Responding to a Divided World | Andy Wood

It's so good to be together, church It's so good to be together, church family. You know, the Bible tells us to family. You know, the Bible tells us to family. You know, the Bible tells us to give honor to whom honor is due. And I give honor to whom honor is due. And I give honor to whom honor is due. And I do just want to take a moment to honor do just want to take a moment to honor do just want to take a moment to honor all of the LA Dodgers fans this weekend all of the LA Dodgers fans this weekend all of the LA Dodgers fans this weekend that have their priorities straight and that have their priorities straight and that have their priorities straight and they're in church. they're in church. they're in church. At the Lake Forest campus, we say At the Lake Forest campus, we say At the Lake Forest campus, we say Saturdays are for church. And apparently Saturdays are for church. And apparently Saturdays are for church. And apparently some folks say except for when the some folks say except for when the some folks say except for when the Dodgers are in the World Series. But Dodgers are in the World Series. But Dodgers are in the World Series. But you're here and all of our campuses, you're here and all of our campuses, you're here and all of our campuses, you're with us. We want to welcome you you're with us. We want to welcome you you're with us. We want to welcome you today. We're in the second week of a today. We're in the second week of a today. We're in the second week of a message series called Hey God. But we're message series called Hey God. But we're message series called Hey God. But we're also celebrating some things that God is also celebrating some things that God is also celebrating some things that God is doing in our midst right now as we are doing in our midst right now as we are doing in our midst right now as we are gathered. Our campus in Davao, gathered. Our campus in Davao, gathered. Our campus in Davao, Philippines is launching this weekend. Philippines is launching this weekend. Philippines is launching this weekend. And we've been praying for them for And we've been praying for them for And we've been praying for them for months on end. Uh and what I I hope that months on end. Uh and what I I hope that months on end. Uh and what I I hope that you can hear, you know, there are you can hear, you know, there are you can hear, you know, there are mission teams that have gone, many mission teams that have gone, many mission teams that have gone, many who've prayed. Uh earlier this year we who've prayed. Uh earlier this year we who've prayed. Uh earlier this year we did something called dream now which was did something called dream now which was did something called dream now which was a big initiative to launch this campus a big initiative to launch this campus a big initiative to launch this campus and many other things and if you were a and many other things and if you were a and many other things and if you were a part of that dream now initiative I just part of that dream now initiative I just part of that dream now initiative I just want you to hear from me how grateful I want you to hear from me how grateful I want you to hear from me how grateful I am. You know there are people today am. You know there are people today am. You know there are people today their lives are being eternally their lives are being eternally their lives are being eternally impacted. There will be some family that impacted. There will be some family that impacted. There will be some family that will walk into that campus. They'll make will walk into that campus. They'll make will walk into that campus. They'll make a decision to follow Jesus. They'll a decision to follow Jesus. They'll a decision to follow Jesus. They'll never be the same. And that would have never be the same. And that would have never be the same. And that would have not happened without you. So we want to not happened without you. So we want to not happened without you. So we want to celebrate you. We want to celebrate celebrate you. We want to celebrate celebrate you. We want to celebrate God's faithfulness and the launch of God's faithfulness and the launch of God's faithfulness and the launch of this brand new campus. Let's celebrate this brand new campus. Let's celebrate this brand new campus. Let's celebrate together.

Now, this series is really a opportunity Now, this series is really a opportunity for us to wrestle through some big for us to wrestle through some big for us to wrestle through some big questions that are in our hearts. And questions that are in our hearts. And questions that are in our hearts. And what I love about God is God can handle what I love about God is God can handle what I love about God is God can handle those questions. So, we threw them out those questions. So, we threw them out those questions. So, we threw them out there a few weeks ago. We did like this there a few weeks ago. We did like this there a few weeks ago. We did like this vote and we said, "What questions do you vote and we said, "What questions do you vote and we said, "What questions do you want to hear?" And so, I want to just want to hear?" And so, I want to just want to hear?" And so, I want to just read you a couple of statistics about read you a couple of statistics about read you a couple of statistics about those questions. When we looked at the those questions. When we looked at the those questions. When we looked at the totality of people's responses, 50% of totality of people's responses, 50% of totality of people's responses, 50% of people said, "I want to hear God's people said, "I want to hear God's people said, "I want to hear God's voice." Uh 47 said that they want to voice." Uh 47 said that they want to voice." Uh 47 said that they want to know how to know God's will. 42% of know how to know God's will. 42% of know how to know God's will. 42% of people said, "I want to know what a people said, "I want to know what a people said, "I want to know what a Christian's role is in a divided world." Christian's role is in a divided world." Christian's role is in a divided world." And then 36% said, "How should my faith And then 36% said, "How should my faith And then 36% said, "How should my faith inform my politics?" And that means that inform my politics?" And that means that inform my politics?" And that means that as I put it into chat GPT, thank God for as I put it into chat GPT, thank God for as I put it into chat GPT, thank God for chat GPT. As I put it in and I asked chat GPT. As I put it in and I asked chat GPT. As I put it in and I asked chat, how many people in our church or chat, how many people in our church or chat, how many people in our church or in the survey, what percentage chose in the survey, what percentage chose in the survey, what percentage chose either the political question or the either the political question or the either the political question or the divided world question, it was 60%.

divided world question, it was 60%. divided world question, it was 60%. And what I'm saying is you asked for And what I'm saying is you asked for And what I'm saying is you asked for this message right here. And the this message right here. And the this message right here. And the question of how is a Christian to live question of how is a Christian to live question of how is a Christian to live in a divided world? How's a follower of in a divided world? How's a follower of in a divided world? How's a follower of Jesus to live in the midst of confusion? Jesus to live in the midst of confusion? Jesus to live in the midst of confusion? And I think that we could all agree with And I think that we could all agree with And I think that we could all agree with this statement. We live in a divided this statement. We live in a divided this statement. We live in a divided world. Do you agree with that? Like world. Do you agree with that? Like world. Do you agree with that? Like there there is a lot of division. Maybe there there is a lot of division. Maybe there there is a lot of division. Maybe not worth clapping over, but there's a not worth clapping over, but there's a not worth clapping over, but there's a lot of division in our world. And you lot of division in our world. And you lot of division in our world. And you know that division comes from a lot of know that division comes from a lot of know that division comes from a lot of different places. But in my lifetime at different places. But in my lifetime at different places. But in my lifetime at 44 years old, uh I've never experienced 44 years old, uh I've never experienced 44 years old, uh I've never experienced it at the level it is now. I think COVID it at the level it is now. I think COVID it at the level it is now. I think COVID contributed to that. I think you know a contributed to that. I think you know a contributed to that. I think you know a lot of the election stuff it really did lot of the election stuff it really did lot of the election stuff it really did impact and then the fact that a lot of impact and then the fact that a lot of impact and then the fact that a lot of people live on social media and I saw a people live on social media and I saw a people live on social media and I saw a clip this last week that really does clip this last week that really does clip this last week that really does describe the way a lot of people describe the way a lot of people describe the way a lot of people interact with each other on social media interact with each other on social media interact with each other on social media and I thought it would be good to watch and I thought it would be good to watch and I thought it would be good to watch this together. These two dogs right this together. These two dogs right this together. These two dogs right here, you're going to see they actually here, you're going to see they actually here, you're going to see they actually come to Saddleback Church and you know come to Saddleback Church and you know come to Saddleback Church and you know they uh they see each other on the they uh they see each other on the they uh they see each other on the weekend and they're really happy to see weekend and they're really happy to see weekend and they're really happy to see one another, but then when they're on one another, but then when they're on one another, but then when they're on social media on Facebook, Instagram, social media on Facebook, Instagram, social media on Facebook, Instagram, sending emails, all of a sudden they're sending emails, all of a sudden they're sending emails, all of a sudden they're really upset with each other. Then they really upset with each other. Then they really upset with each other. Then they come back next week. Hey, so good to see come back next week. Hey, so good to see come back next week. Hey, so good to see you. Missed you all week long. And then you. Missed you all week long. And then you. Missed you all week long. And then closes again and once again, I'm really closes again and once again, I'm really closes again and once again, I'm really not happy with you. And is this not such not happy with you. And is this not such not happy with you. And is this not such a great picture of how a lot of people a great picture of how a lot of people a great picture of how a lot of people live their lives? Not you, but a lot of live their lives? Not you, but a lot of live their lives? Not you, but a lot of people. And the question, what is a

people. And the question, what is a people. And the question, what is a Christian's role in a divided world? Is Christian's role in a divided world? Is Christian's role in a divided world? Is the question I want to address today. I the question I want to address today. I the question I want to address today. I want to wrestle through. What does it want to wrestle through. What does it want to wrestle through. What does it mean for you to respond to division in mean for you to respond to division in mean for you to respond to division in our world and it's a question that's at our world and it's a question that's at our world and it's a question that's at the forefront of of a lot of our minds. the forefront of of a lot of our minds. the forefront of of a lot of our minds. And what I would say if you're new to And what I would say if you're new to And what I would say if you're new to Saddleback or you're new to Jesus, Saddleback or you're new to Jesus, Saddleback or you're new to Jesus, you're exploring faith, we're so glad you're exploring faith, we're so glad you're exploring faith, we're so glad you're here. And my hope today is really you're here. And my hope today is really you're here. And my hope today is really to have a family conversation. So I want to have a family conversation. So I want to have a family conversation. So I want you to imagine like if we're at a dinner you to imagine like if we're at a dinner you to imagine like if we're at a dinner table together, if you were to come over table together, if you were to come over table together, if you were to come over my house and sit down for a meal, I want my house and sit down for a meal, I want my house and sit down for a meal, I want you to hear that kind of tone today from you to hear that kind of tone today from you to hear that kind of tone today from me. Like this is me as a pastor, as a as me. Like this is me as a pastor, as a as me. Like this is me as a pastor, as a as a father. Some of you I'm your kids' a father. Some of you I'm your kids' a father. Some of you I'm your kids' age. Uh some of you I'm your parents age. Uh some of you I'm your parents age. Uh some of you I'm your parents age. And this is just me from my heart age. And this is just me from my heart age. And this is just me from my heart to you sharing what I believe God would to you sharing what I believe God would to you sharing what I believe God would have us to say to this question. I'm have us to say to this question. I'm have us to say to this question. I'm going to do my very best to wrestle going to do my very best to wrestle going to do my very best to wrestle through. There's a verse that really through. There's a verse that really through. There's a verse that really captures the essence of what I want to captures the essence of what I want to captures the essence of what I want to try to accomplish today. 2 Corinthians try to accomplish today. 2 Corinthians try to accomplish today. 2 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 4 and 5 says, "The chapter 10 verse 4 and 5 says, "The chapter 10 verse 4 and 5 says, "The weapons we fight with are not weapons of weapons we fight with are not weapons of weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the world. On the contrary, they have the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."

divine power to demolish strongholds." divine power to demolish strongholds." So what are those strongholds Paul's So what are those strongholds Paul's So what are those strongholds Paul's talking about? He says, 'We demolish talking about? He says, 'We demolish talking about? He says, 'We demolish arguments, every pretension that sets arguments, every pretension that sets arguments, every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, itself up against the knowledge of God, itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to and we take every thought captive to and we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. What he's make it obedient to Christ. What he's make it obedient to Christ. What he's saying is that in our culture, in our saying is that in our culture, in our saying is that in our culture, in our world, there are strongholds that are world, there are strongholds that are world, there are strongholds that are not physical military strongholds, but not physical military strongholds, but not physical military strongholds, but they're mental strongholds. And a lot of they're mental strongholds. And a lot of they're mental strongholds. And a lot of people live there where they live in people live there where they live in people live there where they live in bondage to their thinking. And Jesus, bondage to their thinking. And Jesus, bondage to their thinking. And Jesus, when he came, he said, "You will know when he came, he said, "You will know when he came, he said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will do what? the truth, and the truth will do what? the truth, and the truth will do what? It'll set you free." So my hope today is It'll set you free." So my hope today is It'll set you free." So my hope today is to bring truth to a confusing situation, to bring truth to a confusing situation, to bring truth to a confusing situation, a confusing reality, to bring clarity to a confusing reality, to bring clarity to a confusing reality, to bring clarity to confusion, and to bring honesty in the confusion, and to bring honesty in the confusion, and to bring honesty in the midst of our cultural reality with a midst of our cultural reality with a midst of our cultural reality with a sense of humility. And I want to begin sense of humility. And I want to begin sense of humility. And I want to begin by recognizing when it comes to this by recognizing when it comes to this by recognizing when it comes to this question comes to the question of how question comes to the question of how question comes to the question of how are we to respond in a divided world, are we to respond in a divided world, are we to respond in a divided world, this is important. Better answers come this is important. Better answers come this is important. Better answers come from better questions. So today, I'm not from better questions. So today, I'm not from better questions. So today, I'm not going to give you three cute points. I'm going to give you three cute points. I'm going to give you three cute points. I'm going to give you three questions. I going to give you three questions. I going to give you three questions. I want to give you some questions to want to give you some questions to want to give you some questions to wrestle through to get to the heart of wrestle through to get to the heart of wrestle through to get to the heart of the teachings of Jesus, of what you the teachings of Jesus, of what you the teachings of Jesus, of what you believe to really bring clarity to believe to really bring clarity to believe to really bring clarity to confusion and to bring freedom to our confusion and to bring freedom to our confusion and to bring freedom to our lives. And I want to begin with this lives. And I want to begin with this lives. And I want to begin with this first question. The first question is first question. The first question is first question. The first question is very important. It's the question of who very important. It's the question of who very important. It's the question of who is discipling me?

