Dust It Off and Do It Again (Raw Series) | Brody Shrader, Crossroads Uptown

Hey everybody, good morning. Good Hey everybody, good morning. Good morning. Welcome to church. My name is morning. Welcome to church. My name is morning. Welcome to church. My name is Brody. I'm the pastor around here. Hey. Brody. I'm the pastor around here. Hey. Brody. I'm the pastor around here. Hey. And uh we're talking about friendship And uh we're talking about friendship And uh we're talking about friendship today. Anyone excited to talk about today. Anyone excited to talk about today. Anyone excited to talk about friendship? I think this is an exciting friendship? I think this is an exciting friendship? I think this is an exciting topic. topic. topic. And uh in Bible and in Jesus has a lot And uh in Bible and in Jesus has a lot And uh in Bible and in Jesus has a lot to say about it. You know, we care a lot to say about it. You know, we care a lot to say about it. You know, we care a lot about friendship around here. Every about friendship around here. Every about friendship around here. Every single Sunday we actually close us our single Sunday we actually close us our single Sunday we actually close us our services the exact same way. We say services the exact same way. We say services the exact same way. We say around here, you belong here. around here, you belong here. around here, you belong here. And my friends DO, TOO. SO, IT'S ABOUT And my friends DO, TOO. SO, IT'S ABOUT And my friends DO, TOO. SO, IT'S ABOUT time that we dedicate an entire week time that we dedicate an entire week time that we dedicate an entire week message to friendship. So, that's what message to friendship. So, that's what message to friendship. So, that's what we're going to talk about today. We're we're going to talk about today. We're we're going to talk about today. We're going to talk about deep friendships. going to talk about deep friendships. going to talk about deep friendships. How to get them, how to forge them. And How to get them, how to forge them. And How to get them, how to forge them. And I'm going to spoil the message. I'm just I'm going to spoil the message. I'm just I'm going to spoil the message. I'm just going to cut to the chase and give you going to cut to the chase and give you going to cut to the chase and give you the promise of today's message. The the promise of today's message. The the promise of today's message. The promise, and my hope, is that by the end promise, and my hope, is that by the end promise, and my hope, is that by the end of today you understand the key to of today you understand the key to of today you understand the key to forging the deepest friendships in your forging the deepest friendships in your forging the deepest friendships in your life. That's my hope. life. That's my hope. life. That's my hope. The point of today is to help you The point of today is to help you The point of today is to help you discover how to forge deep friendships discover how to forge deep friendships discover how to forge deep friendships that last the test of time. Not just that last the test of time. Not just that last the test of time. Not just acquaintances, not just people you have acquaintances, not just people you have acquaintances, not just people you have shared interests in, or people you do shared interests in, or people you do shared interests in, or people you do hobbies with, like deep friendships that hobbies with, like deep friendships that hobbies with, like deep friendships that are with you no matter what. That that's are with you no matter what. That that's are with you no matter what. That that's the goal. So, let me just pray really the goal. So, let me just pray really the goal. So, let me just pray really quick and then we'll then we'll get into quick and then we'll then we'll get into quick and then we'll then we'll get into it. Jesus, you care a lot about it. Jesus, you care a lot about it. Jesus, you care a lot about friendship. Uh you were an amazing friendship. Uh you were an amazing friendship. Uh you were an amazing friend.

friend. friend. You had good friends, and the Bible has You had good friends, and the Bible has You had good friends, and the Bible has a lot to say about it. So, Lord, would a lot to say about it. So, Lord, would a lot to say about it. So, Lord, would you uh would you just speak to us, teach you uh would you just speak to us, teach you uh would you just speak to us, teach us a little bit about friendship today. us a little bit about friendship today. us a little bit about friendship today. Help us to learn how to forge deep Help us to learn how to forge deep Help us to learn how to forge deep friendships. friendships. friendships. Amen. Um well, hey. I I don't know where Amen. Um well, hey. I I don't know where Amen. Um well, hey. I I don't know where you're at on the friendship spectrum. you're at on the friendship spectrum. you're at on the friendship spectrum. Maybe some of you believe that your, you Maybe some of you believe that your, you Maybe some of you believe that your, you know, independence is actually a know, independence is actually a know, independence is actually a superpower. Some of you are that friend superpower. Some of you are that friend superpower. Some of you are that friend that kind of floats between all of the that kind of floats between all of the that kind of floats between all of the friend groups. Like you're not actually friend groups. Like you're not actually friend groups. Like you're not actually like in in with any friend group, but like in in with any friend group, but like in in with any friend group, but you are you are quote unquote friends you are you are quote unquote friends you are you are quote unquote friends with a lot of different friend groups. with a lot of different friend groups. with a lot of different friend groups. Or maybe you you're just like really Or maybe you you're just like really Or maybe you you're just like really independent. You're like, "No. I I'm a I independent. You're like, "No. I I'm a I independent. You're like, "No. I I'm a I am a strong independent person. I don't am a strong independent person. I don't am a strong independent person. I don't need no man. I don't need anybody need no man. I don't need anybody need no man. I don't need anybody telling me what to do. telling me what to do. telling me what to do. I am independent and it's a gift and I am independent and it's a gift and I am independent and it's a gift and it's a strength. Well, can I just tell it's a strength. Well, can I just tell it's a strength. Well, can I just tell you something lovingly? Uh you're wrong. you something lovingly? Uh you're wrong. you something lovingly? Uh you're wrong. You're wrong. Your independence is not a You're wrong. Your independence is not a You're wrong. Your independence is not a strength. In fact, we are better off strength. In fact, we are better off strength. In fact, we are better off when we are dependent on people. Like we when we are dependent on people. Like we when we are dependent on people. Like we are better with people.

are better with people. are better with people. People make us better. Deep People make us better. Deep People make us better. Deep relationships make us better. And if you relationships make us better. And if you relationships make us better. And if you believe that your independence is going believe that your independence is going believe that your independence is going to make you the best version of to make you the best version of to make you the best version of yourself, time will tell. Time will tell yourself, time will tell. Time will tell yourself, time will tell. Time will tell that that that won't actually happen. that that that won't actually happen. that that that won't actually happen. The best version of yourself is the The best version of yourself is the The best version of yourself is the version of you that has deep version of you that has deep version of you that has deep friendships. friendships. friendships. Deep friendships that you're accountable Deep friendships that you're accountable Deep friendships that you're accountable to, people who know you, you you know to, people who know you, you you know to, people who know you, you you know them, they carry you in all the hard them, they carry you in all the hard them, they carry you in all the hard stuff, they celebrate all the good stuff stuff, they celebrate all the good stuff stuff, they celebrate all the good stuff with you. You are the best version of with you. You are the best version of with you. You are the best version of yourself with people around you. And yourself with people around you. And yourself with people around you. And I've learned this truth over time the I've learned this truth over time the I've learned this truth over time the hard way. Over and over and over I've hard way. Over and over and over I've hard way. Over and over and over I've found that I'm better with deep found that I'm better with deep found that I'm better with deep relationships in my life. I was just relationships in my life. I was just relationships in my life. I was just reminded of it this past weekend, reminded of it this past weekend, reminded of it this past weekend, actually two weekends ago. I had the actually two weekends ago. I had the actually two weekends ago. I had the privilege of officiating very close privilege of officiating very close privilege of officiating very close friends of of of mine. I got to friends of of of mine. I got to friends of of of mine. I got to officiate their wedding. They got officiate their wedding. They got officiate their wedding. They got married and it was really special. It married and it was really special. It married and it was really special. It was an honor. Megan and I have Someone's was an honor. Megan and I have Someone's was an honor. Megan and I have Someone's excited about that. Yeah, someone got excited about that. Yeah, someone got excited about that. Yeah, someone got married. married. married. Uh Megan and I have been mentoring this Uh Megan and I have been mentoring this Uh Megan and I have been mentoring this this couple before they were even this couple before they were even this couple before they were even dating. Like we just knew them as dating. Like we just knew them as dating. Like we just knew them as individuals and then we were mentoring individuals and then we were mentoring individuals and then we were mentoring them when they started dating and then them when they started dating and then them when they started dating and then engaged and then we had the the honor of engaged and then we had the the honor of engaged and then we had the the honor of officiating their wedding two weekends officiating their wedding two weekends officiating their wedding two weekends ago and um you may know them. Their ago and um you may know them. Their ago and um you may know them. Their names are Emily and Joe Yurkins. Emily's names are Emily and Joe Yurkins. Emily's names are Emily and Joe Yurkins. Emily's our kids club director around here. And our kids club director around here. And our kids club director around here. And uh they're very close friends to us. So, uh they're very close friends to us. So, uh they're very close friends to us. So, after the after the wedding, we were after the after the wedding, we were after the after the wedding, we were like I was I was just still very moved.

like I was I was just still very moved. like I was I was just still very moved. I was very honored. I was in my feels I was very honored. I was in my feels I was very honored. I was in my feels about officiating this wedding and being about officiating this wedding and being about officiating this wedding and being asked to to be a part of their really asked to to be a part of their really asked to to be a part of their really big day. So, I did what anyone around 30 big day. So, I did what anyone around 30 big day. So, I did what anyone around 30 years old does when there's a really big years old does when there's a really big years old does when there's a really big moment in our life. I posted about it on moment in our life. I posted about it on moment in our life. I posted about it on Instagram. I made a post and I poured my Instagram. I made a post and I poured my Instagram. I made a post and I poured my heart out into this caption. I put a heart out into this caption. I put a heart out into this caption. I put a picture of of me and Megan and Emily and picture of of me and Megan and Emily and picture of of me and Megan and Emily and Joe. In fact, have we seen a picture of Joe. In fact, have we seen a picture of Joe. In fact, have we seen a picture of them really quick? Look at this picture them really quick? Look at this picture them really quick? Look at this picture of them from their wedding day. Aren't of them from their wedding day. Aren't of them from their wedding day. Aren't they beautiful? they beautiful? they beautiful? They're amazing. I know what you're They're amazing. I know what you're They're amazing. I know what you're thinking. You're like, dang, they're thinking. You're like, dang, they're thinking. You're like, dang, they're good looking. good looking. good looking. Can God save a little bit of that for Can God save a little bit of that for Can God save a little bit of that for me? Like, they are they are an me? Like, they are they are an me? Like, they are they are an attractive looking couple. No, they're attractive looking couple. No, they're attractive looking couple. No, they're amazing and and they're part of our amazing and and they're part of our amazing and and they're part of our Uptown family and I was honored. Now, I Uptown family and I was honored. Now, I Uptown family and I was honored. Now, I posted those pictures on my Instagram, posted those pictures on my Instagram, posted those pictures on my Instagram, pouring my heart out in in the caption pouring my heart out in in the caption pouring my heart out in in the caption about how honored I was and thankful I about how honored I was and thankful I about how honored I was and thankful I was to be be asked to, you know, be a was to be be asked to, you know, be a was to be be asked to, you know, be a part of their special day. And I hit part of their special day. And I hit part of their special day. And I hit send and this was the next morning and send and this was the next morning and send and this was the next morning and about 5 minutes later I hear Megan, my about 5 minutes later I hear Megan, my about 5 minutes later I hear Megan, my wife, wife, wife, come screaming down the hall. And she's come screaming down the hall. And she's come screaming down the hall. And she's hot. She's like, hot. She's like, hot. She's like, Brody, where are you? Brody, where are you? Brody, where are you? And now, context important context. I And now, context important context. I And now, context important context. I was on the toilet taking my morning poo.

