Divine Design: Discovering God’s Design For Family | Andy Wood

We are in the fourth week of a message We are in the fourth week of a message series called Fight for Your Family. And series called Fight for Your Family. And series called Fight for Your Family. And I do want to invite you to join us in I do want to invite you to join us in I do want to invite you to join us in your app for your notes. You'll also your app for your notes. You'll also your app for your notes. You'll also find that uh notes in the seat in front find that uh notes in the seat in front find that uh notes in the seat in front of you. And we're going to journey of you. And we're going to journey of you. And we're going to journey together today looking at God's design together today looking at God's design together today looking at God's design for family. But before we jump in, I do for family. But before we jump in, I do for family. But before we jump in, I do just want to say one really important just want to say one really important just want to say one really important thing. In two weeks from now, we're thing. In two weeks from now, we're thing. In two weeks from now, we're going to start a brand new message going to start a brand new message going to start a brand new message series called Hey God. Can we say that series called Hey God. Can we say that series called Hey God. Can we say that together? Hey God. And the idea is that together? Hey God. And the idea is that together? Hey God. And the idea is that we all have questions for God. Like if we all have questions for God. Like if we all have questions for God. Like if you could ask God one question, what you could ask God one question, what you could ask God one question, what would that one question be that you would that one question be that you would that one question be that you would ask God? And sometimes we have would ask God? And sometimes we have would ask God? And sometimes we have these questions that burn in our hearts these questions that burn in our hearts these questions that burn in our hearts and we feel like we can't bring them to and we feel like we can't bring them to and we feel like we can't bring them to God. Well, the good news is God is a God God. Well, the good news is God is a God God. Well, the good news is God is a God who receives those questions and wants who receives those questions and wants who receives those questions and wants to help us as we wrestle through them. to help us as we wrestle through them. to help us as we wrestle through them. So for three weeks coming up two weeks So for three weeks coming up two weeks So for three weeks coming up two weeks from now, we're going to journey through from now, we're going to journey through from now, we're going to journey through three big questions. And here's where I three big questions. And here's where I three big questions. And here's where I need your help. I want to know what are need your help. I want to know what are need your help. I want to know what are the questions in your heart that you the questions in your heart that you the questions in your heart that you would love to ask God. So in the app, would love to ask God. So in the app, would love to ask God. So in the app, you're going to see a little survey that you're going to see a little survey that you're going to see a little survey that you can take that gives you 10 you can take that gives you 10 you can take that gives you 10 questions. You can pick three of them questions. You can pick three of them questions. You can pick three of them and you're going to get to decide along and you're going to get to decide along and you're going to get to decide along with the rest of us what do we what do with the rest of us what do we what do with the rest of us what do we what do we focus in on for those three weeks.

we focus in on for those three weeks. we focus in on for those three weeks. Take you about 30 seconds. at some point Take you about 30 seconds. at some point Take you about 30 seconds. at some point when my message is boring today, I just when my message is boring today, I just when my message is boring today, I just want to encourage you to go to the app want to encourage you to go to the app want to encourage you to go to the app and you can fill that out or some point and you can fill that out or some point and you can fill that out or some point this week and that will help us as we're this week and that will help us as we're this week and that will help us as we're getting together um planning what we're getting together um planning what we're getting together um planning what we're going to talk about with the next series going to talk about with the next series going to talk about with the next series coming up. Now, today as we're talking coming up. Now, today as we're talking coming up. Now, today as we're talking about God's design for family, I want to about God's design for family, I want to about God's design for family, I want to just go back a little bit to my family just go back a little bit to my family just go back a little bit to my family growing up. So, when I was growing up, growing up. So, when I was growing up, growing up. So, when I was growing up, my parents divorced when I was young. Uh my parents divorced when I was young. Uh my parents divorced when I was young. Uh my dad remarried, my stepmom came with my dad remarried, my stepmom came with my dad remarried, my stepmom came with two, my dad had two, and together they two, my dad had two, and together they two, my dad had two, and together they had one. And one of the things that we had one. And one of the things that we had one. And one of the things that we would often do as a family is we would would often do as a family is we would would often do as a family is we would go on family vacations. Well, as you can go on family vacations. Well, as you can go on family vacations. Well, as you can imagine with five kids, like you don't imagine with five kids, like you don't imagine with five kids, like you don't always get to go on the most expensive always get to go on the most expensive always get to go on the most expensive vacation. Sometimes you're like vacation. Sometimes you're like vacation. Sometimes you're like borrowing houses and condos and borrowing houses and condos and borrowing houses and condos and sometimes they're really awesome. But we sometimes they're really awesome. But we sometimes they're really awesome. But we would often go to my parents my would often go to my parents my would often go to my parents my grandparents condo in Kentucky. So I grandparents condo in Kentucky. So I grandparents condo in Kentucky. So I grew up in Michigan. Kentucky is just a grew up in Michigan. Kentucky is just a grew up in Michigan. Kentucky is just a few states away from Michigan. And we few states away from Michigan. And we few states away from Michigan. And we drove down to my grandparents condo and drove down to my grandparents condo and drove down to my grandparents condo and it was in this kind of like quasi senior it was in this kind of like quasi senior it was in this kind of like quasi senior citizen golf course kind of community.

