When You’re Connected to Everyone but Close to No One

Today, I want to show you a very Today, I want to show you a very powerful portion of scripture that's powerful portion of scripture that's powerful portion of scripture that's very relevant for today, even though it very relevant for today, even though it very relevant for today, even though it was written 2,000 years ago. was written 2,000 years ago. was written 2,000 years ago. We're going to look at 2 John, which is We're going to look at 2 John, which is We're going to look at 2 John, which is a very short personal letter from John, a very short personal letter from John, a very short personal letter from John, who was one of Jesus' disciples. who was one of Jesus' disciples. who was one of Jesus' disciples. The point at which he was writing this, The point at which he was writing this, The point at which he was writing this, he was he was he was he was older. He was probably in his he was older. He was probably in his he was older. He was probably in his mid-80s, maybe even pushing 90, and he mid-80s, maybe even pushing 90, and he mid-80s, maybe even pushing 90, and he was writing from Ephesus to some people was writing from Ephesus to some people was writing from Ephesus to some people that he loved. It was a very intimate that he loved. It was a very intimate that he loved. It was a very intimate letter, and he was telling them how to letter, and he was telling them how to letter, and he was telling them how to love one another. And then he was love one another. And then he was love one another. And then he was saying, "Watch out for spiritual saying, "Watch out for spiritual saying, "Watch out for spiritual deception." If I could tell you deception." If I could tell you deception." If I could tell you something today, in this day, we need to something today, in this day, we need to something today, in this day, we need to love one another, and we need to watch love one another, and we need to watch love one another, and we need to watch out for the spiritual deception of our out for the spiritual deception of our out for the spiritual deception of our enemy who comes to steal, kill, and enemy who comes to steal, kill, and enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. And this is what he said in 2 destroy. And this is what he said in 2 destroy. And this is what he said in 2 John verse 12. He said this. He said, "I John verse 12. He said this. He said, "I John verse 12. He said this. He said, "I have much more to say to you." In other have much more to say to you." In other have much more to say to you." In other words, this message is not complete. He words, this message is not complete. He words, this message is not complete. He says, "But I don't want to do it with says, "But I don't want to do it with says, "But I don't want to do it with paper and ink. He said, "For I hope to paper and ink. He said, "For I hope to paper and ink. He said, "For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you visit you soon and talk with you visit you soon and talk with you face-to-face."

face-to-face." face-to-face." And I like it. He says, "Then our joy And I like it. He says, "Then our joy And I like it. He says, "Then our joy will be complete." I've got I've got will be complete." I've got I've got will be complete." I've got I've got more that I want to say to you, but I more that I want to say to you, but I more that I want to say to you, but I can't just do it in the form of a can't just do it in the form of a can't just do it in the form of a letter. There are some things that that letter. There are some things that that letter. There are some things that that are more intimate than that. I want to are more intimate than that. I want to are more intimate than that. I want to be face-to-face, and then when we're be face-to-face, and then when we're be face-to-face, and then when we're face-to-face sharing what's on my heart face-to-face sharing what's on my heart face-to-face sharing what's on my heart with you, then our joy will be made with you, then our joy will be made with you, then our joy will be made complete. He's saying, "There's complete. He's saying, "There's complete. He's saying, "There's something more that I I want to share something more that I I want to share something more that I I want to share with you. It's on my heart. God put it with you. It's on my heart. God put it with you. It's on my heart. God put it on my heart, but it's just too special on my heart, but it's just too special on my heart, but it's just too special for a letter." for a letter." for a letter." In today's culture, we might say it's In today's culture, we might say it's In today's culture, we might say it's too intimate for a text or too sacred too intimate for a text or too sacred too intimate for a text or too sacred for a screen, because there are some for a screen, because there are some for a screen, because there are some moments moments moments that you just have to be face-to-face. that you just have to be face-to-face. that you just have to be face-to-face. When you're face-to-face, then your joy When you're face-to-face, then your joy When you're face-to-face, then your joy will be made complete. will be made complete. will be made complete. But, sadly, let's be honest, But, sadly, let's be honest, But, sadly, let's be honest, that is just so much less common today that is just so much less common today that is just so much less common today than it once was. than it once was. than it once was. I'll give an example. I'll give an example. I'll give an example. Um my dad died a couple of years ago, Um my dad died a couple of years ago, Um my dad died a couple of years ago, and when he did, so many people reached and when he did, so many people reached and when he did, so many people reached out. Uh it was a little bit out. Uh it was a little bit out. Uh it was a little bit overwhelming. I got texts, uh I got overwhelming. I got texts, uh I got overwhelming. I got texts, uh I got prayer emojis, I got heart emojis, and prayer emojis, I got heart emojis, and prayer emojis, I got heart emojis, and more texts, and more texts, and more more texts, and more texts, and more more texts, and more texts, and more texts, and more texts, and more texts.

texts, and more texts, and more texts. texts, and more texts, and more texts. And then, a couple of evenings after he And then, a couple of evenings after he And then, a couple of evenings after he died, Amy and I were sitting down in our died, Amy and I were sitting down in our died, Amy and I were sitting down in our living room, and the weirdest thing living room, and the weirdest thing living room, and the weirdest thing happened. I mean, it was shocking. happened. I mean, it was shocking. happened. I mean, it was shocking. Someone knocked on our door. Someone knocked on our door. Someone knocked on our door. And I looked at her like, And I looked at her like, And I looked at her like, "Were you expecting anybody? Maybe it's "Were you expecting anybody? Maybe it's "Were you expecting anybody? Maybe it's a Jehovah's Witness." Well, I don't know a Jehovah's Witness." Well, I don't know a Jehovah's Witness." Well, I don't know who would be knocking on our door. who would be knocking on our door. who would be knocking on our door. And I'm going to show you a picture of And I'm going to show you a picture of And I'm going to show you a picture of Scott Streller, Scott and I met each Scott Streller, Scott and I met each Scott Streller, Scott and I met each other. I was 15. other. I was 15. other. I was 15. He was 16. The first time we played, I He was 16. The first time we played, I He was 16. The first time we played, I beat him in tennis. beat him in tennis. beat him in tennis. We agree. He actually thinks there was a We agree. He actually thinks there was a We agree. He actually thinks there was a time before which he beat me, but I time before which he beat me, but I time before which he beat me, but I don't remember that time, strangely, at don't remember that time, strangely, at don't remember that time, strangely, at all. And we've been friends for years all. And we've been friends for years all. And we've been friends for years and years. And that was back when you and years. And that was back when you and years. And that was back when you used to have used to have used to have hair that would cover your ears. That's hair that would cover your ears. That's hair that would cover your ears. That's how old that picture was. It was Scott how old that picture was. It was Scott how old that picture was. It was Scott at the door. at the door. at the door. And I'm like, And I'm like, And I'm like, "What are you What are you doing here? "What are you What are you doing here? "What are you What are you doing here? Do you What's going on?" And he said, Do you What's going on?" And he said, Do you What's going on?" And he said, "Man, I'm so sorry about your dad. I "Man, I'm so sorry about your dad. I "Man, I'm so sorry about your dad. I just wanted to come over and just sit just wanted to come over and just sit just wanted to come over and just sit with you."

Now, Now, I'm not complaining at all. I felt very I'm not complaining at all. I felt very I'm not complaining at all. I felt very loved. loved. loved. And I don't think I would have even And I don't think I would have even And I don't think I would have even noticed noticed noticed that no one came to visit that no one came to visit that no one came to visit if it hadn't been for the fact that one if it hadn't been for the fact that one if it hadn't been for the fact that one person came to visit. person came to visit. person came to visit. One person. One person. One person. Only one. And again, I don't think I Only one. And again, I don't think I Only one. And again, I don't think I would have said like, "Nobody came to would have said like, "Nobody came to would have said like, "Nobody came to visit." I wouldn't even notice that visit." I wouldn't even notice that visit." I wouldn't even notice that nobody came to visit except for only one nobody came to visit except for only one nobody came to visit except for only one person came to visit. And I think what person came to visit. And I think what person came to visit. And I think what happened is I think we've really happened is I think we've really happened is I think we've really forgotten the power of presence. forgotten the power of presence. forgotten the power of presence. We we forgot the sacredness We we forgot the sacredness We we forgot the sacredness of showing up. of showing up. of showing up. And those of you who are been around for And those of you who are been around for And those of you who are been around for a longer, you'll you'll remember back in a longer, you'll you'll remember back in a longer, you'll you'll remember back in the day when your friend would have a the day when your friend would have a the day when your friend would have a baby, baby, baby, what would you do? what would you do? what would you do? You would make a casserole with peas. You would make a casserole with peas. You would make a casserole with peas. Why a casserole with peas? I DO NOT Why a casserole with peas? I DO NOT Why a casserole with peas? I DO NOT KNOW, BUT YOU WOULD MAKE A CASSEROLE KNOW, BUT YOU WOULD MAKE A CASSEROLE KNOW, BUT YOU WOULD MAKE A CASSEROLE WITH PEAS. AND THEN WHAT WOULD YOU DO? WITH PEAS. AND THEN WHAT WOULD YOU DO? WITH PEAS. AND THEN WHAT WOULD YOU DO? YOU WOULD DRIVE ACROSS TOWN, KNOCK ON YOU WOULD DRIVE ACROSS TOWN, KNOCK ON YOU WOULD DRIVE ACROSS TOWN, KNOCK ON THE DOOR, AND GIVE THEM A CASSEROLE WITH THE DOOR, AND GIVE THEM A CASSEROLE WITH THE DOOR, AND GIVE THEM A CASSEROLE WITH PEAS, WALK IN, LOVE THEM, MAYBE PRAY FOR PEAS, WALK IN, LOVE THEM, MAYBE PRAY FOR PEAS, WALK IN, LOVE THEM, MAYBE PRAY FOR THEM, SEE THEIR BABY, CUTE BABY, EVEN IF THEM, SEE THEIR BABY, CUTE BABY, EVEN IF THEM, SEE THEIR BABY, CUTE BABY, EVEN IF the baby was ugly, YOU WOULD LIE FOR THE the baby was ugly, YOU WOULD LIE FOR THE the baby was ugly, YOU WOULD LIE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, CUTE BABY, AND YOU WOULD GLORY OF GOD, CUTE BABY, AND YOU WOULD GLORY OF GOD, CUTE BABY, AND YOU WOULD DROP off the casserole and peas.