was on the toilet taking my morning poo. was on the toilet taking my morning poo. This is where I was. And I was already This is where I was. And I was already This is where I was. And I was already in a vulnerable and compromising in a vulnerable and compromising in a vulnerable and compromising position on the toilet and now my wife position on the toilet and now my wife position on the toilet and now my wife is screaming at me from across across is screaming at me from across across is screaming at me from across across the the the house. SHE WHERE ARE YOU? the the the house. SHE WHERE ARE YOU? the the the house. SHE WHERE ARE YOU? AND I'm like, I'M IN THE BATHROOM. SHE AND I'm like, I'M IN THE BATHROOM. SHE AND I'm like, I'M IN THE BATHROOM. SHE GOES, BOOM, KICKS THE door open. She GOES, BOOM, KICKS THE door open. She GOES, BOOM, KICKS THE door open. She goes, did you post about Emily and Joe's goes, did you post about Emily and Joe's goes, did you post about Emily and Joe's wedding on Instagram? I was like, yeah, wedding on Instagram? I was like, yeah, wedding on Instagram? I was like, yeah, like of course. You looked beautiful, like of course. You looked beautiful, like of course. You looked beautiful, babe. Look at this picture. You look babe. Look at this picture. You look babe. Look at this picture. You look great. And great. And great. And over the course of our marriage, Megan over the course of our marriage, Megan over the course of our marriage, Megan has done this thing which which she did has done this thing which which she did has done this thing which which she did for me in this moment. She has for me in this moment. She has for me in this moment. She has shown me and taught me a lot of the shown me and taught me a lot of the shown me and taught me a lot of the secret girl codes that exist in in in secret girl codes that exist in in in secret girl codes that exist in in in the the the like woman ethic book that the the the like woman ethic book that the the the like woman ethic book that exists somewhere. I don't know where exists somewhere. I don't know where exists somewhere. I don't know where that book lives. Like, I don't know if that book lives. Like, I don't know if that book lives. Like, I don't know if it's like the constitution in Washington it's like the constitution in Washington it's like the constitution in Washington where it is, but all all women I've ever where it is, but all all women I've ever where it is, but all all women I've ever met know all of the rules and us dudes met know all of the rules and us dudes met know all of the rules and us dudes don't know any of the rules. Like, we don't know any of the rules. Like, we don't know any of the rules. Like, we never know. So, Megan told me she never know. So, Megan told me she never know. So, Megan told me she educated me on one of the codes of educated me on one of the codes of educated me on one of the codes of womanhood womanhood womanhood when I was on the toilet. She said, when I was on the toilet. She said, when I was on the toilet. She said, babe, babe, babe, you never post a picture of a bride on you never post a picture of a bride on you never post a picture of a bride on Instagram before she's posted a picture Instagram before she's posted a picture Instagram before she's posted a picture of herself on Instagram. And all of the of herself on Instagram. And all of the of herself on Instagram. And all of the girls right now are nodding because you girls right now are nodding because you girls right now are nodding because you understand and all of us guys you're understand and all of us guys you're understand and all of us guys you're looking at me dumbfounded like I was looking at me dumbfounded like I was looking at me dumbfounded like I was like, okay, I didn't know. I'm sorry. So like, okay, I didn't know. I'm sorry. So like, okay, I didn't know. I'm sorry. So I went and I deleted it and you know it I went and I deleted it and you know it I went and I deleted it and you know it only had six likes which is on par for only had six likes which is on par for only had six likes which is on par for me. So there wasn't a lot of people me. So there wasn't a lot of people me. So there wasn't a lot of people that saw it. I took it down and Emily that saw it. I took it down and Emily that saw it. I took it down and Emily and Joe still haven't seen it. I don't and Joe still haven't seen it. I don't and Joe still haven't seen it. I don't know if they if they have. I mean they

know if they if they have. I mean they know if they if they have. I mean they might be mad about it but no takesies might be mad about it but no takesies might be mad about it but no takesies backsies. I've already officiated their backsies. I've already officiated their backsies. I've already officiated their wedding. It's over. wedding. It's over. wedding. It's over. We're better together. People make us We're better together. People make us We're better together. People make us better. Deep relationships make us better. Deep relationships make us better. Deep relationships make us better. You will learn that over time. better. You will learn that over time. better. You will learn that over time. Your independence is not a strength. Your independence is not a strength. Your independence is not a strength. Your dependence on people and in forging Your dependence on people and in forging Your dependence on people and in forging deep relationship is the key to a rich deep relationship is the key to a rich deep relationship is the key to a rich and fulfilling life. And the reason that and fulfilling life. And the reason that and fulfilling life. And the reason that I know this is because right now I am I know this is because right now I am I know this is because right now I am and and Megan and I would say we're in and and Megan and I would say we're in and and Megan and I would say we're in maybe the richest time of our life when maybe the richest time of our life when maybe the richest time of our life when it comes to relationship. We have a lot it comes to relationship. We have a lot it comes to relationship. We have a lot of deep friendships. of deep friendships. of deep friendships. Friendships that are really really Friendships that are really really Friendships that are really really important to us. They they are important to us. They they are important to us. They they are relationships that make us better. And I relationships that make us better. And I relationships that make us better. And I know that we have it really good right know that we have it really good right know that we have it really good right now because we haven't always had it now because we haven't always had it now because we haven't always had it this good. I know what the other side of this good. I know what the other side of this good. I know what the other side of the coin is like. I know how good it is the coin is like. I know how good it is the coin is like. I know how good it is right now because I've lived in a time right now because I've lived in a time right now because I've lived in a time where it hasn't been this good and we've where it hasn't been this good and we've where it hasn't been this good and we've had zero deep relationships. had zero deep relationships. had zero deep relationships. It hasn't always been this way for us. It hasn't always been this way for us. It hasn't always been this way for us. We haven't always had really really deep We haven't always had really really deep We haven't always had really really deep relationships. In fact there's been relationships. In fact there's been relationships. In fact there's been times where it felt like we had zero.

times where it felt like we had zero. times where it felt like we had zero. Five and a half years ago when when we Five and a half years ago when when we Five and a half years ago when when we moved to Cincinnati, we're not from moved to Cincinnati, we're not from moved to Cincinnati, we're not from here. here. here. We were both raised in the great land up We were both raised in the great land up We were both raised in the great land up north, the land of Michigan. And um north, the land of Michigan. And um north, the land of Michigan. And um Yeah, boo boo. I get it. Yeah, boo boo. I get it. Yeah, boo boo. I get it. Uh we had friendships in Michigan in our Uh we had friendships in Michigan in our Uh we had friendships in Michigan in our hometown that had been forged literally hometown that had been forged literally hometown that had been forged literally over decades because we had known these over decades because we had known these over decades because we had known these people our whole life. This is our people our whole life. This is our people our whole life. This is our hometown that we left to move to hometown that we left to move to hometown that we left to move to Cincinnati. We had friendships that we Cincinnati. We had friendships that we Cincinnati. We had friendships that we had known and had been cultivating and had known and had been cultivating and had known and had been cultivating and forging for 20 plus years. I had a group forging for 20 plus years. I had a group forging for 20 plus years. I had a group of friends, a group of guys who meant a of friends, a group of guys who meant a of friends, a group of guys who meant a whole lot to me. They were my best whole lot to me. They were my best whole lot to me. They were my best friends, deep deep relationships with friends, deep deep relationships with friends, deep deep relationships with these dudes. They were all in my these dudes. They were all in my these dudes. They were all in my wedding. wedding. wedding. I stood up in their weddings. Our I stood up in their weddings. Our I stood up in their weddings. Our friendship had history. It had weathered friendship had history. It had weathered friendship had history. It had weathered some difficulty and we we had grown some difficulty and we we had grown some difficulty and we we had grown together. We we had shared memories together. We we had shared memories together. We we had shared memories together and bonded together. These were together and bonded together. These were together and bonded together. These were my guys, man. Like they were my best my guys, man. Like they were my best my guys, man. Like they were my best friends. friends. friends. And right before we moved to Cincinnati, And right before we moved to Cincinnati, And right before we moved to Cincinnati, I made some really bad decisions with my I made some really bad decisions with my I made some really bad decisions with my life. I failed. life. I failed. life. I failed. I made big mistakes and I ruined those I made big mistakes and I ruined those I made big mistakes and I ruined those friendships.

friendships. friendships. I betrayed these friends. I betrayed these friends. I betrayed these friends. I went behind their backs. I went behind their backs. I went behind their backs. I made decisions in this friend group I made decisions in this friend group I made decisions in this friend group that I am still ashamed of. Like I'm that I am still ashamed of. Like I'm that I am still ashamed of. Like I'm still embarrassed that I did these still embarrassed that I did these still embarrassed that I did these things. And the the details of the story things. And the the details of the story things. And the the details of the story are a little too long to share on a are a little too long to share on a are a little too long to share on a Sunday morning. I I would love to share Sunday morning. I I would love to share Sunday morning. I I would love to share them. I'm actually starting a Bible them. I'm actually starting a Bible them. I'm actually starting a Bible study on Wednesday for for young men. I study on Wednesday for for young men. I study on Wednesday for for young men. I I plan on getting into some of the I plan on getting into some of the I plan on getting into some of the details because I think it's important details because I think it's important details because I think it's important to talk about failure in friendship. But to talk about failure in friendship. But to talk about failure in friendship. But I failed these friends. I failed these friends. I failed these friends. I failed them. I failed them. I failed them. And here we were moving to a new city And here we were moving to a new city And here we were moving to a new city with no friends, with no friends, with no friends, no history, no history, no history, zero community, zero community, zero community, and the friends we thought we would have and the friends we thought we would have and the friends we thought we would have back home, hundreds of miles away, were back home, hundreds of miles away, were back home, hundreds of miles away, were now gone because of my mistakes. now gone because of my mistakes. now gone because of my mistakes. And maybe today, And maybe today, And maybe today, maybe you're in a place like that with maybe you're in a place like that with maybe you're in a place like that with friendship. friendship. friendship. Maybe when you think about friendship, Maybe when you think about friendship, Maybe when you think about friendship, you can't help but think of the ways you can't help but think of the ways you can't help but think of the ways that you, like me, have failed friends that you, like me, have failed friends that you, like me, have failed friends and have lost friends, too. and have lost friends, too. and have lost friends, too. Because of mistakes that you've made.