is discipling me? is discipling me? Now maybe you're new to faith and you've Now maybe you're new to faith and you've Now maybe you're new to faith and you've not really heard that word disciplehip not really heard that word disciplehip not really heard that word disciplehip or disciple used very much but it's a or disciple used very much but it's a or disciple used very much but it's a very simple idea. It's the idea that very simple idea. It's the idea that very simple idea. It's the idea that there's a student and a teacher and that there's a student and a teacher and that there's a student and a teacher and that teacher is training a student. So the teacher is training a student. So the teacher is training a student. So the ideals and the values of that teacher ideals and the values of that teacher ideals and the values of that teacher are going to be transferred to that are going to be transferred to that are going to be transferred to that student. Jesus would say in Luke 6:40 he student. Jesus would say in Luke 6:40 he student. Jesus would say in Luke 6:40 he summarizes this concept and he says this summarizes this concept and he says this summarizes this concept and he says this the student is not above the teacher but the student is not above the teacher but the student is not above the teacher but everyone who is fully trained will be everyone who is fully trained will be everyone who is fully trained will be like the teacher. So the longer you like the teacher. So the longer you like the teacher. So the longer you listen to somebody, whether it's a news listen to somebody, whether it's a news listen to somebody, whether it's a news channel or it's a friend that you listen channel or it's a friend that you listen channel or it's a friend that you listen to or a social media influencer, the to or a social media influencer, the to or a social media influencer, the longer you listen to them, the more you longer you listen to them, the more you longer you listen to them, the more you become like them. And we are become like them. And we are become like them. And we are dramatically shaped by those we listen dramatically shaped by those we listen dramatically shaped by those we listen to. We're dramatically influenced by our to. We're dramatically influenced by our to. We're dramatically influenced by our mentors, our models, and our mindsets. mentors, our models, and our mindsets. mentors, our models, and our mindsets. So we're constantly being shaped with So we're constantly being shaped with So we're constantly being shaped with what we believe and how we behave. And what we believe and how we behave. And what we believe and how we behave. And it's coming from mentors, models, and it's coming from mentors, models, and it's coming from mentors, models, and mindsets. And I'll give you a couple mindsets. And I'll give you a couple mindsets. And I'll give you a couple [snorts] examples from my own life. Uh I [snorts] examples from my own life. Uh I [snorts] examples from my own life. Uh I think back to my teenage years. My dad think back to my teenage years. My dad think back to my teenage years. My dad had started taking us back to church had started taking us back to church had started taking us back to church after my parents got divorced. Found an after my parents got divorced. Found an after my parents got divorced. Found an awesome church with an awesome student awesome church with an awesome student awesome church with an awesome student group. And there was a guy who ran our group. And there was a guy who ran our group. And there was a guy who ran our student group, a guy by the name of Mike student group, a guy by the name of Mike student group, a guy by the name of Mike Bonszer. He was our student pastor, Bonszer. He was our student pastor, Bonszer. He was our student pastor, amazing student leader. And he took a amazing student leader. And he took a amazing student leader. And he took a group of about 10 of us. And he said, group of about 10 of us. And he said, group of about 10 of us. And he said, "Hey, I want to train you up to be used "Hey, I want to train you up to be used "Hey, I want to train you up to be used by God for ministry. I want to invest in by God for ministry. I want to invest in by God for ministry. I want to invest in you, share everything I know with you, you, share everything I know with you, you, share everything I know with you, and I'm going to pass the ministry to and I'm going to pass the ministry to and I'm going to pass the ministry to you and watch God use your life, much you and watch God use your life, much you and watch God use your life, much like Jesus did with his disciples. And

like Jesus did with his disciples. And like Jesus did with his disciples. And so, as he did this, he said one time, "I so, as he did this, he said one time, "I so, as he did this, he said one time, "I want you to have your eyes out for the want you to have your eyes out for the want you to have your eyes out for the students that come through the door of students that come through the door of students that come through the door of our building that are disconnected our building that are disconnected our building that are disconnected standing alone by themselves." So, I standing alone by themselves." So, I standing alone by themselves." So, I remember as like a junior senior in high remember as like a junior senior in high remember as like a junior senior in high school, I would walk around the room and school, I would walk around the room and school, I would walk around the room and find the kid that was standing by find the kid that was standing by find the kid that was standing by himself. know sometimes they're standing himself. know sometimes they're standing himself. know sometimes they're standing alone cuz they want to and they don't alone cuz they want to and they don't alone cuz they want to and they don't want an extrovert like me to walk up. want an extrovert like me to walk up. want an extrovert like me to walk up. But many times somebody is there and But many times somebody is there and But many times somebody is there and they're giving God a try and they're they're giving God a try and they're they're giving God a try and they're like alone isolated and everybody else like alone isolated and everybody else like alone isolated and everybody else seems connected. So today to this very seems connected. So today to this very seems connected. So today to this very day that mentor influenced me. I I still day that mentor influenced me. I I still day that mentor influenced me. I I still when I walk in a room see the people when I walk in a room see the people when I walk in a room see the people that are disconnected. I still when I that are disconnected. I still when I that are disconnected. I still when I think about church think about people think about church think about people think about church think about people who are not here yet. So that mentor who are not here yet. So that mentor who are not here yet. So that mentor changed my life with how he invested in changed my life with how he invested in changed my life with how he invested in me. Now, when it comes to models, I me. Now, when it comes to models, I me. Now, when it comes to models, I think about one time in college, I think about one time in college, I think about one time in college, I picked up a book and it's called The picked up a book and it's called The picked up a book and it's called The Purpose-Driven Church written by our Purpose-Driven Church written by our Purpose-Driven Church written by our founding pastor, Pastor Rick Warren. And founding pastor, Pastor Rick Warren. And founding pastor, Pastor Rick Warren. And I remember reading that book and I was I remember reading that book and I was I remember reading that book and I was never the same afterwards. My mindset never the same afterwards. My mindset never the same afterwards. My mindset shifted when I saw a new way of thinking shifted when I saw a new way of thinking shifted when I saw a new way of thinking about ministry of how to do church where about ministry of how to do church where about ministry of how to do church where people who are far from God could come people who are far from God could come people who are far from God could come and how to do small groups and help and how to do small groups and help and how to do small groups and help people get in community and everything people get in community and everything people get in community and everything in between to have this vision of in between to have this vision of in between to have this vision of helping people move from coming see to helping people move from coming see to helping people move from coming see to come and die. And my life was changed by come and die. And my life was changed by come and die. And my life was changed by that book. So you're shaped by the that book. So you're shaped by the that book. So you're shaped by the models, the mentors, and the mindsets models, the mentors, and the mindsets models, the mentors, and the mindsets that you absorb. And this is important.

that you absorb. And this is important. that you absorb. And this is important. who you become, who you become starts who you become, who you become starts who you become, who you become starts with what you follow. So if you want to with what you follow. So if you want to with what you follow. So if you want to change who you're becoming, you have to change who you're becoming, you have to change who you're becoming, you have to change what you follow. So we're going change what you follow. So we're going change what you follow. So we're going to look at the question of who is to look at the question of who is to look at the question of who is discipling me and ask, am I following discipling me and ask, am I following discipling me and ask, am I following the right voices? Now there's a lot of the right voices? Now there's a lot of the right voices? Now there's a lot of voices shaping culture. There are social voices shaping culture. There are social voices shaping culture. There are social media influencers. There are athletes. media influencers. There are athletes. media influencers. There are athletes. And if I were to ask you who's the And if I were to ask you who's the And if I were to ask you who's the greatest soccer player of all time, I greatest soccer player of all time, I greatest soccer player of all time, I know our buenes campus would very know our buenes campus would very know our buenes campus would very clearly say Messi is the greatest player clearly say Messi is the greatest player clearly say Messi is the greatest player of all time. But there are a lot of you of all time. But there are a lot of you of all time. But there are a lot of you that would argue and say Hanaldo is the that would argue and say Hanaldo is the that would argue and say Hanaldo is the greatest player of time all time. A lot greatest player of time all time. A lot greatest player of time all time. A lot of Americans don't even know what that of Americans don't even know what that of Americans don't even know what that is or any players names who play soccer is or any players names who play soccer is or any players names who play soccer or football as the world calls it. But or football as the world calls it. But or football as the world calls it. But you see these guys here, they have you see these guys here, they have you see these guys here, they have literally millions and millions of literally millions and millions of literally millions and millions of people that follow them on social media people that follow them on social media people that follow them on social media and they put out what they eat for and they put out what they eat for and they put out what they eat for dinner and everybody's eating that. Or dinner and everybody's eating that. Or dinner and everybody's eating that. Or they put out the shoes that they're they put out the shoes that they're they put out the shoes that they're wearing and millions of pairs of Adidas wearing and millions of pairs of Adidas wearing and millions of pairs of Adidas will be sold because they're will be sold because they're will be sold because they're influencers. What they do influences influencers. What they do influences influencers. What they do influences society at large. So you and I absorb society at large. So you and I absorb society at large. So you and I absorb throughout the course of our life. We're throughout the course of our life. We're throughout the course of our life. We're like sponges. And if you've been a like sponges. And if you've been a like sponges. And if you've been a parent, you know when a kid's small, six parent, you know when a kid's small, six parent, you know when a kid's small, six months old to two and a half years, you months old to two and a half years, you months old to two and a half years, you just watch them learning phrases and just watch them learning phrases and just watch them learning phrases and their mind is absorbing. But you're their mind is absorbing. But you're their mind is absorbing. But you're still like that. I'm still like that. So still like that. I'm still like that. So still like that. I'm still like that. So we have to ask the question, who's we have to ask the question, who's we have to ask the question, who's discipling us? Who are we absorbing discipling us? Who are we absorbing discipling us? Who are we absorbing from? So if you're a follower of Jesus, from? So if you're a follower of Jesus, from? So if you're a follower of Jesus, I want to ask you the question, who