DROP off the casserole and peas. DROP off the casserole and peas. What do we do today? Because it's What do we do today? Because it's What do we do today? Because it's convenient, convenient, convenient, we order DoorDash. we order DoorDash. we order DoorDash. AND THE POWER AND THE POWER AND THE POWER ISN'T GIVING THEM APPLEBEE'S DELIVERED. ISN'T GIVING THEM APPLEBEE'S DELIVERED. ISN'T GIVING THEM APPLEBEE'S DELIVERED. WE'VE FORGOTTEN THE POWER is giving them WE'VE FORGOTTEN THE POWER is giving them WE'VE FORGOTTEN THE POWER is giving them you. you. you. We've forgotten We've forgotten We've forgotten the power of presence. the power of presence. the power of presence. And you're probably thinking, okay, old And you're probably thinking, okay, old And you're probably thinking, okay, old Pastor Craig, Pastor Craig, Pastor Craig, uh you're against digital communication. uh you're against digital communication. uh you're against digital communication. And I want to say right now, I am not at And I want to say right now, I am not at And I want to say right now, I am not at all. There's a picture of Amy, my bride, all. There's a picture of Amy, my bride, all. There's a picture of Amy, my bride, on my phone right there. Um just for the on my phone right there. Um just for the on my phone right there. Um just for the record, we are um the church that was record, we are um the church that was record, we are um the church that was honored to create the very first church honored to create the very first church honored to create the very first church online. Not just streaming, but a online. Not just streaming, but a online. Not just streaming, but a community of believers online. And we community of believers online. And we community of believers online. And we have 800 life groups online with people have 800 life groups online with people have 800 life groups online with people all over the world, and we're thankful all over the world, and we're thankful all over the world, and we're thankful for that. We created the YouVersion for that. We created the YouVersion for that. We created the YouVersion Bible app. And And so what I want you to Bible app. And And so what I want you to Bible app. And And so what I want you to know is we are very, very much for the know is we are very, very much for the know is we are very, very much for the power of technology to connect people power of technology to connect people power of technology to connect people with each other and to connect each with each other and to connect each with each other and to connect each other other other uh spiritually, but text should always uh spiritually, but text should always uh spiritually, but text should always be a supplement and never a replacement be a supplement and never a replacement be a supplement and never a replacement for human interaction and loving for human interaction and loving for human interaction and loving face-to-face. Because when you think face-to-face. Because when you think face-to-face. Because when you think about it, God didn't just send his about it, God didn't just send his about it, God didn't just send his written word. He didn't just send his written word. He didn't just send his written word. He didn't just send his written word, but his written word, but his written word, but his word became flesh. John 1:1 says this, word became flesh. John 1:1 says this, word became flesh. John 1:1 says this, that in the beginning was the word, and that in the beginning was the word, and that in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was the word was with God, and the word was the word was with God, and the word was God, and the word became flesh and made

God, and the word became flesh and made God, and the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. The biblical term his dwelling among us. The biblical term his dwelling among us. The biblical term would be the incarnation. would be the incarnation. would be the incarnation. Who is Jesus? He is the incarnation. He Who is Jesus? He is the incarnation. He Who is Jesus? He is the incarnation. He is the physical embodiment of a holy and is the physical embodiment of a holy and is the physical embodiment of a holy and a righteous God. GOD DIDN'T JUST SHOUT a righteous God. GOD DIDN'T JUST SHOUT a righteous God. GOD DIDN'T JUST SHOUT HIS LOVE FROM HEAVEN. HE SENT HIS SON TO HIS LOVE FROM HEAVEN. HE SENT HIS SON TO HIS LOVE FROM HEAVEN. HE SENT HIS SON TO SHOW WHO HE IS ON EARTH BECAUSE SOME SHOW WHO HE IS ON EARTH BECAUSE SOME SHOW WHO HE IS ON EARTH BECAUSE SOME THINGS ARE JUST too intimate to be done THINGS ARE JUST too intimate to be done THINGS ARE JUST too intimate to be done in the written word. Some things have to in the written word. Some things have to in the written word. Some things have to be face-to-face. be face-to-face. be face-to-face. And so, here we are, years later. Uh, And so, here we are, years later. Uh, And so, here we are, years later. Uh, we're Christians and and we we we love we're Christians and and we we we love we're Christians and and we we we love Jesus. And and and we believe in the Jesus. And and and we believe in the Jesus. And and and we believe in the Bible. And yet when we feel maybe what? Bible. And yet when we feel maybe what? Bible. And yet when we feel maybe what? A little bit bored, A little bit bored, A little bit bored, maybe anxious, maybe anxious, maybe anxious, maybe lonely, maybe lonely, maybe lonely, what do we do? what do we do? what do we do? We pick up our phones We pick up our phones We pick up our phones and we just start and we just start and we just start scrolling. scrolling. scrolling. And scrolling. And scrolling. And scrolling. And scrolling. And scrolling. And scrolling. And scrolling. And if you look on social And scrolling. And if you look on social And scrolling. And if you look on social media, what do you see?

media, what do you see? media, what do you see? It seems LIKE EVERYBODY else has It seems LIKE EVERYBODY else has It seems LIKE EVERYBODY else has something going on. something going on. something going on. Like their life is all together, right? Like their life is all together, right? Like their life is all together, right? You see the cool shoes and the vacation. You see the cool shoes and the vacation. You see the cool shoes and the vacation. And you just I don't want to judge, but And you just I don't want to judge, but And you just I don't want to judge, but it seems like this IS THE THIRD ONE THIS it seems like this IS THE THIRD ONE THIS it seems like this IS THE THIRD ONE THIS YEAR THEY'VE BEEN ON. AND THE DATE YEAR THEY'VE BEEN ON. AND THE DATE YEAR THEY'VE BEEN ON. AND THE DATE nights where they look so happy. AND THE nights where they look so happy. AND THE nights where they look so happy. AND THE ENGAGEMENTS AND THE BABIES AND WHAT ENGAGEMENTS AND THE BABIES AND WHAT ENGAGEMENTS AND THE BABIES AND WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE PERFECT FAMILY. APPEARS TO BE THE PERFECT FAMILY. APPEARS TO BE THE PERFECT FAMILY. And there you're sitting there in your And there you're sitting there in your And there you're sitting there in your pajamas eating your second bag of chips pajamas eating your second bag of chips pajamas eating your second bag of chips doom scrolling. doom scrolling. doom scrolling. Rotting on the couch still feeling Rotting on the couch still feeling Rotting on the couch still feeling anxious anxious anxious and all alone. and all alone. and all alone. And and and and internally you're And and and and internally you're And and and and internally you're thinking there's got to be something thinking there's got to be something thinking there's got to be something better than this, but you just go back better than this, but you just go back better than this, but you just go back to it over and over and over again and to it over and over and over again and to it over and over and over again and somewhere between the likes and the somewhere between the likes and the somewhere between the likes and the comments and the games and the emails comments and the games and the emails comments and the games and the emails and the updates and the reels it hits and the updates and the reels it hits and the updates and the reels it hits you. you. you. Your feed is full Your feed is full Your feed is full but your soul feels empty. but your soul feels empty. but your soul feels empty. Your feed is full Your feed is full Your feed is full and yet your soul longs for something and yet your soul longs for something and yet your soul longs for something more.

