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

Every morning you wake me up. You wake Every morning you wake me up. You wake me. You wake me up. I want to be more me. You wake me up. I want to be more me. You wake me up. I want to be more like you are. like you are. like you are. Teach me to be more like you are. Teach me to be more like you are. Teach me to be more like you are. I [music] [music] I don't want you I don't want you I don't want you [singing] 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 [music] immune function, lower blood [music] immune function, lower blood [music] pressure, and greater life satisfaction.

pressure, and greater life satisfaction. pressure, and greater life satisfaction. It's the habit of prayer, gratitude, It's the habit of prayer, gratitude, It's the habit of prayer, gratitude, [music] [music] [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 [music] guided for habit 100% free and [music] guided for habit 100% free and [music] guided for you in the Crossroads Anywhere app. A you in the Crossroads Anywhere app. A you in the Crossroads Anywhere app. A better life starts with a good day, and better life starts with a good day, and better life starts with a good day, and a good day starts in the Crossroads a good day starts in the Crossroads a good 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, I pray to the father, [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] protector and provider. protector and provider. protector and provider. [snorts] The only [singing] one who [snorts] The only [singing] one who [snorts] The only [singing] one who hasn't [music] failed me yet. The only one who [singing] hasn't failed The only one who [singing] hasn't failed me yet. me yet. me yet. He has [music] power to heal. Power to He has [music] power to heal. Power to He has [music] power to heal. Power to save. Power that arises when we [music] save. Power that arises when we [music] save. Power that arises when we [music] start to pray. start to pray. start to pray. That's my >> Well, hey everybody. Welcome to >> Well, hey everybody. Welcome to Crossroads. Now, recently I heard this Crossroads. Now, recently I heard this Crossroads. Now, recently I heard this stat that says that loneliness is like stat that says that loneliness is like stat that says that loneliness is like smoking 15 cigarettes a day. I'm smoking 15 cigarettes a day. I'm smoking 15 cigarettes a day. I'm fighting a cold, so [music] I sound like fighting a cold, so [music] I sound like fighting a cold, so [music] I sound like and feel like I've been smoking and feel like I've been smoking and feel like I've been smoking cigarettes all day. But today, we're cigarettes all day. But today, we're cigarettes all day. But today, we're talking about one of the things that talking about one of the things that talking about one of the things that will make or break your [music] life. will make or break your [music] life. will make or break your [music] life. That's friendships. My name's Andy That's friendships. My name's Andy That's friendships. My name's Andy Ryder. I'm pastor for Crossers Anywhere. Ryder. I'm pastor for Crossers Anywhere. Ryder. I'm pastor for Crossers Anywhere. I'm here with my friend Victor. I'm here with my friend Victor. I'm here with my friend Victor. >> That's right, amigo. And like Andy said, >> That's right, amigo. And like Andy said, >> That's right, amigo. And like Andy said, my name is Victor, community pastor of my name is Victor, community pastor of my name is Victor, community pastor of Crossroads in Espanol. And whether you Crossroads in Espanol. And whether you Crossroads in Espanol. And whether you go to any of our sites or watch go to any of our sites or watch go to any of our sites or watch somewhere around the world connecting in somewhere around the world connecting in somewhere around the world connecting in English or really glad that you're here.

English or really glad that you're here. English or really glad that you're here. >> Yeah. Hey, wherever you're [music] >> Yeah. Hey, wherever you're [music] >> Yeah. Hey, wherever you're [music] watching from, you are a part of Cross watching from, you are a part of Cross watching from, you are a part of Cross today. We've got a great service ahead. today. We've got a great service ahead. today. We've got a great service ahead. We're going to start by using music to We're going to start by using music to We're going to start by using music to sing about God [music] sing about God [music] sing about God [music] and to God. We use these songs to remind and to God. We use these songs to remind and to God. We use these songs to remind ourselves what's true about him and what ourselves what's true about him and what ourselves what's true about him and what he says is true [music] about us. he says is true [music] about us. he says is true [music] about us. >> So turn around, stand up, and if you >> So turn around, stand up, and if you >> So turn around, stand up, and if you can, let's worship together. can, let's worship together. can, let's worship together. >> Yeah. And I just encourage you, don't >> Yeah. And I just encourage you, don't >> Yeah. And I just encourage you, don't skip past this part. I know a lot of skip past this part. I know a lot of skip past this part. I know a lot of times we listen on we listen on [music] times we listen on we listen on [music] times we listen on we listen on [music] uh Spotify or Amazon Music, but this uh Spotify or Amazon Music, but this uh Spotify or Amazon Music, but this isn't just a playlist. This is a chance isn't just a playlist. This is a chance isn't just a playlist. This is a chance for you to connect with the God of the for you to connect with the God of the for you to connect with the God of the universe, who I believe has something universe, who I believe has something universe, who I believe has something special for you today. Let's go. right special for you today. Let's go. right special for you today. Let's go. right now. The heaviness The heaviness I'm dancing out of my regrets. Yeah, I'm dancing out of my regrets. Yeah, I'm dancing out of my regrets. Yeah, [music] [music] [music] I'm so caution to it. I'm so caution to it. I'm so caution to it. No, I'm [music and singing] not ashamed No, I'm [music and singing] not ashamed No, I'm [music and singing] not ashamed to pray like this. Don't say it's to pray like this. Don't say it's to pray like this. Don't say it's foolishness.

foolishness. foolishness. [music] [music] [music] Someone say it's worth the risk. Someone say it's worth the risk. Someone say it's worth the risk. Can't give [music] what Jesus did. Can't give [music] what Jesus did. Can't give [music] what Jesus did. No, I'm not ashamed to pray like this. No, I'm not ashamed to pray like this. No, I'm not ashamed to pray like this. [music] [music] [music] Well, all those strings that tell me I'm Well, all those strings that tell me I'm Well, all those strings that tell me I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. My free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. My free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. My city is gone. I can't even be. [music] city is gone. I can't even be. [music] city is gone. I can't even be. [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I give up. I give up. I give up. I'm [music] never going back [singing] I'm [music] never going back [singing] I'm [music] never going back [singing] to the way I was. I'll sing. [music] to the way I was. I'll sing. [music] to the way I was. I'll sing. [music] I'll dance cuz [singing] I I'm free. I'm I'll dance cuz [singing] I I'm free. I'm I'll dance cuz [singing] I I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. free. I'm free. free. I'm free. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I never quit. >> I never quit. >> I never quit. No one love as good as [music] No one love as good as [music] No one love as good as [music] this. I don't care what anyone say. this. I don't care what anyone say. this. I don't care what anyone say. [music] [music] [music] I'll never be ashamed to bring like I'll never be ashamed to bring like I'll never be ashamed to bring like this. Where are [music] those strings I this. Where are [music] those strings I this. Where are [music] those strings I want? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm want? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm want? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. [music] I free. [music] I free. [music] I can't I'm free.

can't I'm free. can't I'm free. [music] I'm going back [music] to the way. I'm going back [music] to the way. I think I'm free. I'm free. I [music] am free. You free. I'm free. I [music] am free. You took the cross and you broke your body. took the cross and you broke your body. took the cross and you broke your body. You shed your blood now. [music] I said You shed your blood now. [music] I said You shed your blood now. [music] I said I can't see. My dead is pain in my wreck I can't see. My dead is pain in my wreck I can't see. My dead is pain in my wreck easily. I couldn't [music] do it so you easily. I couldn't [music] do it so you easily. I couldn't [music] do it so you did it for me. You took the cross to the did it for me. You took the cross to the did it for me. You took the cross to the cross and [music] you broke your cross and [music] you broke your cross and [music] you broke your [singing] body. [singing] body. [singing] body. You shed your blood now. You shed your blood now. You shed your blood now. [music] [music] [music] My head is paid and my easy [music] [music] going back to the way I was.

going back to the way I was. going back to the way I was. I think [music] I'm good. I feel I'm I think [music] I'm good. I feel I'm I think [music] I'm good. I feel I'm free. I'm breathing [music and singing] free. I'm breathing [music and singing] free. I'm breathing [music and singing] out. out. out. 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. You said you were [music] body. You said you were [music] body. You said you were [music] kiss your body. [music] your body. [music] You said your blood. [music] [music] I couldn't do it. So you did it for me. I couldn't do it. So you did it for me. I couldn't do it. So you did it for me. [music] >> I'm never going back to the way [music] >> I'm never going back to the way [music] again.

I'm never going back to the way I I'm never going back to the way I [music] wake you up this morning. wake you up this morning. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Sing this with me. >> Sing this with me. >> Sing this with me. Well, I know who I am [music] was only [music] was only [music] the start, [singing] in this world [singing] the living. in this world [singing] the living. Come on, with grateful hearts we say, Come on, with grateful hearts we say, Come on, with grateful hearts we say, [music] [music] [music] >> cuz I was made to be sent in a [singing] >> cuz I was made to be sent in a [singing] >> cuz I was made to be sent in a [singing] grave. I was called by name, [music] grave. I was called by name, [music] grave. I was called by name, [music] born [singing] and raised back to life born [singing] and raised back to life born [singing] and raised back to life again.

again. again. I was [singing] made for more. [music] I was [singing] made for more. [music] I was [singing] made for more. [music] Oh, thank you, Jesus. Oh, thank you, Jesus. Oh, thank you, Jesus. So why would I [music and singing] make So why would I [music and singing] make So why would I [music and singing] make a bed in my shame when a fountain a bed in my shame when a fountain a bed in my shame when a fountain [music] [music] [music] of grace is running in my [singing] way? of grace is running in my [singing] way? of grace is running in my [singing] way? I know I am. I know I am. I know I am. I was faithful. I was faithful. I was faithful. [music] Well, I know who I am. Well, I know who I am. Cuz Cuz Cuz I know who you are. I know who you are. I know who you are. The cross [music] of salvation I have [singing] a future. I have [singing] a future. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in this world [music] [music] cuz I was raised to be red in [music] cuz I was raised to be red in [music] cuz I was raised to be red in [music] the grave. I was called the grave. I was called the grave. I was called born [music and singing] and raised back born [music and singing] and raised back born [music and singing] and raised back to life again.

to life again. to life again. I was raised. I was raised. I was raised. [music] So why [music] would I wait for my shame So why [music] would I wait for my shame when found in the gra when found in the gra when found in the gra [music] my way? I know I am [music] my way? I know I am [music] my way? I know I am I was made. [music] I was made. [music] I was made. [music] So we give him all the glory and praise. So we give him all the glory and praise. So we give him all the glory and praise. Hallelujah. [music] You call out my [singing and music] You call out my [singing and music] name. So I'll sing out your praise. name. So I'll sing out your praise. name. So I'll sing out your praise. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] You buried my past and I'm not going You buried my past and I'm not going You buried my past and I'm not going back. back. back. Hallelujah. [singing] You put [music] out my name. So I sing You put [music] out my name. So I sing out your praise. [music] [music] You bury my You bury my You bury my [music] [music] [music] back.

back. back. Cuz Cuz Cuz [music] I wasn't made to be tinned in [music] I wasn't made to be tinned in [music] I wasn't made to be tinned in [singing] the grave. I was called by [singing] the grave. I was called by [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 [music] for more. [singing] I was made [music] for more. [singing] I was made [music] for more. [singing] Well, thank you, Lord. [music] Well, thank you, Lord. [music] Well, thank you, Lord. [music] Why would I make a bed in my shame with Why would I make a bed in my shame with Why would I make a bed in my shame with [music] a thousand [singing] of grace [music] a thousand [singing] of grace [music] a thousand [singing] of grace running my way? I know [music] I am running my way? I know [music] I am running my way? I know [music] I am yours. I was made [music] it again. Why? Cuz I was it again. Why? Cuz I was [music] in the grave. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [singing] goal.

You might You might sing out your praise God. [music] [music] you my past and I'm not going [music] you my past and I'm not going back cuz I was made to be [music] tended in cuz I was made to be [music] tended in the grave. the grave. the grave. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I was called by name. Born [music] and >> I was called by name. Born [music] and >> I was called by name. Born [music] and raised back to life. [singing] [music] So why would [singing] I make [music] So why would [singing] I make bed in my same way? A fountain of grace bed in my same way? A fountain of grace bed in my same way? A fountain of grace running my [music] running my [music] running my [music] way. I know I am not. I [singing] was way. I know I am not. I [singing] was way. I know I am not. I [singing] was made for.

You know, it's hard to not smile when You know, it's hard to not smile when you sing those words. I I don't know if you sing those words. I I don't know if you sing those words. I I don't know if to say I was made for more is easy for to say I was made for more is easy for to say I was made for more is easy for you today or if it's hard for you today. you today or if it's hard for you today. you today or if it's hard for you today. Maybe best based on the last week you've Maybe best based on the last week you've Maybe best based on the last week you've had or not. I I don't know. had or not. I I don't know. had or not. I I don't know. I know three words that have helped me I know three words that have helped me I know three words that have helped me step into that more. Step in towards the step into that more. Step in towards the step into that more. Step in towards the fountain of grace. These three words are fountain of grace. These three words are fountain of grace. These three words are maybe some of the hardest words I've had maybe some of the hardest words I've had maybe some of the hardest words I've had to learn in my life. to learn in my life. to learn in my life. I need help. I need help. I need help. I have found the pathway to [music] I have found the pathway to [music] I have found the pathway to [music] Jesus, the pathway to life and freedom Jesus, the pathway to life and freedom Jesus, the pathway to life and freedom is on the other side of those three is on the other side of those three is on the other side of those three words. words. words. Like, I need help. I've got a daughter Like, I need help. I've got a daughter Like, I need help. I've got a daughter getting ready to turn 14. getting ready to turn 14. getting ready to turn 14. I need help. I need help. I need help. My other daughter's getting ready to My other daughter's getting ready to My other daughter's getting ready to turn 13. I need help. We had a car turn 13. I need help. We had a car turn 13. I need help. We had a car breakdown this week. I need help, Lord. breakdown this week. I need help, Lord. breakdown this week. I need help, Lord. What do I do financially? What do I do What do I do financially? What do I do What do I do financially? What do I do with our family's resources? How do I with our family's resources? How do I with our family's resources? How do I make the best decision? I need help.

make the best decision? I need help. make the best decision? I need help. My pride and everything in my life wants My pride and everything in my life wants My pride and everything in my life wants to tell me to resist those words. to tell me to resist those words. to tell me to resist those words. But life and freedom tell me I need But life and freedom tell me I need But life and freedom tell me I need those words. those words. those words. This next song This next song This next song is a song that helps you say [music] is a song that helps you say [music] is a song that helps you say [music] those three words. And it's an old song. those three words. And it's an old song. those three words. And it's an old song. It's like a prayer that was written over It's like a prayer that was written over It's like a prayer that was written over a thousand years ago. So it sounds old. a thousand years ago. So it sounds old. a thousand years ago. So it sounds old. It's got these and thou. And I don't It's got these and thou. And I don't It's got these and thou. And I don't pretend like you use those words in your pretend like you use those words in your pretend like you use those words in your normal life. Neither do I. But we didn't normal life. Neither do I. But we didn't normal life. Neither do I. But we didn't pump it into AI and update the language. pump it into AI and update the language. pump it into AI and update the language. We kept it [music] what it is because We kept it [music] what it is because We kept it [music] what it is because the heart is still the same. the heart is still the same. the heart is still the same. Thousand years ago, a guy wrote, "Be Thousand years ago, a guy wrote, "Be Thousand years ago, a guy wrote, "Be thou my vision. [music] thou my vision. [music] thou my vision. [music] Be thou my wisdom and my light." Be thou my wisdom and my light." Be thou my wisdom and my light." And so I invite you, use this prayer to And so I invite you, use this prayer to And so I invite you, use this prayer to say those [music] three words and step say those [music] three words and step say those [music] three words and step towards Jesus. So as we sing this, take towards Jesus. So as we sing this, take towards Jesus. So as we sing this, take a [music] deep breath this morning. a [music] deep breath this morning. a [music] deep breath this morning. Center yourself. Center yourself. Center yourself. We close your eyes.

