FELLOWSHIP CHURCH | Pastor Shaun Nepstad

I was thinking about this that there's I was thinking about this that there's one thing in life that you all would one thing in life that you all would one thing in life that you all would agree that you absolutely hate. agree that you absolutely hate. agree that you absolutely hate. That is moving people. That is moving people. That is moving people. >> And they'll call you up, your friends. >> And they'll call you up, your friends. >> And they'll call you up, your friends. They'll call you up and they'll trick They'll call you up and they'll trick They'll call you up and they'll trick you at first, won't they? you at first, won't they? you at first, won't they? >> They'll try to make it sound fun and >> They'll try to make it sound fun and >> They'll try to make it sound fun and they'll call you and they'll say, "What they'll call you and they'll say, "What they'll call you and they'll say, "What you doing Saturday?" you doing Saturday?" you doing Saturday?" >> Now, a novice will answer too quick. >> Now, a novice will answer too quick. >> Now, a novice will answer too quick. They'll turn around and say, "Nothing." They'll turn around and say, "Nothing." They'll turn around and say, "Nothing." Then they got you. There's no way out. Then they got you. There's no way out. Then they got you. There's no way out. >> The moment you say nothing, they say, >> The moment you say nothing, they say, >> The moment you say nothing, they say, "Can you come help me move?" "Can you come help me move?" "Can you come help me move?" >> But when you've been around the block a >> But when you've been around the block a >> But when you've been around the block a few times, few times, few times, >> come on, talk to me. >> come on, talk to me. >> come on, talk to me. >> You've learned to say, "Why you asking?" >> You've learned to say, "Why you asking?" >> You've learned to say, "Why you asking?" >> You can buy you some time to prepare >> You can buy you some time to prepare >> You can buy you some time to prepare your no your no your no cuz they'll try to trick you and make it cuz they'll try to trick you and make it cuz they'll try to trick you and make it sound fun. It's a moving party. Just sound fun. It's a moving party. Just sound fun. It's a moving party. Just because you put the word party after the because you put the word party after the because you put the word party after the word moving word moving word moving >> does not mean it's a party. I've been to >> does not mean it's a party. I've been to >> does not mean it's a party. I've been to parties. There's nothing partyish about parties. There's nothing partyish about parties. There's nothing partyish about a moving party. It's free manual labor a moving party. It's free manual labor a moving party. It's free manual labor for you, for you, for you, >> man. And just because you serve pizza on >> man. And just because you serve pizza on >> man. And just because you serve pizza on a paper plate doesn't mean it's fun.

a paper plate doesn't mean it's fun. a paper plate doesn't mean it's fun. Okay? Okay? Okay? But one of the most frustrating things But one of the most frustrating things But one of the most frustrating things about moving people is moving the heavy about moving people is moving the heavy about moving people is moving the heavy stuff. stuff. stuff. >> You ever you ever moved like a couch or >> You ever you ever moved like a couch or >> You ever you ever moved like a couch or a so like a a love seat or a a mattress a so like a a love seat or a a mattress a so like a a love seat or a a mattress for somebody else? First of all, moving for somebody else? First of all, moving for somebody else? First of all, moving somebody else's mattress is nasty. Can somebody else's mattress is nasty. Can somebody else's mattress is nasty. Can we all agree? we all agree? we all agree? moving something heavy and then you're moving something heavy and then you're moving something heavy and then you're lifting your side and how come when you lifting your side and how come when you lifting your side and how come when you ask the other person they always claim ask the other person they always claim ask the other person they always claim I'm lifting my side but you and all of I'm lifting my side but you and all of I'm lifting my side but you and all of heaven can see clearly their side is heaven can see clearly their side is heaven can see clearly their side is dragging on the sidewalk. dragging on the sidewalk. dragging on the sidewalk. >> It's so frustrating and it's impossible >> It's so frustrating and it's impossible >> It's so frustrating and it's impossible to move the heavy stuff first. So I to move the heavy stuff first. So I to move the heavy stuff first. So I guess the moral of the story is when guess the moral of the story is when guess the moral of the story is when your friends text you and ask what are your friends text you and ask what are your friends text you and ask what are you doing Saturday? Do not respond to you doing Saturday? Do not respond to you doing Saturday? Do not respond to that text. that text. that text. Allow me to use this as an analogy for Allow me to use this as an analogy for Allow me to use this as an analogy for life. And I want to teach you something life. And I want to teach you something life. And I want to teach you something today. I want to teach you how not to today. I want to teach you how not to today. I want to teach you how not to carry heavy things alone. carry heavy things alone. carry heavy things alone. >> You were never meant to carry everything >> You were never meant to carry everything >> You were never meant to carry everything alone. alone. alone. >> You were never meant to fight every >> You were never meant to fight every >> You were never meant to fight every battle alone. I'm going to give you a battle alone. I'm going to give you a battle alone. I'm going to give you a statement I want you to write down statement I want you to write down statement I want you to write down because I don't want you to forget this.

because I don't want you to forget this. because I don't want you to forget this. There are moments when the crowd can There are moments when the crowd can There are moments when the crowd can encourage you, but only relationships encourage you, but only relationships encourage you, but only relationships can carry you. can carry you. can carry you. >> Did you hear that? >> Did you hear that? >> Did you hear that? I want you to read that again slowly in I want you to read that again slowly in I want you to read that again slowly in your mind cuz I love church. Oh, I love your mind cuz I love church. Oh, I love your mind cuz I love church. Oh, I love church so much. Weekend services can church so much. Weekend services can church so much. Weekend services can inspire you. Sermons can challenge you. inspire you. Sermons can challenge you. inspire you. Sermons can challenge you. Worship can uplift your faith. But I'm Worship can uplift your faith. But I'm Worship can uplift your faith. But I'm here to tell somebody, there are some here to tell somebody, there are some here to tell somebody, there are some battles that require more than just battles that require more than just battles that require more than just sitting in a row. You need some people sitting in a row. You need some people sitting in a row. You need some people who know you and know you what you're who know you and know you what you're who know you and know you what you're going through and know your face and going through and know your face and going through and know your face and know what's when something's wrong. And know what's when something's wrong. And know what's when something's wrong. And they turn around and they will then help they turn around and they will then help they turn around and they will then help you continue to follow God. you continue to follow God. you continue to follow God. >> That's why you need a small group. >> That's why you need a small group. >> That's why you need a small group. Listen to me everybody. Listen to me everybody. Listen to me everybody. Rows help you receive truth. Circles Rows help you receive truth. Circles Rows help you receive truth. Circles help you live it out. help you live it out. help you live it out. >> And when I say rows, I'm talking about >> And when I say rows, I'm talking about >> And when I say rows, I'm talking about like a service like this. You're sitting like a service like this. You're sitting like a service like this. You're sitting in rows. You need to be in a circle. in rows. You need to be in a circle. in rows. You need to be in a circle. This is a small group setting. And I had This is a small group setting. And I had This is a small group setting. And I had a lady come to us several years ago at a lady come to us several years ago at a lady come to us several years ago at our church. She said, "I went to a our church. She said, "I went to a our church. She said, "I went to a church of 50 people for a year. Nobody church of 50 people for a year. Nobody church of 50 people for a year. Nobody ever said hello." ever said hello." ever said hello." >> Okay, look at me. Look at me. A church >> Okay, look at me. Look at me. A church >> Okay, look at me. Look at me. A church of 50 is too big if you don't know of 50 is too big if you don't know of 50 is too big if you don't know anybody.

