Together | Kurt Johnston

Yeah, I'm [music] Yeah, I'm [music] s on me [music] and shame was running s on me [music] and shame was running s on me [music] and shame was running deep. deep. deep. But love was spilled [music] on Calvary. But love was spilled [music] on Calvary. But love was spilled [music] on Calvary. Oh, hallelujah. I Oh, hallelujah. I Oh, hallelujah. I God, [music] how can it be? God, [music] how can it be? God, [music] how can it be? I'm ransomed and redeemed. I'm ransomed and redeemed. I'm ransomed and redeemed. Standing in [music] your victory. Standing in [music] your victory. Standing in [music] your victory. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed in the Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed in the Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed in the water. Washed in the [music] blood. I'm water. Washed in the [music] blood. I'm water. Washed in the [music] blood. I'm as good [singing] as you. Oh, as good [singing] as you. Oh, as good [singing] as you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed in the water. hallelujah. I'll be washed in the water. hallelujah. I'll be washed in the water. Washed in the blood. All [music] because Washed in the blood. All [music] because Washed in the blood. All [music] because of you. Oh, hallelujah. [singing] It's not what I have done, It's not what I have done, but [music] what you've done for me, but [music] what you've done for me, but [music] what you've done for me, laid it all up on that tree. Oh, laid it all up on that tree. Oh, laid it all up on that tree. Oh, hallelujah. [music] Love has over your life and your [music] Love has over your life and your [music] mercy is supreme.

mercy is supreme. mercy is supreme. I'm dancing in your victory. I'm dancing in your victory. I'm dancing in your victory. Oh, Oh, Oh, washed [music] in the water. Washed in washed [music] in the water. Washed in washed [music] in the water. Washed in the blood. I'll be washed in the water. [music] I'll be washed in the water. [music] Washed in the blood. All because of you Washed in the blood. All because of you Washed in the blood. All because of you again. I'll be washed in the [music] again. I'll be washed in the [music] again. I'll be washed in the [music] water. Washed in the blood. as good as water. Washed in the blood. as good as water. Washed in the blood. as good as [music] [music] [music] you wash in the water. Wash me in the you wash in the water. Wash me in the you wash in the water. Wash me in the blood because of blood because of blood because of [music] Cuz you took away my [music] shame Cuz you took away my [music] shame and you nailed it to the cross. and you nailed it to the cross. and you nailed it to the cross. [singing] [singing] [singing] You got [music] me running out the You got [music] me running out the You got [music] me running out the grave. grave. grave. Hallelujah. This is our [music] Hallelujah. This is our [music] Hallelujah. This is our [music] salvation one cuz you took away my sh salvation one cuz you took away my sh salvation one cuz you took away my sh and you and you and you running from the body. [music] running from the body. [music] running from the body. [music] I I I could you [music] [music] to run from the grave run from the grave [music] [music] [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Everybody finally highly [music] finally highly [music] say I've been washed. say I've been washed. say I've been washed. I've been washed [music] in the water. I've been washed [music] in the water. I've been washed [music] in the water. Washed in the blood as good as Oh, Washed in the blood as good as Oh, Washed in the blood as good as Oh, [music and singing] hallelujah. I've [music and singing] hallelujah. I've [music and singing] hallelujah. I've been washed in the water. Washed in the been washed in the water. Washed in the been washed in the water. Washed in the blood all because [music and singing] of blood all because [music and singing] of blood all because [music and singing] of you. Oh, hallelujah. [music] [music] Amen. What a joy it is to be here to Amen. What a joy it is to be here to Amen. What a joy it is to be here to worship together. worship together. worship together. In Psalms chapter 16, [music] In Psalms chapter 16, [music] In Psalms chapter 16, [music] we read that in the presence of the Lord we read that in the presence of the Lord we read that in the presence of the Lord is the fullness of joy. Let us worship is the fullness of joy. Let us worship is the fullness of joy. Let us worship in joyfulness together.

in joyfulness together. in joyfulness together. I [music] know who I am I [music] know who I am I [music] know who I am cuz [music] I know who you are. cuz [music] I know who you are. cuz [music] I know who you are. The cross of salvation The cross of salvation The cross of salvation [music and singing] was only the start. We believe these was only the start. We believe these words. And now I am chosen. words. And now I am chosen. words. And now I am chosen. [music] [music] [music] I'm free [singing] and forgive and it's worth living. [music] and it's worth living. [music] We declare together We declare together We declare together cuz I wasn't made to be tending [music] cuz I wasn't made to be tending [music] cuz I wasn't made to be tending [music] a grave. I was called by name, born a grave. I was called by name, born a grave. I was called by name, born [music] and raised [singing] back to [music] and raised [singing] back to [music] and raised [singing] back to life again. life again. life again. I was made for more. [music] So why [music] would I make a bed in my So why [music] would I make a bed in my shame when a fountain of grace is shame when a fountain of grace is shame when a fountain of grace is [music] running my way? I know I [music] running my way? I know I [music] running my way? I know I [singing] am yours and I was made for [singing] am yours and I was made for [singing] am yours and I was made for more. [music] Do we believe that more. [music] Do we believe that more. [music] Do we believe that tonight?

tonight? tonight? Sing I [singing] know who I am. Sing I [singing] know who I am. Sing I [singing] know who I am. Cuz Cuz Cuz I know who [music] I know who [music] I know who [music] you are. you are. you are. The cross of salvation [singing] I'm free. I'm free. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] You [music] You I'm not going back. See, [music] I wasn't made to be tending See, [music] I wasn't made to be tending a grave. I was called by name. Yes. Born a grave. I was called by name. Yes. Born a grave. I was called by name. Yes. Born and [music] raised back to life again.

and [music] raised back to life again. and [music] raised back to life again. Yeah. I was made [music] for more. [music] So why would I [singing] make [music] So why would I [singing] make the bed in my sh [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Heat. I'm not going I'm not going [music] to be tending a grave. I [music] was to be tending a grave. I [music] was called by name, born [singing] and called by name, born [singing] and called by name, born [singing] and raised back to life again. We believe I raised back to life again. We believe I raised back to life again. We believe I [singing] was made for more. [singing] was made for more. [singing] was made for more. So are me. So are me. So are me. So why would I make [music] So why would I make [music] So why would I make [music] a pen in my shame when a fountain of a pen in my shame when a fountain of a pen in my shame when a fountain of grace is running [music and singing] my grace is running [music and singing] my grace is running [music and singing] my way? I know I am yours and I was >> Oh, we thank you, Lord, [music] for who >> Oh, we thank you, Lord, [music] for who you are.

Who thought [music] I'd find you in the Who thought [music] I'd find you in the lowest [singing] place? lowest [singing] place? lowest [singing] place? Who thought [music] you'd feel me in the Who thought [music] you'd feel me in the Who thought [music] you'd feel me in the proud? Who knew you make [music and singing] Who knew you make [music and singing] good of my mistakes? good of my mistakes? good of my mistakes? You're nothing like I thought you were. You're nothing like I thought you were. You're nothing like I thought you were. You're [music] better. What a God. You're [music] better. What a God. You're [music] better. What a God. [singing] What a God. [singing] What a God. [singing] What a God. Come on, lift your voices. [music] Come on, lift your voices. [music] Come on, lift your voices. [music] What a God. What a God. What a God. What a God. What a God. What a God. This is our worship. [music] This is our worship. [music] This is our worship. [music] What a [singing] God. What a God. What a [singing] God. What a God. What a [singing] God. What a God. It's who you are. What a God. What a It's who you are. What a God. What a It's who you are. What a God. What a God. [music] God. [music] God. [music] Come on, let's lift our hearts to him Come on, let's lift our hearts to him Come on, let's lift our hearts to him tonight. tonight. tonight. I thought you [music] show a form of I thought you [music] show a form of I thought you [music] show a form of affection. affection. affection. Cuz one [music] kind [singing] of God Cuz one [music] kind [singing] of God Cuz one [music] kind [singing] of God looks for the lost. They [music and singing] say it's over They [music and singing] say it's over for the sinner.

for the sinner. for the sinner. Although [music] you say Although [music] you say Although [music] you say no, it's not. No, it's not. Heat. Heat. no, it's not. No, it's not. Heat. Heat. no, it's not. No, it's not. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> God. Yeah. Yeah. You're always good. You're always You're always good. You're always You're always good. You're always [music] faithful. [music] faithful. [music] faithful. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. >> If the highest [music] place I reach is >> If the highest [music] place I reach is >> If the highest [music] place I reach is at your feet, then I've done it all. If at your feet, then I've done it all. If at your feet, then I've done it all. If the best thing that I've seen is your the best thing that I've seen is your the best thing that I've seen is your [singing] glory, then I've [music] seen [singing] glory, then I've [music] seen [singing] glory, then I've [music] seen it all. Your love has changed my life.

it all. Your love has changed my life. it all. Your love has changed my life. Forever [music] Forever [music] Forever [music] satisfied. [singing] satisfied. [singing] satisfied. [singing] God, you are my [music] God, you are my [music] God, you are my [music] everything. The highest in the highest everything. The highest in the highest everything. The highest in the highest place I reaches at [music] your feet. place I reaches at [music] your feet. place I reaches at [music] your feet. And I've done it all. If the best thing And I've done it all. If the best thing And I've done it all. If the best thing that I've seen is your glory. that I've seen is your glory. that I've seen is your glory. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> your love changes. >> your love changes. >> your love changes. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat Heat [music] up up [music] [music]

[music] >> reaches [singing] your >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. [music] Heat. >> What a God that we have. A God that is >> What a God that we have. A God that is not far off and [music] distant, but a not far off and [music] distant, but a not far off and [music] distant, but a God that is close and personal. I'm so God that is close and personal. I'm so God that is close and personal. I'm so grateful that we have a God that cares grateful that we have a God that cares grateful that we have a God that cares about every burden that [music] we carry about every burden that [music] we carry about every burden that [music] we carry and every hardship that we walk through.

and every hardship that we walk through. and every hardship that we walk through. A God that wants a relationship with us A God that wants a relationship with us A God that wants a relationship with us and that [music] knows us by name. And and that [music] knows us by name. And and that [music] knows us by name. And when we gather together each week to when we gather together each week to when we gather together each week to worship, we get to be reminded of God's worship, we get to be reminded of God's worship, we get to be reminded of God's loving [music] character and how he is loving [music] character and how he is loving [music] character and how he is with us through all things. Well, with us through all things. Well, with us through all things. Well, welcome to Saddleback. I'm so grateful welcome to Saddleback. I'm so grateful welcome to Saddleback. I'm so grateful you're joining us today. And if we you're joining us today. And if we you're joining us today. And if we haven't had the chance to [music] meet haven't had the chance to [music] meet haven't had the chance to [music] meet yet, my name is Cararissa and I get the yet, my name is Cararissa and I get the yet, my name is Cararissa and I get the opportunity to serve our online opportunity to serve our online opportunity to serve our online community. That's all of you that are community. That's all of you that are community. That's all of you that are joining [music] us online and watching joining [music] us online and watching joining [music] us online and watching from around the world. And hey, if from around the world. And hey, if from around the world. And hey, if you're watching on YouTube right now, we you're watching on YouTube right now, we you're watching on YouTube right now, we want to invite you to leave a comment. want to invite you to leave a comment. want to invite you to leave a comment. [music] Let us know where you're [music] Let us know where you're [music] Let us know where you're watching from and then maybe even reply watching from and then maybe even reply watching from and then maybe even reply to somebody else. We love getting to to somebody else. We love getting to to somebody else. We love getting to connect with [music] our online members connect with [music] our online members connect with [music] our online members through our online services. And also, through our online services. And also, through our online services. And also, if you are watching on YouTube, you can if you are watching on YouTube, you can if you are watching on YouTube, you can head to the link in the description to head to the link in the description to head to the link in the description to access [music] our digital program. Or access [music] our digital program. Or access [music] our digital program. Or even better, you can open our Saddleback even better, you can open our Saddleback even better, you can open our Saddleback app to access our digital program as app to access our digital program as app to access our digital program as well. And if [music] it's your first well. And if [music] it's your first well. And if [music] it's your first time joining us for church, we would time joining us for church, we would time joining us for church, we would love for you to fill out a new here love for you to fill out a new here love for you to fill out a new here [music] form so that someone from our [music] form so that someone from our [music] form so that someone from our team can personally reach out to you and team can personally reach out to you and team can personally reach out to you and help you get connected. [music] We know help you get connected. [music] We know help you get connected. [music] We know that checking out a church for the very that checking out a church for the very that checking out a church for the very first time can feel intimidating or you first time can feel intimidating or you first time can feel intimidating or you might not even know [music] where to might not even know [music] where to might not even know [music] where to start and how to get plugged in. If you start and how to get plugged in. If you start and how to get plugged in. If you fill out that new here form, we would fill out that new here form, we would fill out that new here form, we would love to reach [music] out to you to help love to reach [music] out to you to help love to reach [music] out to you to help you and do that. And also another thing you and do that. And also another thing you and do that. And also another thing that you can do through the [music] that you can do through the [music] that you can do through the [music] Saddleback app is sign up and register Saddleback app is sign up and register Saddleback app is sign up and register for activate. Activate is a one-hour for activate. Activate is a one-hour for activate. Activate is a one-hour experience that we have to share more experience that we have to share more experience that we have to share more about what our church [music] is and about what our church [music] is and about what our church [music] is and what we believe, what it looks like to what we believe, what it looks like to what we believe, what it looks like to belong right here at Saddleach. And it belong right here at Saddleach. And it belong right here at Saddleach. And it happens on Zoom. And so next Sunday we happens on Zoom. And so next Sunday we happens on Zoom. And so next Sunday we have a Zoom class that we would love to