We close your eyes. We close your eyes. Pray this prayer. Pray this prayer. Pray this prayer. Be thou my vision, Be thou my vision, Be thou my vision, oh Lord [singing] oh Lord [singing] oh Lord [singing] of my heart, of my heart, of my heart, and not [music] be all else to me, save and not [music] be all else to me, save and not [music] be all else to me, save that thou art, that thou art, that thou art, and thou my best [music and singing] and thou my best [music and singing] and thou my best [music and singing] 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 [singing] Thy presence [singing] Thy presence [singing] my life and be thou [singing] and be thou [singing] my wisdom [music] my wisdom [music] my wisdom [music] and thou my true word. and thou my true word. and thou my true word. I ever with thee [singing] I ever with thee [singing] I ever with thee [singing] [music] and thou with me. Lord, [music] and thou with me. Lord, [music] and thou with me. Lord, thou [singing] my [music] thou [singing] my [music] thou [singing] my [music] great father and I, my true son.

great father and I, my true son. great father and I, my true son. Thou in [singing] Thou in [singing] Thou in [singing] me [music] dwelling me [music] dwelling me [music] dwelling and I with thee belong. and I with thee belong. and I with thee belong. [music] Riches [music] I heed not, nor man's Riches [music] I heed not, nor man's [singing] [singing] [singing] empty praise. empty praise. empty praise. Thou mine [singing and music] Thou mine [singing and music] Thou mine [singing and music] inherititance inherititance inherititance now and [music and singing] always. now and [music and singing] always. now and [music and singing] always. Thou and thou only Thou and thou only Thou and thou only first in my heart. first in my heart. first in my heart. High King [singing] of heaven, [music] High King [singing] of heaven, [music] High King [singing] of heaven, [music] my treasure. Thou art. [music] [music] I King of heaven, I King of heaven, I King of heaven, my victory my victory my victory [music] won.

[music] won. [music] won. May I reach heaven's joys, oh bright May I reach heaven's joys, oh bright May I reach heaven's joys, oh bright [music] heaven [singing] son, [music] heaven [singing] son, [music] heaven [singing] son, and heart of my own heart. Whatever and heart of my own heart. Whatever and heart of my own heart. Whatever [music] [music] [music] fall, fall, fall, still be my [music and singing] still be my [music and singing] still be my [music and singing] vision of all of all heart [singing] of my own heart. heart [singing] of my own heart. heart [singing] of my own heart. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Whatever >> Whatever >> Whatever before before before still be [singing] my [music] vision. still be [singing] my [music] vision. still be [singing] my [music] vision. Oh ruler Oh ruler Oh ruler of all. [singing] >> Yeah man, I love that song. That song is >> Yeah man, I love that song. That song is one of my [music] absolute favorites one of my [music] absolute favorites one of my [music] absolute favorites because it's a reminder that God has because it's a reminder that God has because it's a reminder that God has something bigger for us. He wants to something bigger for us. He wants to something bigger for us. He wants to give us a vision for our lives that that give us a vision for our lives that that give us a vision for our lives that that we may not have. And so I want to say a we may not have. And so I want to say a we may not have. And so I want to say a quick prayer for you that God might give quick prayer for you that God might give quick prayer for you that God might give you his vision for [music] your life.

you his vision for [music] your life. you his vision for [music] your life. Father, I just ask that you would do Father, I just ask that you would do Father, I just ask that you would do that for us, God. That you would help us that for us, God. That you would help us that for us, God. That you would help us to see our days and [music] our weeks to see our days and [music] our weeks to see our days and [music] our weeks and our months and our years through the and our months and our years through the and our months and our years through the lens of your love, of your care, and of lens of your love, of your care, and of lens of your love, of your care, and of your intentionality. God, we are so your intentionality. God, we are so your intentionality. God, we are so thankful in your name. Amen. thankful in your name. Amen. thankful in your name. Amen. Ma'am, we want you to experience more of Ma'am, we want you to experience more of Ma'am, we want you to experience more of what God has for you. We want you to what God has for you. We want you to what God has for you. We want you to experience [music] the calling that he experience [music] the calling that he experience [music] the calling that he has for you. you the identity that he has for you. you the identity that he has for you. you the identity that he has for you. And because we've been has for you. And because we've been has for you. And because we've been talking around here, we [music] want you talking around here, we [music] want you talking around here, we [music] want you to experience the connection, a part of to experience the connection, a part of to experience the connection, a part of God's vision for you is is is absolutely God's vision for you is is is absolutely God's vision for you is is is absolutely relationship. And we've got a way that relationship. And we've got a way that relationship. And we've got a way that we want to uh know who you are and where we want to uh know who you are and where we want to uh know who you are and where you are tuning in from right now. you are tuning in from right now. you are tuning in from right now. There's a QR code that's going to come There's a QR code that's going to come There's a QR code that's going to come up [music] on the screen. We want you to up [music] on the screen. We want you to up [music] on the screen. We want you to check out right now. Will you give us check out right now. Will you give us check out right now. Will you give us the options what we're going to be the options what we're going to be the options what we're going to be talking through? talking through? talking through? >> Yeah, [music] absolutely. So, we're >> Yeah, [music] absolutely. So, we're >> Yeah, [music] absolutely. So, we're right now the QR code is going to help right now the QR code is going to help right now the QR code is going to help us know uh where people are going to be us know uh where people are going to be us know uh where people are going to be [music] connecting from. That's right. [music] connecting from. That's right. [music] connecting from. That's right. >> And we want to hear that. So just, you >> And we want to hear that. So just, you >> And we want to hear that. So just, you know, be ready for it. We want to hear know, be ready for it. We want to hear know, be ready for it. We want to hear where you are. Connect with you cuz like where you are. Connect with you cuz like where you are. Connect with you cuz like Andy said, we just want to be connecting Andy said, we just want to be connecting Andy said, we just want to be connecting with our people wherever [music] they with our people wherever [music] they with our people wherever [music] they are.

are. are. >> That's right. We say this around here, >> That's right. We say this around here, >> That's right. We say this around here, but as good as the I don't know, the the but as good as the I don't know, the the but as good as the I don't know, the the services, the teaching is, the worship services, the teaching is, the worship services, the teaching is, the worship [music] is the best thing about [music] is the best thing about [music] is the best thing about Crossroads isn't any of that. The best Crossroads isn't any of that. The best Crossroads isn't any of that. The best thing about Crossroads is the people. thing about Crossroads is the people. thing about Crossroads is the people. And so we'd love it to just hear from And so we'd love it to just hear from And so we'd love it to just hear from you with a QR code on the screen. Please you with a QR code on the screen. Please you with a QR code on the screen. Please [music] do this. Pull out your phone, [music] do this. Pull out your phone, [music] do this. Pull out your phone, scan that QR code, and it's going to scan that QR code, and it's going to scan that QR code, and it's going to give you two options. one where you can give you two options. one where you can give you two options. one where you can enter um where you're tuning in from enter um where you're tuning in from enter um where you're tuning in from [music] and we'd love to see that we've [music] and we'd love to see that we've [music] and we'd love to see that we've got people from all over the map who are got people from all over the map who are got people from all over the map who are a part of our community. Not just people a part of our community. Not just people a part of our community. Not just people in [music] physical buildings, but in [music] physical buildings, but in [music] physical buildings, but people meeting in homes and bars and people meeting in homes and bars and people meeting in homes and bars and dorms and conference centers, conference dorms and conference centers, conference dorms and conference centers, conference centers. Um let's talk about just a few centers. Um let's talk about just a few centers. Um let's talk about just a few of those right now. of those right now. of those right now. >> Well, real quick before we go anywhere >> Well, real quick before we go anywhere >> Well, real quick before we go anywhere outside of the area, I know that there outside of the area, I know that there outside of the area, I know that there are people that are driving to games and are people that are driving to games and are people that are driving to games and stuff that are watching and tuning in as stuff that are watching and tuning in as stuff that are watching and tuning in as as [music] people drive and so it's a as [music] people drive and so it's a as [music] people drive and so it's a blessing that we can get to do this. But blessing that we can get to do this. But blessing that we can get to do this. But yes, to your to your question, Andy, we yes, to your to your question, Andy, we yes, to your to your question, Andy, we have people all over the world that are have people all over the world that are have people all over the world that are connecting with us. I have some friends connecting with us. I have some friends connecting with us. I have some friends that are currently connecting in that are currently connecting in that are currently connecting in Atlanta. That's [music] right. Atlanta. That's [music] right. Atlanta. That's [music] right. >> Uh yeah, they're they're writing in >> Uh yeah, they're they're writing in >> Uh yeah, they're they're writing in where they're coming from. We have where they're coming from. We have where they're coming from. We have people from Bolivia. people from Bolivia. people from Bolivia. >> Bolivia. Batesville, Indiana crew. We >> Bolivia. Batesville, Indiana crew. We >> Bolivia. Batesville, Indiana crew. We love you guys. Wherever you're tuning in love you guys. Wherever you're tuning in love you guys. Wherever you're tuning in from, man, we love it. We also have an from, man, we love it. We also have an from, man, we love it. We also have an incredible community of people who are incredible community of people who are incredible community of people who are part of our Crossroads Church meeting in part of our Crossroads Church meeting in part of our Crossroads Church meeting in prisons. Tens of thousands of people who prisons. Tens of thousands of people who prisons. Tens of thousands of people who call this place home, who watch here, call this place home, who watch here, call this place home, who watch here, who have encountered God in powerful who have encountered God in powerful who have encountered God in powerful ways on the Pando app. [music] ways on the Pando app. [music] ways on the Pando app. [music] It's just love it.

It's just love it. It's just love it. >> Yes. I love the people in the prison >> Yes. I love the people in the prison >> Yes. I love the people in the prison community. It's been growing. One of the community. It's been growing. One of the community. It's been growing. One of the cool things is to be able to be a part cool things is to be able to be a part cool things is to be able to be a part of the church that it is reaching so of the church that it is reaching so of the church that it is reaching so many places. many places. many places. >> Yeah, that's right. Want to introduce >> Yeah, that's right. Want to introduce >> Yeah, that's right. Want to introduce you to a friend of ours named Josh and you to a friend of ours named Josh and you to a friend of ours named Josh and how he experienced community here. >> Every one of these seats has a story >> Every one of these seats has a story about what God has done. This is [music] about what God has done. This is [music] about what God has done. This is [music] Joshua's story. Joshua's story. 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 [music] and first time there was Oakley [music] and first time there was Oakley [music] and first time there was definitely a definitely a definitely a walking in I was just like wow walking in I was just like wow walking in I was just like wow [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] this place is huge. during service they this place is huge. during service they this place is huge. during service they were like were like were like you know how they have the announcements you know how they have the announcements you know how they have the announcements [music] join a small group get to know [music] join a small group get to know [music] join a small group get to know people which I've now found that at people which I've now found that at people which I've now found that at crossroads you really crossroads you really crossroads you really can't like [music] can't like [music] can't like [music] have intentional relationships unless have intentional relationships unless have intentional relationships unless you do that just because of how big you do that just because of how big you do that just because of how big crossroads is is you need to kind of you crossroads is is you need to kind of you crossroads is is you need to kind of you need to join a small group or go to need to join a small group or go to need to join a small group or go to smaller events to really get to know smaller events to really get to know smaller events to really get to know people say go to welcome [music] center people say go to welcome [music] center people say go to welcome [music] center if you're new here. They'll help you get if you're new here. They'll help you get if you're new here. They'll help you get plugged in and meet new people. And I plugged in and meet new people. And I plugged in and meet new people. And I was like, I need to meet people in this was like, I need to meet people in this was like, I need to meet people in this not only this big church, but [music] not only this big church, but [music] not only this big church, but [music] this new city. I met uh Emanuel this new city. I met uh Emanuel this new city. I met uh Emanuel Montgomery at the welcome center, and Montgomery at the welcome center, and Montgomery at the welcome center, and [music] he directed me to a young adults

[music] he directed me to a young adults [music] he directed me to a young adults event at Uptown. The funny thing is he event at Uptown. The funny thing is he event at Uptown. The funny thing is he wasn't going to be there. [laughter] wasn't going to be there. [laughter] wasn't 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 [music] and then from found his friend [music] and then from found his friend [music] and then from there kind of just got bounced around there kind of just got bounced around there kind of just got bounced around being introduced to a bunch of different being introduced to a bunch of different being 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 yeah, it was the welcome center and yeah, it was the welcome center and yeah, it was [music] just like fun. It was just to me [music] just like fun. It was just to me [music] just like fun. It was just to me it was just another opportunity to hang it was just another opportunity to hang it was just another opportunity to hang out with people. You end up serving with out with people. You end up serving with out with people. You end up serving with the same people [music] pretty much the same people [music] pretty much the same people [music] pretty much every single time. It was just being every single time. It was just being every single time. It was just being with community. It was just hanging out. with community. It was just hanging out. with community. It was just hanging out. I showed up to Bible study on Tuesday, I showed up to Bible study on Tuesday, I showed up to Bible study on Tuesday, saw a couple familiar faces that I had saw a couple familiar faces that I had saw a couple familiar faces that I had met. I [music] felt like that was what met. I [music] felt like that was what met. I [music] felt like that was what kind of took me deeper. Being vulnerable kind of took me deeper. Being vulnerable kind of took me deeper. Being vulnerable in that group had meant a lot because I in that group had meant a lot because I in that group had meant a lot because I didn't have to hold in the thoughts or didn't have to hold in the thoughts or didn't have to hold in the thoughts or emotions that I was [music] experiencing emotions that I was [music] experiencing emotions that I was [music] experiencing from wanting a fresh start. Um, being in from wanting a fresh start. Um, being in from wanting a fresh start. Um, being in a new city, a new city, a new city, trying to [music] find community, trying trying to [music] find community, trying trying to [music] find community, trying to to to rebuild my relationship with [music] rebuild my relationship with [music] rebuild my relationship with [music] 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 in that group. I also met my groomsmen in that group. I also met my groomsmen in that group. I also met my future wife which is pretty nice too.

future wife which is pretty nice too. future wife which is pretty nice too. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] I met another one of my groomsmen. She I met another one of my groomsmen. She I met another one of my groomsmen. She 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 [music] was an amazing together." And it [music] was an amazing together." And it [music] 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 Christ and how he understand through Christ and how he understand through Christ and how he loves me. I'm not a huge crier. loves me. I'm not a huge crier. loves me. I'm not a huge crier. At man camp, [music] I cried a lot cuz At man camp, [music] I cried a lot cuz At man camp, [music] I cried a lot cuz that was pretty much that was pretty much that was 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 the guys [music] I was brotherhood, for the guys [music] I was brotherhood, for the guys [music] 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, my been built. Cuz if they weren't here, my been built. Cuz if they weren't here, my story definitely wouldn't be what it is, >> man. Hey, want to say just a quick shout >> man. Hey, want to say just a quick shout out to Kennedy in San Francisco. We got out to Kennedy in San Francisco. We got out to Kennedy in San Francisco. We got people tuning in from all over the people tuning in from all over the people tuning in from all over the place. And we want to give you a few place. And we want to give you a few place. And we want to give you a few things that are happening around things that are happening around things that are happening around Crossroads. The first one's especially Crossroads. The first one's especially Crossroads. The first one's especially [music] exciting for us with Crossroads [music] exciting for us with Crossroads [music] exciting for us with Crossroads Anywhere. One of the biggest goals that Anywhere. One of the biggest goals that Anywhere. One of the biggest goals that we have is to be in 10 cities in 10 we have is to be in 10 cities in 10 we have is to be in 10 cities in 10 years to see where God's moving and to years to see where God's moving and to years to see where God's moving and to start building community there. start building community there.

start building community there. >> Yeah. And that's already happening. >> Yeah. And that's already happening. >> Yeah. And that's already happening. We've been doing Crossroads Live pop-ups We've been doing Crossroads Live pop-ups We've been doing Crossroads Live pop-ups in different series around the United in different series around the United in different series around the United States. And we were just in Cleveland States. And we were just in Cleveland States. And we were just in Cleveland and we're coming up to Louisville. and we're coming up to Louisville. and we're coming up to Louisville. >> That's right. October 17th, Louisville. >> That's right. October 17th, Louisville. >> That's right. October 17th, Louisville. We're taking over the Mercury Ballroom. We're taking over the Mercury Ballroom. We're taking over the Mercury Ballroom. And this is where you can help us. If And this is where you can help us. If And this is where you can help us. If you know somebody who lives in you know somebody who lives in you know somebody who lives in Louisville, text [music] them. Something Louisville, text [music] them. Something Louisville, text [music] them. Something as simple as, hey, I think you'd love as simple as, hey, I think you'd love as simple as, hey, I think you'd love this is how something much bigger this is how something much bigger this is how something much bigger starts. starts. 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 the Cincinnati [music] somewhere outside the Cincinnati [music] somewhere outside the Cincinnati [music] area, you know this firsthand. We know area, you know this firsthand. We know area, you know this firsthand. We know that Crossroads doesn't have to start that Crossroads doesn't have to start that Crossroads doesn't have to start with a building. It starts with people with a building. It starts with people with a building. It starts with people first. first. first. >> Yeah. Speaking of [music] people, we've >> Yeah. Speaking of [music] people, we've >> Yeah. Speaking of [music] people, we've actually spent the last couple weeks actually spent the last couple weeks actually spent the last couple weeks talking about how uh the people who make talking about how uh the people who make talking about how uh the people who make Crossroads happen is volunteers. Crossroads happen is volunteers. Crossroads happen is volunteers. Hundreds of [music] you recently raised Hundreds of [music] you recently raised Hundreds of [music] you recently raised your hand to start serving, which is your hand to start serving, which is your hand to start serving, which is awesome. We just want to say thank you. awesome. We just want to say thank you. awesome. We just want to say thank you. >> Yes. And we want to recognize another >> Yes. And we want to recognize another >> Yes. And we want to recognize another group of people who have been faithfully group of people who have been faithfully group of people who have been faithfully being part of this and giving and being part of this and giving and being part of this and giving and generosity. It's a spiritual discipline, generosity. It's a spiritual discipline, generosity. It's a spiritual discipline, but [music] also fuels the mission. and but [music] also fuels the mission. and but [music] also fuels the mission. and 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 fighting Crossroads in Espanol, the work fighting Crossroads in Espanol, the work fighting sex trafficking, and none of this sex trafficking, and none of this sex trafficking, and none of this happens without people investing in the happens without people investing in the happens without people investing in the work that God is doing here.