Because of mistakes that you've made. Because of mistakes that you've made. Maybe you're like me and you lay in bed Maybe you're like me and you lay in bed Maybe you're like me and you lay in bed at night and you think of those at night and you think of those at night and you think of those friendships and you you you friendships and you you you friendships and you you you have imaginary conversations with them have imaginary conversations with them have imaginary conversations with them in your mind, things you wish you could in your mind, things you wish you could in your mind, things you wish you could say to them, but you know you'll never say to them, but you know you'll never say to them, but you know you'll never be able to say to them? Maybe like me, you you think about these Maybe like me, you you think about these friends and whenever they they pop up friends and whenever they they pop up friends and whenever they they pop up online on on Instagram and you see online on on Instagram and you see online on on Instagram and you see pictures of them, you think like, pictures of them, you think like, pictures of them, you think like, "I wonder if they still talk about me." "I wonder if they still talk about me." "I wonder if they still talk about me." And if they do talk about me, do they And if they do talk about me, do they And if they do talk about me, do they talk about all the good times that we talk about all the good times that we talk about all the good times that we had or do they talk about how bad of a had or do they talk about how bad of a had or do they talk about how bad of a friend I was? friend I was? friend I was? And maybe that's where you're at with And maybe that's where you're at with And maybe that's where you're at with friendship. Maybe you're the other side of the coin. Maybe you're the other side of the coin. You've suffered some loss in friendship You've suffered some loss in friendship You've suffered some loss in friendship because of things that people have done because of things that people have done because of things that people have done to you. to you. to you. People have harmed you. They've taken People have harmed you. They've taken People have harmed you. They've taken advantage of you. They've gone behind advantage of you. They've gone behind advantage of you. They've gone behind your back. And now you're hurting with your back. And now you're hurting with your back. And now you're hurting with friendship and you don't have much much friendship and you don't have much much friendship and you don't have much much deep relationship happen in your life deep relationship happen in your life deep relationship happen in your life right now because of things that people right now because of things that people right now because of things that people have done to you. Here's what I want you have done to you. Here's what I want you have done to you. Here's what I want you to hear. No matter where you're at in to hear. No matter where you're at in to hear. No matter where you're at in the friendship thing, the friendship thing, the friendship thing, you're in the perfect place this you're in the perfect place this you're in the perfect place this morning.

morning. morning. It can be easy to believe that in a It can be easy to believe that in a It can be easy to believe that in a place like this, we all have it together place like this, we all have it together place like this, we all have it together relationally. And that ain't true. relationally. And that ain't true. relationally. And that ain't true. It can be extra easy to believe that the It can be extra easy to believe that the It can be extra easy to believe that the guy on stage with the microphone has it guy on stage with the microphone has it guy on stage with the microphone has it all together with relationships. And all together with relationships. And all together with relationships. And that ain't true either. You give me the that ain't true either. You give me the that ain't true either. You give me the microphone long enough, I'll tell you microphone long enough, I'll tell you microphone long enough, I'll tell you about all my failures. about all my failures. about all my failures. We don't have it together with We don't have it together with We don't have it together with friendships, but there is a way. friendships, but there is a way. friendships, but there is a way. There is a way. There is a way. There is a way. There's a way that God has given us to There's a way that God has given us to There's a way that God has given us to forge the deepest friendships that I forge the deepest friendships that I forge the deepest friendships that I want to talk about today. And there was want to talk about today. And there was want to talk about today. And there was something that happened about 9 months something that happened about 9 months something that happened about 9 months into Megan and I living here. into Megan and I living here. into Megan and I living here. 9 months in, we kind of both looked at 9 months in, we kind of both looked at 9 months in, we kind of both looked at each other and we're like, each other and we're like, each other and we're like, "Are you feeling what I'm feeling here? "Are you feeling what I'm feeling here? "Are you feeling what I'm feeling here? Like, Like, Like, are you are you on the same wavelength are you are you on the same wavelength are you are you on the same wavelength here as me? That I I'm I'm picking here as me? That I I'm I'm picking here as me? That I I'm I'm picking something up. I think 9 months in something up. I think 9 months in something up. I think 9 months in to a new city, to a new city, to a new city, we have we have we have deeper friendships than we ever had with deeper friendships than we ever had with deeper friendships than we ever had with people that we had known for 20 years. people that we had known for 20 years. people that we had known for 20 years. Are you picking that up, too?" And she Are you picking that up, too?" And she Are you picking that up, too?" And she was like, "Yeah, I am. That's crazy, was like, "Yeah, I am. That's crazy, was like, "Yeah, I am. That's crazy, right?" And I was like, "That is crazy.

right?" And I was like, "That is crazy. right?" And I was like, "That is crazy. How is that even possible that we could How is that even possible that we could How is that even possible that we could know someone for 20 years and in 9 know someone for 20 years and in 9 know someone for 20 years and in 9 months, other groups of friends could months, other groups of friends could months, other groups of friends could feel like they're deeper in their feel like they're deeper in their feel like they're deeper in their friendship. That's the place, friendship. That's the place, friendship. That's the place, thankfully, thankfully, thankfully, that we've been in for the last 5-ish that we've been in for the last 5-ish that we've been in for the last 5-ish years of our life. And I want to share a years of our life. And I want to share a years of our life. And I want to share a few things with you. I want to share few things with you. I want to share few things with you. I want to share actually some pictures of some of these actually some pictures of some of these actually some pictures of some of these friends with you. Some of our closest friends with you. Some of our closest friends with you. Some of our closest and deepest friends. These are our best and deepest friends. These are our best and deepest friends. These are our best friends right here. This is Caroline and friends right here. This is Caroline and friends right here. This is Caroline and Dakota Draper. They're our best friends, Dakota Draper. They're our best friends, Dakota Draper. They're our best friends, and these are all their kids. We We make and these are all their kids. We We make and these are all their kids. We We make blonde babies, apparently. It's just blonde babies, apparently. It's just blonde babies, apparently. It's just what we do. what we do. what we do. Caroline is the community pastor of our Caroline is the community pastor of our Caroline is the community pastor of our Florence Crossroads Florence location. Florence Crossroads Florence location. Florence Crossroads Florence location. Dakota was a student pastor Dakota was a student pastor Dakota was a student pastor at Crossroads. That's how I met him. We at Crossroads. That's how I met him. We at Crossroads. That's how I met him. We were both student pastor buddies were both student pastor buddies were both student pastor buddies together, and he and I are idiots. together, and he and I are idiots. together, and he and I are idiots. Like, we're idiots together. And and we Like, we're idiots together. And and we Like, we're idiots together. And and we know it, and we're okay. Like, we love know it, and we're okay. Like, we love know it, and we're okay. Like, we love it. And our wives, they play this really it. And our wives, they play this really it. And our wives, they play this really funny game. It's really cute. They like funny game. It's really cute. They like funny game. It's really cute. They like They pretend that they don't like that They pretend that they don't like that They pretend that they don't like that we're idiots, we're idiots, we're idiots, but deep down they really love it. Like, but deep down they really love it. Like, but deep down they really love it. Like, they love how dumb we are. they love how dumb we are. they love how dumb we are. They're our best friends. Th- These They're our best friends. Th- These They're our best friends. Th- These friendships have meant the world to us.

friendships have meant the world to us. friendships have meant the world to us. They have been with us in some of our They have been with us in some of our They have been with us in some of our deepest failures of our life. They've deepest failures of our life. They've deepest failures of our life. They've celebrated some of the greatest things celebrated some of the greatest things celebrated some of the greatest things in our life. They celebrated the in our life. They celebrated the in our life. They celebrated the mountaintops with us. They've carried us mountaintops with us. They've carried us mountaintops with us. They've carried us when we were too weak to walk when we were too weak to walk when we were too weak to walk by ourselves. They sharpened us by ourselves. They sharpened us by ourselves. They sharpened us and challenged us when we needed to move and challenged us when we needed to move and challenged us when we needed to move forward, and we've done the same for forward, and we've done the same for forward, and we've done the same for them, vice versa. Th- These friends are them, vice versa. Th- These friends are them, vice versa. Th- These friends are deep, important friends to our life who deep, important friends to our life who deep, important friends to our life who make us better. There's another group of make us better. There's another group of make us better. There's another group of friends friends friends that we have. This group of friends we that we have. This group of friends we that we have. This group of friends we kind of call the Cincinnati Misfits kind of call the Cincinnati Misfits kind of call the Cincinnati Misfits because there's a group of friends because there's a group of friends because there's a group of friends that's been growing for us who are like that's been growing for us who are like that's been growing for us who are like us, they aren't from Cincinnati. They've us, they aren't from Cincinnati. They've us, they aren't from Cincinnati. They've moved here, and they all moved here to moved here, and they all moved here to moved here, and they all moved here to take jobs at Crossroads. So, they're take jobs at Crossroads. So, they're take jobs at Crossroads. So, they're like kind of on the same mission. We're like kind of on the same mission. We're like kind of on the same mission. We're We're We're doing the same thing, but we We're We're doing the same thing, but we We're We're doing the same thing, but we don't have family here. So, every Easter don't have family here. So, every Easter don't have family here. So, every Easter Megan and I host a dinner on Easter, and Megan and I host a dinner on Easter, and Megan and I host a dinner on Easter, and we host all these friends to our house we host all these friends to our house we host all these friends to our house because none of us have family in town because none of us have family in town because none of us have family in town to celebrate Easter with. So, we to celebrate Easter with. So, we to celebrate Easter with. So, we celebrate it together, and it's really, celebrate it together, and it's really, celebrate it together, and it's really, really sweet. And then there's another really sweet. And then there's another really sweet. And then there's another another group that I just want to talk another group that I just want to talk another group that I just want to talk about for a for a This group you might about for a for a This group you might about for a for a This group you might recognize Uh at the Reds game you'll recognize Uh at the Reds game you'll recognize Uh at the Reds game you'll recognize some of these people. This is recognize some of these people. This is recognize some of these people. This is a group of our staff from Crossroads a group of our staff from Crossroads a group of our staff from Crossroads Uptown and their spouses. This is a Uptown and their spouses. This is a Uptown and their spouses. This is a group of friends of ours that we lead a group of friends of ours that we lead a group of friends of ours that we lead a small group with, too. And one of the small group with, too. And one of the small group with, too. And one of the coolest parts of of my life ever, like coolest parts of of my life ever, like coolest parts of of my life ever, like one of the coolest things I've ever been one of the coolest things I've ever been one of the coolest things I've ever been able to do, when launching this church, able to do, when launching this church, able to do, when launching this church, is be able to hire some of my friends.