more. more. And and what's crazy is when you look at And and what's crazy is when you look at And and what's crazy is when you look at it today, I mean there are so many good it today, I mean there are so many good it today, I mean there are so many good things about technology. I mean we are things about technology. I mean we are things about technology. I mean we are the most connected society in the the most connected society in the the most connected society in the history of the world and YET AT THE VERY history of the world and YET AT THE VERY history of the world and YET AT THE VERY same time we're the most lonely and the same time we're the most lonely and the same time we're the most lonely and the most isolated and the most anxious ever. most isolated and the most anxious ever. most isolated and the most anxious ever. And we intuitively kind of feel like And we intuitively kind of feel like And we intuitively kind of feel like something's wrong, but we feel trapped something's wrong, but we feel trapped something's wrong, but we feel trapped and don't know how to fix it. and don't know how to fix it. and don't know how to fix it. In fact, studies In fact, studies In fact, studies show some facts that are very very show some facts that are very very show some facts that are very very alarming. I'll give you three. Studies alarming. I'll give you three. Studies alarming. I'll give you three. Studies show this that the average adult spends show this that the average adult spends show this that the average adult spends over 7 hours a day on screens over 7 hours a day on screens over 7 hours a day on screens while teenagers average between 7 and 9 while teenagers average between 7 and 9 while teenagers average between 7 and 9 hours daily. hours daily. hours daily. I want you to pause and think about I want you to pause and think about I want you to pause and think about that. At the end of your life that. At the end of your life that. At the end of your life do you want to look back and say, "What do you want to look back and say, "What do you want to look back and say, "What did I do with what Jesus gave me to do?" did I do with what Jesus gave me to do?" did I do with what Jesus gave me to do?" I spent a third of my entire life I spent a third of my entire life I spent a third of my entire life looking at a screen. Seven Seven or more 9 hours a day. A second stat is or more 9 hours a day. A second stat is or more 9 hours a day. A second stat is this. 68% of people feel stress or this. 68% of people feel stress or this. 68% of people feel stress or anxiety when separated from their anxiety when separated from their anxiety when separated from their phones.

phones. phones. There is a term for it. You want to know There is a term for it. You want to know There is a term for it. You want to know what it is? what it is? what it is? It is a real term. It's called It is a real term. It's called It is a real term. It's called nomophobia. nomophobia. nomophobia. If you if someone takes your phone and If you if someone takes your phone and If you if someone takes your phone and you just hand it to him for a second, you just hand it to him for a second, you just hand it to him for a second, what do many of you feel? next step. next step. Nearly 40% of adults admit their phones Nearly 40% of adults admit their phones Nearly 40% of adults admit their phones make them feel lonelier. make them feel lonelier. make them feel lonelier. And one in three And one in three And one in three admit that they don't have a single admit that they don't have a single admit that they don't have a single person person person to confide in. Jesus didn't come and give his life Jesus didn't come and give his life and overcome darkness, death, hell, and and overcome darkness, death, hell, and and overcome darkness, death, hell, and the grave the grave the grave for us to spend a third of our life for us to spend a third of our life for us to spend a third of our life looking at a screen. looking at a screen. looking at a screen. And yet, here we are. And yet, here we are. And yet, here we are. What are we going to do about it? What are we going to do about it? What are we going to do about it? Um there's a book I read uh called The Um there's a book I read uh called The Um there's a book I read uh called The Anxious Generation by um Jonathan Haidt. Anxious Generation by um Jonathan Haidt. Anxious Generation by um Jonathan Haidt. And here's what he said, it really hit And here's what he said, it really hit And here's what he said, it really hit me uh because I see it and I feel it. Um me uh because I see it and I feel it. Um me uh because I see it and I feel it. Um he said that one of the biggest problems he said that one of the biggest problems he said that one of the biggest problems we have as parents, um those of you if we have as parents, um those of you if we have as parents, um those of you if you if you have kids, he says that in you if you have kids, he says that in you if you have kids, he says that in today's culture we tend to over protect today's culture we tend to over protect today's culture we tend to over protect our kids in the physical world our kids in the physical world our kids in the physical world and we vastly under protect them in the and we vastly under protect them in the and we vastly under protect them in the digital world.

digital world. digital world. But we over protect them in the physical But we over protect them in the physical But we over protect them in the physical world. I think you might agree, world. I think you might agree, world. I think you might agree, uh and I'm not saying this is right, but uh and I'm not saying this is right, but uh and I'm not saying this is right, but those of you around my age, when we were those of you around my age, when we were those of you around my age, when we were kids, you would literally put an entire kids, you would literally put an entire kids, you would literally put an entire baseball team in the back of a pickup baseball team in the back of a pickup baseball team in the back of a pickup truck and drive down the highway 70 truck and drive down the highway 70 truck and drive down the highway 70 miles an hour. I'm not saying it was miles an hour. I'm not saying it was miles an hour. I'm not saying it was smart, but we did it. smart, but we did it. smart, but we did it. Uh seat belts weren't a thing. I think Uh seat belts weren't a thing. I think Uh seat belts weren't a thing. I think it's dumb seat belts should be a thing, it's dumb seat belts should be a thing, it's dumb seat belts should be a thing, but some of you would remember, you sit but some of you would remember, you sit but some of you would remember, you sit in the front seat with your mom, no seat in the front seat with your mom, no seat in the front seat with your mom, no seat belt on, and the seat belt would be if belt on, and the seat belt would be if belt on, and the seat belt would be if she had to stop fast, WHAT WOULD SHE DO? she had to stop fast, WHAT WOULD SHE DO? she had to stop fast, WHAT WOULD SHE DO? THAT WAS BOOM! THAT WAS A SEAT BELT. HER THAT WAS BOOM! THAT WAS A SEAT BELT. HER THAT WAS BOOM! THAT WAS A SEAT BELT. HER ARM would go out, and it's probably ARM would go out, and it's probably ARM would go out, and it's probably safer than the safest airbag seat belt. safer than the safest airbag seat belt. safer than the safest airbag seat belt. In fact, there's a rumor that that's how In fact, there's a rumor that that's how In fact, there's a rumor that that's how someone invented the airbag. That it was someone invented the airbag. That it was someone invented the airbag. That it was a little kid and his mom, you know how a little kid and his mom, you know how a little kid and his mom, you know how sometimes when you get older, you have sometimes when you get older, you have sometimes when you get older, you have the the the you have you have you have I mean I end up the arm with the I mean I end up the arm with the I mean I end up the arm with the >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> airbag. I just made that up. That's not >> airbag. I just made that up. That's not >> airbag. I just made that up. That's not true, but you know, if you're that true, but you know, if you're that true, but you know, if you're that offended, you just go ahead and email offended, you just go ahead and email offended, you just go ahead and email me. Use technology. Email me at me. Use technology. Email me at me. Use technology. Email me at craigandidon'tgivearip.com. It's craigandidon'tgivearip.com. It's craigandidon'tgivearip.com. It's actually an email that I think it still actually an email that I think it still actually an email that I think it still works. It was there years ago. But what works. It was there years ago. But what works. It was there years ago. But what happens is we we we we do we we nowadays happens is we we we we do we we nowadays happens is we we we we do we we nowadays instead of like just letting them ride instead of like just letting them ride instead of like just letting them ride in the back, we over protect them. And in the back, we over protect them. And in the back, we over protect them. And and everything to keep them safe. WE GOT and everything to keep them safe. WE GOT and everything to keep them safe. WE GOT BABY MONITORS AND WE GOT BIKE HELMETS BABY MONITORS AND WE GOT BIKE HELMETS BABY MONITORS AND WE GOT BIKE HELMETS AND SANITIZED BACKPACKS AND WE BUBBLE AND SANITIZED BACKPACKS AND WE BUBBLE AND SANITIZED BACKPACKS AND WE BUBBLE WRAP THEM. OUR KID LOOKS LIKE THIS. If WRAP THEM. OUR KID LOOKS LIKE THIS. If WRAP THEM. OUR KID LOOKS LIKE THIS. If he's going to go check the mail, here he's going to go check the mail, here he's going to go check the mail, here Bubba, you got to put this on so you Bubba, you got to put this on so you Bubba, you got to put this on so you don't get sunburned and and trip on the don't get sunburned and and trip on the don't get sunburned and and trip on the in the driveway and skin your knee.

in the driveway and skin your knee. in the driveway and skin your knee. We're going to keep them safe in the We're going to keep them safe in the We're going to keep them safe in the physical world and then when they turn physical world and then when they turn physical world and then when they turn 10 years of age, what do we do? 10 years of age, what do we do? 10 years of age, what do we do? We give them THE DEVICE WITH UNLIMITED access to pornography. WITH UNLIMITED access to pornography. And put into their hands a digital And put into their hands a digital And put into their hands a digital stream of DOPAMINE THAT DRIVES stream of DOPAMINE THAT DRIVES stream of DOPAMINE THAT DRIVES COMPARISON AND ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION COMPARISON AND ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION COMPARISON AND ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AND MAKES THEM VULNERABLE TO THE AND MAKES THEM VULNERABLE TO THE AND MAKES THEM VULNERABLE TO THE ALGORITHMS DESIGNED TO DISTRACT THEM AND ALGORITHMS DESIGNED TO DISTRACT THEM AND ALGORITHMS DESIGNED TO DISTRACT THEM AND FEED THEM THE LIES that shape their very FEED THEM THE LIES that shape their very FEED THEM THE LIES that shape their very identities. MOST OF US MOST OF US have fallen FOR THE SAME TRAP. have fallen FOR THE SAME TRAP. have fallen FOR THE SAME TRAP. The same distraction. The same distraction. The same distraction. The same addiction. The same addiction. The same addiction. The same lies The same lies The same lies that are robbing them are also robbing that are robbing them are also robbing that are robbing them are also robbing us. us. us. Here's the way I say it. Here's the way I say it. Here's the way I say it. We didn't just hand them the problem. We didn't just hand them the problem. We didn't just hand them the problem. We modeled it for them.