I want to ask you the question, who I want to ask you the question, who should be discipling you? Out of curios, should be discipling you? Out of curios, should be discipling you? Out of curios, it's not a trick question. Jesus. Jesus. it's not a trick question. Jesus. Jesus. it's not a trick question. Jesus. Jesus. Somebody's like that. that. Okay, I Somebody's like that. that. Okay, I Somebody's like that. that. Okay, I thought it was a squirrel, but no, it's thought it was a squirrel, but no, it's thought it was a squirrel, but no, it's Jesus. Jesus is the one, if you're a Jesus. Jesus is the one, if you're a Jesus. Jesus is the one, if you're a follower of Jesus, that he's the one follower of Jesus, that he's the one follower of Jesus, that he's the one that is our model. He's certainly more that is our model. He's certainly more that is our model. He's certainly more than a model, but Jesus is the perfect than a model, but Jesus is the perfect than a model, but Jesus is the perfect model for us. John 1:14 says this about model for us. John 1:14 says this about model for us. John 1:14 says this about Jesus. The word became flesh and made Jesus. The word became flesh and made Jesus. The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we have seen his dwelling among us, and we have seen his dwelling among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only his glory, the glory of the one and only his glory, the glory of the one and only son who came from the father full of son who came from the father full of son who came from the father full of grace and truth. I want to ask you to grace and truth. I want to ask you to grace and truth. I want to ask you to underline full of grace and truth. When underline full of grace and truth. When underline full of grace and truth. When I was a kid growing up, my dad used to I was a kid growing up, my dad used to I was a kid growing up, my dad used to say to me, Andy, you're full of it. say to me, Andy, you're full of it. say to me, Andy, you're full of it. You're full of it. If you don't know You're full of it. If you don't know You're full of it. If you don't know what that means, ask somebody after what that means, ask somebody after what that means, ask somebody after church. But I always remember, it just church. But I always remember, it just church. But I always remember, it just would bother me when he would say that. would bother me when he would say that. would bother me when he would say that. I'm full of what? Full of it. And Jesus, I'm full of what? Full of it. And Jesus, I'm full of what? Full of it. And Jesus, he was full of grace and truth. So, it's he was full of grace and truth. So, it's he was full of grace and truth. So, it's not a 50/50 equation. It's not like he not a 50/50 equation. It's not like he not a 50/50 equation. It's not like he had half grace, half truth. Put them had half grace, half truth. Put them had half grace, half truth. Put them together. He's full. He was full of together. He's full. He was full of together. He's full. He was full of grace and full of truth. And what that grace and full of truth. And what that grace and full of truth. And what that means is when you bump into Jesus, what means is when you bump into Jesus, what means is when you bump into Jesus, what do you get? You get grace and truth. And do you get? You get grace and truth. And do you get? You get grace and truth. And the question we got to wrestle through the question we got to wrestle through the question we got to wrestle through is when you bump into us, what do you is when you bump into us, what do you is when you bump into us, what do you get? Like if you bump into us in traffic get? Like if you bump into us in traffic get? Like if you bump into us in traffic on I5, what do you get? Do you get the on I5, what do you get? Do you get the on I5, what do you get? Do you get the one-finger salute or do you get grace one-finger salute or do you get grace one-finger salute or do you get grace and truth? And the question of grace and and truth? And the question of grace and and truth? And the question of grace and truth being the thing that people absorb truth being the thing that people absorb truth being the thing that people absorb from us comes out of who am I following

from us comes out of who am I following from us comes out of who am I following with my life? Now, in Matthew 6:33, with my life? Now, in Matthew 6:33, with my life? Now, in Matthew 6:33, Jesus gives us another image of of what Jesus gives us another image of of what Jesus gives us another image of of what we're to pursue with our lives. And my we're to pursue with our lives. And my we're to pursue with our lives. And my hope with these passages are really to hope with these passages are really to hope with these passages are really to provide an overarching vision for our provide an overarching vision for our provide an overarching vision for our lives. There's so much that Jesus lives. There's so much that Jesus lives. There's so much that Jesus teaches us. And the encouragement is a teaches us. And the encouragement is a teaches us. And the encouragement is a lifelong journey of getting to know lifelong journey of getting to know lifelong journey of getting to know Jesus and following him. But Matthew Jesus and following him. But Matthew Jesus and following him. But Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek first his kingdom and 6:33 says, "Seek first his kingdom and 6:33 says, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things his righteousness, and all these things his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well." So the will be added to you as well." So the will be added to you as well." So the very essence of our lives is to be the very essence of our lives is to be the very essence of our lives is to be the kingdom of God. To give our heart, our kingdom of God. To give our heart, our kingdom of God. To give our heart, our time, our talents, our energy to time, our talents, our energy to time, our talents, our energy to building the kingdom of God and having a building the kingdom of God and having a building the kingdom of God and having a relationship with him that that's what relationship with him that that's what relationship with him that that's what we're to pursue as his followers. So we're to pursue as his followers. So we're to pursue as his followers. So there's this invitation to follow the there's this invitation to follow the there's this invitation to follow the life and the teaching of Jesus. But life and the teaching of Jesus. But life and the teaching of Jesus. But there's a battle internally and we're there's a battle internally and we're there's a battle internally and we're constantly absorbing information, truth, constantly absorbing information, truth, constantly absorbing information, truth, lies, all of it gets mixed into our lies, all of it gets mixed into our lies, all of it gets mixed into our minds and our hearts. And the question minds and our hearts. And the question minds and our hearts. And the question of who's discipling me is so crucial to of who's discipling me is so crucial to of who's discipling me is so crucial to ask. Now, Romans 12:2 ask. Now, Romans 12:2 ask. Now, Romans 12:2 gives the tension of the world and the gives the tension of the world and the gives the tension of the world and the ways of God colliding with one another.

ways of God colliding with one another. ways of God colliding with one another. And Paul describes this tension that we And Paul describes this tension that we And Paul describes this tension that we feel because if you're a follower of feel because if you're a follower of feel because if you're a follower of Jesus, you you you want to follow his Jesus, you you you want to follow his Jesus, you you you want to follow his ways, but there's also ways of the world ways, but there's also ways of the world ways, but there's also ways of the world that you're constantly brought into with that you're constantly brought into with that you're constantly brought into with your job, with school, with your your job, with school, with your your job, with school, with your friends, and all of it. You can feel the friends, and all of it. You can feel the friends, and all of it. You can feel the pressure. So Paul says in Romans 12, "Do pressure. So Paul says in Romans 12, "Do pressure. So Paul says in Romans 12, "Do not conform to the pattern of this not conform to the pattern of this not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the world, but be transformed by the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and then you will renewing of your mind, and then you will renewing of your mind, and then you will be able to test and approve what God's be able to test and approve what God's be able to test and approve what God's will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will." So the knowledge of the will of will." So the knowledge of the will of will." So the knowledge of the will of God is on the backside of the God is on the backside of the God is on the backside of the transformation. So there is this transformation. So there is this transformation. So there is this collision of the world's ways and God's collision of the world's ways and God's collision of the world's ways and God's ways. And the question is, what is ways. And the question is, what is ways. And the question is, what is shaping me? The world or Jesus? The ways shaping me? The world or Jesus? The ways shaping me? The world or Jesus? The ways of Jesus. Now Paul uses the word with of Jesus. Now Paul uses the word with of Jesus. Now Paul uses the word with the ways of the world to be conformed. the ways of the world to be conformed. the ways of the world to be conformed. And I'll give you a definition of And I'll give you a definition of And I'll give you a definition of conform. To conform means to make or conform. To conform means to make or conform. To conform means to make or become the same. It's kind of this become the same. It's kind of this become the same. It's kind of this outside in pressure on us. But to outside in pressure on us. But to outside in pressure on us. But to transform means to change the condition, transform means to change the condition, transform means to change the condition, the function, the nature, character or the function, the nature, character or the function, the nature, character or personality of someone or something. And personality of someone or something. And personality of someone or something. And the idea is that it's from the inside the idea is that it's from the inside the idea is that it's from the inside out. So Paul is saying by the renewal of out. So Paul is saying by the renewal of out. So Paul is saying by the renewal of your mind, you're transformed from the your mind, you're transformed from the your mind, you're transformed from the inside out or by being conformed with inside out or by being conformed with inside out or by being conformed with the ways of the world, you're pressured the ways of the world, you're pressured the ways of the world, you're pressured from the outside in. So I just got to from the outside in. So I just got to from the outside in. So I just got to ask you, are you being conformed or ask you, are you being conformed or ask you, are you being conformed or transformed? Now it might be based on transformed? Now it might be based on transformed? Now it might be based on the voices that you're listening to. It

the voices that you're listening to. It the voices that you're listening to. It might be based upon who's discipling might be based upon who's discipling might be based upon who's discipling you. And I saw some stats this week. I you. And I saw some stats this week. I you. And I saw some stats this week. I thought these were interesting. One out thought these were interesting. One out thought these were interesting. One out of five people read the Bible on a of five people read the Bible on a of five people read the Bible on a regular basis. Some good news is Bible regular basis. Some good news is Bible regular basis. Some good news is Bible reading is on an all-time high in my reading is on an all-time high in my reading is on an all-time high in my life. Like there's tremendous progress life. Like there's tremendous progress life. Like there's tremendous progress and culture and people's openness to and culture and people's openness to and culture and people's openness to faith and the Bible. That's wonderful. faith and the Bible. That's wonderful. faith and the Bible. That's wonderful. Um but studies show us that the average Um but studies show us that the average Um but studies show us that the average American still only reads the Bible for American still only reads the Bible for American still only reads the Bible for four to six minutes a day. Now, you four to six minutes a day. Now, you four to six minutes a day. Now, you might be like, "Well, that's better than might be like, "Well, that's better than might be like, "Well, that's better than nothing. Four to six minutes a day." nothing. Four to six minutes a day." nothing. Four to six minutes a day." Which I would agree with you. It's Which I would agree with you. It's Which I would agree with you. It's better than nothing. But also, I would better than nothing. But also, I would better than nothing. But also, I would make sure you know this. The average make sure you know this. The average make sure you know this. The average American spends 2 hours and 41 minutes American spends 2 hours and 41 minutes American spends 2 hours and 41 minutes on social media every day. And so, what on social media every day. And so, what on social media every day. And so, what if we just took like 30 of those minutes if we just took like 30 of those minutes if we just took like 30 of those minutes from Instagram and gave it to God and from Instagram and gave it to God and from Instagram and gave it to God and the Bible and the difference that it the Bible and the difference that it the Bible and the difference that it would make. See, we're we're constantly would make. See, we're we're constantly would make. See, we're we're constantly we're constantly absorbing and the we're constantly absorbing and the we're constantly absorbing and the algorithm is designed to hook you. Have algorithm is designed to hook you. Have algorithm is designed to hook you. Have you ever noticed like you're you're you ever noticed like you're you're you ever noticed like you're you're you're in your bathroom and you're you're in your bathroom and you're you're in your bathroom and you're shaving and you're like, "Ah, this this shaving and you're like, "Ah, this this shaving and you're like, "Ah, this this razor's dull." And three minutes later razor's dull." And three minutes later razor's dull." And three minutes later you pick your phone up and there's an you pick your phone up and there's an you pick your phone up and there's an advertisement for the razor. It's like advertisement for the razor. It's like advertisement for the razor. It's like it's rigged. It is rigged. Is it like it's rigged. It is rigged. Is it like it's rigged. It is rigged. Is it like they they've got your number baby and they they've got your number baby and they they've got your number baby and they are watching you and they are they are watching you and they are they are watching you and they are advert and there is an intentional advert and there is an intentional advert and there is an intentional disciplehip disciplehip disciplehip strategy to win your heart and your mind strategy to win your heart and your mind strategy to win your heart and your mind from the social media companies from from the social media companies from from the social media companies from school systems from the businesses of