have a Zoom class that we would love to have a Zoom class that we would love to get to know you, talk to you face to get to know you, talk to you face to get to know you, talk to you face to face, share more about what it looks face, share more about what it looks face, share more about what it looks like to belong [music] at Saddleach. And like to belong [music] at Saddleach. And like to belong [music] at Saddleach. And so you can register for for that through so you can register for for that through so you can register for for that through the Saddleback app. And another thing the Saddleback app. And another thing the Saddleback app. And another thing going on in our church [music] this going on in our church [music] this going on in our church [music] this weekend is our Saddleback women's weekend is our Saddleback women's weekend is our Saddleback women's gathering. Just a couple weekends ago, gathering. Just a couple weekends ago, gathering. Just a couple weekends ago, we had our men's gathering and it was so we had our men's gathering and it was so we had our men's gathering and it was so awesome. [music] But women, it is our awesome. [music] But women, it is our awesome. [music] But women, it is our turn to gather together to worship, to turn to gather together to worship, to turn to gather together to worship, to pray, and to hear a super special pray, and to hear a super special pray, and to hear a super special message [music] from Pastor Stacy. And message [music] from Pastor Stacy. And message [music] from Pastor Stacy. And so, if you're watching, we want to so, if you're watching, we want to so, if you're watching, we want to invite you to join us on [music] Sunday, invite you to join us on [music] Sunday, invite you to join us on [music] Sunday, this Sunday, August 30th, for that this Sunday, August 30th, for that this Sunday, August 30th, for that event. If you're near our Lake Forest event. If you're near our Lake Forest event. If you're near our Lake Forest [music] campus, it's a great opportunity [music] campus, it's a great opportunity [music] campus, it's a great opportunity to join us in person. Or if you're not to join us in person. Or if you're not to join us in person. Or if you're not able to come in person, you can join us able to come in person, you can join us able to come in person, you can join us online by going to saddleback.com/online online by going to saddleback.com/online online by going to saddleback.com/online [music] and we would love to worship with you and we would love to worship with you there. Well, something else that we got there. Well, something else that we got there. Well, something else that we got going on very soon is our fall small going on very soon is our fall small going on very soon is our fall small groups kickoff happening on September groups kickoff happening on September groups kickoff happening on September [music] 12th. And so to hear a little [music] 12th. And so to hear a little [music] 12th. And so to hear a little bit more about small groups, let's check bit more about small groups, let's check bit more about small groups, let's check out this message from Pastor Coloulton. out this message from Pastor Coloulton. out this message from Pastor Coloulton. >> Hey Saddleback, school is back in >> Hey Saddleback, school is back in >> Hey Saddleback, school is back in session. Fall is almost here and our session. Fall is almost here and our session. Fall is almost here and our next semester of small groups, it begins next semester of small groups, it begins next semester of small groups, it begins in [music] just two weeks. I've grown up in [music] just two weeks. I've grown up in [music] just two weeks. I've grown up at this church and I've seen how small at this church and I've seen how small at this church and I've seen how small groups has been a big part of my life groups has been a big part of my life groups has been a big part of my life since I was in Saddleback Kids. Now, my since I was in Saddleback Kids. Now, my since I was in Saddleback Kids. Now, my wife and I, we lead a group for married wife and I, we lead a group for married wife and I, we lead a group for married couples and I've seen firsthand how God couples and I've seen firsthand how God couples and I've seen firsthand how God uses the right people around us [music] uses the right people around us [music] uses the right people around us [music] year after year to help us grow year after year to help us grow year after year to help us grow spiritually. When I started leading, I spiritually. When I started leading, I spiritually. When I started leading, I definitely did not have it all figured definitely did not have it all figured definitely did not have it all figured out, but our team was here and helped

out, but our team was here and helped out, but our team was here and helped answer my questions. They gave me answer my questions. They gave me answer my questions. They gave me resources and connected me with people resources and connected me with people resources and connected me with people that I could turn to for support. And that I could turn to for support. And that I could turn to for support. And today, more than 7,100 today, more than 7,100 today, more than 7,100 people are connected through over 1,300 people are connected through over 1,300 people are connected through over 1,300 small groups. Nine out of 10 people have small groups. Nine out of 10 people have small groups. Nine out of 10 people have said that their group contributed said that their group contributed said that their group contributed significantly to their spiritual growth. significantly to their spiritual growth. significantly to their spiritual growth. And three out of four have already begun And three out of four have already begun And three out of four have already begun praying more consistently after joining praying more consistently after joining praying more consistently after joining a group. Now, your tithes and your a group. Now, your tithes and your a group. Now, your tithes and your offerings help train leaders and create offerings help train leaders and create offerings help train leaders and create tools and resources to help people start tools and resources to help people start tools and resources to help people start or find the right group. If you or find the right group. If you or find the right group. If you regularly give, thank you. you are regularly give, thank you. you are regularly give, thank you. you are helping make this kind of spiritual helping make this kind of spiritual helping make this kind of spiritual growth and community possible for growth and community possible for growth and community possible for families that are just like mine. Now, families that are just like mine. Now, families that are just like mine. Now, as we approach the fall semester, there as we approach the fall semester, there as we approach the fall semester, there are also opportunities to start a group. are also opportunities to start a group. are also opportunities to start a group. A group can be built around anything A group can be built around anything A group can be built around anything that you already enjoy. Hiking, that you already enjoy. Hiking, that you already enjoy. Hiking, basketball, coffee, or just really basketball, coffee, or just really basketball, coffee, or just really anything else. And if you're interested, anything else. And if you're interested, anything else. And if you're interested, we would love to help you get ready to we would love to help you get ready to we would love to help you get ready to lead a group. Leading a group has been lead a group. Leading a group has been lead a group. Leading a group has been incredibly rewarding for me, and I know incredibly rewarding for me, and I know incredibly rewarding for me, and I know that it can be for you, too. You can that it can be for you, too. You can that it can be for you, too. You can find an upcoming leader training at your find an upcoming leader training at your find an upcoming leader training at your campus through the [music] Saddleback campus through the [music] Saddleback campus through the [music] Saddleback app. Now, recently, we sent a crew to app. Now, recently, we sent a crew to app. Now, recently, we sent a crew to stop by one of our Saddleback small stop by one of our Saddleback small stop by one of our Saddleback small groups. Let's check [music] this out.

>> Hey guys, we're back here. >> Hey guys, we're back here. >> Who's excited about fall small group? >> Who's excited about fall small group? >> Who's excited about fall small group? >> Me. >> Me. >> Me. So exciting. Who's bringing a new friend So exciting. Who's bringing a new friend So exciting. Who's bringing a new friend this season? I am. >> I've been in this life group for the >> I've been in this life group for the past 2 years and it's been a place where past 2 years and it's been a place where past 2 years and it's been a place where I've come to know two of my greatest I've come to know two of my greatest I've come to know two of my greatest mentors. My life group leaders have been mentors. My life group leaders have been mentors. My life group leaders have been there for me through everything to help there for me through everything to help there for me through everything to help support me through any struggles or any support me through any struggles or any support me through any struggles or any issues that I've had. They've brought me issues that I've had. They've brought me issues that I've had. They've brought me closer to the Lord as well as my whole closer to the Lord as well as my whole closer to the Lord as well as my whole group. They've spent their nights, their group. They've spent their nights, their group. They've spent their nights, their mornings, their weekends, their weekdays mornings, their weekends, their weekdays mornings, their weekends, their weekdays just really helping to support us and just really helping to support us and just really helping to support us and bring us closer to the Lord. bring us closer to the Lord. bring us closer to the Lord. >> Hey, I'm up here. We started around >> Hey, I'm up here. We started around >> Hey, I'm up here. We started around Jesus Bible and Barbecue, [music] but Jesus Bible and Barbecue, [music] but Jesus Bible and Barbecue, [music] but we're more than just about me. We like we're more than just about me. We like we're more than just about me. We like to hang out, connect, fellowship, and to hang out, connect, fellowship, and to hang out, connect, fellowship, and pray. [music] pray. [music] pray. [music] I've been going to Saddleback here for a I've been going to Saddleback here for a I've been going to Saddleback here for a few years now, and this is really my few years now, and this is really my few years now, and this is really my first time participating in this men's first time participating in this men's first time participating in this men's small group. Really enjoy the small group. Really enjoy the small group. Really enjoy the camaraderie and hanging out with a bunch camaraderie and hanging out with a bunch camaraderie and hanging out with a bunch of guys, breaking bread, and really just of guys, breaking bread, and really just of guys, breaking bread, and really just doing life together.

At our young [music] adult small group, At our young [music] adult small group, we value serving so much. We try to do we value serving so much. We try to do we value serving so much. We try to do at least once a month serve events so at least once a month serve events so at least once a month serve events so that our hearts are always postured that our hearts are always postured that our hearts are always postured towards Jesus's, which is, you know, to towards Jesus's, which is, you know, to towards Jesus's, which is, you know, to go out, make disciples of all nations, go out, make disciples of all nations, go out, make disciples of all nations, and [music] just go out and love local, and [music] just go out and love local, and [music] just go out and love local, love our community. Thanks for joining love our community. Thanks for joining love our community. Thanks for joining us for small group this week. It was so us for small group this week. It was so us for small group this week. It was so awesome having you. And hey, don't awesome having you. And hey, don't awesome having you. And hey, don't forget this fall, sign up for a small forget this fall, sign up for a small forget this fall, sign up for a small group. We would love to have you. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Well, hey everybody. Welcome to >> Well, hey everybody. Welcome to >> Well, hey everybody. Welcome to Saddleach. We are so glad you are with Saddleach. We are so glad you are with Saddleach. We are so glad you are with us today. It's a great day to be at us today. It's a great day to be at us today. It's a great day to be at church. I especially want to welcome church. I especially want to welcome church. I especially want to welcome those of you who are watching online or those of you who are watching online or those of you who are watching online or those of you joining us at any of our those of you joining us at any of our those of you joining us at any of our campuses and a special welcome to our campuses and a special welcome to our campuses and a special welcome to our brand new campus in the men's prison in brand new campus in the men's prison in brand new campus in the men's prison in Duval, Philippines. Let's give a warm Duval, Philippines. Let's give a warm Duval, Philippines. Let's give a warm welcome. [applause] [applause] I I I want to say to you guys for just a I I I want to say to you guys for just a I I I want to say to you guys for just a second. Um it's tempting to think that second. Um it's tempting to think that second. Um it's tempting to think that you're just watching church in prison.