work that God is doing here. work that God is doing here. >> Yeah. And next Wednesday, September >> Yeah. And next Wednesday, September >> Yeah. And next Wednesday, September 30th, got a really important thing 30th, got a really important thing 30th, got a really important thing coming up. It's called family meeting. coming up. It's called family meeting. coming up. It's called family meeting. If you are a tither or on the blue team, If you are a tither or on the blue team, If you are a tither or on the blue team, people who are financially invested people who are financially invested people who are financially invested around here, you've made a 10x around here, you've made a 10x around here, you've made a 10x commitment, you should have received an commitment, you should have received an commitment, you should have received an invitation. And anywhere people, you invitation. And anywhere people, you invitation. And anywhere people, you don't have to be in Cincinnati for this. don't have to be in Cincinnati for this. don't have to be in Cincinnati for this. We want you there, too. You can join the We want you there, too. You can join the We want you there, too. You can join the family meeting stream at crossroads.net. family meeting stream at crossroads.net. family meeting stream at crossroads.net. net/family meeting. net/family meeting. net/family meeting. >> That's right. So, if you think you >> That's right. So, if you think you >> That's right. So, if you think you should have received an invitation but should have received an invitation but should have received an invitation but didn't, check your junk folder. It didn't, check your junk folder. It didn't, check your junk folder. It happens to me a lot. And if it's not happens to me a lot. And if it's not happens to me a lot. And if it's not there, go to you can send an email to there, go to you can send an email to there, go to you can send an email to [email protected] and they will help [email protected] and they will help [email protected] and they will help you out. you out. you out. >> Yeah. And whether or not giving is >> Yeah. And whether or not giving is >> Yeah. And whether or not giving is already a regular part of your already a regular part of your already a regular part of your relationship with God or your habits, relationship with God or your habits, relationship with God or your habits, hey, maybe you're just starting to hey, maybe you're just starting to hey, maybe you're just starting to explore. You can get questions answered explore. You can get questions answered explore. You can get questions answered around money and church or start giving around money and church or start giving around money and church or start giving at crossers.net/give. at crossers.net/give. at crossers.net/give. >> That's right. Hey, hey, I know that this >> That's right. Hey, hey, I know that this >> That's right. Hey, hey, I know that this is a big team that's making this happen. is a big team that's making this happen. is a big team that's making this happen. We have people joining from different We have people joining from different We have people joining from different parts of the country. We've heard of a parts of the country. We've heard of a parts of the country. We've heard of a few people that are tuning in from few people that are tuning in from few people that are tuning in from California. I mean, it's early there. California. I mean, it's early there. California. I mean, it's early there. >> That's right. Very early. You win the >> That's right. Very early. You win the >> That's right. Very early. You win the award. [music] award. [music] award. [music] >> But today, we're going to be talking >> But today, we're going to be talking >> But today, we're going to be talking about friendship. And we've got friends about friendship. And we've got friends about friendship. And we've got friends all over the map as a part of this all over the map as a part of this all over the map as a part of this community. But we're going to hand it community. But we're going to hand it community. But we're going to hand it over [music] to our teaching pastor, over [music] to our teaching pastor, over [music] to our teaching pastor, Chuck Mingo, to talk to us about Chuck Mingo, to talk to us about Chuck Mingo, to talk to us about friendship. And I think it's going to be friendship. And I think it's going to be friendship. And I think it's going to be in a way you haven't heard before. I in a way you haven't heard before. I in a way you haven't heard before. I think like we've all heard the stats. We think like we've all heard the stats. We think like we've all heard the stats. We all know friendship is important, but all know friendship is important, but all know friendship is important, but there's something very different when we there's something very different when we there's something very different when we practically learn how to make that practically learn how to make that practically learn how to make that happen right now.

>> All right. All right. We can stop it >> All right. All right. We can stop it now. We can stop it. A little Houdini now. We can stop it. A little Houdini now. We can stop it. A little Houdini for you on a Sunday morning. Uh I know for you on a Sunday morning. Uh I know for you on a Sunday morning. Uh I know I'm totally dating myself with that, but I'm totally dating myself with that, but I'm totally dating myself with that, but yes, I am a child of that era of yes, I am a child of that era of yes, I am a child of that era of hip-hop. The best era of hip-hop, if you hip-hop. The best era of hip-hop, if you hip-hop. The best era of hip-hop, if you ask me. So there you go. There you go. ask me. So there you go. There you go. ask me. So there you go. There you go. Uh, also I just I just want to welcome Uh, also I just I just want to welcome Uh, also I just I just want to welcome you to my my back deck here. So you to my my back deck here. So you to my my back deck here. So beautiful. No, they they asked if they beautiful. No, they they asked if they beautiful. No, they they asked if they come to my house and just take a couple come to my house and just take a couple come to my house and just take a couple pictures of the view. And I said, "Sure, pictures of the view. And I said, "Sure, pictures of the view. And I said, "Sure, sure. I I love sharing my space with sure. I I love sharing my space with sure. I I love sharing my space with other people." That is not my back deck. other people." That is not my back deck. other people." That is not my back deck. Let me tell you, that is not my back. I Let me tell you, that is not my back. I Let me tell you, that is not my back. I wish it was. I wish it was. It looks wish it was. I wish it was. It looks wish it was. I wish it was. It looks great. Uh, but man, we're talking about great. Uh, but man, we're talking about great. Uh, but man, we're talking about friendship today. And I want [snorts] to friendship today. And I want [snorts] to friendship today. And I want [snorts] to start by something I experienced last start by something I experienced last start by something I experienced last weekend. I got to be in Crossroads weekend. I got to be in Crossroads weekend. I got to be in Crossroads Dayton. What's up, Crossroads Dayton? Dayton. What's up, Crossroads Dayton? Dayton. What's up, Crossroads Dayton? Let's give it up for them. It was so Let's give it up for them. It was so Let's give it up for them. It was so good being there. And I just saw the good being there. And I just saw the good being there. And I just saw the power of friendships all over that power of friendships all over that power of friendships all over that place. And I want to point out one place. And I want to point out one place. And I want to point out one person because I was just so moved by person because I was just so moved by person because I was just so moved by this. I met a young man named Ty. Tai's this. I met a young man named Ty. Tai's this. I met a young man named Ty. Tai's a sixth grader. And Tai is the reason a sixth grader. And Tai is the reason a sixth grader. And Tai is the reason that not one, not two, but three that not one, not two, but three that not one, not two, but three generations of his family are at generations of his family are at generations of his family are at Crossroads Dayton. It was incredible.

Crossroads Dayton. It was incredible. Crossroads Dayton. It was incredible. And Ty, I told you this last week, and I And Ty, I told you this last week, and I And Ty, I told you this last week, and I want to say you again, God has given you want to say you again, God has given you want to say you again, God has given you a gift of leadership. There is a mantle a gift of leadership. There is a mantle a gift of leadership. There is a mantle of leadership on you. I can't wait to of leadership on you. I can't wait to of leadership on you. I can't wait to see what God does with your life. It was see what God does with your life. It was see what God does with your life. It was so so awesome to see this young man who so so awesome to see this young man who so so awesome to see this young man who was at the our site is connected to a was at the our site is connected to a was at the our site is connected to a mall and he was there and said, "Hey, I mall and he was there and said, "Hey, I mall and he was there and said, "Hey, I want to go to church here. I want to try want to go to church here. I want to try want to go to church here. I want to try this out." And Tai and his mother and this out." And Tai and his mother and this out." And Tai and his mother and his grandmother and now all a part of his grandmother and now all a part of his grandmother and now all a part of Crossroads Dayton, involved in Crossroads Dayton, involved in Crossroads Dayton, involved in Crossroads Dayton. It was really, really Crossroads Dayton. It was really, really Crossroads Dayton. It was really, really awesome to see what God is doing through awesome to see what God is doing through awesome to see what God is doing through his life. his life. his 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 unique perspective or a different unique perspective or a different unique perspective or a different perspective because I I don't think you perspective because I I don't think you perspective because I I don't think you need to be reminded that friendships are need to be reminded that friendships are need to be reminded that friendships are important. I think that you've probably important. I think that you've probably important. I think that you've probably heard about the loneliness epidemic. You heard about the loneliness epidemic. You heard about the loneliness epidemic. You may be experiencing how hard it is to may be experiencing how hard it is to may be experiencing how hard it is to make friends as you get older and older make friends as you get older and older make friends as you get older and older in life. I don't think you need to be in life. I don't think you need to be in life. I don't think you need to be convinced of that. So here's who I want convinced of that. So here's who I want convinced of that. So here's who I want to talk to today. I want to talk to the to talk to today. I want to talk to the to talk to today. I want to talk to the person today who [snorts] you've tried person today who [snorts] you've tried person today who [snorts] you've tried the friendship thing and it didn't work the friendship thing and it didn't work the friendship thing and it didn't work and maybe it left you feeling betrayed and maybe it left you feeling betrayed and maybe it left you feeling betrayed or it left you feeling frustrated or or or it left you feeling frustrated or or or it left you feeling frustrated or or friendships are just something that you friendships are just something that you friendships are just something that you really say, man, I'm not sure it's worth really say, man, I'm not sure it's worth really say, man, I'm not sure it's worth the effort because it doesn't seem to the effort because it doesn't seem to the effort because it doesn't seem to work for me. I want to talk to the work for me. I want to talk to the work for me. I want to talk to the person today who's asking the question, person today who's asking the question, person today who's asking the question, is it worth the risk again?

is it worth the risk again? is it worth the risk again? Is it worth the group being stalled out Is it worth the group being stalled out Is it worth the group being stalled out again? Is it worth being ghosted on that again? Is it worth being ghosted on that again? Is it worth being ghosted on that text again? Maybe this. Is it worth text again? Maybe this. Is it worth text again? Maybe this. Is it worth risking betrayal again? Because I think risking betrayal again? Because I think risking betrayal again? Because I think there's a lot of us who experience there's a lot of us who experience there's a lot of us who experience friendship that way. I know that I have friendship that way. I know that I have friendship that way. I know that I have asked all of those questions because asked all of those questions because asked all of those questions because I've experienced all those things in I've experienced all those things in I've experienced all those things in friendships that didn't work. And so, friendships that didn't work. And so, friendships that didn't work. And so, right here at the beginning of my time, right here at the beginning of my time, right here at the beginning of my time, I'm asking you to trust me. I I may not I'm asking you to trust me. I I may not I'm asking you to trust me. I I may not have enough relational equity with all have enough relational equity with all have enough relational equity with all of you yet to do that, but I'm asking of you yet to do that, but I'm asking of you yet to do that, but I'm asking you to trust me when I tell you it is you to trust me when I tell you it is you to trust me when I tell you it is worth it to reach out and engage in worth it to reach out and engage in worth it to reach out and engage in friendship again. Like I said, you may friendship again. Like I said, you may friendship again. Like I said, you may not believe that right now. That may not believe that right now. That may not believe that right now. That may seem impossible to you right now, but my seem impossible to you right now, but my seem impossible to you right now, but my prayer is that by the end of our time prayer is that by the end of our time prayer is that by the end of our time today, you believe it enough to take one today, you believe it enough to take one today, you believe it enough to take one brave next step. That's the prayer that brave next step. That's the prayer that brave next step. That's the prayer that I have for all of us today. I think I have for all of us today. I think I have for all of us today. I think about Joshua's story that we just about Joshua's story that we just about Joshua's story that we just shared. And you know, when you do a shared. And you know, when you do a shared. And you know, when you do a story and you summarize a person's story story and you summarize a person's story story and you summarize a person's story at Crossroads in 3 minutes, it's the at Crossroads in 3 minutes, it's the at Crossroads in 3 minutes, it's the highlight reels. And so, it's amazing highlight reels. And so, it's amazing highlight reels. And so, it's amazing and it is true. But I'm sure that if you and it is true. But I'm sure that if you and it is true. But I'm sure that if you talk to Joshua, he would tell you it talk to Joshua, he would tell you it talk to Joshua, he would tell you it wasn't a straight line. There were some wasn't a straight line. There were some wasn't a straight line. There were some setbacks. There were some calls that setbacks. There were some calls that setbacks. There were some calls that didn't get returned. There were some didn't get returned. There were some didn't get returned. There were some times when he wasn't sure if this was times when he wasn't sure if this was times when he wasn't sure if this was the community that he was supposed to be the community that he was supposed to be the community that he was supposed to be a part of. And so I just want to say a part of. And so I just want to say a part of. And so I just want to say today that if you are in that place, today that if you are in that place, today that if you are in that place, trust me when I tell you and I hope trust me when I tell you and I hope trust me when I tell you and I hope today you get to believe it more because today you get to believe it more because today you get to believe it more because you hear God's heart behind it. It is you hear God's heart behind it. It is you hear God's heart behind it. It is worth it to pursue friendships again.

worth it to pursue friendships again. worth it to pursue friendships again. Let's pray for that. God, I ask that you Let's pray for that. God, I ask that you Let's pray for that. God, I ask that you would help all of us in here, no matter would help all of us in here, no matter would help all of us in here, no matter where we might be on the friendship where we might be on the friendship where we might be on the friendship spectrum right now to hear a word from spectrum right now to hear a word from spectrum right now to hear a word from you. For some of us, maybe we come to you. For some of us, maybe we come to you. For some of us, maybe we come to this with skepticism. this with skepticism. this with skepticism. Uh maybe we come to this with hurt, Uh maybe we come to this with hurt, Uh maybe we come to this with hurt, disappointment. disappointment. disappointment. Maybe we come with gratitude because we Maybe we come with gratitude because we Maybe we come with gratitude because we have a good friend or some good friends have a good friend or some good friends have a good friend or some good friends in our life wherever we are. God, I just in our life wherever we are. God, I just in our life wherever we are. God, I just know that this is part of your heart for know that this is part of your heart for know that this is part of your heart for us. It's part of the way that we grow. us. It's part of the way that we grow. us. It's part of the way that we grow. It's part of the way that we experience It's part of the way that we experience It's part of the way that we experience the fullness of God. And so, I just ask the fullness of God. And so, I just ask the fullness of God. And so, I just ask that for all of us, we would hear your that for all of us, we would hear your that for all of us, we would hear your word today. I pray that my words would word today. I pray that my words would word today. I pray that my words would fade and your heart would amplify. And fade and your heart would amplify. And fade and your heart would amplify. And that's what people would receive today. that's what people would receive today. that's what people would receive today. And I pray this in Jesus name. Amen. And I pray this in Jesus name. Amen. And I pray this in Jesus name. Amen. [snorts] So, if you've been around [snorts] So, if you've been around [snorts] So, if you've been around Crosswoods for a while, you may have Crosswoods for a while, you may have Crosswoods for a while, you may have heard us talk about the seven hills we heard us talk about the seven hills we heard us talk about the seven hills we die on. We don't have what we would call die on. We don't have what we would call die on. We don't have what we would call quote unquote values. We don't have quote unquote values. We don't have quote unquote values. We don't have values on a wall anywhere at Crossroads. values on a wall anywhere at Crossroads. values on a wall anywhere at Crossroads. But we do have seven hills that we would But we do have seven hills that we would But we do have seven hills that we would die on to help us remember them as ABCD die on to help us remember them as ABCD die on to help us remember them as ABCD ERG. Here's what they are. And the ERG. Here's what they are. And the ERG. Here's what they are. And the reason that we call them seven hills reason that we call them seven hills reason that we call them seven hills that we die on is unlike values, these that we die on is unlike values, these that we die on is unlike values, these are actually things we believe so much are actually things we believe so much are actually things we believe so much that we are willing to and have taken that we are willing to and have taken that we are willing to and have taken hits to stand on these hills. And so you hits to stand on these hills. And so you hits to stand on these hills. And so you can read them, but today I want to focus can read them, but today I want to focus can read them, but today I want to focus on that one in the middle there. Doing on that one in the middle there. Doing on that one in the middle there. Doing life together. Doing life together is a life together. Doing life together is a life together. Doing life together is a hill we die on around here. It is the hill we die on around here. It is the hill we die on around here. It is the way that we go forward as a church. It's way that we go forward as a church. It's way that we go forward as a church. It's not just a value. It's a spiritual not just a value. It's a spiritual not just a value. It's a spiritual imperative. It's a spiritual imperative imperative. It's a spiritual imperative imperative. It's a spiritual imperative because God calls it a spiritual because God calls it a spiritual because God calls it a spiritual imperative. Last week, Brian talked