school systems from the businesses of school systems from the businesses of the world they are constantly trying to the world they are constantly trying to the world they are constantly trying to shape us and the question we've got to shape us and the question we've got to shape us and the question we've got to wrestle through and as I throw this wrestle through and as I throw this wrestle through and as I throw this question out I'm even I'm challenged question out I'm even I'm challenged question out I'm even I'm challenged myself am I are you being discipled more myself am I are you being discipled more myself am I are you being discipled more by the algorithm or by Jesus. Which by the algorithm or by Jesus. Which by the algorithm or by Jesus. Which which one has a greater influence on which one has a greater influence on which one has a greater influence on your life? And what I want what we want your life? And what I want what we want your life? And what I want what we want is to be shaped by Jesus and to is to be shaped by Jesus and to is to be shaped by Jesus and to understand his truth and his ways. So understand his truth and his ways. So understand his truth and his ways. So one encouragement is to get in this book one encouragement is to get in this book one encouragement is to get in this book to read it every day to let it transform to read it every day to let it transform to read it every day to let it transform your mind to let God renew your heart as your mind to let God renew your heart as your mind to let God renew your heart as you open the Bible. But also like you open the Bible. But also like you open the Bible. But also like there's a lot coming at you. There's a there's a lot coming at you. There's a there's a lot coming at you. There's a lot of tension that you feel and you lot of tension that you feel and you lot of tension that you feel and you know if you think about your week, how know if you think about your week, how know if you think about your week, how much time and energy and all that goes much time and energy and all that goes much time and energy and all that goes into your life, you know, five hours in into your life, you know, five hours in into your life, you know, five hours in the Bible to keep up with all that's the Bible to keep up with all that's the Bible to keep up with all that's coming at you. Might I say this is why coming at you. Might I say this is why coming at you. Might I say this is why the church is here. We're here to come the church is here. We're here to come the church is here. We're here to come alongside of you and to help you be alongside of you and to help you be alongside of you and to help you be discipled by Jesus. So, if you're like discipled by Jesus. So, if you're like discipled by Jesus. So, if you're like coming to church and leaving and maybe coming to church and leaving and maybe coming to church and leaving and maybe you like Saddleback and you love our you like Saddleback and you love our you like Saddleback and you love our church family, but you haven't taken church family, but you haven't taken church family, but you haven't taken that step to go allin with Jesus and to that step to go allin with Jesus and to that step to go allin with Jesus and to go allin with the church, you're missing go allin with the church, you're missing go allin with the church, you're missing out on all that God has to offer you out on all that God has to offer you out on all that God has to offer you through this church. There's so many through this church. There's so many through this church. There's so many wonderful things. I know from my own wonderful things. I know from my own wonderful things. I know from my own life being in a small group and putting life being in a small group and putting life being in a small group and putting my kids in a group and Stacy being in a my kids in a group and Stacy being in a my kids in a group and Stacy being in a small group, the the radical difference small group, the the radical difference small group, the the radical difference it's made in our life just being in it's made in our life just being in it's made in our life just being in community. And I also know watching my community. And I also know watching my community. And I also know watching my kids serve on a weekly basis and use

kids serve on a weekly basis and use kids serve on a weekly basis and use their gifts, the passion that's building their gifts, the passion that's building their gifts, the passion that's building in them for God and for ministry from in them for God and for ministry from in them for God and for ministry from serving. And I I see all these things serving. And I I see all these things serving. And I I see all these things and I watch so many people come and go and I watch so many people come and go and I watch so many people come and go and come and go and never experience the and come and go and never experience the and come and go and never experience the fullness of what God's offering through fullness of what God's offering through fullness of what God's offering through the local church. So I want to give you the local church. So I want to give you the local church. So I want to give you a little challenge if I can right now in a little challenge if I can right now in a little challenge if I can right now in the middle of the message. I want to the middle of the message. I want to the middle of the message. I want to give you a one-year challenge. And that give you a one-year challenge. And that give you a one-year challenge. And that means when you come to church, whatever means when you come to church, whatever means when you come to church, whatever it is that the invitation is, just it is that the invitation is, just it is that the invitation is, just respond to it. Just take one one year respond to it. Just take one one year respond to it. Just take one one year and say, "When there's an invitation to and say, "When there's an invitation to and say, "When there's an invitation to get in groups, I'm going to say yes, I get in groups, I'm going to say yes, I get in groups, I'm going to say yes, I get in groups. When there's an get in groups. When there's an get in groups. When there's an opportunity to start serving, I'm going opportunity to start serving, I'm going opportunity to start serving, I'm going to start serving. When there's an to start serving. When there's an to start serving. When there's an opportunity to start praying and reading opportunity to start praying and reading opportunity to start praying and reading my Bible every day or fasting with the my Bible every day or fasting with the my Bible every day or fasting with the whole church in January or going to the whole church in January or going to the whole church in January or going to the return gathering in February, when return gathering in February, when return gathering in February, when there's an opportunity, just say yes and there's an opportunity, just say yes and there's an opportunity, just say yes and test it out." And here's here's my test it out." And here's here's my test it out." And here's here's my here's my guarantee. I guarantee you God here's my guarantee. I guarantee you God here's my guarantee. I guarantee you God will change your life through it. If he will change your life through it. If he will change your life through it. If he doesn't, if you don't experience money doesn't, if you don't experience money doesn't, if you don't experience money back guarantee, money back, free.99 back back guarantee, money back, free.99 back back guarantee, money back, free.99 back to you. And um in addition to that, you to you. And um in addition to that, you to you. And um in addition to that, you got the rest of your life. So what's one got the rest of your life. So what's one got the rest of your life. So what's one year? Just jump all in and watch Jesus year? Just jump all in and watch Jesus year? Just jump all in and watch Jesus change your life. Now, some of you are change your life. Now, some of you are change your life. Now, some of you are thinking, what in the world does this thinking, what in the world does this thinking, what in the world does this have to do with a divided world all have to do with a divided world all have to do with a divided world all around us? And what I would say is it's around us? And what I would say is it's around us? And what I would say is it's all about you and I following Jesus. And all about you and I following Jesus. And all about you and I following Jesus. And if we follow Jesus, we're going to be if we follow Jesus, we're going to be if we follow Jesus, we're going to be different. We are not trying to different. We are not trying to different. We are not trying to reproduce the world at Saddleback reproduce the world at Saddleback reproduce the world at Saddleback Church. We're trying to be a different Church. We're trying to be a different Church. We're trying to be a different kind of people that represent Jesus. And kind of people that represent Jesus. And kind of people that represent Jesus. And that leads me to the second question and that leads me to the second question and that leads me to the second question and it's who am I trying to please with my it's who am I trying to please with my it's who am I trying to please with my life? So your life and my life. We we

life? So your life and my life. We we life? So your life and my life. We we are aiming at something or someone that are aiming at something or someone that are aiming at something or someone that we try to please. And some of us are we try to please. And some of us are we try to please. And some of us are naturally more pleasers than others. But naturally more pleasers than others. But naturally more pleasers than others. But there's an internal battle. And I want there's an internal battle. And I want there's an internal battle. And I want you to see what Paul says in Galatians you to see what Paul says in Galatians you to see what Paul says in Galatians 1. This is a great life verse to 1. This is a great life verse to 1. This is a great life verse to memorize, put up somewhere whenever memorize, put up somewhere whenever memorize, put up somewhere whenever you're in hard times. If people are you're in hard times. If people are you're in hard times. If people are against you, this is a great reminder. against you, this is a great reminder. against you, this is a great reminder. Galatians 1:10, the Apostle Paul says, Galatians 1:10, the Apostle Paul says, Galatians 1:10, the Apostle Paul says, "Am I now trying to win the approval of "Am I now trying to win the approval of "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? Am I trying to human beings or of God? Am I trying to human beings or of God? Am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not I could not please people, I would not I could not please people, I would not I could not be a servant of Christ." So notice be a servant of Christ." So notice be a servant of Christ." So notice notice this contradiction like this is notice this contradiction like this is notice this contradiction like this is this is not an eitheror proposition from this is not an eitheror proposition from this is not an eitheror proposition from Paul. What Paul is saying is you are Paul. What Paul is saying is you are Paul. What Paul is saying is you are either living for the applause and the either living for the applause and the either living for the applause and the pleasure of people or you are living for pleasure of people or you are living for pleasure of people or you are living for the applause and the pleasure of God. the applause and the pleasure of God. the applause and the pleasure of God. You cannot do both at the same time. And You cannot do both at the same time. And You cannot do both at the same time. And we've got to come back and ask the we've got to come back and ask the we've got to come back and ask the question, am I am I living at the core question, am I am I living at the core question, am I am I living at the core of whom I am as a human being? Is my of whom I am as a human being? Is my of whom I am as a human being? Is my deepest desire to please God? And it deepest desire to please God? And it deepest desire to please God? And it changes our perspective. See, the changes our perspective. See, the changes our perspective. See, the reality is you can please some people reality is you can please some people reality is you can please some people all the time. You can please all people all the time. You can please all people all the time. You can please all people sometimes, but you cannot please all sometimes, but you cannot please all sometimes, but you cannot please all people all the time. Can I get an amen people all the time. Can I get an amen people all the time. Can I get an amen on that one? Somebody knows somebody on that one? Somebody knows somebody on that one? Somebody knows somebody knows somebody. You cannot make them knows somebody. You cannot make them knows somebody. You cannot make them happy any time. This is like the

happy any time. This is like the happy any time. This is like the department of motor vehicles for me. department of motor vehicles for me. department of motor vehicles for me. It's like you just cannot make them It's like you just cannot make them It's like you just cannot make them happy. So if you are living for that happy. So if you are living for that happy. So if you are living for that applause, you'll constantly be applause, you'll constantly be applause, you'll constantly be frustrated, discouraged, downtrodden. frustrated, discouraged, downtrodden. frustrated, discouraged, downtrodden. And sometimes there are things that are And sometimes there are things that are And sometimes there are things that are happening to you. You don't even realize happening to you. You don't even realize happening to you. You don't even realize it. There are people that are it. There are people that are it. There are people that are manipulating you. There are people that manipulating you. There are people that manipulating you. There are people that are feeding lies to you. And there's are feeding lies to you. And there's are feeding lies to you. And there's something that's happening in culture. I something that's happening in culture. I something that's happening in culture. I want us to see if you're a follower of want us to see if you're a follower of want us to see if you're a follower of Jesus. This is so very important. I want Jesus. This is so very important. I want Jesus. This is so very important. I want to expose a lie that a lot of people to expose a lie that a lot of people to expose a lie that a lot of people believe and it's manipulative empathy. believe and it's manipulative empathy. believe and it's manipulative empathy. So what manipulative empathy says is if So what manipulative empathy says is if So what manipulative empathy says is if you really cared, if you really cared you really cared, if you really cared you really cared, if you really cared about me, you you actually wouldn't about me, you you actually wouldn't about me, you you actually wouldn't think what I'm doing is wrong. You would think what I'm doing is wrong. You would think what I'm doing is wrong. You would actually agree with me if you really actually agree with me if you really actually agree with me if you really cared. And what can happen is you can cared. And what can happen is you can cared. And what can happen is you can get manipulated by somebody that lives get manipulated by somebody that lives get manipulated by somebody that lives or sees the world differently than you. or sees the world differently than you. or sees the world differently than you. And what has happened is we've gotten And what has happened is we've gotten And what has happened is we've gotten confused. To think that truth is the confused. To think that truth is the confused. To think that truth is the same thing is agreement or to think that same thing is agreement or to think that same thing is agreement or to think that if I'm going to love somebody, I have to if I'm going to love somebody, I have to if I'm going to love somebody, I have to agree with them. And sometimes if you agree with them. And sometimes if you agree with them. And sometimes if you think about the truth of God's word and think about the truth of God's word and think about the truth of God's word and loving somebody, you might strongly loving somebody, you might strongly loving somebody, you might strongly disagree with them, but still love them disagree with them, but still love them disagree with them, but still love them deeply from your heart. And you might be deeply from your heart. And you might be deeply from your heart. And you might be in a situation where you're manipulated in a situation where you're manipulated in a situation where you're manipulated by somebody that they're they're by somebody that they're they're by somebody that they're they're basically saying to you, you you have to basically saying to you, you you have to basically saying to you, you you have to agree with me to love me. And you can agree with me to love me. And you can agree with me to love me. And you can just in your mind, in your heart, just

just in your mind, in your heart, just just in your mind, in your heart, just go, no, that's not true. I can love you go, no, that's not true. I can love you go, no, that's not true. I can love you without agreeing with you. This happens without agreeing with you. This happens without agreeing with you. This happens in marriage all the time. I love my wife in marriage all the time. I love my wife in marriage all the time. I love my wife and we don't always agree. We agree on and we don't always agree. We agree on and we don't always agree. We agree on most of the big stuff, but we don't most of the big stuff, but we don't most of the big stuff, but we don't always agree on everything. So, love is always agree on everything. So, love is always agree on everything. So, love is not the same as agreement. It's not the same as agreement. It's not the same as agreement. It's different. I I'm trying to set somebody different. I I'm trying to set somebody different. I I'm trying to set somebody free today that that you you can you can free today that that you you can you can free today that that you you can you can love without always agreeing. And this love without always agreeing. And this love without always agreeing. And this is important. See, Romans 12:9 says is important. See, Romans 12:9 says is important. See, Romans 12:9 says this, "Love must be sincere. this, "Love must be sincere. this, "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil and cling to what is Hate what is evil and cling to what is Hate what is evil and cling to what is good. Love must be sincere. Hate what is good. Love must be sincere. Hate what is good. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil and cling to what is good. Now I evil and cling to what is good. Now I evil and cling to what is good. Now I want to share from my family of origin want to share from my family of origin want to share from my family of origin and some of my journey what this looks and some of my journey what this looks and some of my journey what this looks like for me. So some of my story I have like for me. So some of my story I have like for me. So some of my story I have to be very careful with what I share. Uh to be very careful with what I share. Uh to be very careful with what I share. Uh but in my mom's side of the family and but in my mom's side of the family and but in my mom's side of the family and this is not none of this is a secret. We this is not none of this is a secret. We this is not none of this is a secret. We have four people in my mom's side of the have four people in my mom's side of the have four people in my mom's side of the family that have died of hard drug use.