you're just watching church in prison. you're just watching church in prison. That's not the case. You are a church in That's not the case. You are a church in That's not the case. You are a church in prison. And we are so so thankful that prison. And we are so so thankful that prison. And we are so so thankful that you're a part of our church family. you're a part of our church family. you're a part of our church family. Well, welcome everybody. Really glad Well, welcome everybody. Really glad Well, welcome everybody. Really glad you're here. I want to start our time you're here. I want to start our time you're here. I want to start our time together by showing you a picture. And I together by showing you a picture. And I together by showing you a picture. And I think in a minute when I put the picture think in a minute when I put the picture think in a minute when I put the picture on the screen, your first thought is on the screen, your first thought is on the screen, your first thought is going to be, "That is the cutest picture going to be, "That is the cutest picture going to be, "That is the cutest picture I've ever seen. That is the cutest I've ever seen. That is the cutest I've ever seen. That is the cutest picture." And as I tell a story, your picture." And as I tell a story, your picture." And as I tell a story, your emotions might shift from cute to to, emotions might shift from cute to to, emotions might shift from cute to to, "Oh, that's a very sad picture." In "Oh, that's a very sad picture." In "Oh, that's a very sad picture." In fact, if you have a heart, you're going fact, if you have a heart, you're going fact, if you have a heart, you're going to shift from cute to sad as I as I tell to shift from cute to sad as I as I tell to shift from cute to sad as I as I tell a story. Well, here's the world's cutest a story. Well, here's the world's cutest a story. Well, here's the world's cutest picture. There. There it is right there. picture. There. There it is right there. picture. There. There it is right there. How many of you at all of our campuses How many of you at all of our campuses How many of you at all of our campuses raise your hand if as soon as I put that raise your hand if as soon as I put that raise your hand if as soon as I put that picture on the screen, you know what picture on the screen, you know what picture on the screen, you know what this story is? How many of you? So many this story is? How many of you? So many this story is? How many of you? So many of you. I had no idea. I had no clue of you. I had no idea. I had no clue of you. I had no idea. I had no clue until I was preparing for this message until I was preparing for this message until I was preparing for this message about this story. And this week, I about this story. And this week, I about this story. And this week, I learned about Punch the Monkey. I'll learned about Punch the Monkey. I'll learned about Punch the Monkey. I'll take a long sad story and make it short.

take a long sad story and make it short. take a long sad story and make it short. Punch the monkey was born in a zoo in Punch the monkey was born in a zoo in Punch the monkey was born in a zoo in Japan. For some reason, right away, Japan. For some reason, right away, Japan. For some reason, right away, Punch's mom neglected Punch. Punch's mom neglected Punch. Punch's mom neglected Punch. And not only did Punch's mom neglect And not only did Punch's mom neglect And not only did Punch's mom neglect Punch and abandoned Punch, but so did Punch and abandoned Punch, but so did Punch and abandoned Punch, but so did all the other monkeys. And so the zoo all the other monkeys. And so the zoo all the other monkeys. And so the zoo workers very quickly realized that this workers very quickly realized that this workers very quickly realized that this this cute little monkey has has nobody, this cute little monkey has has nobody, this cute little monkey has has nobody, has no friends, has no mom that's that's has no friends, has no mom that's that's has no friends, has no mom that's that's nurturing. And so they thought, well, I nurturing. And so they thought, well, I nurturing. And so they thought, well, I I wonder if maybe we buy Punch a a I wonder if maybe we buy Punch a a I wonder if maybe we buy Punch a a friend if that might solve the problem. friend if that might solve the problem. friend if that might solve the problem. And so that picture that you saw is And so that picture that you saw is And so that picture that you saw is Punch hugging this stuffed animal that Punch hugging this stuffed animal that Punch hugging this stuffed animal that the zookeepers bought for him because he the zookeepers bought for him because he the zookeepers bought for him because he had no relationships. And all over the had no relationships. And all over the had no relationships. And all over the internet there's picture after picture internet there's picture after picture internet there's picture after picture after picture simultaneously after picture simultaneously after picture simultaneously incredibly cute and so sad of Punch incredibly cute and so sad of Punch incredibly cute and so sad of Punch hanging out with this inanimate little hanging out with this inanimate little hanging out with this inanimate little friend.

friend. friend. Not only did I recently hear about Punch Not only did I recently hear about Punch Not only did I recently hear about Punch the monkey, but this week I I I also the monkey, but this week I I I also the monkey, but this week I I I also heard about a woman who moved from the heard about a woman who moved from the heard about a woman who moved from the country to a big city. And because she country to a big city. And because she country to a big city. And because she was brand new in the city, she had no was brand new in the city, she had no was brand new in the city, she had no friends. She had no connections. Um but friends. She had no connections. Um but friends. She had no connections. Um but she did somehow manage to befriend a she did somehow manage to befriend a she did somehow manage to befriend a penguin. And so she's walking through penguin. And so she's walking through penguin. And so she's walking through the big city with with a penguin and a the big city with with a penguin and a the big city with with a penguin and a police officer sees this and the police police officer sees this and the police police officer sees this and the police officer very quickly says, "Ma'am, you officer very quickly says, "Ma'am, you officer very quickly says, "Ma'am, you you you have to take that penguin to the you you have to take that penguin to the you you have to take that penguin to the zoo." And so she says, "Okay, I I will." zoo." And so she says, "Okay, I I will." zoo." And so she says, "Okay, I I will." And and she does. And just a few hours And and she does. And just a few hours And and she does. And just a few hours later, later on in the afternoon, she's later, later on in the afternoon, she's later, later on in the afternoon, she's walking through the city with the walking through the city with the walking through the city with the penguin. And the officer happens to see penguin. And the officer happens to see penguin. And the officer happens to see her again and says, "Ma'am, I thought I her again and says, "Ma'am, I thought I her again and says, "Ma'am, I thought I told you to take the penguin to the told you to take the penguin to the told you to take the penguin to the zoo." And she said, "Well, I did and we zoo." And she said, "Well, I did and we zoo." And she said, "Well, I did and we had so much fun. We're going to go see a had so much fun. We're going to go see a had so much fun. We're going to go see a movie." Now, [laughter] movie." Now, [laughter] movie." Now, [laughter] now here's the thing. When we think now here's the thing. When we think now here's the thing. When we think about relationships, Punch the Monkey, about relationships, Punch the Monkey, about relationships, Punch the Monkey, wonderful. Wonderful. But he's not meant wonderful. Wonderful. But he's not meant wonderful. Wonderful. But he's not meant to be in a relationship with a stuffed to be in a relationship with a stuffed to be in a relationship with a stuffed monkey.

monkey. monkey. Even animals are meant to be in Even animals are meant to be in Even animals are meant to be in relationship with each other. As awesome relationship with each other. As awesome relationship with each other. As awesome as animals are, those of you who are dog as animals are, those of you who are dog as animals are, those of you who are dog people, I I've heard this. I've heard people, I I've heard this. I've heard people, I I've heard this. I've heard some of you call your dog your son. This some of you call your dog your son. This some of you call your dog your son. This is my daughter, Bella. Whatever your is my daughter, Bella. Whatever your is my daughter, Bella. Whatever your dog's name is, right? Those of you who dog's name is, right? Those of you who dog's name is, right? Those of you who are cats people, cat people, you love are cats people, cat people, you love are cats people, cat people, you love your cat. You have a friendship with your cat. You have a friendship with your cat. You have a friendship with your cat. This lady had a friendship your cat. This lady had a friendship your cat. This lady had a friendship with her with her penguin. with her with her penguin. with her with her penguin. But we're created But we're created But we're created uniquely uniquely uniquely to be in relationships not just with to be in relationships not just with to be in relationships not just with man's best friend, but we're created man's best friend, but we're created man's best friend, but we're created uniquely to be in relationship with each uniquely to be in relationship with each uniquely to be in relationship with each other. We're designed to be connected to other. We're designed to be connected to other. We're designed to be connected to one another. It's the way God wired us. one another. It's the way God wired us. one another. It's the way God wired us. In fact, when you go to the book of In fact, when you go to the book of In fact, when you go to the book of Genesis, the very first book in the Genesis, the very first book in the Genesis, the very first book in the Bible, and as you read the creation Bible, and as you read the creation Bible, and as you read the creation story, some of you are familiar with story, some of you are familiar with story, some of you are familiar with this. As God is creating the heavens and this. As God is creating the heavens and this. As God is creating the heavens and the earth and the sun and the stars and the earth and the sun and the stars and the earth and the sun and the stars and the land, after everything he creates, the land, after everything he creates, the land, after everything he creates, every time he creates something, he every time he creates something, he every time he creates something, he looks at it and he says, "This is good."

looks at it and he says, "This is good." looks at it and he says, "This is good." He creates something, he looks at it, He creates something, he looks at it, He creates something, he looks at it, and he says, "This is good." He creates and he says, "This is good." He creates and he says, "This is good." He creates something. This is good. He creates Adam something. This is good. He creates Adam something. This is good. He creates Adam and then he looks over everything he's and then he looks over everything he's and then he looks over everything he's created and he says this is very good. created and he says this is very good. created and he says this is very good. And then he gives Adam a job. And this And then he gives Adam a job. And this And then he gives Adam a job. And this might be where mankind's love for might be where mankind's love for might be where mankind's love for animals kind of originates because animals kind of originates because animals kind of originates because Adam's first job is to start naming the Adam's first job is to start naming the Adam's first job is to start naming the animals. And so Adam has a very animals. And so Adam has a very animals. And so Adam has a very important task. Adam has a relationship important task. Adam has a relationship important task. Adam has a relationship with God. God's given him this task and with God. God's given him this task and with God. God's given him this task and at some point there scripture says this at some point there scripture says this at some point there scripture says this in the book of Genesis. Let's look at in the book of Genesis. Let's look at in the book of Genesis. Let's look at this together. It says this. this together. It says this. this together. It says this. The Lord God said it is not good for the The Lord God said it is not good for the The Lord God said it is not good for the man to be alone. Everything else was man to be alone. Everything else was man to be alone. Everything else was good collectively. It was very good good collectively. It was very good good collectively. It was very good except for the fact that God said, you except for the fact that God said, you except for the fact that God said, you know what, it's not good for man to be know what, it's not good for man to be know what, it's not good for man to be alone. And when you think about it, it's alone. And when you think about it, it's alone. And when you think about it, it's kind of interesting because Adam wasn't kind of interesting because Adam wasn't kind of interesting because Adam wasn't really alone. He had a friendship. He really alone. He had a friendship. He really alone. He had a friendship. He had a connection, a relationship with had a connection, a relationship with had a connection, a relationship with God. And those of you who have gone to God. And those of you who have gone to God. And those of you who have gone to church for a while, those of you who are church for a while, those of you who are church for a while, those of you who are already followers of Jesus, you have already followers of Jesus, you have already followers of Jesus, you have said it, people have said it to you.

said it, people have said it to you. said it, people have said it to you. Hey, you know, you can be all alone, but Hey, you know, you can be all alone, but Hey, you know, you can be all alone, but as long as you've got God, you're never as long as you've got God, you're never as long as you've got God, you're never really alone. As long as you've got God, really alone. As long as you've got God, really alone. As long as you've got God, you're never really alone. And that is you're never really alone. And that is you're never really alone. And that is true. And yet God himself, God the true. And yet God himself, God the true. And yet God himself, God the Father, Father, Father, when he when he saw Adam, all Adam had when he when he saw Adam, all Adam had when he when he saw Adam, all Adam had was the relationship with God. And God was the relationship with God. And God was the relationship with God. And God himself said, "This isn't this isn't himself said, "This isn't this isn't himself said, "This isn't this isn't this isn't good. I want more this isn't good. I want more this isn't good. I want more for my creation." for my creation." for my creation." And it's not just this random good idea. And it's not just this random good idea. And it's not just this random good idea. The reason God created you and I to be The reason God created you and I to be The reason God created you and I to be in relationships is because you and I, in relationships is because you and I, in relationships is because you and I, the Bible says, we're created in the the Bible says, we're created in the the Bible says, we're created in the image of God. He formed us in his image of God. He formed us in his image of God. He formed us in his likeness, in his image. And God is a likeness, in his image. And God is a likeness, in his image. And God is a triune God. God the Father, God the Son, triune God. God the Father, God the Son, triune God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God exists in and God the Holy Spirit. God exists in and God the Holy Spirit. God exists in relationship. relationship. relationship. And for the last several weeks, um, as And for the last several weeks, um, as And for the last several weeks, um, as we've been working our way through the we've been working our way through the we've been working our way through the Live Sent series, you've heard us talk Live Sent series, you've heard us talk Live Sent series, you've heard us talk over and over and over and over again over and over and over and over again over and over and over and over again about small groups. Just today, church about small groups. Just today, church about small groups. Just today, church news talked about small groups. Your news talked about small groups. Your news talked about small groups. Your campus host, your campus pastor has campus host, your campus pastor has campus host, your campus pastor has talked about small groups. We've been talked about small groups. We've been talked about small groups. We've been talking about small groups in our talking about small groups in our talking about small groups in our messages, in our announcements for messages, in our announcements for messages, in our announcements for weeks. And it's possible, if you're weeks. And it's possible, if you're weeks. And it's possible, if you're honest, that you might be going, "Okay, honest, that you might be going, "Okay, honest, that you might be going, "Okay, I get it, but what's what's what's the I get it, but what's what's what's the I get it, but what's what's what's the deal? Like, why all the hype about small deal? Like, why all the hype about small deal? Like, why all the hype about small groups? I've heard about it, but why are groups? I've heard about it, but why are groups? I've heard about it, but why are small groups such a big like what's the small groups such a big like what's the small groups such a big like what's the big deal with small groups?