anybody. anybody. >> So be like, "Oh, church is too big." any >> So be like, "Oh, church is too big." any >> So be like, "Oh, church is too big." any church is too big if you don't know church is too big if you don't know church is too big if you don't know anybody. anybody. anybody. >> Then she joined Fellowship Church. She >> Then she joined Fellowship Church. She >> Then she joined Fellowship Church. She got in small groups. She got on the got in small groups. She got on the got in small groups. She got on the dream team. And with tears in her eyes, dream team. And with tears in her eyes, dream team. And with tears in her eyes, she said, "I have more friends now than she said, "I have more friends now than she said, "I have more friends now than I've ever had in my life." I've ever had in my life." I've ever had in my life." >> Cuz she just took the steps we gave her. >> Cuz she just took the steps we gave her. >> Cuz she just took the steps we gave her. This is how we pastor people. We want This is how we pastor people. We want This is how we pastor people. We want you to be connected. And I've realized you to be connected. And I've realized you to be connected. And I've realized the most connected people in any church the most connected people in any church the most connected people in any church in the world, they are serving on the in the world, they are serving on the in the world, they are serving on the team and they're in a small group. team and they're in a small group. team and they're in a small group. >> So again, you get to choose how >> So again, you get to choose how >> So again, you get to choose how connected or disconnected you would like connected or disconnected you would like connected or disconnected you would like to be. That part is up to you. And I to be. That part is up to you. And I to be. That part is up to you. And I want to look at a character in the Bible want to look at a character in the Bible want to look at a character in the Bible named David. Very familiar. You remember named David. Very familiar. You remember named David. Very familiar. You remember him as David and Goliath. But I want to him as David and Goliath. But I want to him as David and Goliath. But I want to let you know he's one of the greatest let you know he's one of the greatest let you know he's one of the greatest leaders in the Bible. He defeated leaders in the Bible. He defeated leaders in the Bible. He defeated Goliath. He became a warrior. He also Goliath. He became a warrior. He also Goliath. He became a warrior. He also wrote worship songs. He wrote part of wrote worship songs. He wrote part of wrote worship songs. He wrote part of the Bible. He would become a king. But the Bible. He would become a king. But the Bible. He would become a king. But look at me everybody. Even David needed look at me everybody. Even David needed look at me everybody. Even David needed a Jonathan. a Jonathan. a Jonathan. >> Look at me. You need to know you can >> Look at me. You need to know you can >> Look at me. You need to know you can have an anointing. You still need have an anointing. You still need have an anointing. You still need friendship.

friendship. friendship. >> Just because God anointed you doesn't >> Just because God anointed you doesn't >> Just because God anointed you doesn't mean that you're never going to go mean that you're never going to go mean that you're never going to go through a battle. through a battle. through a battle. >> You're going to need some friendships in >> You're going to need some friendships in >> You're going to need some friendships in your life. David knew how to defeat your life. David knew how to defeat your life. David knew how to defeat giants. But there was a season and giants. But there was a season and giants. But there was a season and several seasons in his life where he several seasons in his life where he several seasons in his life where he needed somebody else to strengthen his needed somebody else to strengthen his needed somebody else to strengthen his heart. heart. heart. >> If you're a notetaker, write this down. >> If you're a notetaker, write this down. >> If you're a notetaker, write this down. Number one, we need people who see who Number one, we need people who see who Number one, we need people who see who God's developing us to become. Yes, God's developing us to become. Yes, God's developing us to become. Yes, >> I'm talking about people in your life >> I'm talking about people in your life >> I'm talking about people in your life who can see the hand of God in your life who can see the hand of God in your life who can see the hand of God in your life >> and see what God's doing. >> and see what God's doing. >> and see what God's doing. >> Because after David defeated Goliath, >> Because after David defeated Goliath, >> Because after David defeated Goliath, watch this. 1st Samuelter 18 verse one. watch this. 1st Samuelter 18 verse one. watch this. 1st Samuelter 18 verse one. After David had finished talking with After David had finished talking with After David had finished talking with Saul, Saul is the king. That was talked Saul, Saul is the king. That was talked Saul, Saul is the king. That was talked about last week. Jonathan is actually about last week. Jonathan is actually about last week. Jonathan is actually the son of the king. Okay, watch this. the son of the king. Okay, watch this. the son of the king. Okay, watch this. He became one in spirit with who? He became one in spirit with who? He became one in spirit with who? >> With David. And he loved him as himself. >> With David. And he loved him as himself. >> With David. And he loved him as himself. Verse three says, "And Jonathan made a Verse three says, "And Jonathan made a Verse three says, "And Jonathan made a covenant." Say, "Covenant, covenant." Say, "Covenant, covenant." Say, "Covenant, >> a covenant with David because he loved >> a covenant with David because he loved >> a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. And then Jonathan took him as himself. And then Jonathan took him as himself. And then Jonathan took off his robe he was wearing and gave it off his robe he was wearing and gave it off his robe he was wearing and gave it to David along with his tunic, his to David along with his tunic, his to David along with his tunic, his sword, bow, and his belt." So Jonathan sword, bow, and his belt." So Jonathan sword, bow, and his belt." So Jonathan saw something in David. He saw his saw something in David. He saw his saw something in David. He saw his character. He saw his courage. He saw character. He saw his courage. He saw character. He saw his courage. He saw the anointing of God on his life, his the anointing of God on his life, his the anointing of God on his life, his calling. And then he removes his robe.

calling. And then he removes his robe. calling. And then he removes his robe. He takes his robe, his tunic, his belt, He takes his robe, his tunic, his belt, He takes his robe, his tunic, his belt, his bow, gives it all to David. Okay, if his bow, gives it all to David. Okay, if his bow, gives it all to David. Okay, if you read this too quickly, you'll miss you read this too quickly, you'll miss you read this too quickly, you'll miss it. There's so much entrenched in this it. There's so much entrenched in this it. There's so much entrenched in this text because Jonathan was the king's text because Jonathan was the king's text because Jonathan was the king's son. son. son. >> Watch this. So, the robe and the weapons >> Watch this. So, the robe and the weapons >> Watch this. So, the robe and the weapons all represented his identity, his all represented his identity, his all represented his identity, his authority, his status as the clear and authority, his status as the clear and authority, his status as the clear and next rightful heir to the throne. But by next rightful heir to the throne. But by next rightful heir to the throne. But by giving all this stuff to David, he was giving all this stuff to David, he was giving all this stuff to David, he was turning around and he was doing more turning around and he was doing more turning around and he was doing more than just exchanging gifts. He was than just exchanging gifts. He was than just exchanging gifts. He was acknowledging, David, God's hand is on acknowledging, David, God's hand is on acknowledging, David, God's hand is on your life. your life. your life. Okay, look at me. Jonathan was basically Okay, look at me. Jonathan was basically Okay, look at me. Jonathan was basically saying, "I'm not going to compete with saying, "I'm not going to compete with saying, "I'm not going to compete with the calling of God in you." the calling of God in you." the calling of God in you." >> Look, look, this is rare. This is a very >> Look, look, this is rare. This is a very >> Look, look, this is rare. This is a very rare thing today because you know this rare thing today because you know this rare thing today because you know this to be true. Some relationships, they'll to be true. Some relationships, they'll to be true. Some relationships, they'll celebrate you as long as you don't celebrate you as long as you don't celebrate you as long as you don't surpass them. surpass them. surpass them. >> Oh, they'll clap for you as long as your >> Oh, they'll clap for you as long as your >> Oh, they'll clap for you as long as your success doesn't challenge their success doesn't challenge their success doesn't challenge their position. position. position. They they they they'll love you until They they they they'll love you until They they they they'll love you until you start getting more attention than you start getting more attention than you start getting more attention than they do and then they turn around at they do and then they turn around at they do and then they turn around at that point and they'll tell you, "Oh, that point and they'll tell you, "Oh, that point and they'll tell you, "Oh, there's something wrong with you."