imperative. Last week, Brian talked imperative. Last week, Brian talked about four core callings that we all about four core callings that we all about four core callings that we all have in our lives. And if you'll have in our lives. And if you'll have in our lives. And if you'll remember, one of those core callings was remember, one of those core callings was remember, one of those core callings was the calling of friend. And here is the the calling of friend. And here is the the calling of friend. And here is the reason we die on the hill of doing life reason we die on the hill of doing life reason we die on the hill of doing life together. Here's the reason why we're together. Here's the reason why we're together. Here's the reason why we're spending a whole time today talking spending a whole time today talking spending a whole time today talking about friendship. Because next only to about friendship. Because next only to about friendship. Because next only to your relationship with Jesus and maybe your relationship with Jesus and maybe your relationship with Jesus and maybe who you marry, who you marry, who you marry, your friends determine the quality and your friends determine the quality and your friends determine the quality and the potency of your life. the potency of your life. the potency of your life. Your friends, again, second only to your Your friends, again, second only to your Your friends, again, second only to your relationship with Jesus and maybe the relationship with Jesus and maybe the relationship with Jesus and maybe the person you marry, determine the quality person you marry, determine the quality person you marry, determine the quality and the potency of your life. So and the potency of your life. So and the potency of your life. So friendship is so vital for all of us friendship is so vital for all of us friendship is so vital for all of us and maybe that's why it's so fraught and and maybe that's why it's so fraught and and maybe that's why it's so fraught and so challenging. We see some beautiful so challenging. We see some beautiful so challenging. We see some beautiful pictures of friendship in the Bible. One pictures of friendship in the Bible. One pictures of friendship in the Bible. One Brian talked about last week and I just Brian talked about last week and I just Brian talked about last week and I just want to revisit it for just a brief want to revisit it for just a brief want to revisit it for just a brief moment. David and Jonathan I think is moment. David and Jonathan I think is moment. David and Jonathan I think is one of the most beautiful friendships we one of the most beautiful friendships we one of the most beautiful friendships we see in the Bible. If you're not familiar see in the Bible. If you're not familiar see in the Bible. If you're not familiar with that story, David, who would be the with that story, David, who would be the with that story, David, who would be the future King David, but at the time of future King David, but at the time of future King David, but at the time of his friendship with Jonathan, for most his friendship with Jonathan, for most his friendship with Jonathan, for most of it, he was not yet king. In fact, of it, he was not yet king. In fact, of it, he was not yet king. In fact, Jonathan was the son of the king.

Jonathan was the son of the king. Jonathan was the son of the king. Jonathan by rights should have been the Jonathan by rights should have been the Jonathan by rights should have been the next king. And Jonathan's father wanted next king. And Jonathan's father wanted next king. And Jonathan's father wanted to kill David so David would never to kill David so David would never to kill David so David would never become king. And yet in that situation, become king. And yet in that situation, become king. And yet in that situation, Jonathan had such a love for David that Jonathan had such a love for David that Jonathan had such a love for David that he put his desire for the crown, he put his desire for the crown, he put his desire for the crown, honestly, his right to the crown, he put honestly, his right to the crown, he put honestly, his right to the crown, he put that behind his love for David. In fact, that behind his love for David. In fact, that behind his love for David. In fact, he was willing to put his loyalty to his he was willing to put his loyalty to his he was willing to put his loyalty to his father behind his love for David as father behind his love for David as father behind his love for David as well. And so, David, reflecting on well. And so, David, reflecting on well. And so, David, reflecting on Jonathan as a friend, says this in 2 Jonathan as a friend, says this in 2 Jonathan as a friend, says this in 2 Samuel 1:26, "I am distressed for you, Samuel 1:26, "I am distressed for you, Samuel 1:26, "I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. Very pleasant have my brother Jonathan. Very pleasant have my brother Jonathan. Very pleasant have you been to me. Your love to me was you been to me. Your love to me was you 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 as we said last week, this woman." And as we said last week, this woman." And as we said last week, this isn't a romantic statement he's making. isn't a romantic statement he's making. isn't a romantic statement he's making. This is a guy who's willing to take a This is a guy who's willing to take a This is a guy who's willing to take a bullet for his friend. bullet for his friend. bullet for his friend. This is a level of ride or die that few This is a level of ride or die that few This is a level of ride or die that few of us have ever experienced in a of us have ever experienced in a of us have ever experienced in a friendship. That's what this is showing. friendship. That's what this is showing. friendship. That's what this is showing. It's a beautiful, beautiful picture of It's a beautiful, beautiful picture of It's a beautiful, beautiful picture of friendship. And yet, if you're still friendship. And yet, if you're still friendship. And yet, if you're still like, I don't I I don't want to step like, I don't I I don't want to step like, I don't I I don't want to step into this. I I get it. I get it. Because into this. I I get it. I get it. Because into this. I I get it. I get it. Because you might be saying, "Yeah, Chuck, you might be saying, "Yeah, Chuck, you might be saying, "Yeah, Chuck, that's beautiful, but that's not my that's beautiful, but that's not my that's beautiful, but that's not my story. That's not how it's worked out story. That's not how it's worked out story. That's not how it's worked out for me." I I get that. I get that. I for me." I I get that. I get that. I for me." I I get that. I get that. I actually had a friendship that was actually had a friendship that was actually had a friendship that was significantly tested in the last couple significantly tested in the last couple significantly tested in the last couple weeks. Um, this is a guy, man. We've weeks. Um, this is a guy, man. We've weeks. Um, this is a guy, man. We've been doing life together for over 10 been doing life together for over 10 been doing life together for over 10 years. He and I have a weekly rhythm of years. He and I have a weekly rhythm of years. He and I have a weekly rhythm of being together, connecting with each being together, connecting with each being together, connecting with each other. This is this is a close friend.

other. This is this is a close friend. other. This is this is a close friend. This is a close friend of mine. And yet, This is a close friend of mine. And yet, This is a close friend of mine. And yet, even though we've been friends for 10 even though we've been friends for 10 even though we've been friends for 10 years, we have strategically and years, we have strategically and years, we have strategically and successfully avoided one topic, successfully avoided one topic, successfully avoided one topic, politics, politics, politics, you feel me? Somebody said, "Thank you feel me? Somebody said, "Thank you feel me? Somebody said, "Thank goodness." [laughter] goodness." [laughter] goodness." [laughter] Well, until we could no longer avoid it Well, until we could no longer avoid it Well, until we could no longer avoid it because of something that was deeply because of something that was deeply because of something that was deeply important to me, something I had stepped important to me, something I had stepped important to me, something I had stepped out and done. And we get together all out and done. And we get together all out and done. And we get together all the time. And so, I knew this was going the time. And so, I knew this was going the time. And so, I knew this was going to be a conversation I was going to have to be a conversation I was going to have to be a conversation I was going to have with this friend. And I will tell you, I with this friend. And I will tell you, I with this friend. And I will tell you, I was afraid. was afraid. was afraid. I was afraid to have the conversation. I I was afraid to have the conversation. I I was afraid to have the conversation. I knew that being an authentic friend knew that being an authentic friend knew that being an authentic friend where we share life together, it would where we share life together, it would where we share life together, it would be authentic for me to say, "Hey, man. I be authentic for me to say, "Hey, man. I be authentic for me to say, "Hey, man. I want to tell you about this thing that I want to tell you about this thing that I want to tell you about this thing that I stepped into. I I think it's important stepped into. I I think it's important stepped into. I I think it's important for for you to know my heart around for for you to know my heart around for for you to know my heart around this. I was afraid. As we got into the this. I was afraid. As we got into the this. I was afraid. As we got into the conversation, he was asking questions. conversation, he was asking questions. conversation, he was asking questions. He was he was he didn't agree with all He was he was he didn't agree with all He was he was he didn't agree with all of the things I was saying. And there of the things I was saying. And there of the things I was saying. And there were points where I was offended. were points where I was offended. were points where I was offended. And I definitely got to a point where And I definitely got to a point where And I definitely got to a point where I'm like, man, I don't know how this is I'm like, man, I don't know how this is I'm like, man, I don't know how this is going to end. Are we going to be able to going to end. Are we going to be able to going to end. Are we going to be able to get through this? I felt like I was get through this? I felt like I was get through this? I felt like I was being really, really vulnerable in that being really, really vulnerable in that being really, really vulnerable in that conversation, too.

conversation, too. conversation, too. But we had it. But we had it. But we had it. You want to know what happened? You want to know what happened? You want to know what happened? Before I tell you what happened, let me Before I tell you what happened, let me Before I tell you what happened, let me tell you what I thought was going to tell you what I thought was going to tell you what I thought was going to happen in my head. Let me let me tell happen in my head. Let me let me tell happen in my head. Let me let me tell you all the narratives I was hearing. you all the narratives I was hearing. you all the narratives I was hearing. The first narrative I said is he won't The first narrative I said is he won't The first narrative I said is he won't want to be my friend after this want to be my friend after this want to be my friend after this conversation. That was the first conversation. That was the first conversation. That was the first narrative. Like this this is he can be narrative. Like this this is he can be narrative. Like this this is he can be like, "Chuck, if we disagree this much like, "Chuck, if we disagree this much like, "Chuck, if we disagree this much on something this important, I I I don't on something this important, I I I don't on something this important, I I I don't know, man. Maybe maybe we maybe we not know, man. Maybe maybe we maybe we not know, man. Maybe maybe we maybe we not we're not as aligned as we thought." we're not as aligned as we thought." we're not as aligned as we thought." That was the first thought in my mind. That was the first thought in my mind. That was the first thought in my mind. Not a not a not a true thought, but it Not a not a not a true thought, but it Not a not a not a true thought, but it was a thought rooted in fear. Here's the was a thought rooted in fear. Here's the was a thought rooted in fear. Here's the other thought I had. I won't want to be other thought I had. I won't want to be other thought I had. I won't want to be his friend. his friend. his friend. Maybe he's going to say something that I Maybe he's going to say something that I Maybe he's going to say something that I find unforgivable or something that I'm find unforgivable or something that I'm find unforgivable or something that I'm going to struggle with. That was the going to struggle with. That was the going to struggle with. That was the second thing is like, I don't know if second thing is like, I don't know if second thing is like, I don't know if I'm going to want to be his friend. And I'm going to want to be his friend. And I'm going to want to be his friend. And here's the subtle one, the more here's the subtle one, the more here's the subtle one, the more dangerous one. I don't have to. dangerous one. I don't have to. dangerous one. I don't have to. I I I don't have to deal with this. I I I I don't have to deal with this. I I I I don't have to deal with this. I can I have other people in my life. can I have other people in my life. can I have other people in my life. All of that was at play. But let me tell All of that was at play. But let me tell All of that was at play. But let me tell you what happened.

you what happened. you what happened. We had the conversation. We had the conversation. We had the conversation. We didn't agree on everything. We didn't agree on everything. We didn't agree on everything. And the friendship held. And the friendship held. And the friendship held. It held. It held. We We're We're It held. It held. We We're We're It held. It held. We We're We're friends. We're We're friends. And we friends. We're We're friends. And we friends. We're We're friends. And we were able to have that conversation and were able to have that conversation and were able to have that conversation and walk through that. And here's the thing. walk through that. And here's the thing. walk through that. And here's the thing. I wasn't wrong to be afraid of having I wasn't wrong to be afraid of having I wasn't wrong to be afraid of having the conversation about politics with my the conversation about politics with my the conversation about politics with my friend. I was wrong to let the fear or friend. I was wrong to let the fear or friend. I was wrong to let the fear or the disagreement or the offense keep me the disagreement or the offense keep me the disagreement or the offense keep me from engaging in a relationship that has from engaging in a relationship that has from engaging in a relationship that has deeply and positively impacted the deeply and positively impacted the deeply and positively impacted the quality and the potency of my life. So, quality and the potency of my life. So, quality and the potency of my life. So, I just want to say it's worth it to I just want to say it's worth it to I just want to say it's worth it to invest it. Now, listen, I'm going to say invest it. Now, listen, I'm going to say invest it. Now, listen, I'm going to say this a couple times today. My name is this a couple times today. My name is this a couple times today. My name is Chuck and I'm your friend. And as your Chuck and I'm your friend. And as your Chuck and I'm your friend. And as your friend, I want to tell you the truth. friend, I want to tell you the truth. friend, I want to tell you the truth. The truth is it is so easy to just build The truth is it is so easy to just build The truth is it is so easy to just build friendships with people who already friendships with people who already friendships with people who already think like you do, who already have the think like you do, who already have the think like you do, who already have the same kind of uh perspectives that you do same kind of uh perspectives that you do same kind of uh perspectives that you do on everything. Only one problem with on everything. Only one problem with on everything. Only one problem with that. That's not the kind of friendships that. That's not the kind of friendships that. That's not the kind of friendships we're committed to at Crossroads, we're committed to at Crossroads, we're committed to at Crossroads, because that's not the kind of because that's not the kind of because that's not the kind of friendships that Jesus calls us to as friendships that Jesus calls us to as friendships that Jesus calls us to as followers of his. It's also very easy to followers of his. It's also very easy to followers of his. It's also very easy to just opt out on the friendship thing just opt out on the friendship thing just opt out on the friendship thing altogether and say, "Yeah, that's part altogether and say, "Yeah, that's part altogether and say, "Yeah, that's part of the reason why I just keep people at of the reason why I just keep people at of the reason why I just keep people at arms length right now." And I'm just arms length right now." And I'm just arms length right now." And I'm just telling you this, lone wolves die.