big deal with small groups? big deal with small groups? I already go to church, and now you want I already go to church, and now you want I already go to church, and now you want me to also join a small group. What me to also join a small group. What me to also join a small group. What What's the deal with small groups?" What's the deal with small groups?" What's the deal with small groups?" Well, today we're going to take a quick Well, today we're going to take a quick Well, today we're going to take a quick look at three reasons small groups are a look at three reasons small groups are a look at three reasons small groups are a big deal. Three reasons small groups are big deal. Three reasons small groups are big deal. Three reasons small groups are a big deal. And I'm going to start by a big deal. And I'm going to start by a big deal. And I'm going to start by just admitting something. I'm going to just admitting something. I'm going to just admitting something. I'm going to admit something at the start of our time admit something at the start of our time admit something at the start of our time together, and it's this. I don't together, and it's this. I don't together, and it's this. I don't naturally naturally naturally I don't naturally desire to be in a I don't naturally desire to be in a I don't naturally desire to be in a small group. I don't um I'm a raging small group. I don't um I'm a raging small group. I don't um I'm a raging extrovert. extrovert. extrovert. And this is my scene right here. Like I And this is my scene right here. Like I And this is my scene right here. Like I love this. I love having lots and lots love this. I love having lots and lots love this. I love having lots and lots and lots of super short, super shallow and lots of super short, super shallow and lots of super short, super shallow relationships. I I just want to kind of relationships. I I just want to kind of relationships. I I just want to kind of go through like, hey, how you doing? go through like, hey, how you doing? go through like, hey, how you doing? How's it going? How's your week been? I How's it going? How's your week been? I How's it going? How's your week been? I don't really care. Quit talking. How are don't really care. Quit talking. How are don't really care. Quit talking. How are you doing? Like this this is my scene you doing? Like this this is my scene you doing? Like this this is my scene right here. Like I I can just kind of right here. Like I I can just kind of right here. Like I I can just kind of float through life. And the idea of float through life. And the idea of float through life. And the idea of being in a in a closer relationship with being in a in a closer relationship with being in a in a closer relationship with a smaller group of people, a smaller group of people, a smaller group of people, it just doesn't naturally it just doesn't naturally it just doesn't naturally connect with me. I don't naturally connect with me. I don't naturally connect with me. I don't naturally desire that. Now, I am in a small group.

desire that. Now, I am in a small group. desire that. Now, I am in a small group. And here's here's what I've learned. And here's here's what I've learned. And here's here's what I've learned. Even though I don't naturally want it, Even though I don't naturally want it, Even though I don't naturally want it, wow, do I need it. wow, do I need it. wow, do I need it. Man, do I need being in a small group. Man, do I need being in a small group. Man, do I need being in a small group. My wife and I are in a couple small My wife and I are in a couple small My wife and I are in a couple small group and it's one of the best things group and it's one of the best things group and it's one of the best things that's ever happened to us. It's it's that's ever happened to us. It's it's that's ever happened to us. It's it's good for our marriage. It's good for our good for our marriage. It's good for our good for our marriage. It's good for our friendships. It's good it's good for so friendships. It's good it's good for so friendships. It's good it's good for so many reasons. And it makes sense when many reasons. And it makes sense when many reasons. And it makes sense when you start thinking about well God is a you start thinking about well God is a you start thinking about well God is a relational God and he created me in his relational God and he created me in his relational God and he created me in his image to be in relationships. image to be in relationships. image to be in relationships. Like God created us to need and want and Like God created us to need and want and Like God created us to need and want and benefit from stuff way deeper than just benefit from stuff way deeper than just benefit from stuff way deeper than just how you doing. How's it going? Hey. Hi. how you doing. How's it going? Hey. Hi. how you doing. How's it going? Hey. Hi. Hi. That's not what life is meant to be. Hi. That's not what life is meant to be. Hi. That's not what life is meant to be. And so tonight, we're going to take a And so tonight, we're going to take a And so tonight, we're going to take a quick look at three reasons why small quick look at three reasons why small quick look at three reasons why small groups are a big deal. Let's jump into groups are a big deal. Let's jump into groups are a big deal. Let's jump into it together. Here's here's one big it together. Here's here's one big it together. Here's here's one big reason is simply this. In a small group, reason is simply this. In a small group, reason is simply this. In a small group, I'm seen. In a small group, I'm seen.

I'm seen. In a small group, I'm seen. I'm seen. In a small group, I'm seen. Now, I need to pause and address a group Now, I need to pause and address a group Now, I need to pause and address a group of us. I'm in this group that we feel of us. I'm in this group that we feel of us. I'm in this group that we feel very unseen. It's a whole generation of very unseen. It's a whole generation of very unseen. It's a whole generation of people that feel unseen. In fact, Gen X people that feel unseen. In fact, Gen X people that feel unseen. In fact, Gen X is called the forgotten generation. is called the forgotten generation. is called the forgotten generation. How's that? The forgotten generation. How's that? The forgotten generation. How's that? The forgotten generation. And when you watch news and they have And when you watch news and they have And when you watch news and they have sociologists and they're studying sociologists and they're studying sociologists and they're studying culture, they'll talk about boomers. culture, they'll talk about boomers. culture, they'll talk about boomers. They'll talk about millennials. They'll talk about millennials. They'll talk about millennials. They'll they'll talk about Gen Z, Gen They'll they'll talk about Gen Z, Gen They'll they'll talk about Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and they never talk about Gen X. Alpha, and they never talk about Gen X. Alpha, and they never talk about Gen X. Nobody sees us. If you're age kind of 45 Nobody sees us. If you're age kind of 45 Nobody sees us. If you're age kind of 45 to early 60s, you're in Gen X. Raise to early 60s, you're in Gen X. Raise to early 60s, you're in Gen X. Raise your hand at all of our campuses. If your hand at all of our campuses. If your hand at all of our campuses. If you're Gen X, raise look at how many of you're Gen X, raise look at how many of you're Gen X, raise look at how many of Look at us. I see you. I see you. I have Look at us. I see you. I see you. I have Look at us. I see you. I see you. I have not forgotten you. Now, I was thinking not forgotten you. Now, I was thinking not forgotten you. Now, I was thinking like why they forget about us. Here's my like why they forget about us. Here's my like why they forget about us. Here's my only conclusion.

only conclusion. only conclusion. The media and sociologists forget about The media and sociologists forget about The media and sociologists forget about Gen X for only one reason. Gen X for only one reason. Gen X for only one reason. We're just too busy being awesome We're just too busy being awesome We're just too busy being awesome to get all caught up in the news, right? to get all caught up in the news, right? to get all caught up in the news, right? I mean, we're just like, they talk about I mean, we're just like, they talk about I mean, we're just like, they talk about boomers, they're selfish. They talk boomers, they're selfish. They talk boomers, they're selfish. They talk about millennials, they're lazy. What about millennials, they're lazy. What about millennials, they're lazy. What can we say about Gen Z? H what can we can we say about Gen Z? H what can we can we say about Gen Z? H what can we say about Gen X? I don't know. They're say about Gen X? I don't know. They're say about Gen X? I don't know. They're awesome, I guess. Like, they don't we awesome, I guess. Like, they don't we awesome, I guess. Like, they don't we don't make the headlines. We're just too don't make the headlines. We're just too don't make the headlines. We're just too busy running the world to make the busy running the world to make the busy running the world to make the headlines. Now, there is one water headlines. Now, there is one water headlines. Now, there is one water company, you'll be happy to hear this, company, you'll be happy to hear this, company, you'll be happy to hear this, Gen Xers, there is a water company that Gen Xers, there is a water company that Gen Xers, there is a water company that is marketing Gen X's. They see us. They is marketing Gen X's. They see us. They is marketing Gen X's. They see us. They came out with a new line of water just came out with a new line of water just came out with a new line of water just for Gen X. Check it out. It's right for Gen X. Check it out. It's right for Gen X. Check it out. It's right here. here. here. There it is. Water hose. Oh man, you There it is. Water hose. Oh man, you There it is. Water hose. Oh man, you love the water hose. Tastes so good. love the water hose. Tastes so good. love the water hose. Tastes so good. Little little little little a little Little little little little a little Little little little little a little hint of rubber hint of rubber hint of rubber full of iron, right? Ah, perfectly full of iron, right? Ah, perfectly full of iron, right? Ah, perfectly lukewarm. It's wonderful.

lukewarm. It's wonderful. lukewarm. It's wonderful. Now, Now, Now, in a small group, in a small group, in a small group, you're seen. You're noticed. And that's you're seen. You're noticed. And that's you're seen. You're noticed. And that's a good thing. In a big church like ours, a good thing. In a big church like ours, a good thing. In a big church like ours, it's really easy to wonder like, "Do it's really easy to wonder like, "Do it's really easy to wonder like, "Do people know I'm here? Will anybody people know I'm here? Will anybody people know I'm here? Will anybody notice if I'm not here?" Yes, we we love notice if I'm not here?" Yes, we we love notice if I'm not here?" Yes, we we love that you're here. We we we notice when that you're here. We we we notice when that you're here. We we we notice when you're not here, but in a small group, you're not here, but in a small group, you're not here, but in a small group, you're you're really seen and you're you're you're really seen and you're you're you're really seen and you're known and you're noticed. We want you to known and you're noticed. We want you to known and you're noticed. We want you to come to church every single weekend. come to church every single weekend. come to church every single weekend. And if you were to miss a a a Sunday at And if you were to miss a a a Sunday at And if you were to miss a a a Sunday at Saddleback, um hopefully somebody would Saddleback, um hopefully somebody would Saddleback, um hopefully somebody would notice and and and and we would reach notice and and and and we would reach notice and and and and we would reach out. The reality though is if you miss a out. The reality though is if you miss a out. The reality though is if you miss a small group, you're going to get a phone small group, you're going to get a phone small group, you're going to get a phone call. call. call. you're wanted and seen and noticed in a you're wanted and seen and noticed in a you're wanted and seen and noticed in a small group. And that's an important small group. And that's an important small group. And that's an important thing. In fact, um it it it says this in thing. In fact, um it it it says this in thing. In fact, um it it it says this in in scripture. in scripture. in scripture. We are many parts of one body and we all We are many parts of one body and we all We are many parts of one body and we all belong to each other.

belong to each other. belong to each other. First Corinthians says this, "All the First Corinthians says this, "All the First Corinthians says this, "All the members care for each other. If one part members care for each other. If one part members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it. suffers, all the parts suffer with it. suffers, all the parts suffer with it. And if one part is honored, all the And if one part is honored, all the And if one part is honored, all the parts are glad." Scripture takes all parts are glad." Scripture takes all parts are glad." Scripture takes all kinds of analogies when talking about kinds of analogies when talking about kinds of analogies when talking about us, about the church. Uh scripture calls us, about the church. Uh scripture calls us, about the church. Uh scripture calls us his bride. Scripture calls us a us his bride. Scripture calls us a us his bride. Scripture calls us a family. Scripture calls us a body. And family. Scripture calls us a body. And family. Scripture calls us a body. And it's a wonderful analogy because every it's a wonderful analogy because every it's a wonderful analogy because every part of the body is needed and every part of the body is needed and every part of the body is needed and every part of the body needs the the body. And part of the body needs the the body. And part of the body needs the the body. And that's what's so amazing about a small that's what's so amazing about a small that's what's so amazing about a small group is in a small group you you're in group is in a small group you you're in group is in a small group you you're in a closer, more meaningful relationship a closer, more meaningful relationship a closer, more meaningful relationship with the other members of the body. IT'S with the other members of the body. IT'S with the other members of the body. IT'S SO TEMPTING, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE WIRED SO TEMPTING, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE WIRED SO TEMPTING, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE WIRED like I am. It's so tempting to say, like I am. It's so tempting to say, like I am. It's so tempting to say, "Look, I'm good. I got a good job. I got "Look, I'm good. I got a good job. I got "Look, I'm good. I got a good job. I got a couple friends. I'm good. I'm just a couple friends. I'm good. I'm just a couple friends. I'm good. I'm just going to do this thing solo." But doing going to do this thing solo." But doing going to do this thing solo." But doing life solo, if you carry the analogy of life solo, if you carry the analogy of life solo, if you carry the analogy of the body out, it would really be like a the body out, it would really be like a the body out, it would really be like a thumb saying, "Look, I'm good." Like thumb saying, "Look, I'm good." Like thumb saying, "Look, I'm good." Like just dis somehow detach me from the rest just dis somehow detach me from the rest just dis somehow detach me from the rest of the body. I'll just do my thumb thing of the body. I'll just do my thumb thing of the body. I'll just do my thumb thing on my own. Makes no sense. And it would on my own. Makes no sense. And it would on my own. Makes no sense. And it would be like the body saying, "We, hey thumb, be like the body saying, "We, hey thumb, be like the body saying, "We, hey thumb, we we don't need you." No, we're we're we we don't need you." No, we're we're we we don't need you." No, we're we're meant to be connected to to be together.