there's something wrong with you." there's something wrong with you." >> Jonathan was secure. He was a secure >> Jonathan was secure. He was a secure >> Jonathan was secure. He was a secure leader. This is so important for you to leader. This is so important for you to leader. This is so important for you to know who you are in God. Because so many know who you are in God. Because so many know who you are in God. Because so many people are insecure leaders. He was such people are insecure leaders. He was such people are insecure leaders. He was such a secure leader that he recognized God's a secure leader that he recognized God's a secure leader that he recognized God's calling on somebody else. calling on somebody else. calling on somebody else. >> Let me say it this way. a a godly >> Let me say it this way. a a godly >> Let me say it this way. a a godly community, a godly small group, a godly community, a godly small group, a godly community, a godly small group, a godly friend. They won't compete with your friend. They won't compete with your friend. They won't compete with your calling. They confirm it. calling. They confirm it. calling. They confirm it. >> They confirm the call of God. You need >> They confirm the call of God. You need >> They confirm the call of God. You need some people like a small group to see some people like a small group to see some people like a small group to see what God's developing in you sometimes what God's developing in you sometimes what God's developing in you sometimes before you even see it fully yourself. before you even see it fully yourself. before you even see it fully yourself. >> I'm talking about people who come >> I'm talking about people who come >> I'm talking about people who come alongside of you and say, "Oh, I see alongside of you and say, "Oh, I see alongside of you and say, "Oh, I see leadership in you. I see healing taking leadership in you. I see healing taking leadership in you. I see healing taking place in you. I see you growing. I know place in you. I see you growing. I know place in you. I see you growing. I know you stumbled, but I'm here to remind you stumbled, but I'm here to remind you stumbled, but I'm here to remind you, you're not your failure. You're a a you, you're not your failure. You're a a you, you're not your failure. You're a a child of God. child of God. child of God. >> Because the enemy will always try to >> Because the enemy will always try to >> Because the enemy will always try to name you by your worst day, by your name you by your worst day, by your name you by your worst day, by your weakest moment. You need a godly weakest moment. You need a godly weakest moment. You need a godly community that reminds you of your community that reminds you of your community that reminds you of your calling. Come on, somebody clap your calling. Come on, somebody clap your calling. Come on, somebody clap your hands if you're with me so far. Here's our problem, though. We like to Here's our problem, though. We like to isolate.

isolate. isolate. >> We'll come to church and that's all. >> We'll come to church and that's all. >> We'll come to church and that's all. We'll come to church to be inspired and We'll come to church to be inspired and We'll come to church to be inspired and we leave. Sometimes people get here late we leave. Sometimes people get here late we leave. Sometimes people get here late and leave early and you're missing so and leave early and you're missing so and leave early and you're missing so much. much. much. >> It's the relationship aspect. It's being >> It's the relationship aspect. It's being >> It's the relationship aspect. It's being known and knowing people that you're known and knowing people that you're known and knowing people that you're missing out on. And that's the void. missing out on. And that's the void. missing out on. And that's the void. Sometimes people go to church and like, Sometimes people go to church and like, Sometimes people go to church and like, man, that church was clickish. No. Uh, man, that church was clickish. No. Uh, man, that church was clickish. No. Uh, you were just isolated. Yeah, you were just isolated. Yeah, you were just isolated. Yeah, >> we have forgotten the biblical model of >> we have forgotten the biblical model of >> we have forgotten the biblical model of New Testament Christianity is large New Testament Christianity is large New Testament Christianity is large gatherings and small groups. Acts talks gatherings and small groups. Acts talks gatherings and small groups. Acts talks about this in detail. And I want to about this in detail. And I want to about this in detail. And I want to encourage you, do not isolate yourself. encourage you, do not isolate yourself. encourage you, do not isolate yourself. Here's what happens when you isolate Here's what happens when you isolate Here's what happens when you isolate yourself. The loudest voice becomes the yourself. The loudest voice becomes the yourself. The loudest voice becomes the voice in your own head. voice in your own head. voice in your own head. >> And and can we be really honest? Uh the >> And and can we be really honest? Uh the >> And and can we be really honest? Uh the voice in your head is not always a voice in your head is not always a voice in your head is not always a gifted theologian. gifted theologian. gifted theologian. The voice in your head is sometimes The voice in your head is sometimes The voice in your head is sometimes crazy. crazy. crazy. >> We're not always thinking straight. >> We're not always thinking straight. >> We're not always thinking straight. We're not always thinking biblical. We're not always thinking biblical. We're not always thinking biblical. >> And we can justify anything we want.

>> And we can justify anything we want. >> And we can justify anything we want. >> So, you need some people in your life >> So, you need some people in your life >> So, you need some people in your life who remind you who you are. Number two, who remind you who you are. Number two, who remind you who you are. Number two, write this down. We need people who write this down. We need people who write this down. We need people who protect our purpose. protect our purpose. protect our purpose. >> Oh, this is good. King Saul became so >> Oh, this is good. King Saul became so >> Oh, this is good. King Saul became so jealous of David, he actually decided, jealous of David, he actually decided, jealous of David, he actually decided, I'm going to kill David. But in 1st I'm going to kill David. But in 1st I'm going to kill David. But in 1st Samuel chapter 20, Jonathan came along Samuel chapter 20, Jonathan came along Samuel chapter 20, Jonathan came along and he actually he told David about the and he actually he told David about the and he actually he told David about the plan, but then he helped him escape. plan, but then he helped him escape. plan, but then he helped him escape. Watch. Jonathan did not say, "Hey, bro. Watch. Jonathan did not say, "Hey, bro. Watch. Jonathan did not say, "Hey, bro. I'll be praying for you. I'll be praying for you. I'll be praying for you. >> He showed up. >> He showed up. >> He showed up. >> He He got in the mix. >> He He got in the mix. >> He He got in the mix. >> You need some friends who actually show >> You need some friends who actually show >> You need some friends who actually show up. He took a risk. He was there." up. He took a risk. He was there." up. He took a risk. He was there." Because biblical friendship is not just Because biblical friendship is not just Because biblical friendship is not just casual, everybody. It's covenant. Amen. casual, everybody. It's covenant. Amen. casual, everybody. It's covenant. Amen. >> Covenant biblically is is talking about >> Covenant biblically is is talking about >> Covenant biblically is is talking about loyalty. It's faithfulness. It's showing loyalty. It's faithfulness. It's showing loyalty. It's faithfulness. It's showing up. It's responsibility. It meant I care up. It's responsibility. It meant I care up. It's responsibility. It meant I care for your well-being. for your well-being. for your well-being. >> And I'm not going to bounce on you when >> And I'm not going to bounce on you when >> And I'm not going to bounce on you when it's inconvenient. We're in covenant it's inconvenient. We're in covenant it's inconvenient. We're in covenant together. together. together. >> I'm concerned for the American church >> I'm concerned for the American church >> I'm concerned for the American church and I'm concerned for you because you and I'm concerned for you because you and I'm concerned for you because you might have hundreds of connections might have hundreds of connections might have hundreds of connections online and ain't got nobody to call in a online and ain't got nobody to call in a online and ain't got nobody to call in a crisis.