telling you this, lone wolves die. telling you this, lone wolves die. So for all of us, there is something So for all of us, there is something So for all of us, there is something that we get from friendships that we that we get from friendships that we that we get from friendships that we will not get any other way. Your friends will not get any other way. Your friends will not get any other way. 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. You know, even Jesus your life. You know, even Jesus your life. You know, even Jesus when he lived on the earth chose not to when he lived on the earth chose not to when he lived on the earth chose not to do life alone. do life alone. do life alone. And so for the rest of our time, we're And so for the rest of our time, we're And so for the rest of our time, we're going to look at Jesus not as Jesus the going to look at Jesus not as Jesus the going to look at Jesus not as Jesus the savior, although he is the savior. We're savior, although he is the savior. We're savior, although he is the savior. We're not going to look at Jesus the good not going to look at Jesus the good not going to look at Jesus the good shepherd, although he is a good shepherd, although he is a good shepherd, although he is a good shepherd. Well, we're going to look at shepherd. Well, we're going to look at shepherd. Well, we're going to look at Jesus the friend and particularly Jesus the friend and particularly Jesus the friend and particularly looking at Jesus's friendship with one looking at Jesus's friendship with one looking at Jesus's friendship with one of his closest friends, a guy named of his closest friends, a guy named of his closest friends, a guy named Peter. Because in Jesus's friendship, he Peter. Because in Jesus's friendship, he Peter. Because in Jesus's friendship, he made four commitments. And those are the made four commitments. And those are the made four commitments. And those are the same four commitments you and I have to same four commitments you and I have to same four commitments you and I have to make if we're going to step into make if we're going to step into make if we're going to step into friendship again or if our friendships friendship again or if our friendships friendship again or if our friendships are going to grow at a deeper level. are going to grow at a deeper level. are going to grow at a deeper level. Those four commitments are a commitment Those four commitments are a commitment Those four commitments are a commitment to habit, a commitment to light, a to habit, a commitment to light, a to habit, a commitment to light, a commitment to friction, and a commitment commitment to friction, and a commitment commitment to friction, and a commitment to hope. And we're going to walk through to hope. And we're going to walk through to hope. And we're going to walk through all those together. Let's start with all those together. Let's start with all those together. Let's start with habit. You know, I believe that one of habit. You know, I believe that one of habit. You know, I believe that one of the key reasons that my conversation the key reasons that my conversation the key reasons that my conversation with my friend didn't end in a with my friend didn't end in a with my friend didn't end in a friendship that was even frayed is friendship that was even frayed is friendship that was even frayed is because we've had a habit of being in because we've had a habit of being in because we've had a habit of being in each other's lives, a habit of being each other's lives, a habit of being each other's lives, a habit of being emotionally honest, a habit of emotionally honest, a habit of emotionally honest, a habit of supporting each other in the midst of supporting each other in the midst of supporting each other in the midst of life. That habit paid dividends when we life. That habit paid dividends when we life. That habit paid dividends when we had some friction, if you will, in our had some friction, if you will, in our had some friction, if you will, in our friendship. Jesus had habits of friendship. Jesus had habits of friendship. Jesus had habits of friendship. Let me give you an example friendship. Let me give you an example friendship. Let me give you an example of this. This is from Mark 1:16. It of this. This is from Mark 1:16. It of this. This is from Mark 1:16. It says, "Passing alongside the Sea of says, "Passing alongside the Sea of says, "Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he Jesus saw Simon and another Galilee, he Jesus saw Simon and another Galilee, he Jesus saw Simon and another name for Peter is Simon." So whenever name for Peter is Simon." So whenever name for Peter is Simon." So whenever you see Simon, just think that's that's

you see Simon, just think that's that's you see Simon, just think that's that's his friend Peter. And Andrew, the his friend Peter. And Andrew, the his friend Peter. And Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the brother of Simon, casting a net into the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will said to them, "Follow me, and I will said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." And make you become fishers of men." And make you become fishers of men." And they immediately left their nets and they immediately left their nets and they immediately left their nets and followed him. I'm going to tell you, I followed him. I'm going to tell you, I followed him. I'm going to tell you, I used to read scriptures like this, and I used to read scriptures like this, and I used to read scriptures like this, and I was confused. And I wasn't confused was confused. And I wasn't confused was confused. And I wasn't confused because those words are confusing. I was because those words are confusing. I was because those words are confusing. I was more confused because I had these weird more confused because I had these weird more confused because I had these weird Jesus movies from the 70s and 80s in my Jesus movies from the 70s and 80s in my Jesus movies from the 70s and 80s in my head. I don't know if you've ever seen head. I don't know if you've ever seen head. I don't know if you've ever seen any of these, but like in all these any of these, but like in all these any of these, but like in all these movies, Jesus walks around looking like movies, Jesus walks around looking like movies, Jesus walks around looking like he's high all the time. I It's like he's he's high all the time. I It's like he's he's high all the time. I It's like he's just he's he's like not making eye just he's he's like not making eye just he's he's like not making eye contact with people. Just weird, right? contact with people. Just weird, right? contact with people. Just weird, right? He's weird. And then he would like, you He's weird. And then he would like, you He's weird. And then he would like, you know, they would show the classic, you know, they would show the classic, you know, they would show the classic, you know, they're fishing and Jesus comes to know, they're fishing and Jesus comes to know, they're fishing and Jesus comes to them and he's like, "Come follow me." them and he's like, "Come follow me." them and he's like, "Come follow me." And then like zombies, Peter and Simon And then like zombies, Peter and Simon And then like zombies, Peter and Simon are just like, "Yes, we will follow are just like, "Yes, we will follow are just like, "Yes, we will follow Jesus." Like, it just threw me off. I'm Jesus." Like, it just threw me off. I'm Jesus." Like, it just threw me off. I'm like, "Man, that's that's not normal. like, "Man, that's that's not normal. like, "Man, that's that's not normal. That's not how relationships form." And That's not how relationships form." And That's not how relationships form." And actually, that's not how these actually, that's not how these actually, that's not how these relationships formed. We know that relationships formed. We know that relationships formed. We know that because we have other images of their because we have other images of their because we have other images of their interactions. Jesus had a habit of being interactions. Jesus had a habit of being interactions. Jesus had a habit of being in these guys' lives. Let me give you an in these guys' lives. Let me give you an in these guys' lives. Let me give you an example of this. In John chapter 1, example of this. In John chapter 1, example of this. In John chapter 1, John's giving us a perspective that John's giving us a perspective that John's giving us a perspective that happens way before this come and follow happens way before this come and follow happens way before this come and follow me, leave your nets moment. John says me, leave your nets moment. John says me, leave your nets moment. John says this, and it's maybe the first time this, and it's maybe the first time this, and it's maybe the first time Jesus met Peter. He says, ' One of the Jesus met Peter. He says, ' One of the Jesus met Peter. He says, ' One of the two who heard John speak and follow two who heard John speak and follow two who heard John speak and follow Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. Again, same two guys. He first found his Again, same two guys. He first found his Again, same two guys. 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, looked at him and said, "You are Simon, looked at him and said, "You are Simon, the son of John. You shall be called the son of John. You shall be called the son of John. You shall be called Cphus," which means Peter, which means Cphus," which means Peter, which means Cphus," which means Peter, which means rock. So earlier before the come follow rock. So earlier before the come follow rock. So earlier before the come follow me thing, Jesus had enough relationship me thing, Jesus had enough relationship me thing, Jesus had enough relationship with Peter to give him a nickname. So with Peter to give him a nickname. So with Peter to give him a nickname. So what we see here is Jesus had a habit of what we see here is Jesus had a habit of what we see here is Jesus had a habit of being in relationship and we need to being in relationship and we need to being in relationship and we need to have the same. Uh my buddy is probably have the same. Uh my buddy is probably have the same. Uh my buddy is probably at this service, my buddy Chris. And if at this service, my buddy Chris. And if at this service, my buddy Chris. And if you know Chris, he is captain you know Chris, he is captain you know Chris, he is captain intentional. Like he is captain intentional. Like he is captain intentional. Like he is captain intentional. Um he's so intentional he's intentional. Um he's so intentional he's intentional. Um he's so intentional he's probably sitting in the same seat over probably sitting in the same seat over probably sitting in the same seat over in here because he's always intentional in here because he's always intentional in here because he's always intentional about sitting in the same seat. So, um, about sitting in the same seat. So, um, about sitting in the same seat. So, um, but Chris in we were trying to do the but Chris in we were trying to do the but Chris in we were trying to do the math on this. 2017, 2018. Chris, um, math on this. 2017, 2018. Chris, um, math on this. 2017, 2018. Chris, um, heard me talk about friendship from this heard me talk about friendship from this heard me talk about friendship from this stage and I gave a challenge like I'm stage and I gave a challenge like I'm stage and I gave a challenge like I'm going to give to you at the end. Heads going to give to you at the end. Heads going to give to you at the end. Heads up. I'm going give you a challenge at up. I'm going give you a challenge at up. I'm going give you a challenge at the end. And he followed up. He was the end. And he followed up. He was the end. And he followed up. He was like, "Hey man, you talked about like, "Hey man, you talked about like, "Hey man, you talked about reaching out to people and building reaching out to people and building reaching out to people and building friendships." And Chris and I had had a friendships." And Chris and I had had a friendships." And Chris and I had had a couple of interactions. Like there was a couple of interactions. Like there was a couple of interactions. Like there was a time he was leading a great time he was leading a great time he was leading a great organization, a nonprofit that was organization, a nonprofit that was organization, a nonprofit that was helping people um, who are actually helping people um, who are actually helping people um, who are actually homeless or houseless run marathons and homeless or houseless run marathons and homeless or houseless run marathons and half marathons. So I went down and gave half marathons. So I went down and gave half marathons. So I went down and gave a talk and did a run with them. Then a talk and did a run with them. Then a talk and did a run with them. Then some years later, he was living in some years later, he was living in some years later, he was living in Geneva at the time. We've bumped into Geneva at the time. We've bumped into Geneva at the time. We've bumped into each other at the Paris airport. I was each other at the Paris airport. I was each other at the Paris airport. I was going on a mission trip. It was crazy.

going on a mission trip. It was crazy. going on a mission trip. It was crazy. So we met and was like one of those So we met and was like one of those So we met and was like one of those things. Hey, we should get together. And things. Hey, we should get together. And things. Hey, we should get together. And so when he was back in Cincinnati, moved so when he was back in Cincinnati, moved so when he was back in Cincinnati, moved back with his family. He followed up on back with his family. He followed up on back with his family. He followed up on that and know we were talking about that and know we were talking about that and know we were talking about this. And I will tell you that Chris and this. And I will tell you that Chris and this. And I will tell you that Chris and I have built habits of friendship over I have built habits of friendship over I have built habits of friendship over the last six, seven years that have been the last six, seven years that have been the last six, seven years that have been so impactful to my life and I hope to so impactful to my life and I hope to so impactful to my life and I hope to his as well. We have a habit of getting his as well. We have a habit of getting his as well. We have a habit of getting together every week. We have had a habit together every week. We have had a habit together every week. We have had a habit of running together. He has helped me of running together. He has helped me of running together. He has helped me train physically for things that I train physically for things that I train physically for things that I wouldn't have been able to overcome wouldn't have been able to overcome wouldn't have been able to overcome without him. We have a habit of checking without him. We have a habit of checking without him. We have a habit of checking in and doing a a Wednesday weigh in of in and doing a a Wednesday weigh in of in and doing a a Wednesday weigh in of like, "Hey, how how we doing on weight?" like, "Hey, how how we doing on weight?" like, "Hey, how how we doing on weight?" Because we're trying to work that. Like, Because we're trying to work that. Like, Because we're trying to work that. Like, we've had these habits and these habits we've had these habits and these habits we've had these habits and these habits have made a difference in our have made a difference in our have made a difference in our relationship. relationship. relationship. I want to encourage you around some I want to encourage you around some I want to encourage you around some habits of friendship. Here's a couple to habits of friendship. Here's a couple to habits of friendship. Here's a couple to think about. One, say yes. think about. One, say yes. think about. One, say yes. I think we all get invitations and it's I think we all get invitations and it's I think we all get invitations and it's easy to find reasons not to say yes. But easy to find reasons not to say yes. But easy to find reasons not to say yes. But if you want friendship or you want if you want friendship or you want if you want friendship or you want friendship again or you want friendship friendship again or you want friendship friendship again or you want friendship to go to the next level, say yes to to go to the next level, say yes to to go to the next level, say yes to those invitations. Second habit, show those invitations. Second habit, show those invitations. Second habit, show up. It's one thing to say yes to up. It's one thing to say yes to up. It's one thing to say yes to something. It's another to show up and something. It's another to show up and something. It's another to show up and to keep showing up. You know, when you to keep showing up. You know, when you to keep showing up. You know, when you keep showing up, you're communicating to keep showing up, you're communicating to keep showing up, you're communicating to the other person, I value you and I the other person, I value you and I the other person, I value you and I value this friendship. And it's a way value this friendship. And it's a way value this friendship. And it's a way for you to build friendships. Here's for you to build friendships. Here's for you to build friendships. Here's another habit. Stop lying.

another habit. Stop lying. another habit. Stop lying. Stop lying. What am I talking about Stop lying. What am I talking about Stop lying. What am I talking about here? I know you've told this lie. here? I know you've told this lie. here? I know you've told this lie. You've probably told this lie this week. You've probably told this lie this week. You've probably told this lie this week. We should get together, man. We should We should get together, man. We should We should get together, man. We should We should get together. We We should We should get together. We We should We should get together. We We should grab lunch. We should We should do grab lunch. We should We should do grab lunch. We should We should do coffee, right? We lie. We [screaming] coffee, right? We lie. We [screaming] coffee, right? We lie. We [screaming] lie. So, I'm going to give you a simple lie. So, I'm going to give you a simple lie. So, I'm going to give you a simple step to stop lying when you say that. I step to stop lying when you say that. I step to stop lying when you say that. I don't have mine on me right now, but don't have mine on me right now, but don't have mine on me right now, but take out your phone when you say we take out your phone when you say we take out your phone when you say we should get together and look and see if should get together and look and see if should get together and look and see if you can get it done in the next seven you can get it done in the next seven you can get it done in the next seven days. Surprisingly, a lot of times you days. Surprisingly, a lot of times you days. Surprisingly, a lot of times you can, but if you don't schedule it, it's can, but if you don't schedule it, it's can, but if you don't schedule it, it's not going to happen. And you're going to not going to happen. And you're going to not going to happen. And you're going to see that person two weeks later, two see that person two weeks later, two see that person two weeks later, two months later, and be like, "Yeah, man. months later, and be like, "Yeah, man. months later, and be like, "Yeah, man. We Yeah, we" and it doesn't happen, We Yeah, we" and it doesn't happen, We Yeah, we" and it doesn't happen, right? So, say yes, show up, stop lying, right? So, say yes, show up, stop lying, right? So, say yes, show up, stop lying, build habits. I don't know if you heard build habits. I don't know if you heard build habits. I don't know if you heard this story. There's a woman in this story. There's a woman in this story. There's a woman in Cincinnati who's going viral because she Cincinnati who's going viral because she Cincinnati who's going viral because she built a habit. She's been asking the built a habit. She's been asking the built a habit. She's been asking the internet to meet for coffee and it went internet to meet for coffee and it went internet to meet for coffee and it went viral. And so, she's building all of viral. And so, she's building all of viral. And so, she's building all of these friendships because of that. We these friendships because of that. We these friendships because of that. We need habits to build those kinds of need habits to build those kinds of need habits to build those kinds of relationships in our lives. That's the relationships in our lives. That's the relationships in our lives. That's the first thing. We need habits if we're first thing. We need habits if we're first thing. We need habits if we're going to step into friendship again. The going to step into friendship again. The going to step into friendship again. The second though is we need to shed light second though is we need to shed light second though is we need to shed light in a friendship. What I'm talking about in a friendship. What I'm talking about in a friendship. What I'm talking about here is vulnerability.

here is vulnerability. here is vulnerability. I'm talking about sharing with someone I'm talking about sharing with someone I'm talking about sharing with someone the deeper things of your heart. I mean, the deeper things of your heart. I mean, the deeper things of your heart. I mean, in some ways, I'm ashamed that for 10 in some ways, I'm ashamed that for 10 in some ways, I'm ashamed that for 10 years, I had had this friendship with my years, I had had this friendship with my years, I had had this friendship with my friend where we were sharing all kinds friend where we were sharing all kinds friend where we were sharing all kinds of other things, but I hadn't shared of other things, but I hadn't shared of other things, but I hadn't shared this thing that was valuable to me. In this thing that was valuable to me. In this thing that was valuable to me. In some ways, that was my lack of some ways, that was my lack of some ways, that was my lack of vulnerability to trust him with that vulnerability to trust him with that vulnerability to trust him with that part of my life and that part of my part of my life and that part of my part of my life and that part of my value system. And I and I think that's value system. And I and I think that's value system. And I and I think that's something that we can often do. We need something that we can often do. We need something that we can often do. We need to be willing to shed light in a to be willing to shed light in a to be willing to shed light in a friendship. Now, let me be clear. I am friendship. Now, let me be clear. I am friendship. Now, let me be clear. I am not telling you to put your business out not telling you to put your business out not telling you to put your business out there with everybody. there with everybody. there with everybody. Hear me very clearly. Everybody doesn't Hear me very clearly. Everybody doesn't Hear me very clearly. Everybody doesn't need to know your business. need to know your business. need to know your business. In fact, let me just do some coaching In fact, let me just do some coaching In fact, let me just do some coaching here. Cuz some of you, you're here. Cuz some of you, you're here. Cuz some of you, you're oversharers. oversharers. oversharers. You know who you are. And if you don't You know who you are. And if you don't You know who you are. And if you don't know who you are, it might be because know who you are, it might be because know who you are, it might be because you're one of them, right? You're you're one of them, right? You're you're one of them, right? You're oversharers. You share too much too oversharers. You share too much too oversharers. You share too much too quickly in a friendship. Everybody quickly in a friendship. Everybody quickly in a friendship. Everybody doesn't need to know your deepest, doesn't need to know your deepest, doesn't need to know your deepest, darkest secret within the first 10 darkest secret within the first 10 darkest secret within the first 10 minutes of meeting you. And I just want minutes of meeting you. And I just want minutes of meeting you. And I just want to coach you that sometimes that's going to coach you that sometimes that's going to coach you that sometimes that's going to cause people to step away from you.