meant to be connected to to be together. meant to be connected to to be together. Now, because I'm an extrovert, Now, because I'm an extrovert, Now, because I'm an extrovert, one of the reasons I don't naturally one of the reasons I don't naturally one of the reasons I don't naturally want to be in a small group, like I want to be in a small group, like I want to be in a small group, like I said, is because things can get kind of said, is because things can get kind of said, is because things can get kind of deep kind of quick. People start asking deep kind of quick. People start asking deep kind of quick. People start asking questions. People actually care um in a questions. People actually care um in a questions. People actually care um in a small group. When they say, "How's your small group. When they say, "How's your small group. When they say, "How's your week been?" They actually kind of want week been?" They actually kind of want week been?" They actually kind of want to take the time to hear how how your to take the time to hear how how your to take the time to hear how how your week's been. And um as an extrovert, I I week's been. And um as an extrovert, I I week's been. And um as an extrovert, I I don't love this. And part of the reason don't love this. And part of the reason don't love this. And part of the reason being in a small group makes me nervous being in a small group makes me nervous being in a small group makes me nervous is I'm weird. is I'm weird. is I'm weird. I'm a weird guy. You don't know that I'm a weird guy. You don't know that I'm a weird guy. You don't know that because we just do this to each other. because we just do this to each other. because we just do this to each other. After after church today, I'm going to After after church today, I'm going to After after church today, I'm going to stand at the doors. I'm just going to stand at the doors. I'm just going to stand at the doors. I'm just going to hi. Thanks for coming. Thanks for hi. Thanks for coming. Thanks for hi. Thanks for coming. Thanks for coming. Nothing weird about that. But in coming. Nothing weird about that. But in coming. Nothing weird about that. But in a small group, like [sighs and gasps] a small group, like [sighs and gasps] a small group, like [sighs and gasps] people start to notice the the weird people start to notice the the weird people start to notice the the weird stuff about about Kurt. Um here's the stuff about about Kurt. Um here's the stuff about about Kurt. Um here's the thing. Uh, I'm weird. thing. Uh, I'm weird. thing. Uh, I'm weird. Small groups are weird, Small groups are weird, Small groups are weird, which is why there's room for you in a which is why there's room for you in a which is why there's room for you in a small group because because you're small group because because you're small group because because you're weird. We're all weird. Like, small weird. We're all weird. Like, small weird. We're all weird. Like, small groups are just where weird gets groups are just where weird gets groups are just where weird gets together.

together. together. And it's the way God designed it. Um, And it's the way God designed it. Um, And it's the way God designed it. Um, here's one of the weirdest things about here's one of the weirdest things about here's one of the weirdest things about me is even though I'm an extrovert, me is even though I'm an extrovert, me is even though I'm an extrovert, there comes a moment where the switch there comes a moment where the switch there comes a moment where the switch switches. Some of you might relate to switches. Some of you might relate to switches. Some of you might relate to this. I could be at a party. I could be this. I could be at a party. I could be this. I could be at a party. I could be at a funeral. I could be hanging out at a funeral. I could be hanging out at a funeral. I could be hanging out after church. And there comes a moment after church. And there comes a moment after church. And there comes a moment where I'm the life of the party. I'm where I'm the life of the party. I'm where I'm the life of the party. I'm enjoying it. And then the switch enjoying it. And then the switch enjoying it. And then the switch switches. I can't wait. But just it's switches. I can't wait. But just it's switches. I can't wait. But just it's time to go. And I'll say it to my wife. time to go. And I'll say it to my wife. time to go. And I'll say it to my wife. Hey, the the switch is switched. And Hey, the the switch is switched. And Hey, the the switch is switched. And it's not like, hey, over the next 30 it's not like, hey, over the next 30 it's not like, hey, over the next 30 minutes, let's work our way to the car. minutes, let's work our way to the car. minutes, let's work our way to the car. It's, hey, the switch switched. I'm out. It's, hey, the switch switched. I'm out. It's, hey, the switch switched. I'm out. And I just I just kind of leave. I and I And I just I just kind of leave. I and I And I just I just kind of leave. I and I I don't really know how to explain it, I don't really know how to explain it, I don't really know how to explain it, but you'll you know it when you see it. but you'll you know it when you see it. but you'll you know it when you see it. In fact, I saw this video and this is a In fact, I saw this video and this is a In fact, I saw this video and this is a snapshot of what my life looks like when snapshot of what my life looks like when snapshot of what my life looks like when the switch switches. the switch switches. the switch switches. >> The second I fall asleep on this plane, >> The second I fall asleep on this plane, >> The second I fall asleep on this plane, Spaz hit the guy's thumb. Spaz hit the guy's thumb. Spaz hit the guy's thumb. >> Oh [laughter] my god.

>> Oh [laughter] my god. >> Oh [laughter] my god. >> I have to leave immediately. I've hit a >> I have to leave immediately. I've hit a >> I have to leave immediately. I've hit a wall. I have nothing [music] left. So, wall. I have nothing [music] left. So, wall. I have nothing [music] left. So, I'm going to go now. I'm going to go now. I'm going to go now. >> What do you mean? >> What do you mean? >> What do you mean? >> What? There's nothing left for me. I've >> What? There's nothing left for me. I've >> What? There's nothing left for me. I've told every story and I've laughed told every story and I've laughed told every story and I've laughed [music] at everything. You guys are my [music] at everything. You guys are my [music] at everything. You guys are my best friends, but I have to go home. best friends, but I have to go home. best friends, but I have to go home. >> Well, if you don't want to, you don't >> Well, if you don't want to, you don't >> Well, if you don't want to, you don't have to say anything. You can just hang have to say anything. You can just hang have to say anything. You can just hang out and enjoy your company. out and enjoy your company. out and enjoy your company. >> It's not [music] up to me. I can't just >> It's not [music] up to me. I can't just >> It's not [music] up to me. I can't just sit here. I have nothing left. I wish it sit here. I have nothing left. I wish it sit here. I have nothing left. I wish it were different, [music] but there's were different, [music] but there's were different, [music] but there's nothing I can do. nothing I can do. nothing I can do. >> I'm going to go home now. >> I'm going to go home now. >> I'm going to go home now. >> It was great hanging out. >> It was great hanging out. >> It was great hanging out. >> It was great hanging out. >> It was great hanging out. >> It was great hanging out. >> Did I say [music] something? You didn't >> Did I say [music] something? You didn't >> Did I say [music] something? You didn't say anything. So, you're not mad or say anything. So, you're not mad or say anything. So, you're not mad or anything. anything. anything. >> No, I'm not mad. >> No, I'm not mad. >> No, I'm not mad. >> This has been [music] one of my favorite >> This has been [music] one of my favorite >> This has been [music] one of my favorite nights in years. And now I'm going to go nights in years. And now I'm going to go nights in years. And now I'm going to go >> to go home. >> I drove you here. Do you want like a >> I drove you here. Do you want like a ride home? ride home? ride home? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> I'm going to figure it out. that I think >> I'm going to figure it out. that I think >> I'm going to figure it out. that I think I'm I'm I'm [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Am I alone or raise your hand at your >> Am I alone or raise your hand at your >> Am I alone or raise your hand at your camp? Am I the only Oh, thank you. See, camp? Am I the only Oh, thank you. See, camp? Am I the only Oh, thank you. See, I feel so seen. I feel so seen. It is so I feel so seen. I feel so seen. It is so I feel so seen. I feel so seen. It is so tempting tempting tempting to get so consumed to get so consumed to get so consumed with our weirdness, our secrets. If with our weirdness, our secrets. If with our weirdness, our secrets. If people knew the real me, it's so people knew the real me, it's so people knew the real me, it's so tempting to let that stuff keep us from tempting to let that stuff keep us from tempting to let that stuff keep us from getting in deep relationships.

getting in deep relationships. getting in deep relationships. And Satan has a lot of tricks. We don't And Satan has a lot of tricks. We don't And Satan has a lot of tricks. We don't we don't talk about Satan all the time we don't talk about Satan all the time we don't talk about Satan all the time in church. We we love to talk about how in church. We we love to talk about how in church. We we love to talk about how much God loves us, and he does. We love much God loves us, and he does. We love much God loves us, and he does. We love to talk about the plan God has for our to talk about the plan God has for our to talk about the plan God has for our lives, and he does. But the reality is lives, and he does. But the reality is lives, and he does. But the reality is that there is there there's an enemy that there is there there's an enemy that there is there there's an enemy that hates us. And the enemy would first that hates us. And the enemy would first that hates us. And the enemy would first of all love for us not to have of all love for us not to have of all love for us not to have relationship with God. And if he loses relationship with God. And if he loses relationship with God. And if he loses that battle, you know what his next that battle, you know what his next that battle, you know what his next trick is? Just isolate them. Like let trick is? Just isolate them. Like let trick is? Just isolate them. Like let them not have any meaningful them not have any meaningful them not have any meaningful relationships. relationships. relationships. Just let them try to figure it out on Just let them try to figure it out on Just let them try to figure it out on their own because if they're living life their own because if they're living life their own because if they're living life on their own long enough, I'll I'll I'll on their own long enough, I'll I'll I'll on their own long enough, I'll I'll I'll get at them. Let's let's not give that get at them. Let's let's not give that get at them. Let's let's not give that opportunity to the one who hates us. God opportunity to the one who hates us. God opportunity to the one who hates us. God created us to be in relationships. He created us to be in relationships. He created us to be in relationships. He created us to be in tight friendships. created us to be in tight friendships. created us to be in tight friendships. One of the best ways for that to happen, One of the best ways for that to happen, One of the best ways for that to happen, can it happen without being in a small can it happen without being in a small can it happen without being in a small group? It can. But one of the best ways group? It can. But one of the best ways group? It can. But one of the best ways for that to happen is to jump into a for that to happen is to jump into a for that to happen is to jump into a small group where I can be seen. That's small group where I can be seen. That's small group where I can be seen. That's why small groups are such a big deal.

why small groups are such a big deal. why small groups are such a big deal. Another reason small groups are a big Another reason small groups are a big Another reason small groups are a big deal is simply this. In a small group, deal is simply this. In a small group, deal is simply this. In a small group, I'm strengthened. In a small group, I'm I'm strengthened. In a small group, I'm I'm strengthened. In a small group, I'm strengthened. strengthened. strengthened. We're going to put a passage of We're going to put a passage of We're going to put a passage of scripture. It's a really famous and scripture. It's a really famous and scripture. It's a really famous and powerful passage of scripture. It's a powerful passage of scripture. It's a powerful passage of scripture. It's a little bit long, but I'm going to ask us little bit long, but I'm going to ask us little bit long, but I'm going to ask us to read it out loud together. Let's read to read it out loud together. Let's read to read it out loud together. Let's read Ecclesiastes 4 9-12 together. It says Ecclesiastes 4 9-12 together. It says Ecclesiastes 4 9-12 together. It says this, "Two people are better off than this, "Two people are better off than this, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other one, for they can help each other one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other succeed. If one person falls, the other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help, but someone who can reach out and help, but someone who can reach out and help, but someone who falls alone is in real trouble. falls alone is in real trouble. falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close Likewise, two people lying close Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But together can keep each other warm. But together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person how can one be warm alone? A person how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and standing alone can be attacked and standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back defeated, but two can stand back to back defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better for a and conquer. Three are even better for a and conquer. Three are even better for a triple braided cord is not easily triple braided cord is not easily triple braided cord is not easily broken. broken. broken. I mentioned earlier uh that the enemy, I mentioned earlier uh that the enemy, I mentioned earlier uh that the enemy, Satan hates us. In fact, there's a Satan hates us. In fact, there's a Satan hates us. In fact, there's a passage in scripture, and this is my passage in scripture, and this is my passage in scripture, and this is my paraphrase, but there's a passage in paraphrase, but there's a passage in paraphrase, but there's a passage in scripture that says this, that Satan scripture that says this, that Satan scripture that says this, that Satan roams around like a lion roams around like a lion roams around like a lion looking for who he can devour.