is be able to hire some of my friends. is be able to hire some of my friends. Like that has been really really special Like that has been really really special Like that has been really really special for me. And as we've as we've launched for me. And as we've as we've launched for me. And as we've as we've launched our church together and done things our church together and done things our church together and done things together and been on mission running together and been on mission running together and been on mission running after things together, the friendships after things together, the friendships after things together, the friendships have deepened. Now, today is not a have deepened. Now, today is not a have deepened. Now, today is not a celebrate Brody's friendship slideshow celebrate Brody's friendship slideshow celebrate Brody's friendship slideshow day. day. day. That's not what today is about. That's not what today is about. That's not what today is about. The reason that I put those pictures up The reason that I put those pictures up The reason that I put those pictures up there is one to say, we are lucky to there is one to say, we are lucky to there is one to say, we are lucky to have them because at one point we have them because at one point we have them because at one point we didn't. didn't. didn't. And if you don't, there's a way for you. And if you don't, there's a way for you. And if you don't, there's a way for you. There's a way forward. But two, maybe There's a way forward. But two, maybe There's a way forward. But two, maybe even more importantly, I want you to even more importantly, I want you to even more importantly, I want you to understand that all of these deep understand that all of these deep understand that all of these deep friendships that we have in our life friendships that we have in our life friendships that we have in our life have something in common. have something in common. have something in common. There's a through line. There's a thread There's a through line. There's a thread There's a through line. There's a thread with all of these friendships, and I with all of these friendships, and I with all of these friendships, and I don't know if you caught it, but I'll don't know if you caught it, but I'll don't know if you caught it, but I'll just tell you what it is. All of these just tell you what it is. All of these just tell you what it is. All of these friends, the deep friendships that we friends, the deep friendships that we friends, the deep friendships that we have, were all running after something have, were all running after something have, were all running after something together. together. together. We are all going in the same direction We are all going in the same direction We are all going in the same direction together. together. together. So if you're a note taker, this is the So if you're a note taker, this is the So if you're a note taker, this is the time I'm going to give you the bottom time I'm going to give you the bottom time I'm going to give you the bottom line for the talk. This is the time to line for the talk. This is the time to line for the talk. This is the time to write something down. If you're not a write something down. If you're not a write something down. If you're not a note taker, take out your phone, maybe note taker, take out your phone, maybe note taker, take out your phone, maybe write this down. This is the key to write this down. This is the key to write this down. This is the key to forging deep relationships. You ready?

forging deep relationships. You ready? forging deep relationships. You ready? Deep Deep Deep friendships friendships friendships are a byproduct are a byproduct are a byproduct of a life on mission. of a life on mission. of a life on mission. Let me say that again. Deep friendships Let me say that again. Deep friendships Let me say that again. Deep friendships are a byproduct of a life on mission. are a byproduct of a life on mission. are a byproduct of a life on mission. All of the deep friendships that we've All of the deep friendships that we've All of the deep friendships that we've ever experienced in our life have had ever experienced in our life have had ever experienced in our life have had this in common. this in common. this in common. We've been on mission together. We've We've been on mission together. We've We've been on mission together. We've been chasing after things together. It's been chasing after things together. It's been chasing after things together. It's not that we're just like the same age or not that we're just like the same age or not that we're just like the same age or we have the same hobbies or the same we have the same hobbies or the same we have the same hobbies or the same interests, but we've been on mission interests, but we've been on mission interests, but we've been on mission together, and mission forges the deepest together, and mission forges the deepest together, and mission forges the deepest friendships. friendships. friendships. You don't need to take my word for it You don't need to take my word for it You don't need to take my word for it though. though. though. What if we just look at Jesus' life? What if we just look at Jesus' life? What if we just look at Jesus' life? What if we look at how he forged What if we look at how he forged What if we look at how he forged friendship? Let's see what he did friendship? Let's see what he did friendship? Let's see what he did because he was, I don't know if you know because he was, I don't know if you know because he was, I don't know if you know this, maybe probably the best friend this, maybe probably the best friend this, maybe probably the best friend that's ever lived. that's ever lived. that's ever lived. He had the best friend group of all He had the best friend group of all He had the best friend group of all time. Jesus was a master at time. Jesus was a master at time. Jesus was a master at relationships. relationships. relationships. Jesus assembled a friend group that is Jesus assembled a friend group that is Jesus assembled a friend group that is historic. historic. historic. You might know them as disciples. Maybe You might know them as disciples. Maybe You might know them as disciples. Maybe you've heard that word before. We call you've heard that word before. We call you've heard that word before. We call them the disciples, but really they were them the disciples, but really they were them the disciples, but really they were Jesus' closest friends. They were his Jesus' closest friends. They were his Jesus' closest friends. They were his buddies.

buddies. buddies. They were his deepest relationships. We They were his deepest relationships. We They were his deepest relationships. We call them disciples or apostles, but to call them disciples or apostles, but to call them disciples or apostles, but to Jesus they were friends. And Jesus Jesus they were friends. And Jesus Jesus they were friends. And Jesus when he was assembling this friend group when he was assembling this friend group when he was assembling this friend group did something really interesting. did something really interesting. did something really interesting. If you read in the Bible, you'll come If you read in the Bible, you'll come If you read in the Bible, you'll come across some of these passages of the across some of these passages of the across some of these passages of the Gospels where Jesus is calling these Gospels where Jesus is calling these Gospels where Jesus is calling these people to be a part of his life and he people to be a part of his life and he people to be a part of his life and he says something similar in all of the says something similar in all of the says something similar in all of the accounts of the Gospel. He says accounts of the Gospel. He says accounts of the Gospel. He says something like this. something like this. something like this. Andrew, which is one of his friends' Andrew, which is one of his friends' Andrew, which is one of his friends' names, Andrew, names, Andrew, names, Andrew, come follow me. come follow me. come follow me. Or Philip, Or Philip, Or Philip, come follow me. Or maybe you've heard come follow me. Or maybe you've heard come follow me. Or maybe you've heard this one before. This is this is a this one before. This is this is a this one before. This is this is a famous line of Jesus. Jesus approaches famous line of Jesus. Jesus approaches famous line of Jesus. Jesus approaches these guys and says, these guys and says, these guys and says, "Lay down your nets. "Lay down your nets. "Lay down your nets. I will make you fishers of men." I will make you fishers of men." I will make you fishers of men." He was talking to people who were He was talking to people who were He was talking to people who were fishermen by trade. And he says, "If you fishermen by trade. And he says, "If you fishermen by trade. And he says, "If you follow me, I'll make you fishers of follow me, I'll make you fishers of follow me, I'll make you fishers of men." Jesus men." Jesus men." Jesus did not invite these guys into a friend did not invite these guys into a friend did not invite these guys into a friend group. group. group. He invited them on a mission.

He invited them on a mission. He invited them on a mission. Jesus invited these guys onto a mission. Jesus invited these guys onto a mission. Jesus invited these guys onto a mission. And Jesus was on one himself. His And Jesus was on one himself. His And Jesus was on one himself. His mission was to come to the earth and mission was to come to the earth and mission was to come to the earth and save it, to save you and me. And he save it, to save you and me. And he save it, to save you and me. And he invited his friends to follow, to be a invited his friends to follow, to be a invited his friends to follow, to be a part of it, and to be on mission. And part of it, and to be on mission. And part of it, and to be on mission. And there's a turn that happens, an there's a turn that happens, an there's a turn that happens, an interesting turn that happens interesting turn that happens interesting turn that happens in Jesus' friend group. in Jesus' friend group. in Jesus' friend group. He doesn't invite them to his friends, He doesn't invite them to his friends, He doesn't invite them to his friends, but something does happen. This is John but something does happen. This is John but something does happen. This is John 15 verse 15. These are Jesus' words. I 15 verse 15. These are Jesus' words. I 15 verse 15. These are Jesus' words. I want you to read this. want you to read this. want you to read this. Jesus says, Jesus says, Jesus says, "No longer "No longer "No longer do I call you servants." do I call you servants." do I call you servants." Which originally he was like, "Come come Which originally he was like, "Come come Which originally he was like, "Come come follow me. Come serve the mission that follow me. Come serve the mission that follow me. Come serve the mission that I'm that I'm on. Come serve." But he I'm that I'm on. Come serve." But he I'm that I'm on. Come serve." But he says, "No longer do I call you servants, says, "No longer do I call you servants, says, "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what his for the servant doesn't know what his for the servant doesn't know what his master is doing. But now I call you master is doing. But now I call you master is doing. But now I call you friends. friends. friends. For all that I have heard from my For all that I have heard from my For all that I have heard from my father, I have made known to you." It father, I have made known to you." It father, I have made known to you." It was only after the disciples accepted was only after the disciples accepted was only after the disciples accepted the mission of Jesus that they forged the mission of Jesus that they forged the mission of Jesus that they forged deep friendships. And by the way, deep friendships. And by the way, deep friendships. And by the way, these deep friendships that the these deep friendships that the these deep friendships that the disciples formed changed the world.

disciples formed changed the world. disciples formed changed the world. Did you know that? Did you know that? Did you know that? We are sitting in a church that is We are sitting in a church that is We are sitting in a church that is 250-ish years old. 250-ish years old. 250-ish years old. We are We are reading We are We are reading We are We are reading from a Bible and a message that's 2,000 from a Bible and a message that's 2,000 from a Bible and a message that's 2,000 years old about these same guys. years old about these same guys. years old about these same guys. There There's a There's an underground There There's a There's an underground There There's a There's an underground church revival happening in China right church revival happening in China right church revival happening in China right now. now. now. People are baptized in our church left People are baptized in our church left People are baptized in our church left and right right now. and right right now. and right right now. Why would that happen? Why has that Why would that happen? Why has that Why would that happen? Why has that happened? Because these 12 dudes happened? Because these 12 dudes happened? Because these 12 dudes had deep friendships that changed the had deep friendships that changed the had deep friendships that changed the world. world. world. The friendships that they forged were The friendships that they forged were The friendships that they forged were strong enough not only to like outlast strong enough not only to like outlast strong enough not only to like outlast difficulty, difficulty, difficulty, to outlast to outlast to outlast hardship, or tension, or disagreement, hardship, or tension, or disagreement, hardship, or tension, or disagreement, but it was strong enough to change the but it was strong enough to change the but it was strong enough to change the actual world. And that is the deep actual world. And that is the deep actual world. And that is the deep friendship that God desires for you and friendship that God desires for you and friendship that God desires for you and me, too. Friendship strong enough to me, too. Friendship strong enough to me, too. Friendship strong enough to change the world. There's a story change the world. There's a story change the world. There's a story a story of a guy in our community whose a story of a guy in our community whose a story of a guy in our community whose name is Joshua. And his story of finding name is Joshua. And his story of finding name is Joshua. And his story of finding friendship uh is it perfectly friendship uh is it perfectly friendship uh is it perfectly encapsulates this idea of pursuing encapsulates this idea of pursuing encapsulates this idea of pursuing mission and deep relationship being a mission and deep relationship being a mission and deep relationship being a byproduct of it. I want you to hear byproduct of it. I want you to hear byproduct of it. I want you to hear Joshua's story.