family that have died of hard drug use. family that have died of hard drug use. I'm I'm talking like heroin, cocaine, I I'm I'm talking like heroin, cocaine, I I'm I'm talking like heroin, cocaine, I mean like heavy stuff. And I watched it mean like heavy stuff. And I watched it mean like heavy stuff. And I watched it as a kid and in my young adult years. Um as a kid and in my young adult years. Um as a kid and in my young adult years. Um I was the first one to identify one of I was the first one to identify one of I was the first one to identify one of my uncle's bodies after he died of a my uncle's bodies after he died of a my uncle's bodies after he died of a drug overdose. So I've been deeply drug overdose. So I've been deeply drug overdose. So I've been deeply impacted by this and I don't talk about impacted by this and I don't talk about impacted by this and I don't talk about it a lot. I'm so thankful for the minist it a lot. I'm so thankful for the minist it a lot. I'm so thankful for the minist min ministries that set people free. And min ministries that set people free. And min ministries that set people free. And I know Celebrate Recovery is so much I know Celebrate Recovery is so much I know Celebrate Recovery is so much more than just more than just more than just than just helping people out of drug than just helping people out of drug than just helping people out of drug abuse, but I I just am so thankful for abuse, but I I just am so thankful for abuse, but I I just am so thankful for that ministry. And you know, there is that ministry. And you know, there is that ministry. And you know, there is inside of me there is this hatred inside of me there is this hatred inside of me there is this hatred towards heavy drug use. Like hatred. And towards heavy drug use. Like hatred. And towards heavy drug use. Like hatred. And I can watch I can watch a movie I and I I can watch I can watch a movie I and I I can watch I can watch a movie I and I my stomach gets all knotted up. I can't my stomach gets all knotted up. I can't my stomach gets all knotted up. I can't I'll have to turn the TV off. I hate I'll have to turn the TV off. I hate I'll have to turn the TV off. I hate heavy drug use. Why? Because I love my heavy drug use. Why? Because I love my heavy drug use. Why? Because I love my family. Because I watched my cousins who family. Because I watched my cousins who family. Because I watched my cousins who lost their dad and their mom way too lost their dad and their mom way too lost their dad and their mom way too early and came to live with our family.

early and came to live with our family. early and came to live with our family. I I watched the pain of them losing I I watched the pain of them losing I I watched the pain of them losing their parents. So I love my family, but their parents. So I love my family, but their parents. So I love my family, but I hate this sin because of what it's I hate this sin because of what it's I hate this sin because of what it's done to my family. So when Paul says, done to my family. So when Paul says, done to my family. So when Paul says, come back one time in Romans 12, love come back one time in Romans 12, love come back one time in Romans 12, love must be sincere. Hate what is evil. must be sincere. Hate what is evil. must be sincere. Hate what is evil. Notice he doesn't say hate who is evil. Notice he doesn't say hate who is evil. Notice he doesn't say hate who is evil. And Pastor Buddy told me that before And Pastor Buddy told me that before And Pastor Buddy told me that before service. That's the the bald guy's service. That's the the bald guy's service. That's the the bald guy's version. He told me the bald guy's version. He told me the bald guy's version. He told me the bald guy's paraphrase. It doesn't mean hate who is paraphrase. It doesn't mean hate who is paraphrase. It doesn't mean hate who is evil. I hope it's okay that I shared evil. I hope it's okay that I shared evil. I hope it's okay that I shared that paraphrase. That's what it's that paraphrase. That's what it's that paraphrase. That's what it's called. He told me that's what it's called. He told me that's what it's called. He told me that's what it's called. I digress. He said it's not hate called. I digress. He said it's not hate called. I digress. He said it's not hate who is evil. It's hate. What is evil? who is evil. It's hate. What is evil? who is evil. It's hate. What is evil? And some of us, we can get confused with And some of us, we can get confused with And some of us, we can get confused with this. So, there is a lot of evil in our this. So, there is a lot of evil in our this. So, there is a lot of evil in our world. And if we're not careful, we we world. And if we're not careful, we we world. And if we're not careful, we we can get really confused as followers of can get really confused as followers of can get really confused as followers of Jesus to feel like we can never talk Jesus to feel like we can never talk Jesus to feel like we can never talk about what is evil. Because if you hate about what is evil. Because if you hate about what is evil. Because if you hate what is evil, you're hating what they what is evil, you're hating what they what is evil, you're hating what they do. And the truth is, you're not. You do. And the truth is, you're not. You do. And the truth is, you're not. You can be sincere in love. You can cling to can be sincere in love. You can cling to can be sincere in love. You can cling to what is good and you you still can hate what is good and you you still can hate what is good and you you still can hate the evil in the world and what it does the evil in the world and what it does the evil in the world and what it does to people and how it ruins generations.

to people and how it ruins generations. to people and how it ruins generations. So there there's a willingness to So there there's a willingness to So there there's a willingness to address what is evil in our world. Now I address what is evil in our world. Now I address what is evil in our world. Now I want to read you some things that are want to read you some things that are want to read you some things that are evil. You you probably know that they're evil. You you probably know that they're evil. You you probably know that they're evil, but maybe you you you've not heard evil, but maybe you you you've not heard evil, but maybe you you you've not heard it for a while. Somebody say this is it for a while. Somebody say this is it for a while. Somebody say this is evil. And I'm going to just share some evil. And I'm going to just share some evil. And I'm going to just share some things in our world right now that are things in our world right now that are things in our world right now that are evil. There's a lot of evil in our evil. There's a lot of evil in our evil. There's a lot of evil in our world. One thing that is very very world. One thing that is very very world. One thing that is very very significant as I read through this list, significant as I read through this list, significant as I read through this list, you might find yourself in this list and you might find yourself in this list and you might find yourself in this list and there is hope and forgiveness and grace there is hope and forgiveness and grace there is hope and forgiveness and grace in any of the things I talk about right in any of the things I talk about right in any of the things I talk about right now in just a moment. If you've now in just a moment. If you've now in just a moment. If you've participated in them, the grace of God participated in them, the grace of God participated in them, the grace of God can forgive you and wipe your slate can forgive you and wipe your slate can forgive you and wipe your slate clean and write a new story. So, I want clean and write a new story. So, I want clean and write a new story. So, I want you to hear that as I walk through you to hear that as I walk through you to hear that as I walk through these. These are things that are evil in these. These are things that are evil in these. These are things that are evil in our world. When the rich oppress the our world. When the rich oppress the our world. When the rich oppress the poor, it's evil. poor, it's evil. poor, it's evil. When we mistreat somebody because the When we mistreat somebody because the When we mistreat somebody because the color of their skin or their ethnic color of their skin or their ethnic color of their skin or their ethnic background, that's evil. When any human background, that's evil. When any human background, that's evil. When any human is traffked in any way, it's evil. When is traffked in any way, it's evil. When is traffked in any way, it's evil. When taking life inside the womb is widely taking life inside the womb is widely taking life inside the womb is widely accepted as a practice and celebrated in accepted as a practice and celebrated in accepted as a practice and celebrated in our culture, that's evil. Now if you've our culture, that's evil. Now if you've our culture, that's evil. Now if you've gone through that we there is grace and gone through that we there is grace and gone through that we there is grace and forgiveness and God can bring healing forgiveness and God can bring healing forgiveness and God can bring healing but we got to identify the celebration but we got to identify the celebration but we got to identify the celebration of that in our culture and that practice of that in our culture and that practice of that in our culture and that practice that it destroys generations. In that it destroys generations. In that it destroys generations. In addition to that there are so many more addition to that there are so many more addition to that there are so many more when a when a child is allowed to when a when a child is allowed to when a when a child is allowed to transition their gender without their transition their gender without their transition their gender without their parents approval or in any means that is parents approval or in any means that is parents approval or in any means that is evil. When someone spreads lies about evil. When someone spreads lies about evil. When someone spreads lies about another person for their destruction another person for their destruction another person for their destruction that is evil. There's so much evil in

that is evil. There's so much evil in that is evil. There's so much evil in our world. And what God says is you love our world. And what God says is you love our world. And what God says is you love with sincerity. You hate what is evil with sincerity. You hate what is evil with sincerity. You hate what is evil and you cling to what is good. So if and you cling to what is good. So if and you cling to what is good. So if you're a follower of Jesus, a lot of you're a follower of Jesus, a lot of you're a follower of Jesus, a lot of times you feel conflicted. And how do times you feel conflicted. And how do times you feel conflicted. And how do you live in a world with disagreement you live in a world with disagreement you live in a world with disagreement where you don't see eye to eye with where you don't see eye to eye with where you don't see eye to eye with other people and then to still live in other people and then to still live in other people and then to still live in accordance with God's ways? Well, Isaiah accordance with God's ways? Well, Isaiah accordance with God's ways? Well, Isaiah 5:20 says, "Woe to those who call evil 5:20 says, "Woe to those who call evil 5:20 says, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for good and good evil, who put darkness for good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put light and light for darkness, who put light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." So, there's a lot of celebration of evil So, there's a lot of celebration of evil So, there's a lot of celebration of evil in our world. And there's a lie that a in our world. And there's a lie that a in our world. And there's a lie that a lot of people believe. And this is a lie lot of people believe. And this is a lie lot of people believe. And this is a lie that maybe you've even accepted. You that maybe you've even accepted. You that maybe you've even accepted. You shouldn't disagree with any worldview shouldn't disagree with any worldview shouldn't disagree with any worldview except for Christianity. It's okay to except for Christianity. It's okay to except for Christianity. It's okay to disagree with a Christian, but not any disagree with a Christian, but not any disagree with a Christian, but not any other worldview. And that that's other worldview. And that that's other worldview. And that that's confusing. Like what do you do with confusing. Like what do you do with confusing. Like what do you do with that? Like it wasn't like this 30 40 that? Like it wasn't like this 30 40 that? Like it wasn't like this 30 40 years ago, but now it's widespread on years ago, but now it's widespread on years ago, but now it's widespread on media. You can disagree with any media. You can disagree with any media. You can disagree with any worldview but Christianity. Now I will worldview but Christianity. Now I will worldview but Christianity. Now I will remind you for just a moment. Jesus was remind you for just a moment. Jesus was remind you for just a moment. Jesus was both compassionate both compassionate both compassionate and confrontational.