looking for who he can devour. looking for who he can devour. Satan roams like a lion. He's on the Satan roams like a lion. He's on the Satan roams like a lion. He's on the prowl prowl prowl and he's looking for prey. And if you and he's looking for prey. And if you and he's looking for prey. And if you understand nature and how that works in understand nature and how that works in understand nature and how that works in in in the in the real world is when in in the in the real world is when in in the in the real world is when there's a lion in the wild looking for there's a lion in the wild looking for there's a lion in the wild looking for food, who does that lion target? The one food, who does that lion target? The one food, who does that lion target? The one who's alone. There there there's safety who's alone. There there there's safety who's alone. There there there's safety in in in numbers. And that's what this in in in numbers. And that's what this in in in numbers. And that's what this passage is explaining to us. I want to passage is explaining to us. I want to passage is explaining to us. I want to show it to us in a real simple way. I I show it to us in a real simple way. I I show it to us in a real simple way. I I need a volunteer real quick. A need a volunteer real quick. A need a volunteer real quick. A volunteer. Yeah. Okay. Right there. volunteer. Yeah. Okay. Right there. volunteer. Yeah. Okay. Right there. You're in the front. Come on up. Come on You're in the front. Come on up. Come on You're in the front. Come on up. Come on up. You're going to join me up here. up. You're going to join me up here. up. You're going to join me up here. Yeah. I give it up, ladies and Yeah. I give it up, ladies and Yeah. I give it up, ladies and gentlemen. gentlemen. gentlemen. >> And what's your name? >> And what's your name? >> And what's your name? >> Bobby. >> Bobby. >> Bobby. >> Bobby. Okay. >> Bobby. Okay. >> Bobby. Okay. >> Not that you care because you're an >> Not that you care because you're an >> Not that you care because you're an extrovert. [laughter] But extrovert. [laughter] But extrovert. [laughter] But >> he said, "Not that I care because I'm an >> he said, "Not that I care because I'm an >> he said, "Not that I care because I'm an extrovert." I do care, Bob. Bobby, what extrovert." I do care, Bob. Bobby, what extrovert." I do care, Bob. Bobby, what do you do for a living? do you do for a living? do you do for a living? >> I'm retired. >> I'm retired. >> I'm retired. >> Retired from what? >> Retired from what? >> Retired from what? >> Uh, I was in law enforcement. >> Uh, I was in law enforcement. >> Uh, I was in law enforcement. >> Law enforcement? >> Law enforcement? >> Law enforcement? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. I might have picked the wrong guy. >> Okay. I might have picked the wrong guy. >> Okay. I might have picked the wrong guy. Hey, give it up for law enforcement. All Hey, give it up for law enforcement. All Hey, give it up for law enforcement. All right. All right. Here, I'm just going right. All right. Here, I'm just going right. All right. Here, I'm just going to give you this dial. I just want you to give you this dial. I just want you to give you this dial. I just want you to I just want you to snap it.

to I just want you to snap it. to I just want you to snap it. >> Snap it. >> Snap it. >> Snap it. >> Yeah, just snap it. >> Yeah, just snap it. >> Yeah, just snap it. Okay. Okay. That was pretty easy. Hold Okay. Okay. That was pretty easy. Hold Okay. Okay. That was pretty easy. Hold on. Stay there. Stay there, Mike. Hold on. Stay there. Stay there, Mike. Hold on. Stay there. Stay there, Mike. Hold on. Hold on, Bobby. There we go. You on. Hold on, Bobby. There we go. You on. Hold on, Bobby. There we go. You just throw those on the ground. just throw those on the ground. just throw those on the ground. >> Take it home. >> Take it home. >> Take it home. >> You can take it home for Yeah. Yeah. >> You can take it home for Yeah. Yeah. >> You can take it home for Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. I'm gonna give you three. Yeah. Okay. I'm gonna give you three. Yeah. Okay. I'm gonna give you three. >> Three. >> Three. >> Three. >> Yeah. I I've got some safety goggles >> Yeah. I I've got some safety goggles >> Yeah. I I've got some safety goggles here. here. here. >> No, they're they're for me. I don't I >> No, they're they're for me. I don't I >> No, they're they're for me. I don't I don't care about [laughter] No, I'm just don't care about [laughter] No, I'm just don't care about [laughter] No, I'm just joking. You You go ahead. You go ahead. joking. You You go ahead. You go ahead. joking. You You go ahead. You go ahead. All right, Bobby. Just grab those things All right, Bobby. Just grab those things All right, Bobby. Just grab those things and and and give them your best shot. and and and give them your best shot. and and and give them your best shot. >> Everything's kind of yellow. >> Everything's kind of yellow. >> Everything's kind of yellow. >> Okay. I I can't. I mean, I can >> Okay. I I can't. I mean, I can >> Okay. I I can't. I mean, I can >> Well, not that way. Well, I mean, do it. >> Well, not that way. Well, I mean, do it. >> Well, not that way. Well, I mean, do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. >> Way harder. Way tougher. >> Way harder. Way tougher. >> Way harder. Way tougher. >> Way tougher. >> Way tougher. >> Way tougher. >> Can I have the glasses? >> Can I have the glasses? >> Can I have the glasses? >> You cannot have the glasses. Hey, give >> You cannot have the glasses. Hey, give >> You cannot have the glasses. Hey, give it up for Bobby, ladies and gentlemen. it up for Bobby, ladies and gentlemen. it up for Bobby, ladies and gentlemen. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> No, you take it. >> No, you take it. >> No, you take it. A triple braided cord is not easily A triple braided cord is not easily A triple braided cord is not easily broken. There's strength in numbers.

broken. There's strength in numbers. broken. There's strength in numbers. There's safety in numbers. Does the There's safety in numbers. Does the There's safety in numbers. Does the enemy still target you when you're in a enemy still target you when you're in a enemy still target you when you're in a small group? Yeah. Does life still get small group? Yeah. Does life still get small group? Yeah. Does life still get tough when you're a small group? Sure. A tough when you're a small group? Sure. A tough when you're a small group? Sure. A triplebraided cord is not easily broken. triplebraided cord is not easily broken. triplebraided cord is not easily broken. Going through life solo, Going through life solo, Going through life solo, you're way more vulnerable, connected in you're way more vulnerable, connected in you're way more vulnerable, connected in relationships, relationships, relationships, stronger. You're seen in a small group stronger. You're seen in a small group stronger. You're seen in a small group and you're strengthened in a small and you're strengthened in a small and you're strengthened in a small group. There's another verse in Proverbs group. There's another verse in Proverbs group. There's another verse in Proverbs that says it this way. It's just sort of that says it this way. It's just sort of that says it this way. It's just sort of another way of saying the same thing. It another way of saying the same thing. It another way of saying the same thing. It says this in Proverbs 27:17. says this in Proverbs 27:17. says this in Proverbs 27:17. As iron sharpens iron, so a friend As iron sharpens iron, so a friend As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. As iron sharpens sharpens a friend. As iron sharpens sharpens a friend. As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Now, I I love the idea of being Now, I I love the idea of being Now, I I love the idea of being stronger, especially like physically. I stronger, especially like physically. I stronger, especially like physically. I love the idea physically of getting love the idea physically of getting love the idea physically of getting stronger. What I don't like is the pain stronger. What I don't like is the pain stronger. What I don't like is the pain involved in getting stronger. Um, when involved in getting stronger. Um, when involved in getting stronger. Um, when it comes to getting stronger, there it comes to getting stronger, there it comes to getting stronger, there there is some pain involved. And the there is some pain involved. And the there is some pain involved. And the pain is really kind of what sharpens us pain is really kind of what sharpens us pain is really kind of what sharpens us relationally.

relationally. relationally. You see, when all I do is live life on You see, when all I do is live life on You see, when all I do is live life on the surface, the surface, the surface, you don't call me out of my stuff. you don't call me out of my stuff. you don't call me out of my stuff. You don't follow up. when I if I were to You don't follow up. when I if I were to You don't follow up. when I if I were to share a prayer request, you're not share a prayer request, you're not share a prayer request, you're not following up and saying, "Hey, you following up and saying, "Hey, you following up and saying, "Hey, you mentioned this. mentioned this. mentioned this. Have you done what you were praying Have you done what you were praying Have you done what you were praying about doing? Hey, Kurt, here's what I about doing? Hey, Kurt, here's what I about doing? Hey, Kurt, here's what I noticed in your life." Like, that noticed in your life." Like, that noticed in your life." Like, that doesn't happen at at this level in a doesn't happen at at this level in a doesn't happen at at this level in a small group. You see, my my small group, small group. You see, my my small group, small group. You see, my my small group, they see me and they know I'm weird and they see me and they know I'm weird and they see me and they know I'm weird and they love me anyway. and they love me they love me anyway. and they love me they love me anyway. and they love me enough to sharpen me and to say, "Kurt, enough to sharpen me and to say, "Kurt, enough to sharpen me and to say, "Kurt, this is something to think about." Hey, this is something to think about." Hey, this is something to think about." Hey, Kurt, I I wonder if you've ever noticed Kurt, I I wonder if you've ever noticed Kurt, I I wonder if you've ever noticed this about this about this about how you relate to us, how you treat how you relate to us, how you treat how you relate to us, how you treat people. Hey, Kurt, you said this to people. Hey, Kurt, you said this to people. Hey, Kurt, you said this to Rachel last week and it felt kind of Rachel last week and it felt kind of Rachel last week and it felt kind of weird. Is everything okay? Like that is weird. Is everything okay? Like that is weird. Is everything okay? Like that is the sharpening. the sharpening. the sharpening. We hold each other accountable. We We hold each other accountable. We We hold each other accountable. We challenge each other. If you were to challenge each other. If you were to challenge each other. If you were to study the old ways of knife sharpening study the old ways of knife sharpening study the old ways of knife sharpening and iron sharpening iron, it was it's and iron sharpening iron, it was it's and iron sharpening iron, it was it's hard and there's sparks there. There hard and there's sparks there. There hard and there's sparks there. There there's like tension in the relationship there's like tension in the relationship there's like tension in the relationship between the iron, between the iron, between the iron, but sharpening is happening. And in a in but sharpening is happening. And in a in but sharpening is happening. And in a in a small group, there's going to be some a small group, there's going to be some a small group, there's going to be some tension. There's going to be some tough tension. There's going to be some tough tension. There's going to be some tough times. But the benefit of that, yeah, times. But the benefit of that, yeah, times. But the benefit of that, yeah, it's great to avoid it. It's great to it's great to avoid it. It's great to it's great to avoid it. It's great to avoid it. But without it, I don't I avoid it. But without it, I don't I avoid it. But without it, I don't I don't get stronger. I don't get sharper.