I'm telling you right now, you're I'm telling you right now, you're worried about your kids, some of your worried about your kids, some of your worried about your kids, some of your kids worry about you. kids worry about you. kids worry about you. Cuz all you can do is send fake I things Cuz all you can do is send fake I things Cuz all you can do is send fake I things to each other because you still think to each other because you still think to each other because you still think that's real. Now, I'm just meddling, but that's real. Now, I'm just meddling, but that's real. Now, I'm just meddling, but forgive me for that cuz but some of you forgive me for that cuz but some of you forgive me for that cuz but some of you are doing that. Just saying. are doing that. Just saying. are doing that. Just saying. Uh let me tell you Uh let me tell you Uh let me tell you why I am passionate about this. why I am passionate about this. why I am passionate about this. I'm passionate about it because I feel I'm passionate about it because I feel I'm passionate about it because I feel like it's one of the greatest tools of like it's one of the greatest tools of like it's one of the greatest tools of distraction to keep us from intimacy distraction to keep us from intimacy distraction to keep us from intimacy with God and intimacy with other people. with God and intimacy with other people. with God and intimacy with other people. And it is a problem we must acknowledge And it is a problem we must acknowledge And it is a problem we must acknowledge and we must solve. We have to. I want to and we must solve. We have to. I want to and we must solve. We have to. I want to solve it. I need to solve it in my own solve it. I need to solve it in my own solve it. I need to solve it in my own life. And so for 3 weeks we're going to life. And so for 3 weeks we're going to life. And so for 3 weeks we're going to talk about it. I want to just kind of talk about it. I want to just kind of talk about it. I want to just kind of show you my cards and I'm going to give show you my cards and I'm going to give show you my cards and I'm going to give you the three goals that I want to try you the three goals that I want to try you the three goals that I want to try to accomplish in the series. Um here's to accomplish in the series. Um here's to accomplish in the series. Um here's what I want us to do together. I want us what I want us to do together. I want us what I want us to do together. I want us to confront the habits that drain your to confront the habits that drain your to confront the habits that drain your peace and quietly destroy the peace and quietly destroy the peace and quietly destroy the relationships that matter most because relationships that matter most because relationships that matter most because sometimes you can be sitting right by sometimes you can be sitting right by sometimes you can be sitting right by the person you love and looking at the person you love and looking at the person you love and looking at stranger that you're never ever going to stranger that you're never ever going to stranger that you're never ever going to meet and feeling left out when you could meet and feeling left out when you could meet and feeling left out when you could be connecting with the person who's be connecting with the person who's be connecting with the person who's right in front of you. And so we're right in front of you. And so we're right in front of you. And so we're going to do that. Next week, this is going to do that. Next week, this is going to do that. Next week, this is what we're going to do is we're going to what we're going to do is we're going to what we're going to do is we're going to find practical tools and I cannot tell find practical tools and I cannot tell find practical tools and I cannot tell you how important next week is. We're you how important next week is. We're you how important next week is. We're going to dive deep into it and we're going to dive deep into it and we're going to dive deep into it and we're going to find the practical tools to going to find the practical tools to going to find the practical tools to guard your families from the pull of guard your families from the pull of guard your families from the pull of digital distraction and destruction. In digital distraction and destruction. In digital distraction and destruction. In fact, our team has put together a little fact, our team has put together a little fact, our team has put together a little book that your campus pastor can tell book that your campus pastor can tell book that your campus pastor can tell you how to get. It is free. You can get you how to get. It is free. You can get you how to get. It is free. You can get it online.

it online. it online. Um and we're going to meet as parents Um and we're going to meet as parents Um and we're going to meet as parents because a lot of you do not know what's because a lot of you do not know what's because a lot of you do not know what's going on on your kids' devices and it is going on on your kids' devices and it is going on on your kids' devices and it is making them depressed, desperate, making them depressed, desperate, making them depressed, desperate, suicidal, left out, anxious, and to suicidal, left out, anxious, and to suicidal, left out, anxious, and to understand and you need to be have a understand and you need to be have a understand and you need to be have a game plan for them and you need a game game plan for them and you need a game game plan for them and you need a game plan for you. And if you don't, plan for you. And if you don't, plan for you. And if you don't, culture's going to pull you straight culture's going to pull you straight culture's going to pull you straight into darkness and this is not God's plan into darkness and this is not God's plan into darkness and this is not God's plan for us. And the third thing we're going for us. And the third thing we're going for us. And the third thing we're going to do, and I've been talking about this to do, and I've been talking about this to do, and I've been talking about this non-stop, is we're going to come out of non-stop, is we're going to come out of non-stop, is we're going to come out of the shallow screen-based connection and the shallow screen-based connection and the shallow screen-based connection and back into deep, life-giving, back into deep, life-giving, back into deep, life-giving, Christ-centered community. If you feel Christ-centered community. If you feel Christ-centered community. If you feel like something's missing in your life, like something's missing in your life, like something's missing in your life, it's because it is. And it's not what's it's because it is. And it's not what's it's because it is. And it's not what's on the a on the a on the a It's what's in front of you. It's It's what's in front of you. It's It's what's in front of you. It's intimacy with the people around you intimacy with the people around you intimacy with the people around you because God genuinely wants you to live because God genuinely wants you to live because God genuinely wants you to live a connected life. Not not connected a connected life. Not not connected a connected life. Not not connected digitally, but connected spiritually to digitally, but connected spiritually to digitally, but connected spiritually to him and intimately with the people that him and intimately with the people that him and intimately with the people that he put into your life. And the problem he put into your life. And the problem he put into your life. And the problem is we live in a culture that celebrates is we live in a culture that celebrates is we live in a culture that celebrates and glorifies independence. and glorifies independence. and glorifies independence. You got to be independent. I don't You got to be independent. I don't You got to be independent. I don't depend on anybody else. You got to be depend on anybody else. You got to be depend on anybody else. You got to be your own boss. You got to live your own your own boss. You got to live your own your own boss. You got to live your own truth. Let me tell you the truth. The truth. Let me tell you the truth. The truth. Let me tell you the truth. The truth is God created you to be dependent truth is God created you to be dependent truth is God created you to be dependent upon him.

upon him. upon him. To need him and to need his people in To need him and to need his people in To need him and to need his people in community. We were not created to be community. We were not created to be community. We were not created to be alone. We were created to be dependent alone. We were created to be dependent alone. We were created to be dependent on a God who wants to meet our needs. on a God who wants to meet our needs. on a God who wants to meet our needs. And one of the ways he meets our deepest And one of the ways he meets our deepest And one of the ways he meets our deepest needs IS WITH HIS LOVE THROUGH his needs IS WITH HIS LOVE THROUGH his needs IS WITH HIS LOVE THROUGH his people. people. people. And we see one of the most powerful, And we see one of the most powerful, And we see one of the most powerful, beautiful, vivid pictures of this beautiful, vivid pictures of this beautiful, vivid pictures of this in the first-century in the first-century in the first-century church. And I want to show you this when church. And I want to show you this when church. And I want to show you this when the new believers had EXPERIENCED THE the new believers had EXPERIENCED THE the new believers had EXPERIENCED THE RESURRECTION POWER OF CHRIST. AND SOME RESURRECTION POWER OF CHRIST. AND SOME RESURRECTION POWER OF CHRIST. AND SOME OF THEM HAD SEEN THE RISEN CHRIST. And OF THEM HAD SEEN THE RISEN CHRIST. And OF THEM HAD SEEN THE RISEN CHRIST. And they would gather together. And I want they would gather together. And I want they would gather together. And I want you to see the beauty of the community you to see the beauty of the community you to see the beauty of the community they had. Acts chapter 2 says this. they had. Acts chapter 2 says this. they had. Acts chapter 2 says this. These first-century Christians, they These first-century Christians, they These first-century Christians, they were devoted. They devoted themselves were devoted. They devoted themselves were devoted. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching to the apostles' teaching to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship and the breaking and to the fellowship and the breaking and to the fellowship and the breaking of bread and to prayer. of bread and to prayer. of bread and to prayer. And everyone was filled with all at the And everyone was filled with all at the And everyone was filled with all at the many wonders and signs performed by the many wonders and signs performed by the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. apostles. apostles. And all the believers were together and And all the believers were together and And all the believers were together and had everything in common. And they sold had everything in common. And they sold had everything in common. And they sold their property and possessions to give their property and possessions to give their property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