crisis. crisis. So true. So true. So true. >> I'm concerned because people love church >> I'm concerned because people love church >> I'm concerned because people love church services, but they don't know anybody. services, but they don't know anybody. services, but they don't know anybody. >> They're they've never taken a step. Is >> They're they've never taken a step. Is >> They're they've never taken a step. Is it awkward? Yeah, it's awkward. For for it awkward? Yeah, it's awkward. For for it awkward? Yeah, it's awkward. For for you introverts, this is a nightmare. you introverts, this is a nightmare. you introverts, this is a nightmare. >> Your pastor is asking you to go in the >> Your pastor is asking you to go in the >> Your pastor is asking you to go in the lobby after service and talk to lobby after service and talk to lobby after service and talk to strangers. All of our small groups, all the All of our small groups, all the leaders, they've set up their tables leaders, they've set up their tables leaders, they've set up their tables outside in the patio lobby, men's small outside in the patio lobby, men's small outside in the patio lobby, men's small groups, women's small groups, youth groups, women's small groups, youth groups, women's small groups, youth small groups, co-ed small groups, so small groups, co-ed small groups, so small groups, co-ed small groups, so many small groups, Bible study small many small groups, Bible study small many small groups, Bible study small groups, basketball, everything in groups, basketball, everything in groups, basketball, everything in between. It doesn't matter really why we between. It doesn't matter really why we between. It doesn't matter really why we gather. It's it's all about gather. It's it's all about gather. It's it's all about relationship. But for the introvert, relationship. But for the introvert, relationship. But for the introvert, it's hard because you walk out there, it's hard because you walk out there, it's hard because you walk out there, you're like, I don't I don't know you're like, I don't I don't know you're like, I don't I don't know anybody. This is awkward. Listen to me. anybody. This is awkward. Listen to me. anybody. This is awkward. Listen to me. So was school. But you still went. So was school. But you still went. So was school. But you still went. >> Amen. Yeah. >> Amen. Yeah. >> Amen. Yeah. >> Smile at me. >> Smile at me. >> Smile at me. >> Your first day on your job was awkward, >> Your first day on your job was awkward, >> Your first day on your job was awkward, but you still went.

but you still went. but you still went. >> You're telling me you put more value on >> You're telling me you put more value on >> You're telling me you put more value on a paycheck than than honoring a paycheck than than honoring a paycheck than than honoring >> pastor. >> You have to take a step >> You have to take a step >> at some point. >> at some point. >> at some point. >> And imagine the the relationships that >> And imagine the the relationships that >> And imagine the the relationships that you have now. You'd have missed out on you have now. You'd have missed out on you have now. You'd have missed out on them them them >> had you not taken a step. >> had you not taken a step. >> had you not taken a step. >> And all the intro, by the way, >> And all the intro, by the way, >> And all the intro, by the way, introverts, they love small groups. You introverts, they love small groups. You introverts, they love small groups. You know why? Cuz it's not so big. know why? Cuz it's not so big. know why? Cuz it's not so big. >> It's a lot of one-on-one. My wife is a >> It's a lot of one-on-one. My wife is a >> It's a lot of one-on-one. My wife is a small group. I mean, introvert. small group. I mean, introvert. small group. I mean, introvert. That's weird. She does talk to herself That's weird. She does talk to herself That's weird. She does talk to herself occasionally. My wife is an introvert and and I'm I I My wife is an introvert and and I'm I I will talk to everybody in the room and will talk to everybody in the room and will talk to everybody in the room and she'll just be locked in on one person she'll just be locked in on one person she'll just be locked in on one person for three and a half hours. Deep for three and a half hours. Deep for three and a half hours. Deep conversations. conversations. conversations. >> We're all different. Look at me. Just >> We're all different. Look at me. Just >> We're all different. Look at me. Just because we're different doesn't mean we because we're different doesn't mean we because we're different doesn't mean we don't need each other. don't need each other. don't need each other. >> So, some of you, this is extrovert. This >> So, some of you, this is extrovert. This >> So, some of you, this is extrovert. This is Disneyland to you. Woohoo. Woo. Let's is Disneyland to you. Woohoo. Woo. Let's is Disneyland to you. Woohoo. Woo. Let's meet some people. Introverts are like, I meet some people. Introverts are like, I meet some people. Introverts are like, I got to Okay, I'm going to walk around.

got to Okay, I'm going to walk around. got to Okay, I'm going to walk around. Heart's beating fast. But you just walk Heart's beating fast. But you just walk Heart's beating fast. But you just walk around. You read every placard and you around. You read every placard and you around. You read every placard and you decide which small group you'd like to decide which small group you'd like to decide which small group you'd like to attempt to try. If you don't like it, attempt to try. If you don't like it, attempt to try. If you don't like it, you don't have to stay in it. But I want you don't have to stay in it. But I want you don't have to stay in it. But I want to encourage you. You'll you'll miss out to encourage you. You'll you'll miss out to encourage you. You'll you'll miss out on some of the best parts of God and his on some of the best parts of God and his on some of the best parts of God and his family if you refuse to take a step in a family if you refuse to take a step in a family if you refuse to take a step in a small group. small group. small group. >> Is this helping? >> Is this helping? >> Is this helping? >> Because you need some people who who >> Because you need some people who who >> Because you need some people who who know you for who you are. And you need know you for who you are. And you need know you for who you are. And you need to know people more than just online. to know people more than just online. to know people more than just online. Yes, Yes, Yes, >> some of you watching online, this is a >> some of you watching online, this is a >> some of you watching online, this is a great substitute. I would highly great substitute. I would highly great substitute. I would highly recommend you do not make this your recommend you do not make this your recommend you do not make this your habit to only attend church online habit to only attend church online habit to only attend church online >> because you don't have relationship. >> because you don't have relationship. >> because you don't have relationship. >> We know what people had for lunch. We >> We know what people had for lunch. We >> We know what people had for lunch. We know what they where they went for know what they where they went for know what they where they went for vacation. We know what filter they're vacation. We know what filter they're vacation. We know what filter they're using, but we don't know people. And we using, but we don't know people. And we using, but we don't know people. And we may not know who's quietly falling may not know who's quietly falling may not know who's quietly falling apart. apart. apart. We have never as a society been more We have never as a society been more We have never as a society been more connected technologically and more connected technologically and more connected technologically and more isolated relationally than right now.

isolated relationally than right now. isolated relationally than right now. >> Look at me. Small groups move us from >> Look at me. Small groups move us from >> Look at me. Small groups move us from being noticed to being known. being noticed to being known. being noticed to being known. >> Oh, this is good. This is pay attention >> Oh, this is good. This is pay attention >> Oh, this is good. This is pay attention everybody. It moves us from being everybody. It moves us from being everybody. It moves us from being noticed to being known because how many noticed to being known because how many noticed to being known because how many know and would agree there is a know and would agree there is a know and would agree there is a difference between somebody noticing difference between somebody noticing difference between somebody noticing your face and then noticing your pain your face and then noticing your pain your face and then noticing your pain >> where they look at you and say, "Hey, >> where they look at you and say, "Hey, >> where they look at you and say, "Hey, you you you've you've been quieter than you you you've you've been quieter than you you you've you've been quieter than usual. You have been absent a little bit usual. You have been absent a little bit usual. You have been absent a little bit more frequently. You say you're fine, more frequently. You say you're fine, more frequently. You say you're fine, but you don't look fine. Can we pray for but you don't look fine. Can we pray for but you don't look fine. Can we pray for you?" you?" you?" >> A biblical small group, a biblical >> A biblical small group, a biblical >> A biblical small group, a biblical community, they're not being nosy. Some community, they're not being nosy. Some community, they're not being nosy. Some people are like, "Man, I just don't want people are like, "Man, I just don't want people are like, "Man, I just don't want people in my business." If you don't people in my business." If you don't people in my business." If you don't have anybody in your business, you're in have anybody in your business, you're in have anybody in your business, you're in trouble. trouble. trouble. >> These are these are not people who are >> These are these are not people who are >> These are these are not people who are nosy. These are people who are refusing nosy. These are people who are refusing nosy. These are people who are refusing you to disappear you to disappear you to disappear >> into depression. YOU JONATHAN PROTECTED >> into depression. YOU JONATHAN PROTECTED >> into depression. YOU JONATHAN PROTECTED DAVID'S life because he cared about his DAVID'S life because he cared about his DAVID'S life because he cared about his purpose. And sometimes the protection purpose. And sometimes the protection purpose. And sometimes the protection you need is somebody protecting you from you need is somebody protecting you from you need is somebody protecting you from discouragement, protecting you from discouragement, protecting you from discouragement, protecting you from loneliness, protecting you from the loneliness, protecting you from the loneliness, protecting you from the voice of the devil and your worst voice of the devil and your worst voice of the devil and your worst moment. We all need PEOPLE TO STRENGTHEN moment. We all need PEOPLE TO STRENGTHEN moment. We all need PEOPLE TO STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH.