>> Every one of these seats has a story >> Every one of these seats has a story about what God [music] has done. about what God [music] has done. about what God [music] has done. This is Joshua's story. This is Joshua's story. This is Joshua's story. >> When I moved here, I didn't know anyone. >> When I moved here, I didn't know anyone. >> When I moved here, I didn't know anyone. I just looked [music] up Cincinnati, I just looked [music] up Cincinnati, I just looked [music] up Cincinnati, like what's in Cincinnati? like what's in Cincinnati? like what's in Cincinnati? Um Um Um what can I do out there? Checked out what can I do out there? Checked out what can I do out there? Checked out Oakley and first time there [music] Oakley and first time there [music] Oakley and first time there [music] was definitely a wing. was definitely a wing. was definitely a wing. 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 you know, how they have the you know, how they have the announcements, [music] announcements, [music] announcements, [music] join a small group, get to know people, join a small group, get to know people, join a small group, get to know people, which I've now found that which I've now found that which I've now found that >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> at Crossroads, you really >> at Crossroads, you really >> at Crossroads, you really can't like have intentional can't like have intentional can't like have intentional relationships unless you do that. Just relationships unless you do that. Just relationships unless you do that. Just because of how big because of how big because of how big Crossroads is, is Crossroads is, is Crossroads is, is you need to kind of you need to join a you need to kind of you need to join a you need to kind of you need to join a small group or small group or small group or go to smaller events [music] go to smaller events [music] go to smaller events [music] to really get to know people. They said to really get to know people. They said to really get to know people. They said go to welcome center if you're new here. go to welcome center if you're new here. go to welcome center if you're new here. They'll help you get plugged in and meet They'll help you get plugged in and meet They'll help you get plugged in and meet new people and I was like, I need to new people and I was like, I need to new people and I was like, I need to meet [music] people in this not only meet [music] people in this not only meet [music] people in this not only this big church, but this new city.

this big church, but this new city. this big church, but this new city. I met uh Demetrius Montgomery at the I met uh Demetrius Montgomery at the I met uh Demetrius Montgomery at the welcome center. welcome center. welcome center. And she directed me to a young adults And she directed me to a young adults And she directed me to a young adults event [music] at Uptown. event [music] at Uptown. event [music] at Uptown. >> The funny thing is he wasn't going to be >> The funny thing is he wasn't going to be >> The funny thing is he wasn't going to be there. there. there. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [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, like, hey, like, hey, when you get there, ask for this guy, when you get there, ask for this guy, when you get there, ask for this guy, tell him I got tell him I got tell him I got told you to go and he should be able to told you to go and he should be able to told you to go and he should be able to like help you out. I just kind of walked like help you out. I just kind of walked like help you out. I just kind of walked in and in and in and found his friend and then from there, found his friend and then from there, found his friend and then from there, kind of just got bounced around being kind of just got bounced around being kind of just got bounced around being introduced to a bunch of different introduced to a bunch of different introduced to a bunch of different people. people. people. I was I started volunteering at the I was I started volunteering at the I was I started volunteering at the welcome center. welcome center. welcome center. And it was just like fun. It was just And it was just like fun. It was just And it was just like fun. It was just another To me, it was just another another To me, it was just another another To me, it was just another opportunity to hang out with people. You opportunity to hang out with people. You opportunity to hang out with people. You end up serving with the same people end up serving with the same people end up serving with the same people >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> pretty much every single time. It was >> pretty much every single time. It was >> pretty much every single time. It was just being with community. It was just just being with community. It was just just being with community. It was just hanging out. I showed up to Bible study hanging out. I showed up to Bible study hanging out. I showed up to Bible study on Tuesday, saw a couple familiar faces on Tuesday, saw a couple familiar faces on Tuesday, saw a couple familiar faces that I have met. I felt like [music] that I have met. I felt like [music] that I have met. I felt like [music] that was what kind of took me deeper. that was what kind of took me deeper. that was what kind of took me deeper. Being vulnerable in that group has meant Being vulnerable in that group has meant Being vulnerable in that group has meant a lot because I didn't have to hold in a lot because I didn't have to hold in a lot because I didn't have to hold in the thoughts or emotions [music] the thoughts or emotions [music] the thoughts or emotions [music] that I was experiencing from wanting a that I was experiencing from wanting a that I was experiencing from wanting a fresh start, fresh start, fresh start, um um um being in a new city, being in a new city, being in a new city, trying to find [music] community, trying trying to find [music] community, trying trying to find [music] community, trying to to to rebuild my relationship with God. One of rebuild my relationship with God. One of rebuild my relationship with God. One of the guys I was in Bible study with, he the guys I was in Bible study with, he the guys I was in Bible study with, he had a group of friends, had a group of friends, had a group of friends, which [music] we called Back Porch Crew.

which [music] we called Back Porch Crew. which [music] we called Back Porch Crew. And we were just we would hang out And we were just we would hang out And we were 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 groomsmen groomsmen >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in that group. Also met my future wife, >> in that group. Also met my future wife, >> in that group. Also met my future wife, which is pretty nice, too. which is pretty nice, too. which is pretty nice, too. I met another one of my groomsmen. He I met another one of my groomsmen. He I met another one of my groomsmen. He was like, "Let's all go to Men's Camp was like, "Let's all go to Men's Camp was like, "Let's all go to Men's Camp together." And it was amazing [music] together." And it was amazing [music] together." And it was amazing [music] experience. I feel like it really helped experience. I feel like it really helped experience. I feel like it really helped me me me understand who Christ is and understand who Christ is and understand who Christ is and >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> how he loves me. I'm not a huge crier. >> how he loves me. I'm not a huge crier. >> how he loves me. I'm not a huge crier. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> At Men's Camp, I cried a lot [music] cuz >> At Men's Camp, I cried a lot [music] cuz >> At Men's Camp, I cried a lot [music] cuz that was pretty much that was pretty much that was pretty much marked 1 year in Cincinnati. It was kind marked 1 year in Cincinnati. It was kind marked 1 year in Cincinnati. It was kind of just full full circle moment. of just full full circle moment. of just full full circle moment. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> 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, [music] for the guys I was brotherhood, [music] for the guys I was brotherhood, [music] for the guys I was there with, the relationships that have there with, the relationships that have there with, the relationships that have been built been built been built cuz if they weren't here, [music] my cuz if they weren't here, [music] my cuz if they weren't here, [music] my story definitely wouldn't be what it is. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Isn't that a good story? The best part >> Isn't that a good story? The best part >> Isn't that a good story? The best part of that story is that Joshua and his now of that story is that Joshua and his now of that story is that Joshua and his now wife Marissa got married on this stage wife Marissa got married on this stage wife Marissa got married on this stage less than 24 hours ago. Isn't that less than 24 hours ago. Isn't that less than 24 hours ago. Isn't that awesome?

awesome? awesome? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> We're talking about friendship today, >> We're talking about friendship today, >> We're talking about friendship today, but we've weirdly referenced marriage but we've weirdly referenced marriage but we've weirdly referenced marriage around here and getting married, finding around here and getting married, finding around here and getting married, finding your spouse. I don't know, maybe maybe your spouse. I don't know, maybe maybe your spouse. I don't know, maybe maybe the person you're sitting next to you the person you're sitting next to you the person you're sitting next to you might be married to if you keep coming might be married to if you keep coming might be married to if you keep coming around. around. around. Okay, listen. Joshua's story, I love it. Okay, listen. Joshua's story, I love it. Okay, listen. Joshua's story, I love it. I love his story because I think it I love his story because I think it I love his story because I think it highlights this idea perfectly. highlights this idea perfectly. highlights this idea perfectly. In fact, Joshua did the opposite of In fact, Joshua did the opposite of In fact, Joshua did the opposite of something that I think you and I can something that I think you and I can something that I think you and I can easily fall into when it comes to easily fall into when it comes to easily fall into when it comes to church. We easily fall into this idea church. We easily fall into this idea church. We easily fall into this idea that church is a factory for friendship. that church is a factory for friendship. that church is a factory for friendship. Like if we just show up here and we just Like if we just show up here and we just Like if we just show up here and we just like sit in the seats and we get plugged like sit in the seats and we get plugged like sit in the seats and we get plugged in and we attend service, then the in and we attend service, then the in and we attend service, then the church is going to manufacture church is going to manufacture church is going to manufacture friendship for us and we're just going friendship for us and we're just going friendship for us and we're just going to have it. It's going to be awesome and to have it. It's going to be awesome and to have it. It's going to be awesome and our lives are going to be way, way our lives are going to be way, way our lives are going to be way, way better. But Joshua's story is not that better. But Joshua's story is not that better. But Joshua's story is not that story. story. story. That that's just not the story That that's just not the story That that's just not the story of friendship in general. of friendship in general. of friendship in general. It's not the story of the church, It's not the story of the church, It's not the story of the church, either. Instead of coming here hoping either. Instead of coming here hoping either. Instead of coming here hoping that this is like a factory for for that this is like a factory for for that this is like a factory for for friendship, this is a place where you friendship, this is a place where you friendship, this is a place where you can come and get charged, get trained, can come and get charged, get trained, can come and get charged, get trained, get geared up to go on mission with get geared up to go on mission with get geared up to go on mission with other people and change the world and other people and change the world and other people and change the world and that's exactly what happened with that's exactly what happened with that's exactly what happened with Joshua. Joshua just took some steps Joshua. Joshua just took some steps Joshua. Joshua just took some steps towards God. He's like, towards God. He's like, towards God. He's like, "I don't know what I'm doing. I don't "I don't know what I'm doing. I don't "I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know anybody here. Maybe I should go know anybody here. Maybe I should go know anybody here. Maybe I should go find some people who do."

find some people who do." find some people who do." And he met D-Man. And he met D-Man. And he met D-Man. And what D-Man do? And what D-Man do? And what D-Man do? Why don't you come to this thing? Why Why don't you come to this thing? Why Why don't you come to this thing? Why don't you come follow me? Why don't you don't you come follow me? Why don't you don't you come follow me? Why don't you Why don't you come be on mission? On Why don't you come be on mission? On Why don't you come be on mission? On mission together. mission together. mission together. And the And the world has been changed. And the And the world has been changed. And the And the world has been changed. Now, you might hear that and go like, Now, you might hear that and go like, Now, you might hear that and go like, "The world hasn't been changed. "The world hasn't been changed. "The world hasn't been changed. Nothing's Nothing's different." What Nothing's Nothing's different." What Nothing's Nothing's different." What When you say God wants to change the When you say God wants to change the When you say God wants to change the world through me and my friendships, world through me and my friendships, world through me and my friendships, like, come on, that's just hyperbole. like, come on, that's just hyperbole. like, come on, that's just hyperbole. It's not. It's not. Because guess what? It's not. It's not. Because guess what? It's not. It's not. Because guess what? Joshua's world is changed. Joshua's world is changed. Joshua's world is changed. D-Man's world is changed. D-Man's world is changed. D-Man's world is changed. His now wife's world is changed. Their His now wife's world is changed. Their His now wife's world is changed. Their future kids' life is changed because of future kids' life is changed because of future kids' life is changed because of the decision they made to be on mission the decision they made to be on mission the decision they made to be on mission together. That is where the deepest together. That is where the deepest together. That is where the deepest friendships are forged. Now, friendships are forged. Now, friendships are forged. Now, any mission, I believe, any mission any mission, I believe, any mission any mission, I believe, any mission could forge some some good friendship could forge some some good friendship could forge some some good friendship for you. for you. for you. Any mission at all can forge good Any mission at all can forge good Any mission at all can forge good friendship. Now, I don't know if if we friendship. Now, I don't know if if we friendship. Now, I don't know if if we have any athletes in the room. If you have any athletes in the room. If you have any athletes in the room. If you played a sport in high school like me, played a sport in high school like me, played a sport in high school like me, raise your hand. I'm just curious, okay? raise your hand. I'm just curious, okay? raise your hand. I'm just curious, okay? Good. So, I'm among like Now, you don't Good. So, I'm among like Now, you don't Good. So, I'm among like Now, you don't know this by looking at me, but I was a know this by looking at me, but I was a know this by looking at me, but I was a football player. football player. football player. I did play sports. Yes.