to anyone who had need. to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet in the Every day they continued to meet in the Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts. THEY BROKE BREAD IN THEIR temple courts. THEY BROKE BREAD IN THEIR temple courts. THEY BROKE BREAD IN THEIR HOMES AND ATE TOGETHER with glad and HOMES AND ATE TOGETHER with glad and HOMES AND ATE TOGETHER with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and sincere hearts, praising God and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. enjoying the favor of all the people. enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord And the Lord And the Lord added to their number daily added to their number daily added to their number daily those who were being saved. those who were being saved. those who were being saved. Community, connection, COMMITMENT, Community, connection, COMMITMENT, Community, connection, COMMITMENT, POWER, ALL THE PRESENCE OF GOD, ALL THE POWER, ALL THE PRESENCE OF GOD, ALL THE POWER, ALL THE PRESENCE OF GOD, ALL THE POWER OF GOD, ALL OF THE MIRACLES that POWER OF GOD, ALL OF THE MIRACLES that POWER OF GOD, ALL OF THE MIRACLES that God WAS DOING, GIVING OF THEMSELVES TO God WAS DOING, GIVING OF THEMSELVES TO God WAS DOING, GIVING OF THEMSELVES TO SO THAT NO ONE WOULD EVEN HAVE NEED. SO THAT NO ONE WOULD EVEN HAVE NEED. SO THAT NO ONE WOULD EVEN HAVE NEED. And I want to show you in these few And I want to show you in these few And I want to show you in these few short verses short verses short verses how these first century Christians how these first century Christians how these first century Christians depended on God and depended on each depended on God and depended on each depended on God and depended on each other. Let me show you just briefly a other. Let me show you just briefly a other. Let me show you just briefly a quick summary of what the early church quick summary of what the early church quick summary of what the early church did. They studied the Bible did. They studied the Bible did. They studied the Bible together. together. together. They shared meals together. They shared meals together. They shared meals together. They prayed They prayed They prayed together. Help me out if you want to.

together. Help me out if you want to. together. Help me out if you want to. They fellowshipped together. They They fellowshipped together. They They fellowshipped together. They worshiped God together. They served worshiped God together. They served worshiped God together. They served others together and they celebrated others together and they celebrated others together and they celebrated together. together. together. They didn't look at a screen and observe They didn't look at a screen and observe They didn't look at a screen and observe somebody else's life. somebody else's life. somebody else's life. They were together. And what you need to They were together. And what you need to They were together. And what you need to know is that in the ancient world know is that in the ancient world know is that in the ancient world this was unheard of. this was unheard of. this was unheard of. Completely unheard of. Completely unheard of. Completely unheard of. Because the Roman Empire Because the Roman Empire Because the Roman Empire was built on division. was built on division. was built on division. The rich The rich The rich avoided the poor. avoided the poor. avoided the poor. The Jews stayed away from the Gentiles. The Jews stayed away from the Gentiles. The Jews stayed away from the Gentiles. Those who were free, they stayed away Those who were free, they stayed away Those who were free, they stayed away from the slaves. from the slaves. from the slaves. And the first century church FILLED WITH And the first century church FILLED WITH And the first century church FILLED WITH THE POWER OF JESUS AND THE LOVE OF THE POWER OF JESUS AND THE LOVE OF THE POWER OF JESUS AND THE LOVE OF JESUS, THEY SHATTERED THAT DIVISION. JESUS, THEY SHATTERED THAT DIVISION. JESUS, THEY SHATTERED THAT DIVISION. THE rich ate with the poor. THE rich ate with the poor. THE rich ate with the poor. And the Jews fellowshipped with the And the Jews fellowshipped with the And the Jews fellowshipped with the Gentiles. And those WHO WERE FREE BROKE Gentiles. And those WHO WERE FREE BROKE Gentiles. And those WHO WERE FREE BROKE BREAD WITH THOSE WHO WERE SLAVES. And BREAD WITH THOSE WHO WERE SLAVES. And BREAD WITH THOSE WHO WERE SLAVES. And those who had more those who had more those who had more didn't think it was all for them.

didn't think it was all for them. didn't think it was all for them. But they gladly and willingly shared But they gladly and willingly shared But they gladly and willingly shared with those who had less because they with those who had less because they with those who had less because they didn't just believe [snorts] didn't just believe [snorts] didn't just believe [snorts] in Jesus, in Jesus, in Jesus, they belonged to him. they belonged to him. they belonged to him. And because they belonged to him, they And because they belonged to him, they And because they belonged to him, they belonged to each other. And yet we're settling And yet we're settling for an imitation for an imitation for an imitation of looking at someone through a shield of looking at someone through a shield of looking at someone through a shield instead of loving someone face to face. instead of loving someone face to face. instead of loving someone face to face. And Acts 2:44 summed it up when the And Acts 2:44 summed it up when the And Acts 2:44 summed it up when the Bible says this, Bible says this, Bible says this, "All the believers "All the believers "All the believers were together." were together." were together." They were together. They were together. They were together. They were unified. They were unified. They were unified. They were one. They were one. They were one. They loved each other. They loved each other. They loved each other. They cared for each other. They shared They cared for each other. They shared They cared for each other. They shared their burdens together. They served one their burdens together. They served one their burdens together. They served one another. They rejoiced with one another. another. They rejoiced with one another. another. They rejoiced with one another. They mourned with one another. And this They mourned with one another. And this They mourned with one another. And this wasn't just unusual, again, it was wasn't just unusual, again, it was wasn't just unusual, again, it was revolutionary.

I'm going to tell you right now, it I'm going to tell you right now, it would be equally shocking today would be equally shocking today would be equally shocking today if Christians were together. if Christians were together. if Christians were together. I mean, if we could just agree on I mean, if we could just agree on I mean, if we could just agree on something. something. something. Like Jesus is Lord, let's start there. Like Jesus is Lord, let's start there. Like Jesus is Lord, let's start there. And that we need each other, let's start And that we need each other, let's start And that we need each other, let's start there. And that we're going to love one there. And that we're going to love one there. And that we're going to love one another, let's try that. It would be another, let's try that. It would be another, let's try that. It would be incredibly shocking if the body of incredibly shocking if the body of incredibly shocking if the body of Christ was unified Christ was unified Christ was unified and actually loving rather than mean. and actually loving rather than mean. and actually loving rather than mean. Like loving one another rather than Like loving one another rather than Like loving one another rather than criticizing one another and serving one criticizing one another and serving one criticizing one another and serving one another instead of taking shots at each another instead of taking shots at each another instead of taking shots at each other. other. other. But the problem is in our culture today, But the problem is in our culture today, But the problem is in our culture today, too many of us we value our privacy more too many of us we value our privacy more too many of us we value our privacy more than we crave community. than we crave community. than we crave community. It's my life, my time, my agenda, got to It's my life, my time, my agenda, got to It's my life, my time, my agenda, got to meet my needs when God called us to love meet my needs when God called us to love meet my needs when God called us to love one another. one another. one another. And we just we literally like lie in the And we just we literally like lie in the And we just we literally like lie in the way that we show our lives. We we show way that we show our lives. We we show way that we show our lives. We we show the filtered life and the filtered the filtered life and the filtered the filtered life and the filtered stories stories stories and we hide our own real stories.

and we hide our own real stories. and we hide our own real stories. Knowing that I'm not better than you or Knowing that I'm not better than you or Knowing that I'm not better than you or we're all broken and we're all needy. we're all broken and we're all needy. we're all broken and we're all needy. And we like like I need And we like like I need And we like like I need you and you need me and you need the you and you need me and you need the you and you need me and you need the person sitting next to you and you you person sitting next to you and you you person sitting next to you and you you you you you may not even say hello to you you you may not even say hello to you you you may not even say hello to them. We live in things that resemble We live in things that resemble neighborhoods. They're not quite neighborhoods. They're not quite neighborhoods. They're not quite neighborhoods. I used to actually be neighborhoods. I used to actually be neighborhoods. I used to actually be outside and talk to each other and outside and talk to each other and outside and talk to each other and stuff. Now we gate them all off and you stuff. Now we gate them all off and you stuff. Now we gate them all off and you know, pull into the garage. But every know, pull into the garage. But every know, pull into the garage. But every now and then you'll wave at your now and then you'll wave at your now and then you'll wave at your neighbors. neighbors. neighbors. You probably don't know their names, You probably don't know their names, You probably don't know their names, but you'll wave at them. but you'll wave at them. but you'll wave at them. And it it it is it's bizarre. And it it it is it's bizarre. And it it it is it's bizarre. Someone every now and then Someone every now and then Someone every now and then your phone will ring your phone will ring your phone will ring and you think and you think and you think it's probably a solicitor it's probably a solicitor it's probably a solicitor and it probably is and it probably is and it probably is because it usually is. because it usually is. because it usually is. But if it's not, But if it's not, But if it's not, sometimes you go, "Oh, sometimes you go, "Oh, sometimes you go, "Oh, yeah, that's Mom. yeah, that's Mom. yeah, that's Mom. Oh, Oh, Oh, that's my that's my college buddy. Oh, that's my that's my college buddy. Oh, that's my that's my college buddy. Oh, that's that person from life view. I'm that's that person from life view. I'm that's that person from life view. I'm just going to send it to just going to send it to just going to send it to voicemail."

