little bit surface and choose to get a little bit surface and choose to get a little bit more vulnerable. Let somebody actually more vulnerable. Let somebody actually more vulnerable. Let somebody actually know you deeper. and C, move in and know you deeper. and C, move in and know you deeper. and C, move in and hope. [music] Maybe there's a hope. [music] Maybe there's a hope. [music] Maybe there's a relationship where you need to forgive, relationship where you need to forgive, relationship where you need to forgive, reach out, or choose to pursue someone reach out, or choose to pursue someone reach out, or choose to pursue someone again. again. again. >> Yeah, A, B, or C. You should see some >> Yeah, A, B, or C. You should see some >> Yeah, A, B, or C. You should see some responses populating on the screen, but responses populating on the screen, but responses populating on the screen, but don't just think about this or think you don't just think about this or think you don't just think about this or think you should think about it. Pick one [music] should think about it. Pick one [music] should think about it. Pick one [music] right now. Scan the code. Make your right now. Scan the code. Make your right now. Scan the code. Make your choice. We're going to pray specifically choice. We're going to pray specifically choice. We're going to pray specifically over every entry that comes in that you over every entry that comes in that you over every entry that comes in that you would experience more of that hope, more would experience more of that hope, more would experience more of that hope, more of that light, more of that forgiveness, of that light, more of that forgiveness, of that light, more of that forgiveness, more of that just making a move in your more of that just making a move in your more of that just making a move in your relationships today, this week, and this relationships today, this week, and this relationships today, this week, and this month.

month. month. >> That's right, man. I'm convicted to make >> That's right, man. I'm convicted to make >> That's right, man. I'm convicted to make my own choice and go deeper with some of my own choice and go deeper with some of my own choice and go deeper with some of my relationships, some of my friends. my relationships, some of my friends. my relationships, some of my friends. And yeah, we're we're excited to also And yeah, we're we're excited to also And yeah, we're we're excited to also get to see you taking steps and hearing get to see you taking steps and hearing get to see you taking steps and hearing about those steps that you're going to about those steps that you're going to about those steps that you're going to take. So, look, we have people choosing take. So, look, we have people choosing take. So, look, we have people choosing different things and being brave this different things and being brave this different things and being brave this week. week. week. >> Love it. Yeah. Hey, there are people all >> Love it. Yeah. Hey, there are people all >> Love it. Yeah. Hey, there are people all over making these commitments right over making these commitments right over making these commitments right alongside you. So, whatever you picked, alongside you. So, whatever you picked, alongside you. So, whatever you picked, hey, do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Take hey, do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Take hey, do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Take that step this week. And if you heard that step this week. And if you heard that step this week. And if you heard today, something that just brought up today, something that just brought up today, something that just brought up something in you, you want prayer for something in you, you want prayer for something in you, you want prayer for this or you want to be encouraged, you this or you want to be encouraged, you this or you want to be encouraged, you want somebody to process with. We'd love want somebody to process with. We'd love want somebody to process with. We'd love to do that. You can send me an email at to do that. You can send me an email at to do that. You can send me an email at anywhere.net anywhere.net anywhere.net or just go to the website crossroads.net or just go to the website crossroads.net or just go to the website crossroads.net and click the chat button. We'd love to and click the chat button. We'd love to and click the chat button. We'd love to pray for you, encourage you, process pray for you, encourage you, process pray for you, encourage you, process with you, whatever we can do right with you, whatever we can do right with you, whatever we can do right there. there. there. >> That's [music] right. Hey, come back >> That's [music] right. Hey, come back >> That's [music] right. Hey, come back next week as we continue this series. next week as we continue this series. next week as we continue this series. We're going to see you then. We're going to see you then. We're going to see you then. >> Hey, have a great week everybody. See >> Hey, have a great week everybody. See >> Hey, have a great week everybody. See you next time. you next time. you next time. >> Adios.