I did play sports. Yes. I did play sports. Yes. Um I did I did have to wear youth sizes Um I did I did have to wear youth sizes Um I did I did have to wear youth sizes for my shoulder pads, but I did play for my shoulder pads, but I did play for my shoulder pads, but I did play football. football. football. Uh if you've played sports, you get this Uh if you've played sports, you get this Uh if you've played sports, you get this idea. Like you know what I'm talking idea. Like you know what I'm talking idea. Like you know what I'm talking about. Your teammates, come on. Like about. Your teammates, come on. Like about. Your teammates, come on. Like those friendships, the locker room, those friendships, the locker room, those friendships, the locker room, those friendships are awesome, man. You those friendships are awesome, man. You those friendships are awesome, man. You guys are You guys are locked in guys are You guys are locked in guys are You guys are locked in together. There's a reason why retired together. There's a reason why retired together. There's a reason why retired athletes, when they when they retire athletes, when they when they retire athletes, when they when they retire from their sport, decades later when from their sport, decades later when from their sport, decades later when they talk about their sport and they they talk about their sport and they they talk about their sport and they reminisce on it, you never hear them reminisce on it, you never hear them reminisce on it, you never hear them talking about, "Man, I really miss the talking about, "Man, I really miss the talking about, "Man, I really miss the fame." fame." fame." Or I really miss the full arenas. What Or I really miss the full arenas. What Or I really miss the full arenas. What do they say? They say they miss their do they say? They say they miss their do they say? They say they miss their teammates. They miss the camaraderie. teammates. They miss the camaraderie. teammates. They miss the camaraderie. They miss the locker room. Why? Because They miss the locker room. Why? Because They miss the locker room. Why? Because they were on mission together. They were they were on mission together. They were they were on mission together. They were going somewhere together. And those going somewhere together. And those going somewhere together. And those friendships that are forged when you're friendships that are forged when you're friendships that are forged when you're on mission are just way deeper than on mission are just way deeper than on mission are just way deeper than anything else. The military, military's anything else. The military, military's anything else. The military, military's a great example. This one's like extra a great example. This one's like extra a great example. This one's like extra intense. You're literally putting your intense. You're literally putting your intense. You're literally putting your life in the hands of somebody else. life in the hands of somebody else. life in the hands of somebody else. Shared mission, same purpose. Every Shared mission, same purpose. Every Shared mission, same purpose. Every veteran I've ever talked to, they say veteran I've ever talked to, they say veteran I've ever talked to, they say the deepest relationships they've ever the deepest relationships they've ever the deepest relationships they've ever had were their were their military had were their were their military had were their were their military buddies.

buddies. buddies. And like the military, I have a very And like the military, I have a very And like the military, I have a very serious mission and purpose. I play serious mission and purpose. I play serious mission and purpose. I play Maptap every day. And I don't know if Maptap every day. And I don't know if Maptap every day. And I don't know if you do. It's a game on your phone. If you do. It's a game on your phone. If you do. It's a game on your phone. If you're not playing Maptap, you should you're not playing Maptap, you should you're not playing Maptap, you should start. If you are, get on my level. I'm start. If you are, get on my level. I'm start. If you are, get on my level. I'm like mid to high 900s every single day. like mid to high 900s every single day. like mid to high 900s every single day. I'm pretty good. I'm pretty good. And I'm pretty good. I'm pretty good. And I'm pretty good. I'm pretty good. And I'm in a group chat with these guys. I'm in a group chat with these guys. I'm in a group chat with these guys. It's a very serious mission. It's a very serious mission. It's a very serious mission. We are trying to be the world's best We are trying to be the world's best We are trying to be the world's best geographers. geographers. geographers. And I'm in a I'm in a group chat, and we And I'm in a I'm in a group chat, and we And I'm in a I'm in a group chat, and we play this game, and we send our scores play this game, and we send our scores play this game, and we send our scores to each other. And guess what? It's to each other. And guess what? It's to each other. And guess what? It's really stupid. It's really stupid. You really stupid. It's really stupid. You really stupid. It's really stupid. You would not like this group chat. It's would not like this group chat. It's would not like this group chat. It's boring. It's dumb. We just send our boring. It's dumb. We just send our boring. It's dumb. We just send our scores and we make fun of each other. scores and we make fun of each other. scores and we make fun of each other. But, I feel like close to these guys. I But, I feel like close to these guys. I But, I feel like close to these guys. I feel close to them. Why? Cuz even a feel close to them. Why? Cuz even a feel close to them. Why? Cuz even a stupid silly mission like being the best stupid silly mission like being the best stupid silly mission like being the best geographers with a dumb game can unite geographers with a dumb game can unite geographers with a dumb game can unite you with people in relationship. you with people in relationship. you with people in relationship. Mission can forge deep relationship, but Mission can forge deep relationship, but Mission can forge deep relationship, but not every mission not every mission not every mission is worth giving your life to. is worth giving your life to. is worth giving your life to. Not every mission will forge the deepest Not every mission will forge the deepest Not every mission will forge the deepest friendships that you could hope for.

friendships that you could hope for. friendships that you could hope for. In fact, In fact, In fact, the most fulfilling life the most fulfilling life the most fulfilling life full of the most fulfilling friendships full of the most fulfilling friendships full of the most fulfilling friendships will only happen if the mission of your will only happen if the mission of your will only happen if the mission of your life is about something bigger than life is about something bigger than life is about something bigger than yourself. If you want a fulfilling life full of If you want a fulfilling life full of fulfilling and deep relationships, it fulfilling and deep relationships, it fulfilling and deep relationships, it will only happen if the mission and goal will only happen if the mission and goal will only happen if the mission and goal of your life is about something bigger of your life is about something bigger of your life is about something bigger than yourself. than yourself. than yourself. And if it's not, And if it's not, And if it's not, if the mission and the goal of your life if the mission and the goal of your life if the mission and the goal of your life is about you, is about you, is about you, maybe you don't even know that. Maybe maybe you don't even know that. Maybe maybe you don't even know that. Maybe you've never even thought about that for you've never even thought about that for you've never even thought about that for for any amount of time. You never for any amount of time. You never for any amount of time. You never thought about your mission, but if the thought about your mission, but if the thought about your mission, but if the more you think about you're like, "Wait more you think about you're like, "Wait more you think about you're like, "Wait a minute. Most of my life is about me." a minute. Most of my life is about me." a minute. Most of my life is about me." Most of my life is is actually pretty Most of my life is is actually pretty Most of my life is is actually pretty dang selfish. dang selfish. dang selfish. I'm the same way. By the way, my I'm the same way. By the way, my I'm the same way. By the way, my favorite person on planet Earth is favorite person on planet Earth is favorite person on planet Earth is Brody. Brody. Brody. Like I love Brody. He's awesome. Like I love Brody. He's awesome. Like I love Brody. He's awesome. Your favorite person on this Earth is Your favorite person on this Earth is Your favorite person on this Earth is yourself. yourself. yourself. We we've rub up against this this thing We we've rub up against this this thing We we've rub up against this this thing constantly. constantly. constantly. So most of the time if we're not So most of the time if we're not So most of the time if we're not careful, the goal and the mission of our careful, the goal and the mission of our careful, the goal and the mission of our life it puts us at the center. It's like life it puts us at the center. It's like life it puts us at the center. It's like it's about my greatness. It's about my it's about my greatness. It's about my it's about my greatness. It's about my accomplishments. It's about my career or accomplishments. It's about my career or accomplishments. It's about my career or the goals that I have. The person that I the goals that I have. The person that I the goals that I have. The person that I want to marry or the family that we want want to marry or the family that we want want to marry or the family that we want to build. It puts us at the center. And to build. It puts us at the center. And to build. It puts us at the center. And even if it sounds really good, sounds even if it sounds really good, sounds even if it sounds really good, sounds really like churchy maybe. Like, "No, really like churchy maybe. Like, "No, really like churchy maybe. Like, "No, no, no, no. I just want to I just want no, no, no. I just want to I just want no, no, no. I just want to I just want good godly friendship."

good godly friendship." good godly friendship." You're still at the center of that. You're still at the center of that. You're still at the center of that. Still about you finding your people. Still about you finding your people. Still about you finding your people. And if you have yet to find deep And if you have yet to find deep And if you have yet to find deep friendship in your life, chances are friendship in your life, chances are friendship in your life, chances are it's because you haven't had a mission it's because you haven't had a mission it's because you haven't had a mission in your life that's bigger than in your life that's bigger than in your life that's bigger than yourself. yourself. yourself. A mission that's more than just A mission that's more than just A mission that's more than just yourself. Because the deepest yourself. Because the deepest yourself. Because the deepest friendships and the most fulfilling life friendships and the most fulfilling life friendships and the most fulfilling life only happens when we have a mission only happens when we have a mission only happens when we have a mission that's bigger than ourselves. And that that's bigger than ourselves. And that that's bigger than ourselves. And that is the mission of Jesus. It's exactly is the mission of Jesus. It's exactly is the mission of Jesus. It's exactly what he invites us into. The mission way what he invites us into. The mission way what he invites us into. The mission way bigger than our self. bigger than our self. bigger than our self. It's a mission that's that last way It's a mission that's that last way It's a mission that's that last way after you and me are done with this after you and me are done with this after you and me are done with this life. life. life. It's a mission that carries. It's a mission that carries. It's a mission that carries. It's a mission that Jesus' closest It's a mission that Jesus' closest It's a mission that Jesus' closest friends understood. And guess what? friends understood. And guess what? friends understood. And guess what? We're still talking about them 2,000 We're still talking about them 2,000 We're still talking about them 2,000 years later. It's the mission of Jesus. It's bigger It's the mission of Jesus. It's bigger than yourself. than yourself. than yourself. And it will yield the most fulfilling And it will yield the most fulfilling And it will yield the most fulfilling friendships friendships friendships that you could ever that you could ever that you could ever hope for. hope for. hope for. I know this is true because I know this is true because I know this is true because I've experienced it.