OUR FAITH. OUR FAITH. ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL moments in this ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL moments in this ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL moments in this story in in the relationship between story in in the relationship between story in in the relationship between David and Jonathan happens in 1st Samuel David and Jonathan happens in 1st Samuel David and Jonathan happens in 1st Samuel chapter 23. David is hiding from King chapter 23. David is hiding from King chapter 23. David is hiding from King Saul. King Saul wants to kill him. And Saul. King Saul wants to kill him. And Saul. King Saul wants to kill him. And so David is threatened. He's nervous. so David is threatened. He's nervous. so David is threatened. He's nervous. He's tired. He's uncertain. And then all He's tired. He's uncertain. And then all He's tired. He's uncertain. And then all of the sudden, we have this verse tucked of the sudden, we have this verse tucked of the sudden, we have this verse tucked into the pages of our New Testament. into the pages of our New Testament. into the pages of our New Testament. Jonathan went to David. How many know Jonathan went to David. How many know Jonathan went to David. How many know you need some friends who show up for you need some friends who show up for you need some friends who show up for you? you? you? >> But here's the best part. Some of you >> But here's the best part. Some of you >> But here's the best part. Some of you never seen this before. He showed up for never seen this before. He showed up for never seen this before. He showed up for David at Horesh and helped him find David at Horesh and helped him find David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. strength in God. strength in God. >> Notice what Jonathan did not do. >> Notice what Jonathan did not do. >> Notice what Jonathan did not do. Jonathan didn't just merely strengthen Jonathan didn't just merely strengthen Jonathan didn't just merely strengthen David in Jonathan. He strengthened him David in Jonathan. He strengthened him David in Jonathan. He strengthened him in God. in God. in God. >> You might have some people speaking into >> You might have some people speaking into >> You might have some people speaking into your life. Look at me everybody. You your life. Look at me everybody. You your life. Look at me everybody. You don't need more people speaking their don't need more people speaking their don't need more people speaking their opinion in your life. You don't need opinion in your life. You don't need opinion in your life. You don't need more people speaking a worldly ideal in more people speaking a worldly ideal in more people speaking a worldly ideal in your life. You need people, a small your life. You need people, a small your life. You need people, a small group of people to strengthen you in God group of people to strengthen you in God group of people to strengthen you in God again, to point you back to the Bible, again, to point you back to the Bible, again, to point you back to the Bible, to point you back to Jesus, to point you to point you back to Jesus, to point you to point you back to Jesus, to point you back to your purpose and your calling back to your purpose and your calling back to your purpose and your calling and your identity in Christ sometimes to and your identity in Christ sometimes to and your identity in Christ sometimes to point you back TO COMMON SENSE. COME ON, point you back TO COMMON SENSE. COME ON, point you back TO COMMON SENSE. COME ON, EVERYBODY. We all need that type of EVERYBODY. We all need that type of EVERYBODY. We all need that type of small group in our life. THIS IS WHERE small group in our life. THIS IS WHERE small group in our life. THIS IS WHERE OUR STRENGTH COMES FROM. It comes from OUR STRENGTH COMES FROM. It comes from OUR STRENGTH COMES FROM. It comes from God. But the way God designed it, he God. But the way God designed it, he God. But the way God designed it, he architect this this to where we find it architect this this to where we find it architect this this to where we find it in covenant relationships. That's God's in covenant relationships. That's God's in covenant relationships. That's God's design. And let me quickly explain the design. And let me quickly explain the design. And let me quickly explain the difference between being codependent and

difference between being codependent and difference between being codependent and interdependent. interdependent. interdependent. >> This is important. Codependent versus >> This is important. Codependent versus >> This is important. Codependent versus independent. Healthy relationships don't independent. Healthy relationships don't independent. Healthy relationships don't make you dependent on another person. make you dependent on another person. make you dependent on another person. >> Like we as a church are not trying to >> Like we as a church are not trying to >> Like we as a church are not trying to make you dependent on anybody else. make you dependent on anybody else. make you dependent on anybody else. We're trying to get you to be dependent We're trying to get you to be dependent We're trying to get you to be dependent on Jesus. on Jesus. on Jesus. >> But then you are interdependent on each >> But then you are interdependent on each >> But then you are interdependent on each other. It's like the redwood trees north other. It's like the redwood trees north other. It's like the redwood trees north of the Bay Bridge. Those redwoods are of the Bay Bridge. Those redwoods are of the Bay Bridge. Those redwoods are massive, but the roots go down into the massive, but the roots go down into the massive, but the roots go down into the ground. It's not the end of the story, ground. It's not the end of the story, ground. It's not the end of the story, their roots then interlock with the their roots then interlock with the their roots then interlock with the other trees. other trees. other trees. >> So although they are their own unique >> So although they are their own unique >> So although they are their own unique tree standing firm, they they are tree standing firm, they they are tree standing firm, they they are strengthened because their roots strengthened because their roots strengthened because their roots interlock with each other. interlock with each other. interlock with each other. >> You want to be strong, let your roots >> You want to be strong, let your roots >> You want to be strong, let your roots interlock with somebody else in covenant interlock with somebody else in covenant interlock with somebody else in covenant relationship. That's God's growth plan relationship. That's God's growth plan relationship. That's God's growth plan and his design. But Jonathan did not and his design. But Jonathan did not and his design. But Jonathan did not say, "David, bro, you need me. You need say, "David, bro, you need me. You need say, "David, bro, you need me. You need me." In essence, he was he was telling me." In essence, he was he was telling me." In essence, he was he was telling David, "Remember what God said, David. I David, "Remember what God said, David. I David, "Remember what God said, David. I know you're threatened. I know you think know you're threatened. I know you think know you're threatened. I know you think that God's plan isn't going to work out that God's plan isn't going to work out that God's plan isn't going to work out in your life. God's hand is still on in your life. God's hand is still on in your life. God's hand is still on you. You're still his. He's still got a you. You're still his. He's still got a you. You're still his. He's still got a purpose." He encouraged him and and he purpose." He encouraged him and and he purpose." He encouraged him and and he helped him find strength in God.

helped him find strength in God. helped him find strength in God. >> Cuz it's not just about eating together >> Cuz it's not just about eating together >> Cuz it's not just about eating together and talking together and laughing and talking together and laughing and talking together and laughing together and reviewing the sermon from together and reviewing the sermon from together and reviewing the sermon from Sunday. All those things I love and I Sunday. All those things I love and I Sunday. All those things I love and I believe are helpful. It's about helping believe are helpful. It's about helping believe are helpful. It's about helping one another find strength in God. And one another find strength in God. And one another find strength in God. And listen, every small group we have will listen, every small group we have will listen, every small group we have will help you do that. Every small group, help you do that. Every small group, help you do that. Every small group, whether basketball or Bible study, you whether basketball or Bible study, you whether basketball or Bible study, you can you can look through this book or go can you can look through this book or go can you can look through this book or go online and search. Just just shop, look online and search. Just just shop, look online and search. Just just shop, look and pray, Lord, which small group should and pray, Lord, which small group should and pray, Lord, which small group should I should should I attend? There's I should should I attend? There's I should should I attend? There's freedom small groups. If you don't know freedom small groups. If you don't know freedom small groups. If you don't know where to start, start with the freedom where to start, start with the freedom where to start, start with the freedom small group. There's men's groups, small group. There's men's groups, small group. There's men's groups, recovery groups. There's hangout groups. recovery groups. There's hangout groups. recovery groups. There's hangout groups. There's spiritual warfare groups. There's spiritual warfare groups. There's spiritual warfare groups. There's there's basic training working There's there's basic training working There's there's basic training working out group. all of this. And you would out group. all of this. And you would out group. all of this. And you would think that the small group is what the think that the small group is what the think that the small group is what the name is about. Oh, the workout group's name is about. Oh, the workout group's name is about. Oh, the workout group's about working out. The Bible study is about working out. The Bible study is about working out. The Bible study is about Bible study. The basketball's about Bible study. The basketball's about Bible study. The basketball's about basketball. They're all about one about basketball. They're all about one about basketball. They're all about one word, word, word, >> relationship, >> relationship, >> relationship, >> relationship.