voicemail." voicemail." And then later on you go and listen to And then later on you go and listen to And then later on you go and listen to the voicemail and then what do you do? the voicemail and then what do you do? the voicemail and then what do you do? Just text him back. Just text him back. Just text him back. Text him back. Text him back. Text him back. Because we're so busy with our own plans Because we're so busy with our own plans Because we're so busy with our own plans that we don't have real time that we don't have real time that we don't have real time for real community for real community for real community and when our friend's mom or dad dies, And again, And again, the reason I'm passionate about this is the reason I'm passionate about this is the reason I'm passionate about this is because it's my because it's my because it's my problem. problem. problem. The first time it dawned on me The first time it dawned on me The first time it dawned on me was years ago when I had got my first was years ago when I had got my first was years ago when I had got my first version of a smartphone and uh my son version of a smartphone and uh my son version of a smartphone and uh my son was playing in a soccer game and I was was playing in a soccer game and I was was playing in a soccer game and I was watching him, it was a big game for him, watching him, it was a big game for him, watching him, it was a big game for him, and I was looking at Twitter and people and I was looking at Twitter and people and I was looking at Twitter and people were arguing about something I said, were arguing about something I said, were arguing about something I said, strangers were a little I was in a strangers were a little I was in a strangers were a little I was in a little Twitter Twitter storm. I heard little Twitter Twitter storm. I heard little Twitter Twitter storm. I heard everybody cheer and Sam had scored a everybody cheer and Sam had scored a everybody cheer and Sam had scored a goal and I missed it.

goal and I missed it. goal and I missed it. So, I will never ever do that again. So, I will never ever do that again. So, I will never ever do that again. And I didn't And I didn't And I didn't until the second half. And I was looking again when he scored And I was looking again when he scored the game-winning goal with maybe 2 the game-winning goal with maybe 2 the game-winning goal with maybe 2 minutes left and I missed them both minutes left and I missed them both minutes left and I missed them both because I was looking at something because I was looking at something because I was looking at something strangers were saying. strangers were saying. strangers were saying. And that that was the first time I And that that was the first time I And that that was the first time I realized, okay, this is a problem. realized, okay, this is a problem. realized, okay, this is a problem. Fast forward to today and I'm going to Fast forward to today and I'm going to Fast forward to today and I'm going to be just real transparent with you and be just real transparent with you and be just real transparent with you and I'm not exaggerating when I tell you I'm not exaggerating when I tell you I'm not exaggerating when I tell you this, I'm not complaining, this is just this, I'm not complaining, this is just this, I'm not complaining, this is just my life. The days are so packed that I my life. The days are so packed that I my life. The days are so packed that I barely respond to to texts or emails or barely respond to to texts or emails or barely respond to to texts or emails or calls calls calls and then when I go home after dinner, I and then when I go home after dinner, I and then when I go home after dinner, I start responding. And between my staff, start responding. And between my staff, start responding. And between my staff, which are many, pastoral needs that are which are many, pastoral needs that are which are many, pastoral needs that are a lot, a lot, a lot, other pastors that that need a lot, all other pastors that that need a lot, all other pastors that that need a lot, all six of my kids and their spouses that six of my kids and their spouses that six of my kids and their spouses that most of them need something every single most of them need something every single most of them need something every single day, I will generally be on the phone day, I will generally be on the phone day, I will generally be on the phone doing what I consider to be something doing what I consider to be something doing what I consider to be something important until about 9:00 9:15 at night important until about 9:00 9:15 at night important until about 9:00 9:15 at night nonstop. And it's work, it's ministry, nonstop. And it's work, it's ministry, nonstop. And it's work, it's ministry, and it feels important to me. and it feels important to me. and it feels important to me. And then about 9:00 9:15, I'm done.

And then about 9:00 9:15, I'm done. And then about 9:00 9:15, I'm done. I'm tired. I put my phone aside I'm tired. I put my phone aside I'm tired. I put my phone aside and I'm ready for some attention. and I'm ready for some attention. and I'm ready for some attention. So, I come into Amy and say, "Hey, So, I come into Amy and say, "Hey, So, I come into Amy and say, "Hey, what you doing?" what you doing?" what you doing?" And she says, "I've been waiting for you And she says, "I've been waiting for you And she says, "I've been waiting for you all night long, so now I'm doing all night long, so now I'm doing all night long, so now I'm doing Duolingo." Duolingo." Duolingo." And I'm going, "You're doing Duolingo And I'm going, "You're doing Duolingo And I'm going, "You're doing Duolingo when I'm ready for you?" She says, when I'm ready for you?" She says, when I'm ready for you?" She says, "You've been on the phone all night "You've been on the phone all night "You've been on the phone all night long, so now I'm I'm doing my Spanish." long, so now I'm I'm doing my Spanish." long, so now I'm I'm doing my Spanish." And so, you know what happens is now And so, you know what happens is now And so, you know what happens is now when we get in an argument about that, when we get in an argument about that, when we get in an argument about that, she can argue back in Spanish. she can argue back in Spanish. she can argue back in Spanish. >> [cheering] >> And it impacts us at 9:15 at night. >> And it impacts us at 9:15 at night. The first century Christians, they The first century Christians, they The first century Christians, they that they were different. They were a that they were different. They were a that they were different. They were a Jesus-centered community. Jesus-centered community. Jesus-centered community. That they broke down the walls. That they broke down the walls. That they broke down the walls. And face-to-face, they literally started And face-to-face, they literally started And face-to-face, they literally started changing the world. changing the world. changing the world. What if we did the same thing now? Like What if we did the same thing now? Like What if we did the same thing now? Like what if you just pushed back what if you just pushed back what if you just pushed back and said, "We're not going to be a slave and said, "We're not going to be a slave and said, "We're not going to be a slave to this. We're not going to let it to this. We're not going to let it to this. We're not going to let it master us. We'll use it. We're not going master us. We'll use it. We're not going master us. We'll use it. We're not going to be mastered by it."

to be mastered by it." to be mastered by it." And what if instead of instead of just And what if instead of instead of just And what if instead of instead of just like scrolling like scrolling like scrolling or texting or DMing, what if every now or texting or DMing, what if every now or texting or DMing, what if every now and then you literally met face-to-face? and then you literally met face-to-face? and then you literally met face-to-face? What if we opened up our homes, opened What if we opened up our homes, opened What if we opened up our homes, opened up our lives, our schedules? up our lives, our schedules? up our lives, our schedules? What what if the church became the place What what if the church became the place What what if the church became the place where empty hearts are filled where empty hearts are filled where empty hearts are filled and broken people belong? and broken people belong? and broken people belong? Not you just like sit by someone, but Not you just like sit by someone, but Not you just like sit by someone, but you actually ask them their name and you actually ask them their name and you actually ask them their name and look forward to seeing them next week. look forward to seeing them next week. look forward to seeing them next week. And and if you like the idea, but say, And and if you like the idea, but say, And and if you like the idea, but say, "I don't know how to do it." "I don't know how to do it." "I don't know how to do it." Let's talk about it. What what do we do? Let's talk about it. What what do we do? Let's talk about it. What what do we do? What what I want to just give you is is What what I want to just give you is is What what I want to just give you is is a little assignment this week. Start a little assignment this week. Start a little assignment this week. Start with an awareness. with an awareness. with an awareness. Take notice when you're sitting with Take notice when you're sitting with Take notice when you're sitting with people that you love. You got family, people that you love. You got family, people that you love. You got family, got friends, you're sitting out in your got friends, you're sitting out in your got friends, you're sitting out in your own living room, whatever, you're at a own living room, whatever, you're at a own living room, whatever, you're at a restaurant. Just take notice of how restaurant. Just take notice of how restaurant. Just take notice of how often you're all together, but no often you're all together, but no often you're all together, but no nobody's paying attention. nobody's paying attention. nobody's paying attention. Just take notice of how often you're Just take notice of how often you're Just take notice of how often you're with somebody and you're looking at your with somebody and you're looking at your with somebody and you're looking at your screen. Or if you're out to eat lunch or screen. Or if you're out to eat lunch or screen. Or if you're out to eat lunch or coffee with someone, just take notice. coffee with someone, just take notice. coffee with someone, just take notice. If you get a notification, do you If you get a notification, do you If you get a notification, do you continue the conversation or do you continue the conversation or do you continue the conversation or do you break community and look down to see break community and look down to see break community and look down to see what the no- notification is? At bed at what the no- notification is? At bed at what the no- notification is? At bed at night, just ask yourself, are you night, just ask yourself, are you night, just ask yourself, are you journaling and reflecting on the day and journaling and reflecting on the day and journaling and reflecting on the day and and and planning your next day and and and planning your next day and and and planning your next day and thanking God and seeking God, or are you thanking God and seeking God, or are you thanking God and seeking God, or are you texting and scrolling?