I I I need to be seen. I I I need to be I I I need to be seen. I I I need to be strengthened. I need to I need to be strengthened. I need to I need to be strengthened. I need to I need to be sharper. Small groups are not the only sharper. Small groups are not the only sharper. Small groups are not the only place for that to happen, but they place for that to happen, but they place for that to happen, but they really really are the best. They really really really are the best. They really really really are the best. They really are the best place for that to happen. are the best place for that to happen. are the best place for that to happen. Now, small groups are a big deal for all Now, small groups are a big deal for all Now, small groups are a big deal for all kinds of reasons. kinds of reasons. kinds of reasons. Small groups are a big deal because I'm Small groups are a big deal because I'm Small groups are a big deal because I'm seen. Small groups are a big deal seen. Small groups are a big deal seen. Small groups are a big deal because I'm strengthened. But that's not because I'm strengthened. But that's not because I'm strengthened. But that's not the only reason small groups are a big the only reason small groups are a big the only reason small groups are a big deal. Those are sort of what's in it for deal. Those are sort of what's in it for deal. Those are sort of what's in it for us. us. us. That's the what's in it for me. A That's the what's in it for me. A That's the what's in it for me. A salesperson might say those are the like salesperson might say those are the like salesperson might say those are the like the the the benefits. Sell the benefits. the the the benefits. Sell the benefits. the the the benefits. Sell the benefits. Well, the benefits are you're seen. Well, the benefits are you're seen. Well, the benefits are you're seen. There is a bigger more important benefit There is a bigger more important benefit There is a bigger more important benefit or reason to join a small group. You or reason to join a small group. You or reason to join a small group. You see, being seen and being strengthened see, being seen and being strengthened see, being seen and being strengthened and sharpened, all of that is in and sharpened, all of that is in and sharpened, all of that is in preparation preparation preparation to be sent. to be sent. to be sent. We're seen and sharpened together in We're seen and sharpened together in We're seen and sharpened together in preparation preparation preparation to be sent to make a difference in the to be sent to make a difference in the to be sent to make a difference in the world. There's a powerful moment.

world. There's a powerful moment. world. There's a powerful moment. There's a powerful scene in the Gospel There's a powerful scene in the Gospel There's a powerful scene in the Gospel of John towards the very end of the of John towards the very end of the of John towards the very end of the Gospel of John as Jesus is wrapping up Gospel of John as Jesus is wrapping up Gospel of John as Jesus is wrapping up his ministry. In fact, it takes place his ministry. In fact, it takes place his ministry. In fact, it takes place during the last supper up in the upper during the last supper up in the upper during the last supper up in the upper room. And Jesus knows he's going to go room. And Jesus knows he's going to go room. And Jesus knows he's going to go to the garden and pray. Jesus knows he's to the garden and pray. Jesus knows he's to the garden and pray. Jesus knows he's going to get betrayed and arrested and going to get betrayed and arrested and going to get betrayed and arrested and crucified. And he's in the upper room crucified. And he's in the upper room crucified. And he's in the upper room having the last gathering, the last having the last gathering, the last having the last gathering, the last supper, the last meal with his supper, the last meal with his supper, the last meal with his disciples. And and towards the end of disciples. And and towards the end of disciples. And and towards the end of the time together, Jesus prays a really the time together, Jesus prays a really the time together, Jesus prays a really powerful prayer over his disciples. It's powerful prayer over his disciples. It's powerful prayer over his disciples. It's a prayer asking for unity. It's a prayer a prayer asking for unity. It's a prayer a prayer asking for unity. It's a prayer of commissioning. It's a prayer of of of commissioning. It's a prayer of of of commissioning. It's a prayer of of blessing. And it's a little bit of a blessing. And it's a little bit of a blessing. And it's a little bit of a long prayer, but but towards the end in long prayer, but but towards the end in long prayer, but but towards the end in the book of John in John 17, here's what the book of John in John 17, here's what the book of John in John 17, here's what Jesus prays to God the Father. He says Jesus prays to God the Father. He says Jesus prays to God the Father. He says this, "God, just as you sent me into the this, "God, just as you sent me into the this, "God, just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.

world, I am sending them into the world. world, I am sending them into the world. Just as you have sent me, I am sending Just as you have sent me, I am sending Just as you have sent me, I am sending them. I've got good news. Jesus is still them. I've got good news. Jesus is still them. I've got good news. Jesus is still in the sending business. That's what in the sending business. That's what in the sending business. That's what Jesus does. He sends us into the world. Jesus does. He sends us into the world. Jesus does. He sends us into the world. Small groups are a big deal because we Small groups are a big deal because we Small groups are a big deal because we get to gather. We get to we get to be get to gather. We get to we get to be get to gather. We get to we get to be seen and we get to be strengthened, but seen and we get to be strengthened, but seen and we get to be strengthened, but not just for our own benefit. not just for our own benefit. not just for our own benefit. That's good, but it's it's really kind That's good, but it's it's really kind That's good, but it's it's really kind of it's it's of it's it's of it's it's out of balance. In fact, here here's a out of balance. In fact, here here's a out of balance. In fact, here here's a way to think about it that works for me. way to think about it that works for me. way to think about it that works for me. Um, I like to think of two words when it Um, I like to think of two words when it Um, I like to think of two words when it comes to small groups is we we gather. comes to small groups is we we gather. comes to small groups is we we gather. And here's kind of a picture of a And here's kind of a picture of a And here's kind of a picture of a typical maybe a small group and they typical maybe a small group and they typical maybe a small group and they gather and they're they're praying at gather and they're they're praying at gather and they're they're praying at the end and they're kind of inward the end and they're kind of inward the end and they're kind of inward focused, right? It's it's it's nice. focused, right? It's it's it's nice. focused, right? It's it's it's nice. It's comfortable. We get together. We're It's comfortable. We get together. We're It's comfortable. We get together. We're a we're a little holy huddle just loving a we're a little holy huddle just loving a we're a little holy huddle just loving on each other, seeing each other, on each other, seeing each other, on each other, seeing each other, strengthening each other, sharpening strengthening each other, sharpening strengthening each other, sharpening each other. But that's not why small each other. But that's not why small each other. But that's not why small groups ultimately exist. Small groups groups ultimately exist. Small groups groups ultimately exist. Small groups exist so that after you gather one day a exist so that after you gather one day a exist so that after you gather one day a week for the other six days a week, you week for the other six days a week, you week for the other six days a week, you go. So small groups are a place to go. So small groups are a place to go. So small groups are a place to gather so that you can be more equipped gather so that you can be more equipped gather so that you can be more equipped and confident to go into the world and and confident to go into the world and and confident to go into the world and represent the good news of the gospel of represent the good news of the gospel of represent the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere you go.

Jesus Christ everywhere you go. Jesus Christ everywhere you go. Last week, if you were here last week, Last week, if you were here last week, Last week, if you were here last week, Pastor Andy said something really Pastor Andy said something really Pastor Andy said something really powerful. Last week, Pastor Andy said powerful. Last week, Pastor Andy said powerful. Last week, Pastor Andy said this. He said, "When you choose to live this. He said, "When you choose to live this. He said, "When you choose to live sin," our whole series that we're in is sin," our whole series that we're in is sin," our whole series that we're in is this idea of living scent. Going into this idea of living scent. Going into this idea of living scent. Going into the world as representatives of Jesus the world as representatives of Jesus the world as representatives of Jesus Christ. And Andy said, "When you choose Christ. And Andy said, "When you choose Christ. And Andy said, "When you choose to live sin, you choose to live at war. to live sin, you choose to live at war. to live sin, you choose to live at war. When you choose to live sin, you choose When you choose to live sin, you choose When you choose to live sin, you choose to live at war. to live at war. to live at war. And that makes sense. The scriptures And that makes sense. The scriptures And that makes sense. The scriptures talk about that. We know the enemy hates talk about that. We know the enemy hates talk about that. We know the enemy hates us. He's looking out to see who he can us. He's looking out to see who he can us. He's looking out to see who he can devour. If you're a follower of Jesus devour. If you're a follower of Jesus devour. If you're a follower of Jesus today, you understand that I'm I'm going today, you understand that I'm I'm going today, you understand that I'm I'm going to I'm going to go out on a little bit to I'm going to go out on a little bit to I'm going to go out on a little bit of a limb. I don't think it's much of a of a limb. I don't think it's much of a of a limb. I don't think it's much of a limb at all and say this. Even if you're limb at all and say this. Even if you're limb at all and say this. Even if you're here this week at church and you're not here this week at church and you're not here this week at church and you're not a Jesus follower, you do recognize that a Jesus follower, you do recognize that a Jesus follower, you do recognize that life is a battle, right? I mean, life's life is a battle, right? I mean, life's life is a battle, right? I mean, life's a battle. Relationships are hard. Work a battle. Relationships are hard. Work a battle. Relationships are hard. Work is hard. Figuring out culture and our is hard. Figuring out culture and our is hard. Figuring out culture and our place in it. You don't have to love place in it. You don't have to love place in it. You don't have to love Jesus. If you're just sort of like Jesus. If you're just sort of like Jesus. If you're just sort of like somebody who's trying to do right in the somebody who's trying to do right in the somebody who's trying to do right in the world, you recognize, man, this is I'm world, you recognize, man, this is I'm world, you recognize, man, this is I'm up against it sometimes. This is a up against it sometimes. This is a up against it sometimes. This is a fight.

Here's what I would suggest. Here's what I would suggest. Yep. Life is a battle. Yep. Life is a battle. Yep. Life is a battle. Why would you ever fight it alone? Why would you ever fight it alone? Why would you ever fight it alone? Why would you fight the battle by Why would you fight the battle by Why would you fight the battle by yourself? There's safety in numbers. yourself? There's safety in numbers. yourself? There's safety in numbers. The enemy is out to get us. The world is The enemy is out to get us. The world is The enemy is out to get us. The world is out to get us. The cards feel stacked out to get us. The cards feel stacked out to get us. The cards feel stacked against us sometimes. Why would we against us sometimes. Why would we against us sometimes. Why would we choose if we have a choice, and we do to choose if we have a choice, and we do to choose if we have a choice, and we do to say, "No, I got it. I got it. I'm I'm say, "No, I got it. I got it. I'm I'm say, "No, I got it. I got it. I'm I'm I'm good." Or, "No, I'm gonna I'm going I'm good." Or, "No, I'm gonna I'm going I'm good." Or, "No, I'm gonna I'm going to go to battle with others. I I'm I'm to go to battle with others. I I'm I'm to go to battle with others. I I'm I'm gonna have people have my back. There gonna have people have my back. There gonna have people have my back. There there's there's weapons of war. there's there's weapons of war. there's there's weapons of war. I believe one of the greatest weapons of I believe one of the greatest weapons of I believe one of the greatest weapons of war is a small group. war is a small group. war is a small group. It's a small group. It's what It's a small group. It's what It's a small group. It's what Ecclesiastes talked about. Shouldertosh Ecclesiastes talked about. Shouldertosh Ecclesiastes talked about. Shouldertosh shoulder, back to back, keeping each shoulder, back to back, keeping each shoulder, back to back, keeping each other warm, looking out for each other. other warm, looking out for each other. other warm, looking out for each other. A triplebraided cord is not easily A triplebraided cord is not easily A triplebraided cord is not easily broken. broken. broken. Today, I'm going to I'm going to ask for Today, I'm going to I'm going to ask for Today, I'm going to I'm going to ask for you to think about one of three you to think about one of three you to think about one of three um opportunities, responses. I I I want um opportunities, responses. I I I want um opportunities, responses. I I I want to talk to those of you for a minute who to talk to those of you for a minute who to talk to those of you for a minute who you're not in a small group. Um if you're not in a small group. Um if you're not in a small group. Um if you're not in a small group and you're you're not in a small group and you're you're not in a small group and you're listening to this and you're thinking, I listening to this and you're thinking, I listening to this and you're thinking, I I I might be up for it, I would love for I I might be up for it, I would love for I I might be up for it, I would love for you to let us know. In fact, on your um you to let us know. In fact, on your um you to let us know. In fact, on your um next step cards that are on your chairs, next step cards that are on your chairs, next step cards that are on your chairs, if you want to be in a small group, just if you want to be in a small group, just if you want to be in a small group, just write the word join. Just write the word

write the word join. Just write the word write the word join. Just write the word join on the back. Put a an email join on the back. Put a an email join on the back. Put a an email address, a cell phone number, however address, a cell phone number, however address, a cell phone number, however you want us to track you down, and we you want us to track you down, and we you want us to track you down, and we won't hound you for anything other than won't hound you for anything other than won't hound you for anything other than the word you write on here. Okay? So, if the word you write on here. Okay? So, if the word you write on here. Okay? So, if you write join, we will help you find a you write join, we will help you find a you write join, we will help you find a small group. Some of our small groups small group. Some of our small groups small group. Some of our small groups are a little bit more about being seen are a little bit more about being seen are a little bit more about being seen and making friends. Some of our small and making friends. Some of our small and making friends. Some of our small groups are a little bit more about being groups are a little bit more about being groups are a little bit more about being strengthened in our in our walk with strengthened in our in our walk with strengthened in our in our walk with Jesus. They're a little bit more Jesus. They're a little bit more Jesus. They're a little bit more disciplehip, disciplehip, Bible study disciplehip, disciplehip, Bible study disciplehip, disciplehip, Bible study oriented. If you just write the word oriented. If you just write the word oriented. If you just write the word join, somebody at your campus will reach join, somebody at your campus will reach join, somebody at your campus will reach out to you this week and help you find a out to you this week and help you find a out to you this week and help you find a small group. I want to talk to some of small group. I want to talk to some of small group. I want to talk to some of you who maybe you're not in a small you who maybe you're not in a small you who maybe you're not in a small group. Chances are you are this group of group. Chances are you are this group of group. Chances are you are this group of people, but you might be feeling a nudge people, but you might be feeling a nudge people, but you might be feeling a nudge to take a step and stretch yourself and to take a step and stretch yourself and to take a step and stretch yourself and lead or start a small group. If you're lead or start a small group. If you're lead or start a small group. If you're interested in just learning a little bit interested in just learning a little bit interested in just learning a little bit more about what it would be like to lead more about what it would be like to lead more about what it would be like to lead a small group, just write the word lead a small group, just write the word lead a small group, just write the word lead on your card. If you write lead somebody on your card. If you write lead somebody on your card. If you write lead somebody this week at your campus, they will this week at your campus, they will this week at your campus, they will reach out to you and they'll talk to you reach out to you and they'll talk to you reach out to you and they'll talk to you about writing. The word lead doesn't about writing. The word lead doesn't about writing. The word lead doesn't commit you to leading. It just says, commit you to leading. It just says, commit you to leading. It just says, "I'm interested in hearing what it's "I'm interested in hearing what it's "I'm interested in hearing what it's about." And we'll talk to you about what about." And we'll talk to you about what about." And we'll talk to you about what that looks like to lead that looks like to lead that looks like to lead a small group. Now, small groups are a a small group. Now, small groups are a a small group. Now, small groups are a big deal because they put us in big deal because they put us in big deal because they put us in relationship with each other. And relationship with each other. And relationship with each other. And relationship with each other is a very, relationship with each other is a very, relationship with each other is a very, very important thing. It's part of why very important thing. It's part of why very important thing. It's part of why we were created.