>> relationship. >> relationship. A good small group is this. It's like a A good small group is this. It's like a A good small group is this. It's like a spiritual charging station cuz you can spiritual charging station cuz you can spiritual charging station cuz you can come in depleted, discouraged, come on, come in depleted, discouraged, come on, come in depleted, discouraged, come on, running on 2%. running on 2%. running on 2%. But But But >> when you leave that small group, you're >> when you leave that small group, you're >> when you leave that small group, you're going to have enough strength to keep going to have enough strength to keep going to have enough strength to keep going going going >> cuz there's mutual encouragement, mutual >> cuz there's mutual encouragement, mutual >> cuz there's mutual encouragement, mutual prayer. prayer. prayer. Sometimes you hit discouragement and you Sometimes you hit discouragement and you Sometimes you hit discouragement and you hit a wall. Can I tell you, sometimes hit a wall. Can I tell you, sometimes hit a wall. Can I tell you, sometimes you cannot talk yourself out of you cannot talk yourself out of you cannot talk yourself out of discouragement. discouragement. discouragement. >> You know why? Because it's your same >> You know why? Because it's your same >> You know why? Because it's your same discouraged mind that's doing all the discouraged mind that's doing all the discouraged mind that's doing all the talking. talking. talking. >> So true. >> So true. >> So true. >> You need somebody else to come alongside >> You need somebody else to come alongside >> You need somebody else to come alongside of you and speak faith in the room. when of you and speak faith in the room. when of you and speak faith in the room. when you're not thinking straight, when you're not thinking straight, when you're not thinking straight, when you're offended, when you're when you're you're offended, when you're when you're you're offended, when you're when you're going through it, you're lonely and man, going through it, you're lonely and man, going through it, you're lonely and man, it's been a while. You've been in a a it's been a while. You've been in a a it's been a while. You've been in a a waiting season for a while. You're ready waiting season for a while. You're ready waiting season for a while. You're ready to give up. You have somebody else to give up. You have somebody else to give up. You have somebody else coming and speaking faith into the room. coming and speaking faith into the room. coming and speaking faith into the room. When when your faith becomes weak, When when your faith becomes weak, When when your faith becomes weak, borrow the faith from your small group. borrow the faith from your small group. borrow the faith from your small group. >> There'll be seasons where you're >> There'll be seasons where you're >> There'll be seasons where you're carrying them. There'll be other seasons carrying them. There'll be other seasons carrying them. There'll be other seasons where they're carrying you. That's not where they're carrying you. That's not where they're carrying you. That's not called weakness, everybody. That's called weakness, everybody. That's called weakness, everybody. That's called wisdom. That's called the body of called wisdom. That's called the body of called wisdom. That's called the body of Christ. That's called covenant Christ. That's called covenant Christ. That's called covenant relationships. And this is God's design.

relationships. And this is God's design. relationships. And this is God's design. And I've been around the block a while And I've been around the block a while And I've been around the block a while and I've heard people say, precious and I've heard people say, precious and I've heard people say, precious people say, "I love Jesus, but I don't people say, "I love Jesus, but I don't people say, "I love Jesus, but I don't need church and I don't need a small need church and I don't need a small need church and I don't need a small group." group." group." >> Okay. Okay. If that statement were a >> Okay. Okay. If that statement were a >> Okay. Okay. If that statement were a picture, it'd be this. >> Hey, the predator never attacks the >> Hey, the predator never attacks the herd. herd. herd. >> It attacks that one >> It attacks that one >> It attacks that one >> lonely gazelle. >> lonely gazelle. >> lonely gazelle. >> There's strength in the herd. Amen. >> There's strength in the herd. Amen. >> There's strength in the herd. Amen. >> Turn and tell somebody sitting next to >> Turn and tell somebody sitting next to >> Turn and tell somebody sitting next to you, there's strength in the herd. you, there's strength in the herd. you, there's strength in the herd. >> Strength in the herd. >> Strength in the herd. >> Strength in the herd. >> Tell your second choice, there's >> Tell your second choice, there's >> Tell your second choice, there's strength in the herd. strength in the herd. strength in the herd. >> Don't be this gazelle. >> Don't be this gazelle. >> Don't be this gazelle. >> Like, like don't don't be isolated. >> Like, like don't don't be isolated. >> Like, like don't don't be isolated. >> At least be a moving target. >> At least be a moving target. >> At least be a moving target. >> Get in a small group. >> Get in a small group. >> Get in a small group. >> Have some people fight for you. It'd be >> Have some people fight for you. It'd be >> Have some people fight for you. It'd be great if you could if you had the attack great if you could if you had the attack great if you could if you had the attack of the devil on a calendar. Okay, the of the devil on a calendar. Okay, the of the devil on a calendar. Okay, the devil's going to come. He's checking it. devil's going to come. He's checking it. devil's going to come. He's checking it. Does Does at at 12:30 work for you? No, Does Does at at 12:30 work for you? No, Does Does at at 12:30 work for you? No, that didn't work for me. I have a lunch, that didn't work for me. I have a lunch, that didn't work for me. I have a lunch, but how about 5:30 and then come but how about 5:30 and then come but how about 5:30 and then come >> and then I'm get my small group and all >> and then I'm get my small group and all >> and then I'm get my small group and all be prayed up.

be prayed up. be prayed up. >> The devil hits you when you're alone, >> The devil hits you when you're alone, >> The devil hits you when you're alone, >> when you're all by yourself. >> when you're all by yourself. >> when you're all by yourself. >> And I want to encourage you everybody, >> And I want to encourage you everybody, >> And I want to encourage you everybody, you can survive alone for a while, but you can survive alone for a while, but you can survive alone for a while, but God didn't call you to just just God didn't call you to just just God didn't call you to just just survive. He called you to grow and survive. He called you to grow and survive. He called you to grow and mature. And listen, your faith is mature. And listen, your faith is mature. And listen, your faith is important that it grows. It grows from important that it grows. It grows from important that it grows. It grows from the word of God, but also being around the word of God, but also being around the word of God, but also being around other people, speaking the word of God other people, speaking the word of God other people, speaking the word of God into your life when you hear it. Your into your life when you hear it. Your into your life when you hear it. Your faith is personal. It was never meant to faith is personal. It was never meant to faith is personal. It was never meant to be private. be private. be private. >> Let me remind you one more time. There >> Let me remind you one more time. There >> Let me remind you one more time. There are moments when a crowd can encourage are moments when a crowd can encourage are moments when a crowd can encourage you, but only relationships can carry you, but only relationships can carry you, but only relationships can carry you. you. you. >> Let me close with this. Just think about >> Let me close with this. Just think about >> Let me close with this. Just think about this. How the prophet Samuel anointed this. How the prophet Samuel anointed this. How the prophet Samuel anointed David. Okay, watch this. I'm going to David. Okay, watch this. I'm going to David. Okay, watch this. I'm going to take you somewhere. take you somewhere. take you somewhere. Samuel Samuel Samuel anointed anointed anointed David, but it was Jonathan David, but it was Jonathan David, but it was Jonathan that helped him walk it out. that helped him walk it out. that helped him walk it out. >> Jonathan strengthened David. And I say >> Jonathan strengthened David. And I say >> Jonathan strengthened David. And I say that because Samuel identified the that because Samuel identified the that because Samuel identified the calling, but it was Jonathan that came calling, but it was Jonathan that came calling, but it was Jonathan that came along and helped him walk out the along and helped him walk out the along and helped him walk out the journey towards it.