to cause people to step away from you. to cause people to step away from you. >> I thought about this meme. It's like if >> I thought about this meme. It's like if >> I thought about this meme. It's like if you're an oversharer, you've probably you're an oversharer, you've probably you're an oversharer, you've probably had this moment when you realize you've had this moment when you realize you've had this moment when you realize you've shared a little bit too much in the shared a little bit too much in the shared a little bit too much in the conversation. Can I be honest with you? conversation. Can I be honest with you? conversation. Can I be honest with you? I'm a recovering oversharer. That's why I'm a recovering oversharer. That's why I'm a recovering oversharer. That's why I can talk to you cuz I'm a rec. My wife I can talk to you cuz I'm a rec. My wife I can talk to you cuz I'm a rec. My wife will be like, "What? Why did you Why did will be like, "What? Why did you Why did will be like, "What? Why did you Why did you say you just met that person?" It's you say you just met that person?" It's you say you just met that person?" It's like, I know. I probably shouldn't have like, I know. I probably shouldn't have like, I know. I probably shouldn't have done that. So, but but I think there's done that. So, but but I think there's done that. So, but but I think there's something for us to learn from Jesus something for us to learn from Jesus something for us to learn from Jesus when it comes to vulnerability. Wise when it comes to vulnerability. Wise when it comes to vulnerability. Wise vulnerability. I want you to lock that vulnerability. I want you to lock that vulnerability. I want you to lock that in. That's a term, wise vulnerability is in. That's a term, wise vulnerability is in. That's a term, wise vulnerability is essential if you're going to have essential if you're going to have essential if you're going to have friendships that go to a new level. So friendships that go to a new level. So friendships that go to a new level. So Jesus had this wise vulnerability moment Jesus had this wise vulnerability moment Jesus had this wise vulnerability moment at Gethsemane. He knew that in 24 hours at Gethsemane. He knew that in 24 hours at Gethsemane. He knew that in 24 hours he was going to be tortured and he was going to be tortured and he was going to be tortured and crucified. And so he has at that point crucified. And so he has at that point crucified. And so he has at that point his 12 closest friends, his disciples, his 12 closest friends, his disciples, his 12 closest friends, his disciples, including Peter being one of them. And including Peter being one of them. And including Peter being one of them. And in those friendships, he's in this place in those friendships, he's in this place in those friendships, he's in this place where he's really wrestling with what's where he's really wrestling with what's where he's really wrestling with what's going to happen over the next 24 hours going to happen over the next 24 hours going to happen over the next 24 hours of his life. It's called the Garden of of his life. It's called the Garden of of his life. It's called the Garden of Gethsemane. And this is what it says in Gethsemane. And this is what it says in Gethsemane. And this is what it says in Matthew 26. It says, "Then Jesus went Matthew 26. It says, "Then Jesus went Matthew 26. It says, "Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane. with them to a place called Gethsemane. with them to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit here And he said to his disciples, "Sit here And 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, that's James and John, two of Zebedee, that's James and John, two of Zebedee, that's James and John, two of his other disciples. He began to be of his other disciples. He began to be of his other disciples. He began to be sorrowful and troubled. And I want you sorrowful and troubled. And I want you sorrowful and troubled. And I want you to notice this. Then he said to them, to notice this. Then he said to them, to notice this. Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to "My soul is very sorrowful, even to "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with me."

death. Remain here and watch with me." death. Remain here and watch with me." Two powerful lessons here around wise Two powerful lessons here around wise Two powerful lessons here around wise vulnerability. Notice Jesus took all his vulnerability. Notice Jesus took all his vulnerability. Notice Jesus took all his friends to Gethsemane. He took all his friends to Gethsemane. He took all his friends to Gethsemane. He took all his friends to the place where he was going friends to the place where he was going friends to the place where he was going to be praying. All 12 were there. But do to be praying. All 12 were there. But do to be praying. All 12 were there. But do you notice that he said to the nine, you notice that he said to the nine, you notice that he said to the nine, "Sit here while I go over there." And he "Sit here while I go over there." And he "Sit here while I go over there." And he only went over there with three of them. only went over there with three of them. only went over there with three of them. That included Peter. And to them, he That included Peter. And to them, he That included Peter. And to them, he said, "I am really struggling." And so I said, "I am really struggling." And so I said, "I am really struggling." And so I think there's a two powerful lessons think there's a two powerful lessons think there's a two powerful lessons here. One, not everybody has a right to here. One, not everybody has a right to here. One, not everybody has a right to your story. your story. your story. So, in a friendship, please don't hear So, in a friendship, please don't hear So, in a friendship, please don't hear me saying that every person that's an me saying that every person that's an me saying that every person that's an acquaintance has a right to your story. acquaintance has a right to your story. acquaintance has a right to your story. But here's the other thing. I heard this But here's the other thing. I heard this But here's the other thing. I heard this on a podcast this week. To be 99% known on a podcast this week. To be 99% known on a podcast this week. To be 99% known is to be 100% unknown. is to be 100% unknown. is to be 100% unknown. Someone needs to know your whole story. Someone needs to know your whole story. Someone needs to know your whole story. You need a friend that knows fully who You need a friend that knows fully who You need a friend that knows fully who you are. And it is a risk. But the only you are. And it is a risk. But the only you are. And it is a risk. But the only way that you'll experience the power of way that you'll experience the power of way that you'll experience the power of friendships that determine the quality friendships that determine the quality friendships that determine the quality and the potency of your life is if you and the potency of your life is if you and the potency of your life is if you allow yourself to be fully known in some allow yourself to be fully known in some allow yourself to be fully known in some of your friendships. It could be one of your friendships. It could be one of your friendships. It could be one person. That's enough. But you need that person. That's enough. But you need that person. That's enough. But you need that in your life. You know, we all have in your life. You know, we all have in your life. You know, we all have nicknames for different text threads.

nicknames for different text threads. nicknames for different text threads. And on my phone, one of them is just And on my phone, one of them is just And on my phone, one of them is just Wolfpack. It's my Wolfpack. Those are Wolfpack. It's my Wolfpack. Those are Wolfpack. It's my Wolfpack. Those are the guys where I am 100% known. Those the guys where I am 100% known. Those the guys where I am 100% known. Those are the guys who know everything about are the guys who know everything about are the guys who know everything about me. They're they're praying for me at a me. They're they're praying for me at a me. They're they're praying for me at a deep heart level. They know my deep heart level. They know my deep heart level. They know my struggles. They know my failings. They struggles. They know my failings. They struggles. They know my failings. They know all of it and they are my wolfpack. know all of it and they are my wolfpack. know all of it and they are my wolfpack. We all need a wolfpack. We need somebody We all need a wolfpack. We need somebody We all need a wolfpack. We need somebody who knows us fully and we need to be who knows us fully and we need to be who knows us fully and we need to be knowing others fully as well. That's a knowing others fully as well. That's a knowing others fully as well. That's a friendship. friendship. friendship. So, we need to have habits to build So, we need to have habits to build So, we need to have habits to build friendship again. We also need light. We friendship again. We also need light. We friendship again. We also need light. We need to be able to be vulnerable. But we need to be able to be vulnerable. But we need to be able to be vulnerable. But we also need to be okay with friction. We also need to be okay with friction. We also need to be okay with friction. We need to be okay with friction in a need to be okay with friction in a need to be okay with friction in a friendship. I love Proverbs 27:17 which friendship. I love Proverbs 27:17 which friendship. I love Proverbs 27:17 which says, "Iron sharpens iron and one man says, "Iron sharpens iron and one man says, "Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another or one woman sharpens sharpens another or one woman sharpens sharpens another or one woman sharpens another." We need someone in our lives another." We need someone in our lives another." We need someone in our lives who sharpens us. Real friends sharpen who sharpens us. Real friends sharpen who sharpens us. Real friends sharpen you. They're not just yes men or yes you. They're not just yes men or yes you. They're not just yes men or yes women. We see Jesus and Peter having a women. We see Jesus and Peter having a women. We see Jesus and Peter having a sharpening conversation when Jesus is sharpening conversation when Jesus is sharpening conversation when Jesus is telling Peter, "Hey, part of my purpose telling Peter, "Hey, part of my purpose telling Peter, "Hey, part of my purpose is that I am going to die. I'm going to is that I am going to die. I'm going to is that I am going to die. I'm going to give my life over for all of humanity."

give my life over for all of humanity." give my life over for all of humanity." Like that's going to happen. And Peter's Like that's going to happen. And Peter's Like that's going to happen. And Peter's pushing back. And Peter's full of pushing back. And Peter's full of pushing back. And Peter's full of bluster. You got to understand that. bluster. You got to understand that. bluster. You got to understand that. Peter's like, "No, I'm not going to let Peter's like, "No, I'm not going to let Peter's like, "No, I'm not going to let that happen." No, no, no. And he says that happen." No, no, no. And he says that happen." No, no, no. And he says this. He doesn't say it this way. He's this. He doesn't say it this way. He's this. He doesn't say it this way. He's like, "Look, I got your back. Even if like, "Look, I got your back. Even if like, "Look, I got your back. Even if these 11 losers don't have your back, I these 11 losers don't have your back, I these 11 losers don't have your back, I got your back." And Jesus is like, got your back." And Jesus is like, got your back." And Jesus is like, "Whoa, hold on. Hold on." And this is "Whoa, hold on. Hold on." And this is "Whoa, hold on. Hold on." And this is what he says to Peter. He turned to what he says to Peter. He turned to what he says to Peter. He turned to Peter and said, "Get behind me Satan." Peter and said, "Get behind me Satan." Peter and said, "Get behind me Satan." I've never called one of my friends I've never called one of my friends I've never called one of my friends Satan yet. None of my friends have Satan yet. None of my friends have Satan yet. None of my friends have called me Satan yet. But Jesus calls called me Satan yet. But Jesus calls called me Satan yet. But Jesus calls Peter Satan. He says, "You are a Peter Satan. He says, "You are a Peter Satan. He says, "You are a hindrance to me, for you are not setting hindrance to me, for you are not setting hindrance to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on your mind on the things of God, but on your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." Here's my question. the things of man." Here's my question. the things of man." Here's my question. When's the last time a good friend told When's the last time a good friend told When's the last time a good friend told you you are wrong? you you are wrong? you you are wrong? When's the last time you told a good When's the last time you told a good When's the last time you told a good friend they are wrong? friend they are wrong? friend they are wrong? See, if you're in a friendship for more See, if you're in a friendship for more See, if you're in a friendship for more than six months and you've not had than six months and you've not had than six months and you've not had anything that you've sharpened in them, anything that you've sharpened in them, anything that you've sharpened in them, you don't have a friendship. you don't have a friendship. you don't have a friendship. >> It's a surface level thing. It's not a >> It's a surface level thing. It's not a >> It's a surface level thing. It's not a friendship. And I again I'm not a woman friendship. And I again I'm not a woman friendship. And I again I'm not a woman so I can't speak to female relationships so I can't speak to female relationships so I can't speak to female relationships in this way but I can speak to guys and in this way but I can speak to guys and in this way but I can speak to guys and I know as guys it's real easy to get to I know as guys it's real easy to get to I know as guys it's real easy to get to a place in your friendships that's just a place in your friendships that's just a place in your friendships that's just cozy right just co that's my dog man we cozy right just co that's my dog man we cozy right just co that's my dog man we hang out we're good and everything you hang out we're good and everything you hang out we're good and everything you say they agree with you say some stupid say they agree with you say some stupid say they agree with you say some stupid stuff out of your mouth and some of your stuff out of your mouth and some of your stuff out of your mouth and some of your friends are like dude you should do that friends are like dude you should do that friends are like dude you should do that you know you're talking to your friends you know you're talking to your friends you know you're talking to your friends you're like man no I'm going to do on you're like man no I'm going to do on you're like man no I'm going to do on Monday I'm going to go to my boss and Monday I'm going to go to my boss and Monday I'm going to go to my boss and I'm going to tell my boss no and they're I'm going to tell my boss no and they're I'm going to tell my boss no and they're like yeah man you should do that you're like yeah man you should do that you're like yeah man you should do that you're being wrong no no you somebody in your being wrong no no you somebody in your being wrong no no you somebody in your life who loves you enough to be like, life who loves you enough to be like, life who loves you enough to be like, "Bro, you might not want to do that."

"Bro, you might not want to do that." "Bro, you might not want to do that." Are you joking or are you serious? Cuz Are you joking or are you serious? Cuz Are you joking or are you serious? Cuz right now, if you're serious, bro, you right now, if you're serious, bro, you right now, if you're serious, bro, you got to change your mind. You need a got to change your mind. You need a got to change your mind. You need a friend that's willing to sharpen you. friend that's willing to sharpen you. friend that's willing to sharpen you. >> Here's a question. If you're not >> Here's a question. If you're not >> Here's a question. If you're not experiencing that in a friendship, maybe experiencing that in a friendship, maybe experiencing that in a friendship, maybe you need to ask the question, "Am I you need to ask the question, "Am I you need to ask the question, "Am I inviting friction inviting friction inviting friction or do I run at the first sign of it?" or do I run at the first sign of it?" or do I run at the first sign of it?" Because it might be that you have a Because it might be that you have a Because it might be that you have a friend with all the right intentions and friend with all the right intentions and friend with all the right intentions and with all the right language is with all the right language is with all the right language is sharpening you, calling you up, sharpening you, calling you up, sharpening you, calling you up, challenging you to be more than who you challenging you to be more than who you challenging you to be more than who you are because they believe what we sung are because they believe what we sung are because they believe what we sung earlier. You're made for more. Are you earlier. You're made for more. Are you earlier. You're made for more. Are you letting that feedback impact you or is letting that feedback impact you or is letting that feedback impact you or is that your time to cut off the that your time to cut off the that your time to cut off the friendship? friendship? friendship? Here's another question. For some of us, Here's another question. For some of us, Here's another question. For some of us, we do not have a problem bringing we do not have a problem bringing we do not 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. our mo. our mo. And if that's you, here's a question you And if that's you, here's a question you And if that's you, here's a question you should be asking yourself before you should be asking yourself before you should be asking yourself before you offer that coaching. Before you offer offer that coaching. Before you offer offer that coaching. Before you offer that feedback, ask yourself this that feedback, ask yourself this that feedback, ask yourself this question. Am I trying to build up my question. Am I trying to build up my question. Am I trying to build up my friend or just control them? friend or just control them? friend or just control them? But we need friction in a friendship.