And this is the thing that Megan and I And this is the thing that Megan and I for a long time just didn't get right. for a long time just didn't get right. for a long time just didn't get right. We had a mission about me or her or us We had a mission about me or her or us We had a mission about me or her or us or whatever. And it wasn't until we or whatever. And it wasn't until we or whatever. And it wasn't until we stepped outside of that and accepted a stepped outside of that and accepted a stepped outside of that and accepted a bigger mission that these deep bigger mission that these deep bigger mission that these deep friendships began to be forged. In fact, friendships began to be forged. In fact, friendships began to be forged. In fact, I think some of the friendships that I I think some of the friendships that I I think some of the friendships that I lost lost lost because of my mistakes, if we would have because of my mistakes, if we would have because of my mistakes, if we would have been on shared mission together, I think been on shared mission together, I think been on shared mission together, I think that those friendships could have that those friendships could have that those friendships could have weathered even my own mistakes and my weathered even my own mistakes and my weathered even my own mistakes and my own failure. own failure. own failure. That's friendship that God desires for That's friendship that God desires for That's friendship that God desires for you. That's friendship that I want for you. That's friendship that I want for you. That's friendship that I want for you. It's friendship that you should you. It's friendship that you should you. It's friendship that you should want for you. It's friendship that's want for you. It's friendship that's want for you. It's friendship that's strong enough to weather even you strong enough to weather even you strong enough to weather even you messing it up. That is the friendship that God has That is the friendship that God has designed you for. designed you for. designed you for. Deep deep friendship. Now, Deep deep friendship. Now, Deep deep friendship. Now, uh Megan and I, we've given our life to uh Megan and I, we've given our life to uh Megan and I, we've given our life to this mission of of Jesus. And and this mission of of Jesus. And and this mission of of Jesus. And and because we did this, we just wanted to because we did this, we just wanted to because we did this, we just wanted to put some things up uh in our house to put some things up uh in our house to put some things up uh in our house to help her and I remember like this is the help her and I remember like this is the help her and I remember like this is the mission of our family. mission of our family. mission of our family. Because it can be easy to step out of Because it can be easy to step out of Because it can be easy to step out of the mission and step back into mission the mission and step back into mission the mission and step back into mission Brody or mission Megan.

Brody or mission Megan. Brody or mission Megan. We need some reminders that like we're We need some reminders that like we're We need some reminders that like we're we're in on a mission bigger than we're in on a mission bigger than we're in on a mission bigger than ourselves. So, we put some things up in ourselves. So, we put some things up in ourselves. So, we put some things up in our house for for her and I, but also our house for for her and I, but also our house for for her and I, but also for our kids, too. Because once you for our kids, too. Because once you for our kids, too. Because once you become a parent, you'll learn this. When become a parent, you'll learn this. When become a parent, you'll learn this. When you have little ones that you lead, it you have little ones that you lead, it you have little ones that you lead, it all of a sudden it kind of hit you in all of a sudden it kind of hit you in all of a sudden it kind of hit you in the face. You're like, "Oh, the face. You're like, "Oh, the face. You're like, "Oh, where am I leading them? Who am I where am I leading them? Who am I where am I leading them? Who am I leading them to? Am I leading them to leading them to? Am I leading them to leading them to? Am I leading them to me?" me?" me?" I hope not because Brody doesn't have I hope not because Brody doesn't have I hope not because Brody doesn't have everything that my kids need. everything that my kids need. everything that my kids need. Or am I leading them to something bigger Or am I leading them to something bigger Or am I leading them to something bigger than me? Am I leading them to Jesus? So, than me? Am I leading them to Jesus? So, than me? Am I leading them to Jesus? So, we have this thing hung up in our in our we have this thing hung up in our in our we have this thing hung up in our in our house. I just wanted to share with you. house. I just wanted to share with you. house. I just wanted to share with you. It's our best stab at what I believe the It's our best stab at what I believe the It's our best stab at what I believe the mission of Jesus, a mission bigger than mission of Jesus, a mission bigger than mission of Jesus, a mission bigger than ourselves, a mission that Jesus invites ourselves, a mission that Jesus invites ourselves, a mission that Jesus invites us into, what it's all about. And this us into, what it's all about. And this us into, what it's all about. And this is this is at least how we put it in the is this is at least how we put it in the is this is at least how we put it in the Schrader house. We say, Schrader house. We say, Schrader house. We say, the mission of our family the mission of our family the mission of our family is to run towards Jesus and bring others is to run towards Jesus and bring others is to run towards Jesus and bring others with us. with us. with us. So, we've got that in a mirror in our So, we've got that in a mirror in our So, we've got that in a mirror in our house. house. house. And we see it every morning. And we just And we see it every morning. And we just And we see it every morning. And we just remind ourselves, this is our mission. remind ourselves, this is our mission. remind ourselves, this is our mission. This is our mission. Run towards Jesus This is our mission. Run towards Jesus This is our mission. Run towards Jesus and bring others with us. and bring others with us. and bring others with us. It's not hard. It's really not hard.

It's not hard. It's really not hard. It's not hard. It's really not hard. It's it's it's simple, but it's bigger It's it's it's simple, but it's bigger It's it's it's simple, but it's bigger than ourselves. than ourselves. than ourselves. And this mission And this mission And this mission is exactly what D-man was all about. is exactly what D-man was all about. is exactly what D-man was all about. It's exactly what Josh is all about. In It's exactly what Josh is all about. In It's exactly what Josh is all about. In fact, I think in the seats right now, fact, I think in the seats right now, fact, I think in the seats right now, some of you are Joshes. You're Joshes. some of you are Joshes. You're Joshes. some of you are Joshes. You're Joshes. You're here because you're just taking a You're here because you're just taking a You're here because you're just taking a step towards God. Maybe you showed up to step towards God. Maybe you showed up to step towards God. Maybe you showed up to church cuz you're like, "I church cuz you're like, "I church cuz you're like, "I I think I want more of this or they're I think I want more of this or they're I think I want more of this or they're talking about friendship. Maybe I should talking about friendship. Maybe I should talking about friendship. Maybe I should go." And some of you are D-mans. go." And some of you are D-mans. go." And some of you are D-mans. Some of you are D-mans. Your job is to Some of you are D-mans. Your job is to Some of you are D-mans. Your job is to start bringing other people with you. start bringing other people with you. start bringing other people with you. But this mission of Jesus is is really But this mission of Jesus is is really But this mission of Jesus is is really simple. simple. simple. And it's the exact reason why I'm And it's the exact reason why I'm And it's the exact reason why I'm starting this Bible study on Wednesday. starting this Bible study on Wednesday. starting this Bible study on Wednesday. Now, hang with me here for a second. Now, hang with me here for a second. Now, hang with me here for a second. This might feel like a plug. This might feel like a plug. This might feel like a plug. But let me just tell you. I believe I believe that God is going to raise up the next that God is going to raise up the next that God is going to raise up the next generation of men in our church to be generation of men in our church to be generation of men in our church to be about missions bigger than themselves. about missions bigger than themselves. about missions bigger than themselves. Do you believe that, too? Do you believe Do you believe that, too? Do you believe Do you believe that, too? Do you believe that?

that? that? I believe it. And I I want to I want to I believe it. And I I want to I want to I believe it. And I I want to I want to be a part of it. I want to do my best to be a part of it. I want to do my best to be a part of it. I want to do my best to run towards Jesus and help bring others run towards Jesus and help bring others run towards Jesus and help bring others with me. So, uh we're going to start a with me. So, uh we're going to start a with me. So, uh we're going to start a Bible study on Wednesday mornings. And Bible study on Wednesday mornings. And Bible study on Wednesday mornings. And young men, here here's what I want you young men, here here's what I want you young men, here here's what I want you to hear. to hear. to hear. I want you to hear that no matter how I want you to hear that no matter how I want you to hear that no matter how hard it will be to get up at 7:00 a.m. hard it will be to get up at 7:00 a.m. hard it will be to get up at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, it'll be worth it on Wednesday morning, it'll be worth it on Wednesday morning, it'll be worth it because you'll be in a room full of because you'll be in a room full of because you'll be in a room full of other young dudes who want to run other young dudes who want to run other young dudes who want to run towards Jesus and bring other people towards Jesus and bring other people towards Jesus and bring other people with them. with them. with them. Run towards Jesus and bring other people Run towards Jesus and bring other people Run towards Jesus and bring other people with you. Now, we're going to host this with you. Now, we're going to host this with you. Now, we're going to host this Bible study in this room, in this room. Bible study in this room, in this room. Bible study in this room, in this room. Which, if you look around, this room is Which, if you look around, this room is Which, if you look around, this room is really big. There's 800 seats in this really big. There's 800 seats in this really big. There's 800 seats in this room. room. room. Now, will 800 young guys show up to this Now, will 800 young guys show up to this Now, will 800 young guys show up to this Wednesday's Bible study? Wednesday's Bible study? Wednesday's Bible study? Someone just said no. Are you kidding Someone just said no. Are you kidding Someone just said no. Are you kidding me? You have no faith. Are you kidding me? You have no faith. Are you kidding me? You have no faith. Are you kidding me? No, 800 will not show up. No, 800 will not show up. 800 will not show Maybe eight show up. 800 will not show Maybe eight show up. 800 will not show Maybe eight show up. But the reason that we are going to host But the reason that we are going to host But the reason that we are going to host it in this room with 800 seats is it in this room with 800 seats is it in this room with 800 seats is because I believe, and I know I'm not because I believe, and I know I'm not because I believe, and I know I'm not alone in this, I believe God's going to alone in this, I believe God's going to alone in this, I believe God's going to raise up at least 800 young men that raise up at least 800 young men that raise up at least 800 young men that want to be on mission for Jesus in this want to be on mission for Jesus in this want to be on mission for Jesus in this generation. And until all 800 seats are generation. And until all 800 seats are generation. And until all 800 seats are filled, we've got some work to do.