texting and scrolling? texting and scrolling? If you're married, are you are you If you're married, are you are you If you're married, are you are you praying with your spouse? Are you having praying with your spouse? Are you having praying with your spouse? Are you having intimate conversations with your with intimate conversations with your with intimate conversations with your with your spouse? Are you are you connecting your spouse? Are you are you connecting your spouse? Are you are you connecting spiritually or emotionally, or are you spiritually or emotionally, or are you spiritually or emotionally, or are you side-by-side in bed looking at reels? side-by-side in bed looking at reels? side-by-side in bed looking at reels? Just take notice. Just take notice. Just take notice. And every now and then when you're about And every now and then when you're about And every now and then when you're about to reach for your phone, remind yourself to reach for your phone, remind yourself to reach for your phone, remind yourself you're reaching for something that fills you're reaching for something that fills you're reaching for something that fills the moment but can't fill your soul. the moment but can't fill your soul. the moment but can't fill your soul. Remind yourself. Remind yourself. Remind yourself. And so here's your assignment this week. And so here's your assignment this week. And so here's your assignment this week. Really simple. Really simple. Really simple. We're going to pick up the pace as we go We're going to pick up the pace as we go We're going to pick up the pace as we go on, but we're going to start really on, but we're going to start really on, but we're going to start really simple. Three things I'm going to ask if simple. Three things I'm going to ask if simple. Three things I'm going to ask if you would consider doing. The first you would consider doing. The first you would consider doing. The first thing is this. thing is this. thing is this. Don't just text someone, call them. Don't just text someone, call them. Don't just text someone, call them. You You may try to do that every day. You You may try to do that every day. You You may try to do that every day. Like literally when you normally send a Like literally when you normally send a Like literally when you normally send a text, just actually go ahead and dial text, just actually go ahead and dial text, just actually go ahead and dial and let them hear your voice and listen and let them hear your voice and listen and let them hear your voice and listen to theirs because it genuinely is to theirs because it genuinely is to theirs because it genuinely is another level of intimacy. The second another level of intimacy. The second another level of intimacy. The second thing is don't just pray for someone, thing is don't just pray for someone, thing is don't just pray for someone, pray with them. pray with them. pray with them. Take it up a notch cuz somewhere along Take it up a notch cuz somewhere along Take it up a notch cuz somewhere along the way you're going to be tempted to the way you're going to be tempted to the way you're going to be tempted to just say do a prayer emoji on a post. Or just say do a prayer emoji on a post. Or just say do a prayer emoji on a post. Or you're going to be with someone at work you're going to be with someone at work you're going to be with someone at work and you think I'll I'll I'll I'll pray and you think I'll I'll I'll I'll pray and you think I'll I'll I'll I'll pray for you later. You just stop and push for you later. You just stop and push for you later. You just stop and push yourself out of your comfort zone, be yourself out of your comfort zone, be yourself out of your comfort zone, be bold and say, "Do you mind if I pray for bold and say, "Do you mind if I pray for bold and say, "Do you mind if I pray for you right now?" and just pray.

you right now?" and just pray. you right now?" and just pray. And thirdly, I say don't just say that And thirdly, I say don't just say that And thirdly, I say don't just say that you care you care you care but actually show up but actually show up but actually show up and be present. and be present. and be present. Let the Holy Spirit prompt you when you Let the Holy Spirit prompt you when you Let the Holy Spirit prompt you when you can go and make a difference because can go and make a difference because can go and make a difference because Jesus said, "A new command I give to Jesus said, "A new command I give to Jesus said, "A new command I give to you." you." you." He said, "Love one another. He said, "Love one another. He said, "Love one another. As I've loved you, so you must love one As I've loved you, so you must love one As I've loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone know that another. By this everyone know that another. By this everyone know that you're my disciples if you love one you're my disciples if you love one you're my disciples if you love one another." another." another." How will they know if we love and follow How will they know if we love and follow How will they know if we love and follow Jesus? It won't be by what we post, it Jesus? It won't be by what we post, it Jesus? It won't be by what we post, it won't be by how many followers we have, won't be by how many followers we have, won't be by how many followers we have, but how we love, how we love, how we but how we love, how we love, how we but how we love, how we love, how we love, how we love. So you don't have to love, how we love. So you don't have to love, how we love. So you don't have to destroy your phone, but don't let it own destroy your phone, but don't let it own destroy your phone, but don't let it own you. you. you. And if you wake up and you realize like And if you wake up and you realize like And if you wake up and you realize like I I have this this frustration, I know I I have this this frustration, I know I I have this this frustration, I know there's more. If your feed is full and there's more. If your feed is full and there's more. If your feed is full and your life is empty, I promise you I your life is empty, I promise you I your life is empty, I promise you I promise you I promise you God has promise you I promise you God has promise you I promise you God has something so much better for you and something so much better for you and something so much better for you and you're not going to get there you're not going to get there you're not going to get there accidentally. You've got to accidentally. You've got to accidentally. You've got to intentionally AND PRAYERFULLY PUSH BACK intentionally AND PRAYERFULLY PUSH BACK intentionally AND PRAYERFULLY PUSH BACK AGAINST THE PULL OF CULTURE AND PUSH AGAINST THE PULL OF CULTURE AND PUSH AGAINST THE PULL OF CULTURE AND PUSH into the heart of God and let his love into the heart of God and let his love into the heart of God and let his love come through you to make a difference of come through you to make a difference of come through you to make a difference of the people around you because the people around you because the people around you because >> [applause and music] >> [applause and music] >> [applause and music] >> God didn't just send his words from >> God didn't just send his words from >> God didn't just send his words from heaven. Jesus is the word made flesh and heaven. Jesus is the word made flesh and heaven. Jesus is the word made flesh and he came to reveal face-to-face the love he came to reveal face-to-face the love he came to reveal face-to-face the love of the Father.

of the Father. of the Father. So this week, just be aware. Let's start So this week, just be aware. Let's start So this week, just be aware. Let's start there. Put the phone down. Look someone there. Put the phone down. Look someone there. Put the phone down. Look someone in the eye in the eye in the eye and choose presence. Choose presence. and choose presence. Choose presence. and choose presence. Choose presence. Look Look at them and with everything Look Look at them and with everything Look Look at them and with everything and you don't have to say it, but just and you don't have to say it, but just and you don't have to say it, but just communicate it with your being and say, communicate it with your being and say, communicate it with your being and say, "You matter more than anything on a "You matter more than anything on a "You matter more than anything on a screen." screen." screen." And what will happen is you're going to And what will happen is you're going to And what will happen is you're going to start finding at the end of the day, start finding at the end of the day, start finding at the end of the day, "That was actually a little better day "That was actually a little better day "That was actually a little better day that when I prayed for someone, I felt that when I prayed for someone, I felt that when I prayed for someone, I felt the presence of God and I felt joy. When the presence of God and I felt joy. When the presence of God and I felt joy. When I called someone and and I heard their I called someone and and I heard their I called someone and and I heard their voice and I actually knew what was going voice and I actually knew what was going voice and I actually knew what was going on. I wasn't wondering, 'Why did they on. I wasn't wondering, 'Why did they on. I wasn't wondering, 'Why did they give me little give me little give me little responses and not respond and why did responses and not respond and why did responses and not respond and why did they Wait, do Where are we?'" When you they Wait, do Where are we?'" When you they Wait, do Where are we?'" When you talk to them, you find that there's some talk to them, you find that there's some talk to them, you find that there's some things that are just too intimate things that are just too intimate things that are just too intimate [music] [music] [music] for a screen. They have to be for a screen. They have to be for a screen. They have to be face-to-face and and your love grows and face-to-face and and your love grows and face-to-face and and your love grows and when you're serving others and when you're serving others and when you're serving others and ministering to others and involved with ministering to others and involved with ministering to others and involved with others and caring for others and giving others and caring for others and giving others and caring for others and giving to others, to others, to others, your joy is made complete. your joy is made complete. your joy is made complete. And the world won't feel the love of And the world won't feel the love of And the world won't feel the love of Jesus just through a screen. Jesus just through a screen. Jesus just through a screen. Yes, they can at times, but they're Yes, they can at times, but they're Yes, they can at times, but they're going to feel it when going to feel it when going to feel it when you're there, you're there, you're there, you care, you care, you care, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you say it, you show it and then they're >> you say it, you show it and then they're >> you say it, you show it and then they're going to know it.