But we need friction in a friendship. But we need friction in a friendship. I'll tell you a story where I experience I'll tell you a story where I experience I'll tell you a story where I experience some friction in a friendship of mine. some friction in a friendship of mine. some friction in a friendship of mine. Now guys, when I tell you about things Now guys, when I tell you about things Now guys, when I tell you about things between Maria and I, I need you to keep between Maria and I, I need you to keep between Maria and I, I need you to keep it here. it here. it here. I don't need it to be going all, you I don't need it to be going all, you I don't need it to be going all, you know, other places. So, I'm I'm I'm know, other places. So, I'm I'm I'm know, other places. So, I'm I'm I'm trusting you guys. I'm bringing you into trusting you guys. I'm bringing you into trusting you guys. I'm bringing you into the circle of trust. Um because I know the circle of trust. Um because I know the circle of trust. Um because I know I'm the only person who ever does this. I'm the only person who ever does this. I'm the only person who ever does this. I was at Starbucks recently complaining I was at Starbucks recently complaining I was at Starbucks recently complaining to a friend about my wife. I I know to a friend about my wife. I I know to a friend about my wife. I I know nobody does. Forgive me. Forgive me for nobody does. Forgive me. Forgive me for nobody does. Forgive me. Forgive me for being an imperfect husband. Right? So, being an imperfect husband. Right? So, being an imperfect husband. Right? So, so I'm I'm I'm complaining. I'm like, so I'm I'm I'm complaining. I'm like, so I'm I'm I'm complaining. I'm like, man, she did this and then she did that man, she did this and then she did that man, she did this and then she did that and I can't believe this and I can't and I can't believe this and I can't and I can't believe this and I can't believe that. And if she only understood believe that. And if she only understood believe that. And if she only understood I'm doing this. And my friend is just I'm doing this. And my friend is just I'm doing this. And my friend is just sitting there. He's giving me good eye sitting there. He's giving me good eye sitting there. He's giving me good eye contact, but he's not saying anything. contact, but he's not saying anything. contact, but he's not saying anything. And I I know why he's not saying And I I know why he's not saying And I I know why he's not saying anything cuz his eye contact's saying anything cuz his eye contact's saying anything cuz his eye contact's saying all that he needs to say. He's looking all that he needs to say. He's looking all that he needs to say. He's looking at me and he's like, "Chuck, you are at me and he's like, "Chuck, you are at me and he's like, "Chuck, you are such a good husband. You your patience such a good husband. You your patience such a good husband. You your patience with her is so amazing." Like, man, just with her is so amazing." Like, man, just with her is so amazing." Like, man, just Yeah. Tell me more. Tell me more. And Yeah. Tell me more. Tell me more. And Yeah. Tell me more. Tell me more. And so, you know, I I tell him more. I I so, you know, I I tell him more. I I so, you know, I I tell him more. I I keep talking and then eventually I stop keep talking and then eventually I stop keep talking and then eventually I stop cuz I I'm like, "Okay, now I've said cuz I I'm like, "Okay, now I've said cuz I I'm like, "Okay, now I've said enough. Now he has enough to affirm me.

enough. Now he has enough to affirm me. enough. Now he has enough to affirm me. I I want now I can give him a chance to I I want now I can give him a chance to I I want now I can give him a chance to encourage me and affirm me." That's not encourage me and affirm me." That's not encourage me and affirm me." That's not what he did. [laughter] what he did. [laughter] what he did. [laughter] He looked at me and he was like, He looked at me and he was like, He looked at me and he was like, "You are completely missing the point. "You are completely missing the point. "You are completely missing the point. All I've heard you talk about is me me. All I've heard you talk about is me me. All I've heard you talk about is me me. I I I have you stopped to think about I I I have you stopped to think about I I I have you stopped to think about what Maria needs. Have you stopped to what Maria needs. Have you stopped to what Maria needs. Have you stopped to think about her perspective?" He was think about her perspective?" He was think about her perspective?" He was willing to bring friction into the willing to bring friction into the willing to bring friction into the friendship because he loves me and quite friendship because he loves me and quite friendship because he loves me and quite frankly, he loves my wife, too. And we frankly, he loves my wife, too. And we frankly, he loves my wife, too. And we need friends like that. We need people need friends like that. We need people need friends like that. We need people who are willing to introduce friendship, who are willing to introduce friendship, who are willing to introduce friendship, I mean, friction into our relationships. I mean, friction into our relationships. I mean, friction into our relationships. I hope you're hearing so far that it is I hope you're hearing so far that it is I hope you're hearing so far that it is worth it to have friendships like this worth it to have friendships like this worth it to have friendships like this and it is work to have friendships like and it is work to have friendships like and it is work to have friendships like this. this. this. And sometimes we don't have these kinds And sometimes we don't have these kinds And sometimes we don't have these kinds of friendships because we have wrong of friendships because we have wrong of friendships because we have wrong expectations. expectations. expectations. Because we expect a friction-free Because we expect a friction-free Because we expect a friction-free relationship, because we think that we relationship, because we think that we relationship, because we think that we don't need to put habits into it. don't need to put habits into it. don't need to put habits into it. Because we think we can have surface Because we think we can have surface Because we think we can have surface level friendships and never go beneath level friendships and never go beneath level friendships and never go beneath the surface and actually have them the surface and actually have them the surface and actually have them impact the quality and the potency of impact the quality and the potency of impact the quality and the potency of our life. We simply can't so it doesn't our life. We simply can't so it doesn't our life. We simply can't so it doesn't work.

work. work. But sometimes it doesn't work because But sometimes it doesn't work because But sometimes it doesn't work because we've been hurt. we've been hurt. we've been hurt. Sometimes they don't work because we've Sometimes they don't work because we've Sometimes they don't work because we've been wronged. been wronged. been wronged. And I just want to recognize that is And I just want to recognize that is And I just want to recognize that is also real. also real. also real. Sometimes we betrayed the friend and Sometimes we betrayed the friend and Sometimes we betrayed the friend and that was the end of the friendship. that was the end of the friendship. that was the end of the friendship. Sometimes the friend betrayed us. And I Sometimes the friend betrayed us. And I Sometimes the friend betrayed us. And I think this where Jesus and Peter's think this where Jesus and Peter's think this where Jesus and Peter's friendship is really helpful and friendship is really helpful and friendship is really helpful and instructive to us because that happened instructive to us because that happened instructive to us because that happened with them too. Jesus would tell Peter as with them too. Jesus would tell Peter as with them too. Jesus would tell Peter as he was telling his other disciples, "My he was telling his other disciples, "My he was telling his other disciples, "My whole mission is to come to earth to whole mission is to come to earth to whole mission is to come to earth to die. To die on behalf of the brokenness die. To die on behalf of the brokenness die. To die on behalf of the brokenness in this world." and then three days in this world." and then three days in this world." and then three days later to rise again to demonstrate my later to rise again to demonstrate my later to rise again to demonstrate my power over death. And in the midst of power over death. And in the midst of power over death. And in the midst of telling them that he was telling them telling them that he was telling them telling them that he was telling them about what's going to happen as they about what's going to happen as they about what's going to happen as they were getting closer and closer and he were getting closer and closer and he were getting closer and closer and he said to Peter at one point, "Peter, said to Peter at one point, "Peter, said to Peter at one point, "Peter, you're going to deny you even know me you're going to deny you even know me you're going to deny you even know me three times three times three times before the rooster crows. You're going before the rooster crows. You're going before the rooster crows. You're going to deny you know me three times." And to deny you know me three times." And to deny you know me three times." And Peter's like, "No way. No way. I'm not Peter's like, "No way. No way. I'm not Peter's like, "No way. No way. I'm not no way." Again, these 11 losers, yeah, no way." Again, these 11 losers, yeah, no way." Again, these 11 losers, yeah, they would do that to you, but not me.

they would do that to you, but not me. they would do that to you, but not me. God will never deny you. God will never deny you. God will never deny you. And then he did not once, not twice, but And then he did not once, not twice, but And then he did not once, not twice, but three times. Here's the story of the three times. Here's the story of the three times. Here's the story of the third denial of Peter. Says, "But Peter third denial of Peter. Says, "But Peter third denial of Peter. Says, "But Peter said, man, I do not know what you're said, man, I do not know what you're said, man, I do not know what you're talking about." He's denying even talking about." He's denying even talking about." He's denying even knowing Jesus by saying that. And knowing Jesus by saying that. And knowing Jesus by saying that. And immediately while he was still speaking, immediately while he was still speaking, immediately while he was still speaking, the rooster crow. And this is the part the rooster crow. And this is the part the rooster crow. And this is the part that cut me to the heart. And the Lord that cut me to the heart. And the Lord that cut me to the heart. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Can you turned and looked at Peter. Can you turned and looked at Peter. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine betraying imagine that? Can you imagine betraying imagine that? Can you imagine betraying your closest friend your closest friend your closest friend and they see it? Now, I don't know if and they see it? Now, I don't know if and they see it? Now, I don't know if Jesus turned and looked at Peter because Jesus turned and looked at Peter because Jesus turned and looked at Peter because he was in earshot and heard all three of he was in earshot and heard all three of he was in earshot and heard all three of the denials. I don't know if he was the denials. I don't know if he was the denials. I don't know if he was further away. It says that Peter was in further away. It says that Peter was in further away. It says that Peter was in a courtyard. Jesus was being tried. a courtyard. Jesus was being tried. a courtyard. Jesus was being tried. Maybe just had, you know, line of sight. Maybe just had, you know, line of sight. Maybe just had, you know, line of sight. Maybe it wasn't that he heard him, but Maybe it wasn't that he heard him, but Maybe it wasn't that he heard him, but at that point, he locked eyes with at that point, he locked eyes with at that point, he locked eyes with Jesus. I don't know what that was like, Jesus. I don't know what that was like, Jesus. I don't know what that was like, but I know that must have been hell for but I know that must have been hell for but I know that must have been hell for Peter. Peter. Peter. I know it because the next line says, I know it because the next line says, I know it because the next line says, "And Peter remembered the saying of the "And Peter remembered the saying of the "And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he said to him before the Lord, how he said to him before the Lord, how he said to him 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. And probably thought the relationship And probably thought the relationship And probably thought the relationship with Jesus was over. Could you blame with Jesus was over. Could you blame with Jesus was over. Could you blame him? And guess what? Jesus had every him? And guess what? Jesus had every him? And guess what? Jesus had every reason to throw in the towel on that reason to throw in the towel on that reason to throw in the towel on that friendship, too. friendship, too. friendship, too. Which is why the next interaction they Which is why the next interaction they Which is why the next interaction they have for me is one of the most tender have for me is one of the most tender have for me is one of the most tender points in the Bible. I've actually been points in the Bible. I've actually been points in the Bible. I've actually been to Israel at the place where they to Israel at the place where they to Israel at the place where they believe this happened. And there is a believe this happened. And there is a believe this happened. And there is a beautiful statue there. And that statue beautiful statue there. And that statue beautiful statue there. And that statue is one of the most meaningful to me in is one of the most meaningful to me in is one of the most meaningful to me in the entire country because of what the entire country because of what the entire country because of what happens there. See, Jesus does go and be happens there. See, Jesus does go and be happens there. See, Jesus does go and be tried. Sham trial. He's crucified. He's tried. Sham trial. He's crucified. He's tried. Sham trial. He's crucified. He's beaten. He actually dies. He's buried. beaten. He actually dies. He's buried. beaten. He actually dies. He's buried. And three days later, he does the And three days later, he does the And three days later, he does the amazing thing of beating death. And he amazing thing of beating death. And he amazing thing of beating death. And he rises from the grave. It's amazing. And rises from the grave. It's amazing. And rises from the grave. It's amazing. And everybody's talking about it and Peter everybody's talking about it and Peter everybody's talking about it and Peter is aware that it has happened. But can is aware that it has happened. But can is aware that it has happened. But can you imagine being Peter? Peter then must you imagine being Peter? Peter then must you imagine being Peter? Peter then must be asking what's going to happen if and be asking what's going to happen if and be asking what's going to happen if and when I see Jesus again when I see Jesus again when I see Jesus again and that day comes. The day comes on the and that day comes. The day comes on the and that day comes. The day comes on the Sea of Galilee where Peter said, "Hey, Sea of Galilee where Peter said, "Hey, Sea of Galilee where Peter said, "Hey, I'm going fishing."

I'm going fishing." I'm going fishing." And that was symbolic because what Peter And that was symbolic because what Peter And that was symbolic because what Peter was really saying is I know that Jesus was really saying is I know that Jesus was really saying is I know that Jesus said, "I'm going to be a fisher of men." said, "I'm going to be a fisher of men." said, "I'm going to be a fisher of men." I know he said, "I'm going to be I know he said, "I'm going to be I know he said, "I'm going to be advancing his mission, but guess what? I advancing his mission, but guess what? I advancing his mission, but guess what? I denied him three times. He doesn't want denied him three times. He doesn't want denied him three times. He doesn't want anything to do with me. I'm going to go anything to do with me. I'm going to go anything to do with me. I'm going to go back to the old life I had before. back to the old life I had before. back to the old life I had before. And he's out there and he's not catching And he's out there and he's not catching And he's out there and he's not catching any fish. And then from the shore, they any fish. And then from the shore, they any fish. And then from the shore, they hear a voice saying, "Hey, have you hear a voice saying, "Hey, have you hear a voice saying, "Hey, have you caught any fish?" And Peter realizes this is this is And Peter realizes this is this is Jesus. That Jesus is on the shore. And Jesus. That Jesus is on the shore. And Jesus. That Jesus is on the shore. And so Peter, it says, begins to go to the so Peter, it says, begins to go to the so Peter, it says, begins to go to the shore. At one point, he jumps out of the shore. At one point, he jumps out of the shore. At one point, he jumps out of the boat. He's so eager to get to Jesus. And boat. He's so eager to get to Jesus. And boat. He's so eager to get to Jesus. And I'm sure he's asking the question, when I'm sure he's asking the question, when I'm sure he's asking the question, when I get to Jesus, what is he going to say? I get to Jesus, what is he going to say? I get to Jesus, what is he going to say? Am I going to get a tongue lashing? Is Am I going to get a tongue lashing? Is Am I going to get a tongue lashing? Is he even going to speak to me? Is this he even going to speak to me? Is this he even going to speak to me? Is this the point where Jesus punches me in the the point where Jesus punches me in the the point where Jesus punches me in the face? What's going to happen? I deny face? What's going to happen? I deny face? What's going to happen? I deny knowing him three times. But what Peter knowing him three times. But what Peter knowing him three times. But what Peter comes on the shore to is Jesus having a comes on the shore to is Jesus having a comes on the shore to is Jesus having a fire and cooking him a fish lunch. fire and cooking him a fish lunch. fire and cooking him a fish lunch. And Jesus asked Peter the same question And Jesus asked Peter the same question And Jesus asked Peter the same question three times. He says, "Peter, do you three times. He says, "Peter, do you three times. He says, "Peter, do you love me?"

love me?" love me?" Peter says, "I do. I do. I love you." Peter says, "I do. I do. I love you." Peter says, "I do. I do. I love you." Later, Jesus asks him again, "Peter, do Later, Jesus asks him again, "Peter, do Later, Jesus asks him again, "Peter, do you love me?" you love me?" you love me?" Jesus, "Yes, I love you." And each time Jesus, "Yes, I love you." And each time Jesus, "Yes, I love you." And each time he answers, he says, "Feed my sheep. he answers, he says, "Feed my sheep. he answers, he says, "Feed my sheep. Feed my lamb." Third time he asked him, Feed my lamb." Third time he asked him, Feed my lamb." Third time he asked him, "Peter, do you love me?" And Peter says, "Peter, do you love me?" And Peter says, "Peter, do you love me?" And Peter says, "You know all things. You you you know "You know all things. You you you know "You know all things. You you you know that I love you." And Jesus says, "Feed that I love you." And Jesus says, "Feed that I love you." And Jesus says, "Feed my sheep." What was Jesus doing? Jesus my sheep." What was Jesus doing? Jesus my sheep." What was Jesus doing? Jesus was saying, "Peter, was saying, "Peter, was saying, "Peter, I have hope in this friendship and I I have hope in this friendship and I I have hope in this friendship and I have hope in you and I will forgive have hope in you and I will forgive have hope in you and I will forgive you." And what he was doing is for the you." And what he was doing is for the you." And what he was doing is for the three times he had denied him, he was three times he had denied him, he was three times he had denied him, he was reinstating him not only to the reinstating him not only to the reinstating him not only to the friendship but to his purpose by saying, friendship but to his purpose by saying, friendship but to his purpose by saying, "You are a shepherd. You're going to be "You are a shepherd. You're going to be "You are a shepherd. You're going to be a shepherd. Feed my sheep." How could a shepherd. Feed my sheep." How could a shepherd. Feed my sheep." How could Jesus do that? How could Jesus have that Jesus do that? How could Jesus have that Jesus do that? How could Jesus have that kind of grace for his friend? It's kind of grace for his friend? It's kind of grace for his friend? It's because of the fourth thing that we have because of the fourth thing that we have because of the fourth thing that we have to commit to in our friendships. Jesus to commit to in our friendships. Jesus to commit to in our friendships. Jesus had hope and we have to have hope in our had hope and we have to have hope in our had hope and we have to have hope in our friendships.

friendships. friendships. Jesus had hope in that friendship. And Jesus had hope in that friendship. And Jesus had hope in that friendship. And sometimes we've got to be the one to sometimes we've got to be the one to sometimes we've got to be the one to have hope in our friendship such to the have hope in our friendship such to the have hope in our friendship such to the point that we go back to that friend and point that we go back to that friend and point that we go back to that friend and say, "Listen, I need to make it right. say, "Listen, I need to make it right. say, "Listen, I need to make it right. I'm sorry for the way that I've wronged I'm sorry for the way that I've wronged I'm sorry for the way that I've wronged you." Sometimes we need to have hope in you." Sometimes we need to have hope in you." Sometimes we need to have hope in that friendship because we need to be that friendship because we need to be that friendship because we need to be the ones when they come to us and say, the ones when they come to us and say, the ones when they come to us and say, "I've wronged you to say, man, I forgive "I've wronged you to say, man, I forgive "I've wronged you to say, man, I forgive you." We must have hope in our you." We must have hope in our you." We must have hope in our friendships because no friendship's friendships because no friendship's friendships because no friendship's going to be perfect. going to be perfect. going to be perfect. No friendship is going to do everything No friendship is going to do everything No friendship is going to do everything we want it to do. We are going to have we want it to do. We are going to have we want it to do. We are going to have friendships that fail. But we have hope. friendships that fail. But we have hope. friendships that fail. But we have hope. We can have hope in the friendship. We can have hope in the friendship. We can have hope in the friendship. We can also have hope in the perfect We can also have hope in the perfect We can also have hope in the perfect friend. I love this verse in Proverbs friend. I love this verse in Proverbs friend. I love this verse in Proverbs 18:24 which speaks to Jesus. It says, 18:24 which speaks to Jesus. It says, 18:24 which speaks to Jesus. It says, "And many a man of many companions may "And many a man of many companions may "And many a man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who come to ruin, but there is a friend who come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. sticks closer than a brother. sticks closer than a brother. And when you realize that when you are And when you realize that when you are And when you realize that when you are in relationship with Jesus, you always in relationship with Jesus, you always in relationship with Jesus, you always have a friend, it gives you the hope and have a friend, it gives you the hope and have a friend, it gives you the hope and the confidence to engage in friendship the confidence to engage in friendship the confidence to engage in friendship again. I told you at the beginning of again. I told you at the beginning of again. I told you at the beginning of our time that I want you to trust me our time that I want you to trust me our time that I want you to trust me enough when I tell you it is worth it to enough when I tell you it is worth it to enough when I tell you it is worth it to engage in friendships again. Why?