journey towards it. journey towards it. So, I'm saying you can get inspired by a So, I'm saying you can get inspired by a So, I'm saying you can get inspired by a sermon. Sermons inspire you. God can sermon. Sermons inspire you. God can sermon. Sermons inspire you. God can sometimes reveal a calling through a sometimes reveal a calling through a sometimes reveal a calling through a sermon in a crowd. But can I also sermon in a crowd. But can I also sermon in a crowd. But can I also recommend you need some people to help recommend you need some people to help recommend you need some people to help you walk that out? You need you walk that out? You need you walk that out? You need relationships. relationships. relationships. So don't settle for just being So don't settle for just being So don't settle for just being surrounded by people but unknown. Don't surrounded by people but unknown. Don't surrounded by people but unknown. Don't settle for being just an attender of a settle for being just an attender of a settle for being just an attender of a church. Be a belonger. Cuz you were church. Be a belonger. Cuz you were church. Be a belonger. Cuz you were never meant to to fight every battle never meant to to fight every battle never meant to to fight every battle alone. You were never meant to carry alone. You were never meant to carry alone. You were never meant to carry everything alone. everything alone. everything alone. What we just learned today is you need What we just learned today is you need What we just learned today is you need people to recognize your calling, to people to recognize your calling, to people to recognize your calling, to protect your purpose, and you need protect your purpose, and you need protect your purpose, and you need people to strengthen your faith. David people to strengthen your faith. David people to strengthen your faith. David needed Jonathan. Jonathan needed David. needed Jonathan. Jonathan needed David. needed Jonathan. Jonathan needed David. We all need each other. So, church, I am We all need each other. So, church, I am We all need each other. So, church, I am encouraging you. encouraging you. encouraging you. Take a step. Take a step. Take a step. Join a small group. Win today. Join a small group. Win today. Join a small group. Win today. This is not something that should be This is not something that should be This is not something that should be intimidating. intimidating. intimidating. This is a privilege. It is a high honor This is a privilege. It is a high honor This is a privilege. It is a high honor to be a part of the body of Christ and to be a part of the body of Christ and to be a part of the body of Christ and the most connected people in any church the most connected people in any church the most connected people in any church are serving and in small groups. So are serving and in small groups. So are serving and in small groups. So again, you get to choose how connected again, you get to choose how connected again, you get to choose how connected or disconnected you would like to be. My or disconnected you would like to be. My or disconnected you would like to be. My recommendation is that when I dismiss recommendation is that when I dismiss recommendation is that when I dismiss you in a few moments, we're going to you in a few moments, we're going to you in a few moments, we're going to dismiss you early and we've done this on dismiss you early and we've done this on dismiss you early and we've done this on purpose. Go get an ice cream. But then purpose. Go get an ice cream. But then purpose. Go get an ice cream. But then walk around and just look at all the walk around and just look at all the walk around and just look at all the smogers. Men are on that side. Youth are smogers. Men are on that side. Youth are smogers. Men are on that side. Youth are on this side. women, co-ed, out on the on this side. women, co-ed, out on the on this side. women, co-ed, out on the patio. There's so many small groups and

patio. There's so many small groups and patio. There's so many small groups and you just walk around and and by the way, you just walk around and and by the way, you just walk around and and by the way, you don't even have to talk to the small you don't even have to talk to the small you don't even have to talk to the small group leaders a lot. Just read each group leaders a lot. Just read each group leaders a lot. Just read each placard and then one will stand out to placard and then one will stand out to placard and then one will stand out to you. Don't add another meeting to your you. Don't add another meeting to your you. Don't add another meeting to your week, but what what kind of jumps off week, but what what kind of jumps off week, but what what kind of jumps off the placard and says, "Man, that that's the placard and says, "Man, that that's the placard and says, "Man, that that's interesting. I think I would like to interesting. I think I would like to interesting. I think I would like to participate in that." And it's only for participate in that." And it's only for participate in that." And it's only for 13 weeks. So, 13 weeks, then you're 13 weeks. So, 13 weeks, then you're 13 weeks. So, 13 weeks, then you're done. But I'm telling you, I'm telling done. But I'm telling you, I'm telling done. But I'm telling you, I'm telling you, the the the relationships that have you, the the the relationships that have you, the the the relationships that have been made in small groups have been been made in small groups have been been made in small groups have been invaluable to people here at the church. invaluable to people here at the church. invaluable to people here at the church. So, take a step, you'll scan the code So, take a step, you'll scan the code So, take a step, you'll scan the code and you can join the small group, right? and you can join the small group, right? and you can join the small group, right? Then, right there, you need to learn Then, right there, you need to learn Then, right there, you need to learn some names. You need to get to know some some names. You need to get to know some some names. You need to get to know some faces. faces. faces. And then after a few weeks, you feel And then after a few weeks, you feel And then after a few weeks, you feel comfortable, start to open up and share comfortable, start to open up and share comfortable, start to open up and share a little bit of your story. Who knows? a little bit of your story. Who knows? a little bit of your story. Who knows? Maybe you're in that small group just to Maybe you're in that small group just to Maybe you're in that small group just to encourage somebody else who really needs encourage somebody else who really needs encourage somebody else who really needs you. I'll tell you this, we have gotten it I'll tell you this, we have gotten it wrong on so many things because we think wrong on so many things because we think wrong on so many things because we think church is just a service we attend.

church is just a service we attend. church is just a service we attend. It's not just a service you attend. It's It's not just a service you attend. It's It's not just a service you attend. It's a family you belong to. a family you belong to. a family you belong to. >> Amen, everybody. >> Amen, everybody. >> Amen, everybody. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Come on. Can we clap our hands and say a >> Come on. Can we clap our hands and say a >> Come on. Can we clap our hands and say a good amen? With your heads bowed and your eyes With your heads bowed and your eyes closed, if you'd like to give your life closed, if you'd like to give your life closed, if you'd like to give your life to Christ, maybe you have never done to Christ, maybe you have never done to Christ, maybe you have never done this before. You never surrender the this before. You never surrender the this before. You never surrender the controls of your life to Jesus. Or you controls of your life to Jesus. Or you controls of your life to Jesus. Or you were once close to God, but then you've were once close to God, but then you've were once close to God, but then you've drifted. You've strayed away. Today is drifted. You've strayed away. Today is drifted. You've strayed away. Today is the day I want to lead you in a the day I want to lead you in a the day I want to lead you in a commitment prayer. And if you're commitment prayer. And if you're commitment prayer. And if you're watching online or in this room, I'm watching online or in this room, I'm watching online or in this room, I'm just going to ask you to respond online. just going to ask you to respond online. just going to ask you to respond online. You can click right there to let us know You can click right there to let us know You can click right there to let us know you'd like to give your life to Christ. you'd like to give your life to Christ. you'd like to give your life to Christ. But if you're in this room, I'm going to But if you're in this room, I'm going to But if you're in this room, I'm going to ask you to lift your hand in just a ask you to lift your hand in just a ask you to lift your hand in just a second when I ask. And I count to three second when I ask. And I count to three second when I ask. And I count to three so I know who I'm talking to. If you so I know who I'm talking to. If you so I know who I'm talking to. If you want to give your life to Christ or want to give your life to Christ or want to give your life to Christ or recommmit your life to Christ because recommmit your life to Christ because recommmit your life to Christ because you've drifted, you've drifted, you've drifted, on the count of three, lift your hand up on the count of three, lift your hand up on the count of three, lift your hand up and just say, "That's me." Count me in and just say, "That's me." Count me in and just say, "That's me." Count me in that prayer. You ready? Be bold. 1 2 3. that prayer. You ready? Be bold. 1 2 3. that prayer. You ready? Be bold. 1 2 3. Lift your hand up and just leave it up Lift your hand up and just leave it up Lift your hand up and just leave it up right where you are. Come on. Yes. Yes.