filled, we've got some work to do. filled, we've got some work to do. We've got some seats to fill. We've got We've got some seats to fill. We've got We've got some seats to fill. We've got some other people to bring with us. some other people to bring with us. some other people to bring with us. So, young guys, 7:00 a.m. this So, young guys, 7:00 a.m. this So, young guys, 7:00 a.m. this Wednesday, I want you there. And and um Wednesday, I want you there. And and um Wednesday, I want you there. And and um older guys, I was counseled to call you older guys, I was counseled to call you older guys, I was counseled to call you older men, not old men. older men, not old men. older men, not old men. Even though in a room like this, if Even though in a room like this, if Even though in a room like this, if you're over 30, everyone here thinks you're over 30, everyone here thinks you're over 30, everyone here thinks you're an old man. you're an old man. you're an old man. Old men. Old men. Old men. Older men. Older men. Older men. I would love you to be a part of it, I would love you to be a part of it, I would love you to be a part of it, too. too. too. Because I believe that Because I believe that Because I believe that this generation of guys need the older this generation of guys need the older this generation of guys need the older generation of men to come behind them generation of men to come behind them generation of men to come behind them and pour into them. and pour into them. and pour into them. To invest in them. To invest in them. To invest in them. To show them the ways that you've been To show them the ways that you've been To show them the ways that you've been running towards Jesus and to bring them running towards Jesus and to bring them running towards Jesus and to bring them along. along. along. So, 6:45 So, 6:45 So, 6:45 a.m. this Wednesday, I need some help a.m. this Wednesday, I need some help a.m. this Wednesday, I need some help opening some doors, opening some doors, opening some doors, maybe brewing some coffee, welcoming the maybe brewing some coffee, welcoming the maybe brewing some coffee, welcoming the 8,000 young guys that show up to this 8,000 young guys that show up to this 8,000 young guys that show up to this Bible study. Bible study. Bible study. But, also like I want you to be a part But, also like I want you to be a part But, also like I want you to be a part of it. Sit in on it. And I would love if of it. Sit in on it. And I would love if of it. Sit in on it. And I would love if the older men in our church the older men in our church the older men in our church prayed for the young men every Wednesday prayed for the young men every Wednesday prayed for the young men every Wednesday before they left.

before they left. before they left. I just wonder what God could do. I just wonder what God could do. I just wonder what God could do. I wonder what he could do if we were I wonder what he could do if we were I wonder what he could do if we were about a mission bigger than ourselves. about a mission bigger than ourselves. about a mission bigger than ourselves. A mission that could change the world. A mission that could change the world. A mission that could change the world. What could he do in 800 young men and What could he do in 800 young men and What could he do in 800 young men and eight young men in our church? I think deep I think deep world-changing friendships could come world-changing friendships could come world-changing friendships could come if we got on board with a mission like if we got on board with a mission like if we got on board with a mission like that. So, my question for you at the end of So, my question for you at the end of this this thing, this this thing, this this thing, very simple, very simple, very simple, what's your mission? It's not even hypothetical. Like, think It's not even hypothetical. Like, think about it. about it. about it. If you have to, close your eyes. Go If you have to, close your eyes. Go If you have to, close your eyes. Go ahead. I'm not going to judge you. No ahead. I'm not going to judge you. No ahead. I'm not going to judge you. No one else will. Close your eyes. If you need some help thinking about it, If you need some help thinking about it, maybe just think about your calendar. Maybe you got to back engineer your way Maybe you got to back engineer your way into your mission and you go like, well, into your mission and you go like, well, into your mission and you go like, well, maybe I should evaluate some friendships maybe I should evaluate some friendships maybe I should evaluate some friendships that I have right now. What are we all that I have right now. What are we all that I have right now. What are we all about? What What unites us?

about? What What unites us? about? What What unites us? What's your mission? can step into a mission that's bigger can step into a mission that's bigger than ourselves and start asking that than ourselves and start asking that than ourselves and start asking that question. What what am What is my life question. What what am What is my life question. What what am What is my life about? Instead of asking, "Where's my about? Instead of asking, "Where's my about? Instead of asking, "Where's my people? Who's my community?" I think if people? Who's my community?" I think if people? Who's my community?" I think if we ask the question of what's my life we ask the question of what's my life we ask the question of what's my life about, what mission am I on, we're going about, what mission am I on, we're going about, what mission am I on, we're going to experience some really, really deep to experience some really, really deep to experience some really, really deep relationships. relationships. relationships. Relationships that Relationships that Relationships that last. So, before we go, So, before we go, I uh I'm going to go a teeny bit off script, I'm going to go a teeny bit off script, but I was approached earlier before but I was approached earlier before but I was approached earlier before service started by a friend of mine. service started by a friend of mine. service started by a friend of mine. Uh uh actually, two friends of mine who Uh uh actually, two friends of mine who Uh uh actually, two friends of mine who asked if asked if asked if I would be willing to pray for them I would be willing to pray for them I would be willing to pray for them with our church. with our church. with our church. Which is like not in the plans. I did Which is like not in the plans. I did Which is like not in the plans. I did not have it in the books, but they asked not have it in the books, but they asked not have it in the books, but they asked because they're going through some stuff because they're going through some stuff because they're going through some stuff in their life right now and they wanted in their life right now and they wanted in their life right now and they wanted some prayer. And I thought at first, some prayer. And I thought at first, some prayer. And I thought at first, "I don't know how that would work." But "I don't know how that would work." But "I don't know how that would work." But then the more I thought of it, the more then the more I thought of it, the more then the more I thought of it, the more I thought, "How cool would it be if we I thought, "How cool would it be if we I thought, "How cool would it be if we together as a church were on mission in together as a church were on mission in together as a church were on mission in prayer and prayed for a friend of ours prayer and prayed for a friend of ours prayer and prayed for a friend of ours who's in some in some need?" So, I'm who's in some in some need?" So, I'm who's in some in some need?" So, I'm just curious, would you be willing to just curious, would you be willing to just curious, would you be willing to pray with me for this person? Yes or no, pray with me for this person? Yes or no, pray with me for this person? Yes or no, shake your heads if you're willing.

shake your heads if you're willing. shake your heads if you're willing. Okay. Let me just tell you a quick story Okay. Let me just tell you a quick story Okay. Let me just tell you a quick story of this person. And then, we're going to of this person. And then, we're going to of this person. And then, we're going to be good friends to this person and be on be good friends to this person and be on be good friends to this person and be on mission and pray together for them. Uh mission and pray together for them. Uh mission and pray together for them. Uh my friend Reed is a part of our church. my friend Reed is a part of our church. my friend Reed is a part of our church. And uh Reed, when he was 17 years old, And uh Reed, when he was 17 years old, And uh Reed, when he was 17 years old, was in a car accident. And he was was in a car accident. And he was was in a car accident. And he was driving and he was impaired when he was driving and he was impaired when he was driving and he was impaired when he was driving and his best friend was in the driving and his best friend was in the driving and his best friend was in the car with him and his best friend passed car with him and his best friend passed car with him and his best friend passed away in this car accident. away in this car accident. away in this car accident. It's been over 2 years since this It's been over 2 years since this It's been over 2 years since this accident has happened and Reed has been accident has happened and Reed has been accident has happened and Reed has been going through the legal process of of going through the legal process of of going through the legal process of of this this this uh incident in his life. uh incident in his life. uh incident in his life. Reed has given his life fully to Jesus, Reed has given his life fully to Jesus, Reed has given his life fully to Jesus, has believed and received that Jesus' has believed and received that Jesus' has believed and received that Jesus' gift of salvation is also for him. He gift of salvation is also for him. He gift of salvation is also for him. He He's He's stepped out of his own life He's He's stepped out of his own life He's He's stepped out of his own life and said, "Jesus, and said, "Jesus, and said, "Jesus, give me yours. Forgive me. give me yours. Forgive me. give me yours. Forgive me. Give me new life." Give me new life." Give me new life." And uh in in 2 weeks, Reed has a And uh in in 2 weeks, Reed has a And uh in in 2 weeks, Reed has a court date that will determine if Reed court date that will determine if Reed court date that will determine if Reed will spend time will spend time will spend time for a a long amount of time of his life for a a long amount of time of his life for a a long amount of time of his life in prison in prison in prison or what we're going to pray for is that or what we're going to pray for is that or what we're going to pray for is that the judge would have mercy and give him the judge would have mercy and give him the judge would have mercy and give him probation.

probation. probation. And we're going to be a good friend and And we're going to be a good friend and And we're going to be a good friend and be on mission together and pray for be on mission together and pray for be on mission together and pray for this. this. this. And then we're going to dismiss. And then we're going to dismiss. And then we're going to dismiss. Sound good? Sound good? Sound good? Okay, if you want to, I'm not going to Okay, if you want to, I'm not going to Okay, if you want to, I'm not going to tell you where he is. Just put a hand in tell you where he is. Just put a hand in tell you where he is. Just put a hand in the air and I just believe God will know the air and I just believe God will know the air and I just believe God will know you're praying towards Reed and for you're praying towards Reed and for you're praying towards Reed and for Reed. All right, Jesus, we All right, Jesus, we we want to embody we want to embody what you are about. we want to embody what you are about. We want to be like you. We want to be like you. We want to be like you. As best as we can. Running towards you As best as we can. Running towards you As best as we can. Running towards you and bring other people with us. So, and bring other people with us. So, and bring other people with us. So, Jesus, as we run towards you this Jesus, as we run towards you this Jesus, as we run towards you this morning, we just want to run in prayer morning, we just want to run in prayer morning, we just want to run in prayer and pray for our friend Reed. and pray for our friend Reed. and pray for our friend Reed. Lord, would you Lord, would you Lord, would you show up at his court date in in a week show up at his court date in in a week show up at his court date in in a week and a half. and a half. and a half. And would you move the heart of all And would you move the heart of all And would you move the heart of all involved, move the heart of the judge to involved, move the heart of the judge to involved, move the heart of the judge to mercy and to compassion mercy and to compassion mercy and to compassion to grant Reed uh probation. to grant Reed uh probation. to grant Reed uh probation. That he doesn't have to spend any time That he doesn't have to spend any time That he doesn't have to spend any time uh in prison, Lord. And God, above all uh in prison, Lord. And God, above all uh in prison, Lord. And God, above all things what I pray for is that this things what I pray for is that this things what I pray for is that this story story story this story, we're just going to pin it this story, we're just going to pin it this story, we're just going to pin it to your character and to your word. You to your character and to your word. You to your character and to your word. You say say say that you won't waste anything and that that you won't waste anything and that that you won't waste anything and that you'll turn all things for good.

you'll turn all things for good. you'll turn all things for good. We pray that this story would be turned We pray that this story would be turned We pray that this story would be turned for good. for good. for good. That people would know you because of That people would know you because of That people would know you because of it. it. it. That they would be brought um into the That they would be brought um into the That they would be brought um into the same forgiveness that Reed has received same forgiveness that Reed has received same forgiveness that Reed has received himself, Lord. And um himself, Lord. And um himself, Lord. And um as best as we can, as best as we can, as best as we can, help us be on mission, Lord. help us be on mission, Lord. help us be on mission, Lord. Run towards you and bring others with Run towards you and bring others with Run towards you and bring others with us. Pray this in Jesus' name. us. Pray this in Jesus' name. us. Pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Well, thanks thanks for being Amen. Well, thanks thanks for being Amen. Well, thanks thanks for being here. Guys, we'll see you at 7:00 a.m. here. Guys, we'll see you at 7:00 a.m. here. Guys, we'll see you at 7:00 a.m. at this Bible study on Wednesday. And at this Bible study on Wednesday. And at this Bible study on Wednesday. And Kirsten, get up here. Kirsten, get up here. Kirsten, get up here. Dismiss us out.