and confrontational. and confrontational. He was compassionate to individuals and He was compassionate to individuals and He was compassionate to individuals and he confronted ideology that held people he confronted ideology that held people he confronted ideology that held people captive. So you have to separate in your captive. So you have to separate in your captive. So you have to separate in your mind people from ideology. So what God mind people from ideology. So what God mind people from ideology. So what God does is he came to set the captives free does is he came to set the captives free does is he came to set the captives free from sin. But he also confronted and from sin. But he also confronted and from sin. But he also confronted and dealt with ideology. In Luke, I believe dealt with ideology. In Luke, I believe dealt with ideology. In Luke, I believe it's chapter 19, Jesus weeps over the it's chapter 19, Jesus weeps over the it's chapter 19, Jesus weeps over the city of Jerusalem. [snorts] And then city of Jerusalem. [snorts] And then city of Jerusalem. [snorts] And then after weeping over the city of after weeping over the city of after weeping over the city of Jerusalem, goes in and starts whipping Jerusalem, goes in and starts whipping Jerusalem, goes in and starts whipping in the temple to money changers. He goes in the temple to money changers. He goes in the temple to money changers. He goes from weeping to whipping. And a lot of from weeping to whipping. And a lot of from weeping to whipping. And a lot of people want weeping Jesus without people want weeping Jesus without people want weeping Jesus without whipping Jesus. And some people are all whipping Jesus. And some people are all whipping Jesus. And some people are all whipping all the time and they never whipping all the time and they never whipping all the time and they never look at the compassion from Jesus. It's look at the compassion from Jesus. It's look at the compassion from Jesus. It's both. It was compassionate and both. It was compassionate and both. It was compassionate and confrontational at the same time. And I confrontational at the same time. And I confrontational at the same time. And I will say it's so important to recognize will say it's so important to recognize will say it's so important to recognize with Jesus life, it was not his with Jesus life, it was not his with Jesus life, it was not his compassion that got him crucified. compassion that got him crucified. compassion that got him crucified. It was his confrontation of evil and the It was his confrontation of evil and the It was his confrontation of evil and the lies that held people. So there is lies that held people. So there is lies that held people. So there is there's a reality to what Jesus would there's a reality to what Jesus would there's a reality to what Jesus would teach in John 15. He wanted his teach in John 15. He wanted his teach in John 15. He wanted his followers to understand as a friend of followers to understand as a friend of followers to understand as a friend of sinners, Jesus spent time and loved sinners, Jesus spent time and loved sinners, Jesus spent time and loved people who were in need. He came to save people who were in need. He came to save people who were in need. He came to save the world. The Bible says, "For God so the world. The Bible says, "For God so the world. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and loved the world that he gave his one and loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in him only son that whosoever believes in him only son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

shall not perish but have eternal life." shall not perish but have eternal life." So, he loves the world and yet he was So, he loves the world and yet he was So, he loves the world and yet he was hated by the world. So, it's it's very hated by the world. So, it's it's very hated by the world. So, it's it's very confusing. What does that mean? What confusing. What does that mean? What confusing. What does that mean? What what do I do as a follower of Jesus? I what do I do as a follower of Jesus? I what do I do as a follower of Jesus? I love the world, but I might be hated by love the world, but I might be hated by love the world, but I might be hated by the world. And in John 15, notice Jesus the world. And in John 15, notice Jesus the world. And in John 15, notice Jesus words. These are so important. If the words. These are so important. If the words. These are so important. If the world hates you, the world hates you. world hates you, the world hates you. world hates you, the world hates you. Keep in mind, it hated me first. If you Keep in mind, it hated me first. If you Keep in mind, it hated me first. If you belong to the world, it would love you belong to the world, it would love you belong to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong as its own. As it is, you do not belong as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world. But I have chosen you out to the world. But I have chosen you out to the world. But I have chosen you out of the world. And that's why the world of the world. And that's why the world of the world. And that's why the world hates you. Remember what I told you. A hates you. Remember what I told you. A hates you. Remember what I told you. A servant is not greater than their servant is not greater than their servant is not greater than their master. And if they persecuted me, they master. And if they persecuted me, they master. And if they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obey my will persecute you also. If they obey my will persecute you also. If they obey my teaching, they will obey yours as well. teaching, they will obey yours as well. teaching, they will obey yours as well. So this is important. I want you to hear So this is important. I want you to hear So this is important. I want you to hear this. To follow Jesus, it means that this. To follow Jesus, it means that this. To follow Jesus, it means that there might be moments in your life there might be moments in your life there might be moments in your life where you have to live at odds with the where you have to live at odds with the where you have to live at odds with the world. Like there are moments where world. Like there are moments where world. Like there are moments where where your life is going to come in where your life is going to come in where your life is going to come in direct contradiction to the ways of the direct contradiction to the ways of the direct contradiction to the ways of the world. You can still love people and be world. You can still love people and be world. You can still love people and be a friend of sinner, but you might find a friend of sinner, but you might find a friend of sinner, but you might find yourself like Jesus at some point yourself like Jesus at some point yourself like Jesus at some point confronting the ways of the world. And confronting the ways of the world. And confronting the ways of the world. And it could cost you your life.

it could cost you your life. it could cost you your life. It could cost you everything that you It could cost you everything that you It could cost you everything that you have. And here in North America and many have. And here in North America and many have. And here in North America and many of the areas around our cities, we we of the areas around our cities, we we of the areas around our cities, we we are so unfamiliar with the kind of are so unfamiliar with the kind of are so unfamiliar with the kind of suffering that so many followers of suffering that so many followers of suffering that so many followers of Jesus all over the world and throughout Jesus all over the world and throughout Jesus all over the world and throughout church history have endured. And there church history have endured. And there church history have endured. And there is there is a kind of weakening of the is there is a kind of weakening of the is there is a kind of weakening of the faith that has happened in North America faith that has happened in North America faith that has happened in North America over the last 50 years. And what I over the last 50 years. And what I over the last 50 years. And what I believe God is doing is he's bringing a believe God is doing is he's bringing a believe God is doing is he's bringing a kind of urgency to us to recognize like kind of urgency to us to recognize like kind of urgency to us to recognize like am I willing to lose my life for my am I willing to lose my life for my am I willing to lose my life for my faith in Jesus. Jesus did not die on a faith in Jesus. Jesus did not die on a faith in Jesus. Jesus did not die on a cross to get a halfhearted cross to get a halfhearted cross to get a halfhearted hoham response from our lives. Jesus was hoham response from our lives. Jesus was hoham response from our lives. Jesus was crucified and resurrected from the dead crucified and resurrected from the dead crucified and resurrected from the dead so that he might be first place and have so that he might be first place and have so that he might be first place and have your whole heart. And I I think it's your whole heart. And I I think it's your whole heart. And I I think it's good to recognize even some of these good to recognize even some of these good to recognize even some of these statistics about what is happening in statistics about what is happening in statistics about what is happening in our world. According to Open Doors our world. According to Open Doors our world. According to Open Doors International, from October 122, this is International, from October 122, this is International, from October 122, this is current day through September 30th, 23, current day through September 30th, 23, current day through September 30th, 23, listen to this, more than 310 million listen to this, more than 310 million listen to this, more than 310 million Christians faced high or extreme levels Christians faced high or extreme levels Christians faced high or extreme levels of persecution and discrimination for of persecution and discrimination for of persecution and discrimination for their faith. Approximately 5,000 their faith. Approximately 5,000 their faith. Approximately 5,000 Christians were killed for their faith, Christians were killed for their faith, Christians were killed for their faith, which means that one Christian every two which means that one Christian every two which means that one Christian every two hours is martyed. In addition, 4,125 hours is martyed. In addition, 4,125 hours is martyed. In addition, 4,125 Christians were detained in one year Christians were detained in one year Christians were detained in one year without trial, arrested, sentenced, and without trial, arrested, sentenced, and without trial, arrested, sentenced, and imprisoned. 4,000 believers were imprisoned. 4,000 believers were imprisoned. 4,000 believers were abducted and more than 14,000 churches,

abducted and more than 14,000 churches, abducted and more than 14,000 churches, Christian schools, hospitals, and other Christian schools, hospitals, and other Christian schools, hospitals, and other buildings were targeted. So th this is a buildings were targeted. So th this is a buildings were targeted. So th this is a reality. And I just want to ask you, if reality. And I just want to ask you, if reality. And I just want to ask you, if you're a foll of Jesus, would you be you're a foll of Jesus, would you be you're a foll of Jesus, would you be willing to suffer for the sake of his willing to suffer for the sake of his willing to suffer for the sake of his message? Would you be willing to give of message? Would you be willing to give of message? Would you be willing to give of yourself? We serve a man who was yourself? We serve a man who was yourself? We serve a man who was crucified on a cross. We do not serve crucified on a cross. We do not serve crucified on a cross. We do not serve somebody who came to build an earthly somebody who came to build an earthly somebody who came to build an earthly physical empire. He came to build an physical empire. He came to build an physical empire. He came to build an eternal kingdom that will outlast every eternal kingdom that will outlast every eternal kingdom that will outlast every kingdom on planet Earth. And his kingdom on planet Earth. And his kingdom on planet Earth. And his invitation for you and for me is to live invitation for you and for me is to live invitation for you and for me is to live in alignment with his ultimate kingdom, in alignment with his ultimate kingdom, in alignment with his ultimate kingdom, with our whole heart, and to care about with our whole heart, and to care about with our whole heart, and to care about his kingdom more than anything else in his kingdom more than anything else in his kingdom more than anything else in this world. So the question again, I this world. So the question again, I this world. So the question again, I just want to throw it out. Who are you just want to throw it out. Who are you just want to throw it out. Who are you trying to please? You can be in utter trying to please? You can be in utter trying to please? You can be in utter chaos in your life and if you're right chaos in your life and if you're right chaos in your life and if you're right with God, you're living with peace. you with God, you're living with peace. you with God, you're living with peace. you you can be at odds with the world, but you can be at odds with the world, but you can be at odds with the world, but if you have the favor of God and you're if you have the favor of God and you're if you have the favor of God and you're walking in obedience, there is so much walking in obedience, there is so much walking in obedience, there is so much joy that God deposits into your life. We joy that God deposits into your life. We joy that God deposits into your life. We want to be different. You want to be want to be different. You want to be want to be different. You want to be different. Do you want your life to be different. Do you want your life to be different. Do you want your life to be marked with a different kind of life? It marked with a different kind of life? It marked with a different kind of life? It comes out of this deep desire to please comes out of this deep desire to please comes out of this deep desire to please God. Now, let me say one thing before God. Now, let me say one thing before God. Now, let me say one thing before you get confused. I I don't think this you get confused. I I don't think this you get confused. I I don't think this means that Christians should never means that Christians should never means that Christians should never engage in what's happening in our world engage in what's happening in our world engage in what's happening in our world around us and that things like policy around us and that things like policy around us and that things like policy and all of the challenges we face in our and all of the challenges we face in our and all of the challenges we face in our world don't matter. Like there there world don't matter. Like there there world don't matter. Like there there there's a lot at stake right now for

there's a lot at stake right now for there's a lot at stake right now for future generations. And I'm about I'm future generations. And I'm about I'm future generations. And I'm about I'm about to give you an example of that about to give you an example of that about to give you an example of that right now as we talk about this third right now as we talk about this third right now as we talk about this third question. What is my responsibility? So, question. What is my responsibility? So, question. What is my responsibility? So, we all have a responsibility. And the we all have a responsibility. And the we all have a responsibility. And the question becomes, what what does it look question becomes, what what does it look question becomes, what what does it look like for me to follow Jesus, to please like for me to follow Jesus, to please like for me to follow Jesus, to please God, and to be faithful with a God, and to be faithful with a God, and to be faithful with a responsibility that he's given to me? responsibility that he's given to me? responsibility that he's given to me? And my goal as I look at my own life and And my goal as I look at my own life and And my goal as I look at my own life and my goal for our church is to be a part my goal for our church is to be a part my goal for our church is to be a part of the solution, not a part of the of the solution, not a part of the of the solution, not a part of the problem. So, there are a lot of angry problem. So, there are a lot of angry problem. So, there are a lot of angry Christians that are just raging. And I Christians that are just raging. And I Christians that are just raging. And I will just remind you if you are one or will just remind you if you are one or will just remind you if you are one or you know one, the fruit of the spirit is you know one, the fruit of the spirit is you know one, the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That's the evidence of self-control. That's the evidence of self-control. That's the evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. And being filled with the Holy Spirit. And being filled with the Holy Spirit. And so if I'm not a joyful Christian, but so if I'm not a joyful Christian, but so if I'm not a joyful Christian, but I'm like representing Jesus, there's I'm like representing Jesus, there's I'm like representing Jesus, there's something wrong with that. So the something wrong with that. So the something wrong with that. So the invitation is to be filled up with the invitation is to be filled up with the invitation is to be filled up with the spirit, but still in a world around us spirit, but still in a world around us spirit, but still in a world around us where there is a collision. What What do where there is a collision. What What do where there is a collision. What What do you do when the ways of the world you do when the ways of the world you do when the ways of the world collide with the ways of God? and you collide with the ways of God? and you collide with the ways of God? and you want to honor God, but you still have a want to honor God, but you still have a want to honor God, but you still have a responsibility. So, there are a lot of responsibility. So, there are a lot of responsibility. So, there are a lot of things that happen in our lives. I have things that happen in our lives. I have things that happen in our lives. I have I have friends who their teenage I have friends who their teenage I have friends who their teenage children decided they wanted to children decided they wanted to children decided they wanted to transition from the gender God gave them transition from the gender God gave them transition from the gender God gave them to another gender. I know people that to another gender. I know people that to another gender. I know people that have had to deal with great pain in that have had to deal with great pain in that have had to deal with great pain in that regard. And there are so many moments regard. And there are so many moments regard. And there are so many moments where you're like, what what do I do? I where you're like, what what do I do? I where you're like, what what do I do? I want to love my kid, but I also don't want to love my kid, but I also don't want to love my kid, but I also don't believe that this is God's design for believe that this is God's design for believe that this is God's design for them. How do I respond? So, I'm going to