right where you are. Come on. Yes. Yes. right where you are. Come on. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Great. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Great. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Great. Great. All right. I'll give you the Great. All right. I'll give you the Great. All right. I'll give you the words to pray. We're all going to pray words to pray. We're all going to pray words to pray. We're all going to pray this out loud to encourage those praying this out loud to encourage those praying this out loud to encourage those praying it for themselves. Just say this. it for themselves. Just say this. it for themselves. Just say this. Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father, >> thank you for loving me first. >> thank you for loving me first. >> thank you for loving me first. >> Today I give give you my life. Forgive >> Today I give give you my life. Forgive >> Today I give give you my life. Forgive me from my sin. me from my sin. me from my sin. Wash me clean. Be my Lord and Savior. I Wash me clean. Be my Lord and Savior. I Wash me clean. Be my Lord and Savior. I repent and turn to you. From this day repent and turn to you. From this day repent and turn to you. From this day forward, I'm yours. forward, I'm yours. forward, I'm yours. God, give me the grace God, give me the grace God, give me the grace to follow you to follow you to follow you and to build covenant relationships. and to build covenant relationships. and to build covenant relationships. Show me which small group to join Show me which small group to join Show me which small group to join and let me be a blessing in Jesus name. and let me be a blessing in Jesus name. and let me be a blessing in Jesus name. Amen. And amen. Come on, let's clap our Amen. And amen. Come on, let's clap our Amen. And amen. Come on, let's clap our hands for everybody who prayed that hands for everybody who prayed that hands for everybody who prayed that prayer.

prayer. prayer. As you remain seated for just a moment, As you remain seated for just a moment, As you remain seated for just a moment, I'm going to dismiss our small group I'm going to dismiss our small group I'm going to dismiss our small group leaders. If you're a small group leader, leaders. If you're a small group leader, leaders. If you're a small group leader, I want to dismiss you to go to your I want to dismiss you to go to your I want to dismiss you to go to your table right now. So, as the church is table right now. So, as the church is table right now. So, as the church is dismissed, you are already in position. dismissed, you are already in position. dismissed, you are already in position. Do me a favor. If you just pray that Do me a favor. If you just pray that Do me a favor. If you just pray that prayer, take your phone out and just tap prayer, take your phone out and just tap prayer, take your phone out and just tap the circle on the chair in front of you. the circle on the chair in front of you. the circle on the chair in front of you. There's a connection card that comes up. There's a connection card that comes up. There's a connection card that comes up. This connection card is very important This connection card is very important This connection card is very important because it gives your name, your email, because it gives your name, your email, because it gives your name, your email, but halfway down, there's a box you get but halfway down, there's a box you get but halfway down, there's a box you get to check that says, "I've given my life to check that says, "I've given my life to check that says, "I've given my life to Christ or I'm renewing my commitment to Christ or I'm renewing my commitment to Christ or I'm renewing my commitment to Christ." If that's you and you don't to Christ." If that's you and you don't to Christ." If that's you and you don't have a Bible, you can go to the Uver have a Bible, you can go to the Uver have a Bible, you can go to the Uver Bible app, YOU version Bible app, and Bible app, YOU version Bible app, and Bible app, YOU version Bible app, and you can download it for free or we have you can download it for free or we have you can download it for free or we have a Bible for you at our info hub. We'd a Bible for you at our info hub. We'd a Bible for you at our info hub. We'd love to bless you with. And as we give love to bless you with. And as we give love to bless you with. And as we give today, we bring our tithe to the Lord. today, we bring our tithe to the Lord. today, we bring our tithe to the Lord. We bring our offering to the Lord. The We bring our offering to the Lord. The We bring our offering to the Lord. The Bible talks about praying and and Bible talks about praying and and Bible talks about praying and and setting aside every week what we would setting aside every week what we would setting aside every week what we would give to God. And it's not just giving give to God. And it's not just giving give to God. And it's not just giving because he needs it. Generosity does because he needs it. Generosity does because he needs it. Generosity does something in us. Can I tell you this? something in us. Can I tell you this? something in us. Can I tell you this? Couple weeks ago, we all served as a Couple weeks ago, we all served as a Couple weeks ago, we all served as a church and did 19 different outreaches church and did 19 different outreaches church and did 19 different outreaches to the Bay Area. One of which you as a to the Bay Area. One of which you as a to the Bay Area. One of which you as a church financed giving over 500 church financed giving over 500 church financed giving over 500 backpacks to students who need a backpacks to students who need a backpacks to students who need a backpack for school. And just amazing.

backpack for school. And just amazing. backpack for school. And just amazing. A backpack might not be a big thing to A backpack might not be a big thing to A backpack might not be a big thing to you. you. you. It's a sign to let these kids know It's a sign to let these kids know It's a sign to let these kids know there's a church that loved me in Jesus there's a church that loved me in Jesus there's a church that loved me in Jesus name. Going back to school. Come on. How name. Going back to school. Come on. How name. Going back to school. Come on. How many remember that? How many are old many remember that? How many are old many remember that? How many are old enough to remember when we would use enough to remember when we would use enough to remember when we would use paper bags to cover our books? paper bags to cover our books? paper bags to cover our books? >> These kids don't know nothing about >> These kids don't know nothing about >> These kids don't know nothing about that. >> Well, I'm grateful for you. Thank you >> Well, I'm grateful for you. Thank you for your giving today. And as we leave, for your giving today. And as we leave, for your giving today. And as we leave, listen, listen. Obviously, you can leave listen, listen. Obviously, you can leave listen, listen. Obviously, you can leave right away if you want to. right away if you want to. right away if you want to. Could I encourage you gently stick Could I encourage you gently stick Could I encourage you gently stick around, around, around, just walk slowly through the room? I'm just walk slowly through the room? I'm just walk slowly through the room? I'm going to come out there. Love to meet going to come out there. Love to meet going to come out there. Love to meet any of you if I haven't met you already. any of you if I haven't met you already. any of you if I haven't met you already. But I'd love for you to join a small But I'd love for you to join a small But I'd love for you to join a small group because this is how we pastor group because this is how we pastor group because this is how we pastor people. Let's all stand to our feet. people. Let's all stand to our feet. people. Let's all stand to our feet. Lord, I bless this church in Jesus name. Lord, I bless this church in Jesus name. Lord, I bless this church in Jesus name. Give us direction now for the right Give us direction now for the right Give us direction now for the right small groups we ought to join and bless small groups we ought to join and bless small groups we ought to join and bless this ice cream to the nourishment of our this ice cream to the nourishment of our this ice cream to the nourishment of our body in Jesus name. Amen. You're body in Jesus name. Amen. You're body in Jesus name. Amen. You're dismissed.