going to know it. going to know it. Assignment. Assignment. Assignment. Will you push back with me? Will you push back with me? Will you push back with me? Will you say, "I believe there's more Will you say, "I believe there's more Will you say, "I believe there's more >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> than this"? >> than this"? >> than this"? Because John was warning them, Because John was warning them, Because John was warning them, here's how you have to love. here's how you have to love. here's how you have to love. And both Don't be distracted. The devil And both Don't be distracted. The devil And both Don't be distracted. The devil wants to steal, kill, [music] destroy, wants to steal, kill, [music] destroy, wants to steal, kill, [music] destroy, and get you to settle for something that and get you to settle for something that and get you to settle for something that is not real. It's a counterfeit. is not real. It's a counterfeit. is not real. It's a counterfeit. When God has something so much more. So, When God has something so much more. So, When God has something so much more. So, heavenly Father, we pray by the power heavenly Father, we pray by the power heavenly Father, we pray by the power and grace of Jesus and grace of Jesus and grace of Jesus >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> that you would draw us >> that you would draw us >> that you would draw us into real connection with you and into real connection with you and into real connection with you and people. people. people. Church, as you're praying today, and Church, as you're praying today, and Church, as you're praying today, and those of you that are online, we're glad those of you that are online, we're glad those of you that are online, we're glad you're online. Uh there's an assignment you're online. Uh there's an assignment you're online. Uh there's an assignment I'm going to give you. Three things I'm I'm going to give you. Three things I'm I'm going to give you. Three things I'm going to ask you, will you commit to going to ask you, will you commit to going to ask you, will you commit to this? And don't just like raise your this? And don't just like raise your this? And don't just like raise your hand, like commit to it. Don't text, hand, like commit to it. Don't text, hand, like commit to it. Don't text, call. call. call. Don't pray for someone, pray with them. Don't pray for someone, pray with them. Don't pray for someone, pray with them. Don't just say that you care, but Don't just say that you care, but Don't just say that you care, but actually get out of your comfort zone actually get out of your comfort zone actually get out of your comfort zone and take them to coffee, take them to and take them to coffee, take them to and take them to coffee, take them to breakfast, take them to lunch, walk over breakfast, take them to lunch, walk over breakfast, take them to lunch, walk over to their desk, walk over to their house. to their desk, walk over to their house. to their desk, walk over to their house. Show up and show them that you care. If Show up and show them that you care. If Show up and show them that you care. If you will join me in pushing back and you will join me in pushing back and you will join me in pushing back and pushing in to intimacy, would you lift pushing in to intimacy, would you lift pushing in to intimacy, would you lift up your hands right now and say amen? up your hands right now and say amen? up your hands right now and say amen? All over the place, type in the comment All over the place, type in the comment All over the place, type in the comment section, "Hey, I I commit to the section, "Hey, I I commit to the section, "Hey, I I commit to the assignment. I commit to do this." Holy assignment. I commit to do this." Holy assignment. I commit to do this." Holy Spirit, prompt us this week over and Spirit, prompt us this week over and Spirit, prompt us this week over and over and over again. When we reach for over and over again. When we reach for over and over again. When we reach for our phone, help us just remember it can our phone, help us just remember it can our phone, help us just remember it can fill the moment, but it's not going to fill the moment, but it's not going to fill the moment, but it's not going to fill the void.

fill the void. fill the void. And God, give us a hunger for you and And God, give us a hunger for you and And God, give us a hunger for you and for intimacy with others because some for intimacy with others because some for intimacy with others because some things are just just too special to be things are just just too special to be things are just just too special to be shared on a screen. Some things have to shared on a screen. Some things have to shared on a screen. Some things have to be face-to-face. God, prompt us God, prompt us to be present. to be present. to be present. To show your love, to know your love, to To show your love, to know your love, to To show your love, to know your love, to show your love. show your love. show your love. As you keep praying today at our As you keep praying today at our As you keep praying today at our different churches, some of you you are different churches, some of you you are different churches, some of you you are digitally digitally connected, but like digitally digitally connected, but like digitally digitally connected, but like you're really spiritually disconnected. you're really spiritually disconnected. you're really spiritually disconnected. You're longing for something more. You You're longing for something more. You You're longing for something more. You you know you know you know there is you know there's a problem you there is you know there's a problem you there is you know there's a problem you can't seem to figure out how to solve can't seem to figure out how to solve can't seem to figure out how to solve it. I want to tell you again, God didn't it. I want to tell you again, God didn't it. I want to tell you again, God didn't just send a message, he sent his son. just send a message, he sent his son. just send a message, he sent his son. Who is Jesus? He is the son of the Who is Jesus? He is the son of the Who is Jesus? He is the son of the living God, living God, living God, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> who came not for the righteous, but came >> who came not for the righteous, but came >> who came not for the righteous, but came for sinners. Who came for the broken. for sinners. Who came for the broken. for sinners. Who came for the broken. There are those of you today you know There are those of you today you know There are those of you today you know there's something more, and there is. there's something more, and there is. there's something more, and there is. There's a longing that only he can There's a longing that only he can There's a longing that only he can fulfill. The problem is [music] we're fulfill. The problem is [music] we're fulfill. The problem is [music] we're separated from God by our sin, separated from God by our sin, separated from God by our sin, and the good news is Jesus died for our and the good news is Jesus died for our and the good news is Jesus died for our sins. [music] On the third day, God sins. [music] On the third day, God sins. [music] On the third day, God raised him from the dead so that anyone raised him from the dead so that anyone raised him from the dead so that anyone who calls on his name would be saved and who calls on his name would be saved and who calls on his name would be saved and forgiven. If you feel like you're forgiven. If you feel like you're forgiven. If you feel like you're missing something, you are. There's more missing something, you are. There's more missing something, you are. There's more to this world. There is a heavenly to this world. There is a heavenly to this world. There is a heavenly Father that loves you, that wants you to Father that loves you, that wants you to Father that loves you, that wants you to know him, and wants to show his love for know him, and wants to show his love for know him, and wants to show his love for you today. At all of our churches, those you today. At all of our churches, those you today. At all of our churches, those who say, "I I need that. I I I I know who say, "I I need that. I I I I know who say, "I I need that. I I I I know I've sinned and I need his forgiveness.

I've sinned and I need his forgiveness. I've sinned and I need his forgiveness. I want to know I want to know him I want to know I want to know him I want to know I want to know him intimately. Not just know about him, but intimately. Not just know about him, but intimately. Not just know about him, but I want to know him." What we're going to I want to know him." What we're going to I want to know him." What we're going to do do today is we're stepping away from do do today is we're stepping away from do do today is we're stepping away from our sinfulness. We're stepping into a our sinfulness. We're stepping into a our sinfulness. We're stepping into a relationship with a loving God. Jesus relationship with a loving God. Jesus relationship with a loving God. Jesus said, "And this is eternal life, that said, "And this is eternal life, that said, "And this is eternal life, that you would know him." Today at all of our you would know him." Today at all of our you would know him." Today at all of our churches, those who need his grace and churches, those who need his grace and churches, those who need his grace and need his forgiveness, we step away from need his forgiveness, we step away from need his forgiveness, we step away from our sin, and we say, "Jesus, I give you our sin, and we say, "Jesus, I give you our sin, and we say, "Jesus, I give you my life. Be my savior, the Lord of my my life. Be my savior, the Lord of my my life. Be my savior, the Lord of my life. I give my life to you." If that's life. I give my life to you." If that's life. I give my life to you." If that's your prayer, lift your hands high right your prayer, lift your hands high right your prayer, lift your hands high right now. All over the place, lift them up now. All over the place, lift them up now. All over the place, lift them up right here, and God bless you, both of right here, and God bless you, both of right here, and God bless you, both of you here. Others say, "Yes, Jesus." you here. Others say, "Yes, Jesus." you here. Others say, "Yes, Jesus." Right back there, God bless you. Others Right back there, God bless you. Others Right back there, God bless you. Others say, "Yes, Jesus. I make you the Lord of say, "Yes, Jesus. I make you the Lord of say, "Yes, Jesus. I make you the Lord of my life." Ah, there's a spiritual my life." Ah, there's a spiritual my life." Ah, there's a spiritual hunger. Those of you online, type in the hunger. Those of you online, type in the hunger. Those of you online, type in the comment section, "I'm surrendering my comment section, "I'm surrendering my comment section, "I'm surrendering my life to Jesus today." At all of our life to Jesus today." At all of our life to Jesus today." At all of our churches, would you pray aloud? Pray, churches, would you pray aloud? Pray, churches, would you pray aloud? Pray, "Heavenly Father, "Heavenly Father, "Heavenly Father, I surrender my life I surrender my life I surrender my life completely to you. completely to you. completely to you. Forgive all of my sins Forgive all of my sins Forgive all of my sins and save me. and save me. and save me. Jesus, be my Lord. Jesus, be my Lord. Jesus, be my Lord. Be my savior. Be my savior. Be my savior. Fill me with your spirit Fill me with your spirit Fill me with your spirit so I could know you so I could know you so I could know you and show your love.

and show your love. and show your love. My life is not my own. My life is not my own. My life is not my own. I give it all to you. I give it all to you. I give it all to you. In Jesus' name I pray." In Jesus' name I pray." In Jesus' name I pray." Church, could you celebrate, worship Church, could you celebrate, worship Church, could you celebrate, worship God, welcome those today born into his God, welcome those today born into his God, welcome those today born into his family? family? family? >> Did you enjoy the message? We've got >> Did you enjoy the message? We've got >> Did you enjoy the message? We've got more from this series that we think more from this series that we think more from this series that we think you'll love. You can watch it right now. you'll love. You can watch it right now. you'll love. You can watch it right now. Just click here.