them. How do I respond? So, I'm going to them. How do I respond? So, I'm going to give you a very personal example uh that give you a very personal example uh that give you a very personal example uh that is current in our lives. And I I'm just is current in our lives. And I I'm just is current in our lives. And I I'm just going to walk through. I don't think I going to walk through. I don't think I going to walk through. I don't think I handled it perfectly, but I do think I handled it perfectly, but I do think I handled it perfectly, but I do think I handled it in a way that honored God. handled it in a way that honored God. handled it in a way that honored God. And this happened a couple weeks ago. And this happened a couple weeks ago. And this happened a couple weeks ago. Stacy alluded to this uh a few weeks ago Stacy alluded to this uh a few weeks ago Stacy alluded to this uh a few weeks ago in our school system where Caris, our in our school system where Caris, our in our school system where Caris, our daughter, goes, she's in sixth grade. Uh daughter, goes, she's in sixth grade. Uh daughter, goes, she's in sixth grade. Uh she received in her class this article she received in her class this article she received in her class this article that she had to read. So they clicked on that she had to read. So they clicked on that she had to read. So they clicked on the article and in the article it was a the article and in the article it was a the article and in the article it was a science article and the science article science article and the science article science article and the science article talked about this scientist who talked about this scientist who talked about this scientist who transitioned from being a man to a woman transitioned from being a man to a woman transitioned from being a man to a woman or a woman to a man and now they or a woman to a man and now they or a woman to a man and now they understand what it's like to be a understand what it's like to be a understand what it's like to be a scientist in both genders and it had scientist in both genders and it had scientist in both genders and it had nothing to do with the science project. nothing to do with the science project. nothing to do with the science project. It was just like slipped right in there. It was just like slipped right in there. It was just like slipped right in there. And there is an intentional disciplehip And there is an intentional disciplehip And there is an intentional disciplehip strategy that is trying to change the strategy that is trying to change the strategy that is trying to change the mind of a child right there. Now, I'll mind of a child right there. Now, I'll mind of a child right there. Now, I'll say this. I love our Saddleback teachers say this. I love our Saddleback teachers say this. I love our Saddleback teachers and principles and people that are and principles and people that are and principles and people that are involved in schools. We need followers involved in schools. We need followers involved in schools. We need followers of Jesus in the world serving, loving, of Jesus in the world serving, loving, of Jesus in the world serving, loving, representing Jesus. So, this is no representing Jesus. So, this is no representing Jesus. So, this is no incrimination on the teachers of our incrimination on the teachers of our incrimination on the teachers of our church that love and serve our church that love and serve our church that love and serve our community. So, I decided in that moment community. So, I decided in that moment community. So, I decided in that moment when I saw the article, we talked to when I saw the article, we talked to when I saw the article, we talked to Caris and I reached out to the principal Caris and I reached out to the principal Caris and I reached out to the principal and I was like, "Hey, I want to meet up and I was like, "Hey, I want to meet up and I was like, "Hey, I want to meet up with you and just um just get a little with you and just um just get a little with you and just um just get a little bit of understanding of what's what's bit of understanding of what's what's bit of understanding of what's what's going on." So, I go in to the school and going on." So, I go in to the school and going on." So, I go in to the school and I walk back to the principal and it's

I walk back to the principal and it's I walk back to the principal and it's been a long time since I've been in the been a long time since I've been in the been a long time since I've been in the principal's office. Feels kind of good principal's office. Feels kind of good principal's office. Feels kind of good to be back. And I just sat down and I to be back. And I just sat down and I to be back. And I just sat down and I said, you know, I want you to know I I said, you know, I want you to know I I said, you know, I want you to know I I come in peace. like I'm I'm not I'm not come in peace. like I'm I'm not I'm not come in peace. like I'm I'm not I'm not here to make your life more difficult. here to make your life more difficult. here to make your life more difficult. I'm a follower of Jesus. Uh I want to I'm a follower of Jesus. Uh I want to I'm a follower of Jesus. Uh I want to represent him very well in this represent him very well in this represent him very well in this conversation. And um I also want you to conversation. And um I also want you to conversation. And um I also want you to know I'm a leader, so I know what it know I'm a leader, so I know what it know I'm a leader, so I know what it feels like to get anonymous emails from feels like to get anonymous emails from feels like to get anonymous emails from people. I know that's not that's not people. I know that's not that's not people. I know that's not that's not fun. I know what it's like when people fun. I know what it's like when people fun. I know what it's like when people get really mad and they don't get to the get really mad and they don't get to the get really mad and they don't get to the problem. And so I'm not here to do that. problem. And so I'm not here to do that. problem. And so I'm not here to do that. I'm I'm here as a dad. And I first of I'm I'm here as a dad. And I first of I'm I'm here as a dad. And I first of all just wanted to ask like are you all just wanted to ask like are you all just wanted to ask like are you aware of this article? Like do do you aware of this article? Like do do you aware of this article? Like do do you know that this is what they gave? And know that this is what they gave? And know that this is what they gave? And the teacher was surprised by the article the teacher was surprised by the article the teacher was surprised by the article as well. And so I was just like I wanted as well. And so I was just like I wanted as well. And so I was just like I wanted to hear from the principal. Principal to hear from the principal. Principal to hear from the principal. Principal said yeah I'm aware of it. And I said said yeah I'm aware of it. And I said said yeah I'm aware of it. And I said okay well I just got to I just got to okay well I just got to I just got to okay well I just got to I just got to know as a dad like is is this part for know as a dad like is is this part for know as a dad like is is this part for the course now? like is this what my the course now? like is this what my the course now? like is this what my daughter is going to be taught in this daughter is going to be taught in this daughter is going to be taught in this school and the rest of the school system school and the rest of the school system school and the rest of the school system until she graduates? And the principal's until she graduates? And the principal's until she graduates? And the principal's like, "Yeah, that this pretty much you like, "Yeah, that this pretty much you like, "Yeah, that this pretty much you can go ahead and read all the articles.

can go ahead and read all the articles. can go ahead and read all the articles. There's like 70 of them online. You can There's like 70 of them online. You can There's like 70 of them online. You can go through them and see everything, all go through them and see everything, all go through them and see everything, all the places where that is that's in the the places where that is that's in the the places where that is that's in the middle of the articles, but it's it's middle of the articles, but it's it's middle of the articles, but it's it's coming." And so now I'm like, "Okay, coming." And so now I'm like, "Okay, coming." And so now I'm like, "Okay, well, I got a decision to make. What well, I got a decision to make. What well, I got a decision to make. What what am I going to do as a dad?" what am I going to do as a dad?" what am I going to do as a dad?" And what I think happens for Christians, And what I think happens for Christians, And what I think happens for Christians, for followers of Jesus, is we get Bible for followers of Jesus, is we get Bible for followers of Jesus, is we get Bible verses in our minds that are in conflict verses in our minds that are in conflict verses in our minds that are in conflict seemingly with one another. So I'll give seemingly with one another. So I'll give seemingly with one another. So I'll give you a couple examples in that moment. you a couple examples in that moment. you a couple examples in that moment. There's one verse that says, "We are There's one verse that says, "We are There's one verse that says, "We are therefore Christ ambassadors and as therefore Christ ambassadors and as therefore Christ ambassadors and as though God was making his appeal through though God was making his appeal through though God was making his appeal through us, we implore you on Christ's behalf, us, we implore you on Christ's behalf, us, we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." So one one part be reconciled to God." So one one part be reconciled to God." So one one part of me is like, I I want to be a part of of me is like, I I want to be a part of of me is like, I I want to be a part of helping the people at this school be helping the people at this school be helping the people at this school be reconciled to God, the ones that don't reconciled to God, the ones that don't reconciled to God, the ones that don't know Jesus. And I want to represent know Jesus. And I want to represent know Jesus. And I want to represent Jesus as an ambassador very well. And Jesus as an ambassador very well. And Jesus as an ambassador very well. And there's also another verse in Ephesians there's also another verse in Ephesians there's also another verse in Ephesians 6:4 that says, "Fathers, do not 6:4 that says, "Fathers, do not 6:4 that says, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children." I'm working exasperate your children." I'm working exasperate your children." I'm working on that one. Instead, bring them up in on that one. Instead, bring them up in on that one. Instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the the training and instruction of the the training and instruction of the Lord. So, I have I have a responsibility Lord. So, I have I have a responsibility Lord. So, I have I have a responsibility before God with my kids and what they're before God with my kids and what they're before God with my kids and what they're taught. And so, here here are these two taught. And so, here here are these two taught. And so, here here are these two things that are seemingly at odds with things that are seemingly at odds with things that are seemingly at odds with one another. And I'm like, what what do one another. And I'm like, what what do one another. And I'm like, what what do I do? Well, there there's got to be if I do? Well, there there's got to be if I do? Well, there there's got to be if Jesus told me to do both of them, Jesus told me to do both of them, Jesus told me to do both of them, there's got to be a way forward. There's there's got to be a way forward. There's there's got to be a way forward. There's got to be a way to live to honor him and got to be a way to live to honor him and got to be a way to live to honor him and hold both of these these truths at the hold both of these these truths at the hold both of these these truths at the same time. See, what happens sometimes same time. See, what happens sometimes same time. See, what happens sometimes is I think for our minds, we get is I think for our minds, we get is I think for our minds, we get overwhelmed holding the truth of the overwhelmed holding the truth of the overwhelmed holding the truth of the Bible. And sometimes the Bible shapes

Bible. And sometimes the Bible shapes Bible. And sometimes the Bible shapes you in one area, other times it shapes you in one area, other times it shapes you in one area, other times it shapes you in another area. And there is this you in another area. And there is this you in another area. And there is this reality that you're holding the truth reality that you're holding the truth reality that you're holding the truth trying to live in agreement with what trying to live in agreement with what trying to live in agreement with what God's word says and to live in obedience God's word says and to live in obedience God's word says and to live in obedience to the word of Jesus. So he says, to the word of Jesus. So he says, to the word of Jesus. So he says, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they "Blessed are the peacemakers for they "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God." So I guess shall be called sons of God." So I guess shall be called sons of God." So I guess the peace takers should be called sons the peace takers should be called sons the peace takers should be called sons of hell. I guess that's the if you flip of hell. I guess that's the if you flip of hell. I guess that's the if you flip them and there are a lot of sons of hell them and there are a lot of sons of hell them and there are a lot of sons of hell if that's the case, just taking and if that's the case, just taking and if that's the case, just taking and robbing peace. But there's a kind of robbing peace. But there's a kind of robbing peace. But there's a kind of peace on the other side of the conflict. peace on the other side of the conflict. peace on the other side of the conflict. And so sometimes you got to walk through And so sometimes you got to walk through And so sometimes you got to walk through the conflict to get to the true real the conflict to get to the true real the conflict to get to the true real peace. So I got to hold all of you peace. So I got to hold all of you peace. So I got to hold all of you understand you guys feeling the tension understand you guys feeling the tension understand you guys feeling the tension like do you do you live with this like do you do you live with this like do you do you live with this tension? It's like how do I find a way tension? It's like how do I find a way tension? It's like how do I find a way forward in the midst of confusion in the forward in the midst of confusion in the forward in the midst of confusion in the midst of lies? I don't really want to midst of lies? I don't really want to midst of lies? I don't really want to offend people but you know the reality offend people but you know the reality offend people but you know the reality is there are some people nothing you do is there are some people nothing you do is there are some people nothing you do can make them happy. And so you're can make them happy. And so you're can make them happy. And so you're trying to live in a way that honors God trying to live in a way that honors God trying to live in a way that honors God but still true to everything he teaches but still true to everything he teaches but still true to everything he teaches in his word. So here's what we decided.