engage in friendships again. Why? engage in friendships again. Why? Because your friends determine the Because your friends determine the Because your friends determine the quality and the potency of your life. I quality and the potency of your life. I quality and the potency of your life. I hope that you understand that. I hope hope that you understand that. I hope hope that you understand that. I hope you're willing to do that. Makes me you're willing to do that. Makes me you're willing to do that. Makes me think of a time when another friend of think of a time when another friend of think of a time when another friend of mine met me in a time of real mine met me in a time of real mine met me in a time of real frustration. I was thinking about frustration. I was thinking about frustration. I was thinking about quitting my job, was thinking about quitting my job, was thinking about quitting my job, was thinking about walking away from ministry. And this walking away from ministry. And this walking away from ministry. And this friend loved me enough to listen friend loved me enough to listen friend loved me enough to listen to just let me vent. to just let me vent. to just let me vent. And here's the beautiful thing. They And here's the beautiful thing. They And here's the beautiful thing. They love me enough to say, "Chuck, love me enough to say, "Chuck, love me enough to say, "Chuck, you've been hurt. I hear your pain. you've been hurt. I hear your pain. you've been hurt. I hear your pain. And I love you enough to tell you, And I love you enough to tell you, And I love you enough to tell you, I want you to get up. I want to dust you I want you to get up. I want to dust you I want you to get up. I want to dust you off. And I want to tell you to keep off. And I want to tell you to keep off. And I want to tell you to keep going. Keep going toward your purpose. going. Keep going toward your purpose. going. Keep going toward your purpose. Keep going toward your calling. And this Keep going toward your calling. And this Keep going toward your calling. And this is me again. I'm Chuck and I'm your is me again. I'm Chuck and I'm your is me again. I'm Chuck and I'm your friend. And I want to say to you, if you friend. And I want to say to you, if you friend. And I want to say to you, if you feel like friendship does not work for feel like friendship does not work for feel like friendship does not work for you, cannot work for you, has not worked you, cannot work for you, has not worked you, cannot work for you, has not worked for you, your pain is real. I know for you, your pain is real. I know for you, your pain is real. I know there's pain around this for some of there's pain around this for some of there's pain around this for some of you. And I love you enough to tell you you. And I love you enough to tell you you. And I love you enough to tell you to stand up. Let me dust you off. Let me to stand up. Let me dust you off. Let me to stand up. Let me dust you off. Let me look you in the eyes. And let me tell look you in the eyes. And let me tell look you in the eyes. And let me tell you, it is worth it to engage in you, it is worth it to engage in you, it is worth it to engage in friendship again. And how do you do friendship again. And how do you do friendship again. And how do you do that? You take one brave step. So I'm that? You take one brave step. So I'm that? You take one brave step. So I'm going to give you three options today.

going to give you three options today. going to give you three options today. Give you three options of a brave step Give you three options of a brave step Give you three options of a brave step that you can take. A, B, and C. Option that you can take. A, B, and C. Option that you can take. A, B, and C. Option A, pick a place. Pick a place and build A, pick a place. Pick a place and build A, pick a place. Pick a place and build there. It may be here. It may be, oh there. It may be here. It may be, oh there. It may be here. It may be, oh man, I got invited to be a part of this man, I got invited to be a part of this man, I got invited to be a part of this group or or to serve on this team. I'm group or or to serve on this team. I'm group or or to serve on this team. I'm going to do that. Think about Joshua's going to do that. Think about Joshua's going to do that. Think about Joshua's story. He said, man, you you show up. story. He said, man, you you show up. story. He said, man, you you show up. you start meeting people when you do you start meeting people when you do you start meeting people when you do these things. Maybe for you that's the these things. Maybe for you that's the these things. Maybe for you that's the place to begin. Maybe for you it's not place to begin. Maybe for you it's not place to begin. Maybe for you it's not Crossroads, it's the coffee shop in your Crossroads, it's the coffee shop in your Crossroads, it's the coffee shop in your neighborhood. You're new to the neighborhood. You're new to the neighborhood. You're new to the neighborhood and you want friendships in neighborhood and you want friendships in neighborhood and you want friendships in your neighborhood. Maybe it's like show your neighborhood. Maybe it's like show your neighborhood. Maybe it's like show up at that coffee shop regularly, get to up at that coffee shop regularly, get to up at that coffee shop regularly, get to know the baristas, get to know the know the baristas, get to know the know the baristas, get to know the people who are there, say hi to people. people who are there, say hi to people. people who are there, say hi to people. Maybe that's the place where you need to Maybe that's the place where you need to Maybe that's the place where you need to pick a place and build friendship there. pick a place and build friendship there. pick a place and build friendship there. Option B, maybe it's time to bring some Option B, maybe it's time to bring some Option B, maybe it's time to bring some light into a relationship that's been light into a relationship that's been light into a relationship that's been more surface. And again, I'm not saying more surface. And again, I'm not saying more surface. And again, I'm not saying you got to share your deepest, darkest you got to share your deepest, darkest you got to share your deepest, darkest secret on day one. Maybe the way that secret on day one. Maybe the way that secret on day one. Maybe the way that you bring vulnerabilities to say, "Man, you bring vulnerabilities to say, "Man, you bring vulnerabilities to say, "Man, I've enjoyed hanging out with you. Can I've enjoyed hanging out with you. Can I've enjoyed hanging out with you. Can we continue to do this or can we can we we continue to do this or can we can we we continue to do this or can we can we take this to the next level? There's a take this to the next level? There's a take this to the next level? There's a thing I really care about. I'd love for thing I really care about. I'd love for thing I really care about. I'd love for you to maybe experience it with me. I you to maybe experience it with me. I you to maybe experience it with me. I got two tickets to this thing. Would you got two tickets to this thing. Would you got two tickets to this thing. Would you come with me?" It may be something like come with me?" It may be something like come with me?" It may be something like that. But that's an opportunity for you that. But that's an opportunity for you that. But that's an opportunity for you to be vulnerable, to risk wise to be vulnerable, to risk wise to be vulnerable, to risk wise vulnerability. Maybe it is saying, "Hey vulnerability. Maybe it is saying, "Hey vulnerability. Maybe it is saying, "Hey man, I I got something going on in my man, I I got something going on in my man, I I got something going on in my life. I'd love for you to pray for me life. I'd love for you to pray for me life. I'd love for you to pray for me around that."

around that." around that." But those are things that you can do. But those are things that you can do. But those are things that you can do. That's option B. Option C is maybe you That's option B. Option C is maybe you That's option B. Option C is maybe you need to bring hope to a friendship that need to bring hope to a friendship that need to bring hope to a friendship that has seemed hopeless. And maybe that hope has seemed hopeless. And maybe that hope has seemed hopeless. And maybe that hope looks like forgiving that friend. Maybe looks like forgiving that friend. Maybe looks like forgiving that friend. Maybe that hope looks like going and asking that hope looks like going and asking that hope looks like going and asking forgiveness from that friend. But that forgiveness from that friend. But that forgiveness from that friend. But that is your option. A, B, or C. So, here's is your option. A, B, or C. So, here's is your option. A, B, or C. So, here's what we're going to do. We've been what we're going to do. We've been what we're going to do. We've been breaking the script all day because we breaking the script all day because we breaking the script all day because we want you to have a chance to kind of want you to have a chance to kind of want you to have a chance to kind of live into this friendship. So, rather live into this friendship. So, rather live into this friendship. So, rather than what we typically do, which is, you than what we typically do, which is, you than what we typically do, which is, you know, we play a song, at the end of the know, we play a song, at the end of the know, we play a song, at the end of the song, I pray and then you leave, we've song, I pray and then you leave, we've song, I pray and then you leave, we've left some time for you to do something left some time for you to do something left some time for you to do something different. At the beginning of our different. At the beginning of our different. At the beginning of our service at Eversite, wherever you are, service at Eversite, wherever you are, service at Eversite, wherever you are, you had a chance at the beginning to you had a chance at the beginning to you had a chance at the beginning to introduce yourself to three people. introduce yourself to three people. introduce yourself to three people. Remember that? And you told those three Remember that? And you told those three Remember that? And you told those three people how long you've been around people how long you've been around people how long you've been around Crossroads. Well, we've allow allowed Crossroads. Well, we've allow allowed Crossroads. Well, we've allow allowed time for you at the end to go back to time for you at the end to go back to time for you at the end to go back to those same three people. And here's all those same three people. And here's all those same three people. And here's all you got to do. Just tell them which you got to do. Just tell them which you got to do. Just tell them which option are you going to go with. You option are you going to go with. You option are you going to go with. You don't have to give them details. You can don't have to give them details. You can don't have to give them details. You can just say, "Hey, remember me? I'm going just say, "Hey, remember me? I'm going just say, "Hey, remember me? I'm going with option A. I'm going with option B. with option A. I'm going with option B. with option A. I'm going with option B. I'm going with option C." It's a chance I'm going with option C." It's a chance I'm going with option C." It's a chance for you to just connect. Have some for you to just connect. Have some for you to just connect. Have some people there. And guess what? Those people there. And guess what? Those people there. And guess what? Those people don't have to do anything for you people don't have to do anything for you people don't have to do anything for you in the moment. But what I would say is in the moment. But what I would say is in the moment. But what I would say is as people share their options with you as people share their options with you as people share their options with you this week, as you think about them, pray this week, as you think about them, pray this week, as you think about them, pray for them. I don't know if you guys know for them. I don't know if you guys know for them. I don't know if you guys know this. You guys tend to sit in assigned this. You guys tend to sit in assigned this. You guys tend to sit in assigned seats.

seats. seats. So, I bet you you're going to see them So, I bet you you're going to see them So, I bet you you're going to see them next week. And when you do, you will now next week. And when you do, you will now next week. And when you do, you will now know their name. You will know how long know their name. You will know how long know their name. You will know how long they've been at Crossroads. And you will they've been at Crossroads. And you will they've been at Crossroads. And you will be able to say, "How'd it go with option be able to say, "How'd it go with option be able to say, "How'd it go with option A or B or I don't remember your option, A or B or I don't remember your option, A or B or I don't remember your option, but tell me how it went." So, we're but tell me how it went." So, we're but tell me how it went." So, we're going to give you a chance to have a going to give you a chance to have a going to give you a chance to have a little bit of a small group experience little bit of a small group experience little bit of a small group experience as we close. So, I am going to pray in a as we close. So, I am going to pray in a as we close. So, I am going to pray in a minute. I want to say this. If you're minute. I want to say this. If you're minute. I want to say this. 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. You can click that's going to come up. You can click that's going to come up. You can click on that QR code and you can communicate on that QR code and you can communicate on that QR code and you can communicate option A, B, or C. So there's a way for option A, B, or C. So there's a way for option A, B, or C. So there's a way for you to engage as well. You guys got it? you to engage as well. You guys got it? you to engage as well. You guys got it? You good? You good? You good? >> All right, let me pray and then we're >> All right, let me pray and then we're >> All right, let me pray and then we're going to have time to have that going to have time to have that going to have time to have that conversation. God, I pray that for all conversation. God, I pray that for all conversation. God, I pray that for all of us, there's something that we heard of us, there's something that we heard of us, there's something that we heard today that inspires us to take a next today that inspires us to take a next today that inspires us to take a next step toward the kind of friendships that step toward the kind of friendships that step toward the kind of friendships that will determine the quality and potency will determine the quality and potency will determine the quality and potency of our life in a positive way and in the of our life in a positive way and in the of our life in a positive way and in the way that points to your heart. I pray way that points to your heart. I pray way that points to your heart. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen. this in Jesus name. Amen. this in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. All right, have the conversation. >> Amen. All right, have the conversation. >> Amen. All right, have the conversation. >> Amen. Hey, thank you guys so much for >> Amen. Hey, thank you guys so much for >> Amen. Hey, thank you guys so much for tuning in with us. We don't want this tuning in with us. We don't want this tuning in with us. We don't want this just be a thing that you heard one time just be a thing that you heard one time just be a thing that you heard one time you watched just church service but then you watched just church service but then you watched just church service but then went out through the rest of your week went out through the rest of your week went out through the rest of your week in life normally. We want you to take a in life normally. We want you to take a in life normally. We want you to take a step to do something special to help you step to do something special to help you step to do something special to help you man go to a new place today.

man go to a new place today. man go to a new place today. >> That's right. So you can scan that QR >> That's right. So you can scan that QR >> That's right. So you can scan that QR code on your screen and like Chuck said, code on your screen and like Chuck said, code on your screen and like Chuck said, you can pick one of these three. One, you can pick one of these three. One, you can pick one of these three. One, pick a where we're going to start a pick a where we're going to start a pick a where we're going to start a habit, you know, where you can start a habit, you know, where you can start a habit, you know, where you can start a relationship too. You can bring some relationship too. You can bring some relationship too. You can bring some light into a relationship that maybe has light into a relationship that maybe has light into a relationship that maybe has stayed on the surface and you want to be stayed on the surface and you want to be stayed on the surface and you want to be a little bit more vulnerable. Let a little bit more vulnerable. Let a little bit more vulnerable. Let somebody actually know you and move in somebody actually know you and move in somebody actually know you and move in hope. Maybe there's a relationship where hope. Maybe there's a relationship where hope. Maybe there's a relationship where you need to forgive. Reach out or just you need to forgive. Reach out or just you need to forgive. Reach out or just choose to forgive somebody. choose to forgive somebody. choose to forgive somebody. >> Yeah. So, don't just think about that >> Yeah. So, don't just think about that >> Yeah. So, don't just think about that [music] right now. Actually pick one. [music] right now. Actually pick one. [music] right now. Actually pick one. Scan that QR code. Make your choice. We Scan that QR code. Make your choice. We Scan that QR code. Make your choice. We will be praying for each of the results will be praying for each of the results will be praying for each of the results that come through cuz we want you that come through cuz we want you that come through cuz we want you [music] to do something brave this [music] to do something brave this [music] to do something brave this weekend to go to a new place. Now, weekend to go to a new place. Now, weekend to go to a new place. Now, there's people all over making these there's people all over making these there's people all over making these commitments. We're seeing these populate commitments. We're seeing these populate commitments. We're seeing these populate live. So, whatever you picked, hey, live. So, whatever you picked, hey, live. So, whatever you picked, hey, that's your thing. That's your uh that's your thing. That's your uh that's your thing. That's your uh mission statement for today. and we'd mission statement for today. and we'd mission statement for today. and we'd love to pray for you, encourage you. love to pray for you, encourage you. love to pray for you, encourage you. Victor and I, we've got a great team of Victor and I, we've got a great team of Victor and I, we've got a great team of people who would love to do that. You people who would love to do that. You people who would love to do that. You can go to crossroads.net, click the chat can go to crossroads.net, click the chat can go to crossroads.net, click the chat button, or you can just email me button, or you can just email me button, or you can just email me directly at anywhere crossroads.net directly at anywhere crossroads.net directly at anywhere crossroads.net and we'd love to pray for you, encourage and we'd love to pray for you, encourage and we'd love to pray for you, encourage you, help hold you accountable, help you you, help hold you accountable, help you you, help hold you accountable, help you go take that next step that you just go take that next step that you just go take that next step that you just selected of A, B, or C, or whatever we selected of A, B, or C, or whatever we selected of A, B, or C, or whatever we can do to encourage you in your pursuit can do to encourage you in your pursuit can do to encourage you in your pursuit of God and experience of him in your of God and experience of him in your of God and experience of him in your daily life.

daily life. daily life. >> That's right. We're so glad that you >> That's right. We're so glad that you >> That's right. We're so glad that you joined us today and we would love to joined us today and we would love to joined us today and we would love to continue walking with you as you take a continue walking with you as you take a continue walking with you as you take a bold step this week. bold step this week. bold step this week. >> Awesome. We'll see you guys next week. >> Awesome. We'll see you guys next week. >> Awesome. We'll see you guys next week. Have a great one.