we were created. we were created. Ultimately, there is a relationship that Ultimately, there is a relationship that Ultimately, there is a relationship that matters more than your relationship with matters more than your relationship with matters more than your relationship with others. It's what sets the stage for all others. It's what sets the stage for all others. It's what sets the stage for all other relationships. And that's a other relationships. And that's a other relationships. And that's a relationship with the creator. It's a relationship with the creator. It's a relationship with the creator. It's a relationship with God through Jesus. And relationship with God through Jesus. And relationship with God through Jesus. And if you've been coming to church for a if you've been coming to church for a if you've been coming to church for a long time, maybe you hardly ever come to long time, maybe you hardly ever come to long time, maybe you hardly ever come to church, and you think, I I've never church, and you think, I I've never church, and you think, I I've never really thought much about following really thought much about following really thought much about following Jesus, but I sure would be open to it, Jesus, but I sure would be open to it, Jesus, but I sure would be open to it, or I would at least be open to talking or I would at least be open to talking or I would at least be open to talking to somebody about it. I'm going to ask to somebody about it. I'm going to ask to somebody about it. I'm going to ask you to do something kind of brave, and you to do something kind of brave, and you to do something kind of brave, and I'm going to ask you on your card just I'm going to ask you on your card just I'm going to ask you on your card just to write the word Jesus. to write the word Jesus. to write the word Jesus. Just write the word Jesus. Writing the Just write the word Jesus. Writing the Just write the word Jesus. Writing the word Jesus doesn't have to mean you're word Jesus doesn't have to mean you're word Jesus doesn't have to mean you're committing to follow him forever today. committing to follow him forever today. committing to follow him forever today. It might. That'd be amazing. But if you It might. That'd be amazing. But if you It might. That'd be amazing. But if you write the word Jesus somebody at your write the word Jesus somebody at your write the word Jesus somebody at your campus this week, we'll give you a call. campus this week, we'll give you a call. campus this week, we'll give you a call. They'll shoot you an email. Whatever you They'll shoot you an email. Whatever you They'll shoot you an email. Whatever you put down, whatever you want for us to put down, whatever you want for us to put down, whatever you want for us to connect with you, and we'll talk to you connect with you, and we'll talk to you connect with you, and we'll talk to you about who Jesus is and what a about who Jesus is and what a about who Jesus is and what a relationship with him looks like and how relationship with him looks like and how relationship with him looks like and how it can change your life.

it can change your life. it can change your life. This is the most important relationship This is the most important relationship This is the most important relationship you could ever have. Some of you might you could ever have. Some of you might you could ever have. Some of you might be willing and ready tonight just to be willing and ready tonight just to be willing and ready tonight just to say, "I'm in. I I I want right Jesus. say, "I'm in. I I I want right Jesus. say, "I'm in. I I I want right Jesus. And when I pray here in a second, you And when I pray here in a second, you And when I pray here in a second, you can just pray and ask Jesus to make can just pray and ask Jesus to make can just pray and ask Jesus to make himself known to you and and to come himself known to you and and to come himself known to you and and to come into your life. Tell Jesus that's what into your life. Tell Jesus that's what into your life. Tell Jesus that's what you want. Let us know and we would love you want. Let us know and we would love you want. Let us know and we would love to talk to you more about it. to talk to you more about it. to talk to you more about it. Small groups, Small groups, Small groups, they are messy. they are messy. they are messy. People in small groups are weird. They are They are a risk. It is risky. It is risky to join a risk. It is risky. It is risky to join a risk. It is risky. It is risky to join a small group and put yourself out a small group and put yourself out a small group and put yourself out there. It's risky to lead a small group there. It's risky to lead a small group there. It's risky to lead a small group and put yourself in a position of some and put yourself in a position of some and put yourself in a position of some level of organizational authority that level of organizational authority that level of organizational authority that it's risky stuff. it's risky stuff. it's risky stuff. But you guys, because life is a battle, But you guys, because life is a battle, But you guys, because life is a battle, I would simply say this. Yeah, small I would simply say this. Yeah, small I would simply say this. Yeah, small groups are risky, but it's a risk that groups are risky, but it's a risk that groups are risky, but it's a risk that you can't afford not to take. Let's you can't afford not to take. Let's you can't afford not to take. Let's pray. Jesus, pray. Jesus, pray. Jesus, thank you for loving us. Father, thank thank you for loving us. Father, thank thank you for loving us. Father, thank you for the church. Father, thank you you for the church. Father, thank you you for the church. Father, thank you that church isn't just some place that that church isn't just some place that that church isn't just some place that we're supposed to go to, but it's a we're supposed to go to, but it's a we're supposed to go to, but it's a family that we can belong to. Father, family that we can belong to. Father, family that we can belong to. Father, church isn't just a place where people church isn't just a place where people church isn't just a place where people see us real quick. It's a place where we see us real quick. It's a place where we see us real quick. It's a place where we can be deeply seen and deeply known. And can be deeply seen and deeply known. And can be deeply seen and deeply known. And God, thanks for the opportunity that you God, thanks for the opportunity that you God, thanks for the opportunity that you provide for us to join a small group.

provide for us to join a small group. provide for us to join a small group. Jesus, I pray that you would nudge us if Jesus, I pray that you would nudge us if Jesus, I pray that you would nudge us if we haven't to to take a chance. Take a we haven't to to take a chance. Take a we haven't to to take a chance. Take a chance. Join a group. Lead a group. chance. Join a group. Lead a group. chance. Join a group. Lead a group. Father, for any men and women here Father, for any men and women here Father, for any men and women here tonight today who don't already know tonight today who don't already know tonight today who don't already know you, they haven't put their trust in you, they haven't put their trust in you, they haven't put their trust in you. They don't have a friendship or you. They don't have a friendship or you. They don't have a friendship or relationship with you. Um, relationship with you. Um, relationship with you. Um, I pray Jesus that even right now they I pray Jesus that even right now they I pray Jesus that even right now they would simply surrender would simply surrender would simply surrender control of their life to the one who control of their life to the one who control of their life to the one who loves them with a deep neverending loves them with a deep neverending loves them with a deep neverending love. love. love. Father, you died on the cross for us so Father, you died on the cross for us so Father, you died on the cross for us so that we can have a friendship and an that we can have a friendship and an that we can have a friendship and an eternal relationship with you. eternal relationship with you. eternal relationship with you. Father, I pray that Father, I pray that Father, I pray that you would give us the desire to know you would give us the desire to know you would give us the desire to know more about you. Father, we we love you. more about you. Father, we we love you. more about you. Father, we we love you. Those of us who love you, the only Those of us who love you, the only Those of us who love you, the only reason we love you, the Bible says, is reason we love you, the Bible says, is reason we love you, the Bible says, is because you loved us first. God, thanks because you loved us first. God, thanks because you loved us first. God, thanks for loving us. Thanks for looking at us for loving us. Thanks for looking at us for loving us. Thanks for looking at us and saying, "It's good."

and saying, "It's good." and saying, "It's good." And then giving us so much more. And then giving us so much more. And then giving us so much more. the gift of your love and the gift of the gift of your love and the gift of the gift of your love and the gift of relationship with your people. For that relationship with your people. For that relationship with your people. For that we say thanks. In your name we pray. we say thanks. In your name we pray. we say thanks. In your name we pray. Amen. To be [music and singing] ting a grave. To be [music and singing] ting a grave. I was called by name. Born [music] and I was called by name. Born [music] and I was called by name. Born [music] and raised back to life again. raised back to life again. raised back to life again. Oh, I was made [singing] for more. Oh, I was made [singing] for more. Oh, I was made [singing] for more. Just follow me. Just follow me. Just follow me. So why [music] would I make the bed in So why [music] would I make the bed in So why [music] would I make the bed in [singing] my stream when a fountain [singing] my stream when a fountain [singing] my stream when a fountain [music] of grace is running my way? I [music] of grace is running my way? I [music] of grace is running my way? I know I am yours. I [music] was made for know I am yours. I [music] was made for know I am yours. I [music] was made for more. I was amazed [music] I was amazed [music] in the grave. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] [music]

[music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. >> I am so grateful that you joined us for >> I am so grateful that you joined us for service today. And it's so awesome service today. And it's so awesome service today. And it's so awesome getting to hear from [music] Pastor Kerr getting to hear from [music] Pastor Kerr getting to hear from [music] Pastor Kerr and to be reminded of the importance of and to be reminded of the importance of and to be reminded of the importance of small groups. God created us for [music] small groups. God created us for [music] small groups. God created us for [music] connection and for community with other connection and for community with other connection and for community with other people. And it's so encouraging knowing people. And it's so encouraging knowing people. And it's so encouraging knowing that we don't have to walk through life that we don't have to walk through life that we don't have to walk through life alone. And so if you're not in a small alone. And so if you're not in a small alone. And so if you're not in a small group right now, we want to encourage group right now, we want to encourage group right now, we want to encourage you this fall [music] to take that step you this fall [music] to take that step you this fall [music] to take that step of faith and to join a group. Or maybe of faith and to join a group. Or maybe of faith and to join a group. Or maybe God is prompting your heart to lead a God is prompting your heart to lead a God is prompting your heart to lead a group this semester. We want to come group this semester. We want to come group this semester. We want to come alongside you and to train you and equip alongside you and to train you and equip alongside you and to train you and equip you to lead and to start a group. Or you to lead and to start a group. Or you to lead and to start a group. Or maybe there's something else that God is maybe there's something else that God is maybe there's something else that God is putting on your heart that you might putting on your heart that you might putting on your heart that you might need prayer for or to start relationship need prayer for or to start relationship need prayer for or to start relationship with him for the very first time. You with him for the very first time. You with him for the very first time. You can let us know what next step that you can let us know what next step that you can let us know what next step that you might want to be take [music] taking by might want to be take [music] taking by might want to be take [music] taking by going to the Saddleback app or clicking going to the Saddleback app or clicking going to the Saddleback app or clicking that link in the description to access that link in the description to access that link in the description to access [music] our digital program. We as a [music] our digital program. We as a [music] our digital program. We as a church want to come alongside you to church want to come alongside you to church want to come alongside you to pray for you and to support you [music] pray for you and to support you [music] pray for you and to support you [music] as you walk in your journey with Jesus.

as you walk in your journey with Jesus. as you walk in your journey with Jesus. We're so grateful that you joined us We're so grateful that you joined us We're so grateful that you joined us this week and we hope to see you again this week and we hope to see you again this week and we hope to see you again next weekend as we [music] continue our next weekend as we [music] continue our next weekend as we [music] continue our live sent series. We love you so much live sent series. We love you so much live sent series. We love you so much and we'll see you again soon.