in his word. So here's what we decided. in his word. So here's what we decided. We're like, "Okay, we're going to figure We're like, "Okay, we're going to figure We're like, "Okay, we're going to figure out what does God want us to do? We're out what does God want us to do? We're out what does God want us to do? We're going to pray." And we have options. going to pray." And we have options. going to pray." And we have options. Actually, we haven't finished deciding Actually, we haven't finished deciding Actually, we haven't finished deciding on the options, but we've got the option on the options, but we've got the option on the options, but we've got the option we could homeschool. We've got the we could homeschool. We've got the we could homeschool. We've got the option we could go to private school. We option we could go to private school. We option we could go to private school. We got the option we could keep her there got the option we could keep her there got the option we could keep her there and read every article and stay like and read every article and stay like and read every article and stay like reading and engaged and know exactly reading and engaged and know exactly reading and engaged and know exactly what she's reading every time she reads what she's reading every time she reads what she's reading every time she reads an article. that's coming from the an article. that's coming from the an article. that's coming from the school. Um, we could we could get really school. Um, we could we could get really school. Um, we could we could get really angry and pick it in front of the angry and pick it in front of the angry and pick it in front of the school. That's that's not an option. Um, school. That's that's not an option. Um, school. That's that's not an option. Um, we we could we could actually take this we we could we could actually take this we we could we could actually take this to a state level and see if we could do to a state level and see if we could do to a state level and see if we could do something about it. And that might be something about it. And that might be something about it. And that might be good for somebody to do that. I good for somebody to do that. I good for somebody to do that. I certainly don't have the time for it, certainly don't have the time for it, certainly don't have the time for it, but I' i'd encourage somebody if they but I' i'd encourage somebody if they but I' i'd encourage somebody if they did it and maybe help if I could, but did it and maybe help if I could, but did it and maybe help if I could, but but I I don't I'm not I don't have the but I I don't I'm not I don't have the but I I don't I'm not I don't have the ability myself to pioneer that. So, ability myself to pioneer that. So, ability myself to pioneer that. So, there's what do what do I do in that there's what do what do I do in that there's what do what do I do in that moment? Well, one thing is I don't I moment? Well, one thing is I don't I moment? Well, one thing is I don't I don't have the freedom to bury my head don't have the freedom to bury my head don't have the freedom to bury my head in the sand and act like this is not the in the sand and act like this is not the in the sand and act like this is not the reality that we live in. So I am called reality that we live in. So I am called reality that we live in. So I am called and you are called if you're a follower and you are called if you're a follower and you are called if you're a follower of Jesus to live full of grace and full of Jesus to live full of grace and full of Jesus to live full of grace and full of truth and hold those two intention so of truth and hold those two intention so of truth and hold those two intention so that when the watching world sees a that when the watching world sees a that when the watching world sees a follower of Jesus, there's something so follower of Jesus, there's something so follower of Jesus, there's something so radically different about the way they radically different about the way they radically different about the way they love and care for people and they bump love and care for people and they bump love and care for people and they bump into love when they bump into us. But we into love when they bump into us. But we into love when they bump into us. But we don't compromise the truth. And here's don't compromise the truth. And here's don't compromise the truth. And here's what's at stake with the truth, friends.

what's at stake with the truth, friends. what's at stake with the truth, friends. I need you to hear me. What's at stake I need you to hear me. What's at stake I need you to hear me. What's at stake with the truth is is not you who knows with the truth is is not you who knows with the truth is is not you who knows the truth. It's your kids. It's your the truth. It's your kids. It's your the truth. It's your kids. It's your grandkids. It's future generations that grandkids. It's future generations that grandkids. It's future generations that if we don't live in accordance with if we don't live in accordance with if we don't live in accordance with truth in our day, we compromise the truth in our day, we compromise the truth in our day, we compromise the transfer of the kingdom from generation transfer of the kingdom from generation transfer of the kingdom from generation to generation. Oh, this is why stronger to generation. Oh, this is why stronger to generation. Oh, this is why stronger homes matter so much. Because if the homes matter so much. Because if the homes matter so much. Because if the word of God is not getting into our word of God is not getting into our word of God is not getting into our children's hearts and they don't know children's hearts and they don't know children's hearts and they don't know right from wrong and they don't know right from wrong and they don't know right from wrong and they don't know evil from truth, they they live evil from truth, they they live evil from truth, they they live confused. So it's it's up to us to live confused. So it's it's up to us to live confused. So it's it's up to us to live with grace and truth. And what 2 Timothy with grace and truth. And what 2 Timothy with grace and truth. And what 2 Timothy 1:7 says, listen to this. For God did 1:7 says, listen to this. For God did 1:7 says, listen to this. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity. not give us a spirit of timidity. not give us a spirit of timidity. God God did not give you a spirit of God God did not give you a spirit of God God did not give you a spirit of fear. The spirit of God that's on the fear. The spirit of God that's on the fear. The spirit of God that's on the inside of you if you are a follower of inside of you if you are a follower of inside of you if you are a follower of Jesus is a spirit of power, of love, and Jesus is a spirit of power, of love, and Jesus is a spirit of power, of love, and a sound mind. Not crazy mind, not crazy a sound mind. Not crazy mind, not crazy a sound mind. Not crazy mind, not crazy brain. It's it's it's a power, a love, brain. It's it's it's a power, a love, brain. It's it's it's a power, a love, and a sound mind to be people of grace and a sound mind to be people of grace and a sound mind to be people of grace and truth. And some of you are like, I'm and truth. And some of you are like, I'm and truth. And some of you are like, I'm way more confused by this sermon than way more confused by this sermon than way more confused by this sermon than before you started preaching. And their before you started preaching. And their before you started preaching. And their reality is we live in the tension, but reality is we live in the tension, but reality is we live in the tension, but there's a way forward. We follow a man there's a way forward. We follow a man there's a way forward. We follow a man who was crucified on a cross, but he who was crucified on a cross, but he who was crucified on a cross, but he wasn't just crucified on a cross. He

wasn't just crucified on a cross. He wasn't just crucified on a cross. He rose again from the dead and he's alive. rose again from the dead and he's alive. rose again from the dead and he's alive. And what he says is, And what he says is, And what he says is, I'll give my spirit to you to live on I'll give my spirit to you to live on I'll give my spirit to you to live on the inside of you. And he gives us this the inside of you. And he gives us this the inside of you. And he gives us this wonderful book that never goes out of wonderful book that never goes out of wonderful book that never goes out of style. It's true from generation to style. It's true from generation to style. It's true from generation to generation. So there's a way forward to generation. So there's a way forward to generation. So there's a way forward to be people of grace and truth. Grace and be people of grace and truth. Grace and be people of grace and truth. Grace and truth. I wonder if there's anybody today truth. I wonder if there's anybody today truth. I wonder if there's anybody today listening to my voice at all of our listening to my voice at all of our listening to my voice at all of our campuses that wants to be a person of campuses that wants to be a person of campuses that wants to be a person of grace and truth. Is there anybody today grace and truth. Is there anybody today grace and truth. Is there anybody today that says, "I want to be a person of that says, "I want to be a person of that says, "I want to be a person of grace and truth." I want to invite you grace and truth." I want to invite you grace and truth." I want to invite you to stand with me. Lord, we are so to stand with me. Lord, we are so to stand with me. Lord, we are so thankful for the cross and the empty thankful for the cross and the empty thankful for the cross and the empty tomb. We turn our eyes to you, Jesus. tomb. We turn our eyes to you, Jesus. tomb. We turn our eyes to you, Jesus. Thank you that you didn't leave us. Thank you that you didn't leave us. Thank you that you didn't leave us. Thank you that you promised you're going Thank you that you promised you're going Thank you that you promised you're going to be with us to the very ends of the to be with us to the very ends of the to be with us to the very ends of the age. Thank you for your word. Thank you age. Thank you for your word. Thank you age. Thank you for your word. Thank you for your church. Thank you that you help for your church. Thank you that you help for your church. Thank you that you help us live with grace and truth. And God, us live with grace and truth. And God, us live with grace and truth. And God, in a divided world, I pray for a unified in a divided world, I pray for a unified in a divided world, I pray for a unified church. I pray for a unified body of church. I pray for a unified body of church. I pray for a unified body of yours that we would be one around your yours that we would be one around your yours that we would be one around your truth. Not that we would compromise in a truth. Not that we would compromise in a truth. Not that we would compromise in a generation, but that we would stand in generation, but that we would stand in generation, but that we would stand in truth and live with love for your glory truth and live with love for your glory truth and live with love for your glory in Jesus name. And all of God's people in Jesus name. And all of God's people in Jesus name. And all of God's people said, "Amen." Amen. Let's worship Jesus said, "Amen." Amen. Let's worship Jesus said, "Amen." Amen. Let's worship Jesus together.

together. together. Turn [singing] Turn [singing] Turn [singing] [music] your eyes upon Jesus. Look for [music] Look for [music] [singing] his wonderful [singing] his wonderful [singing] his wonderful face. face. face. [music] [music] [music] And the things And the things And the things suffer suffer suffer will grow [music] strange in the [music] light of his glory in the [music] light of his glory [singing] [singing] [singing] and [music] gra. Close [singing] Close [singing] your eyes your eyes your eyes upon [music] upon [music] upon [music] Jesus. Look [music] Look [music] for [singing] for [singing] for [singing] in his wonderful in his wonderful in his wonderful way way way [music] [music] [music] and the things and the things and the things of earth [music] of earth [music] of earth [music] will grow in the [music and singing] light of his in the [music and singing] light of his glory glory glory and grace.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Hold >> Hold >> Hold your eyes your eyes your eyes upon [singing] upon [singing] upon [singing] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Fall in Fall in Fall in a world [music and singing] of fall. >> [music] >> [music] >> And those things will grow will grow [music] [music] [music] [singing] in [singing] in [singing] in the light of his glory. [music] the light of his glory. [music] the light of his glory. [music] and gra [music] [music] in the light of his [singing] glory in the light of his [singing] glory in the light of his [singing] glory and grace. [music] Well, thank you for joining us for Well, thank you for joining us for church today. today. And if there's been church today. today. And if there's been church today. today. And if there's been something that [music] has been weighing something that [music] has been weighing something that [music] has been weighing heavy on your heart or something that heavy on your heart or something that heavy on your heart or something that stirred up in your heart as you were stirred up in your heart as you were stirred up in your heart as you were listening to Pastor Andy's message listening to Pastor Andy's message listening to Pastor Andy's message today, we would [music] love to invite today, we would [music] love to invite today, we would [music] love to invite you to let us know so that our team can you to let us know so that our team can you to let us know so that our team can be praying for you. So, if you're be praying for you. So, if you're be praying for you. So, if you're watching on YouTube, you can [music] watching on YouTube, you can [music] watching on YouTube, you can [music] click the link in the description or if click the link in the description or if click the link in the description or if you have our Saddleback app, you can let you have our Saddleback app, you can let you have our Saddleback app, you can let us know through the prayer request tab us know through the prayer request tab us know through the prayer request tab there as well. And if there's another there as well. And if there's another there as well. And if there's another next step that [music] you might want to next step that [music] you might want to next step that [music] you might want to take in your faith, whether it's take in your faith, whether it's take in your faith, whether it's following Jesus wholeheartedly for the following Jesus wholeheartedly for the following Jesus wholeheartedly for the very first time or whether it's very first time or whether it's very first time or whether it's attending activate that's happening next attending activate that's happening next attending activate that's happening next weekend, you can let us know through the weekend, you can let us know through the weekend, you can let us know through the saddle app [music] as well and we would saddle app [music] as well and we would saddle app [music] as well and we would love to help you take that next step.

love to help you take that next step. love to help you take that next step. Church family, we love you and we hope Church family, we love you and we hope Church family, we love you and we hope you join us next week as we continue you join us next week as we continue you join us next week as we continue this [music] Hey God series as we are this [music] Hey God series as we are this [music] Hey God series as we are looking at some of the most difficult looking at some of the most difficult looking at some of the most difficult and heartfelt questions that we have and heartfelt questions that we have and heartfelt questions that we have about faith. We love you so much. We'll about faith. We love you so much. We'll about faith. We love you so much. We'll see you next weekend.