citizen golf course kind of community. citizen golf course kind of community. And no offense, but uh it's not really And no offense, but uh it's not really And no offense, but uh it's not really the greatest place for teenage kids to the greatest place for teenage kids to the greatest place for teenage kids to go. So we went there and my go. So we went there and my go. So we went there and my grandparents, they had all kinds of grandparents, they had all kinds of grandparents, they had all kinds of rules like when we would come to their rules like when we would come to their rules like when we would come to their condo and I always felt like they were condo and I always felt like they were condo and I always felt like they were treading on me. Like these are really treading on me. Like these are really treading on me. Like these are really extreme rules and I I just felt like man extreme rules and I I just felt like man extreme rules and I I just felt like man just let us have some fun. Now looking just let us have some fun. Now looking just let us have some fun. Now looking back they make a little bit more sense. back they make a little bit more sense. back they make a little bit more sense. Some of them were like don't put the Some of them were like don't put the Some of them were like don't put the teaspoon back in the sugar after you use teaspoon back in the sugar after you use teaspoon back in the sugar after you use it. I get it. Okay now but one of them it. I get it. Okay now but one of them it. I get it. Okay now but one of them was no using the golf cart without was no using the golf cart without was no using the golf cart without adults. Now that felt a little bit more adults. Now that felt a little bit more adults. Now that felt a little bit more like a suggestion than a rule to me. And like a suggestion than a rule to me. And like a suggestion than a rule to me. And there was this one day where my parents, there was this one day where my parents, there was this one day where my parents, my dad, and my stepmom laid down for a my dad, and my stepmom laid down for a my dad, and my stepmom laid down for a nap. And what do you do in Kentucky at a nap. And what do you do in Kentucky at a nap. And what do you do in Kentucky at a senior adult golf course other than ride senior adult golf course other than ride senior adult golf course other than ride the golf cart? So, we got the fancy the golf cart? So, we got the fancy the golf cart? So, we got the fancy idea, my brothers and I, we would go on idea, my brothers and I, we would go on idea, my brothers and I, we would go on a a golf ride. I'm the oldest, so I a a golf ride. I'm the oldest, so I a a golf ride. I'm the oldest, so I suggested it and we started going. And suggested it and we started going. And suggested it and we started going. And if you've ever been to Kentucky, there's if you've ever been to Kentucky, there's if you've ever been to Kentucky, there's some really big hills in Kentucky. So, some really big hills in Kentucky. So, some really big hills in Kentucky. So, we're driving around this golf co. We do we're driving around this golf co. We do we're driving around this golf co. We do it about three or four times. I mean, it about three or four times. I mean, it about three or four times. I mean, we're getting some serious speed. A we're getting some serious speed. A we're getting some serious speed. A speed that the golf uh the that the golf speed that the golf uh the that the golf speed that the golf uh the that the golf cart is not designed for. Okay. So, cart is not designed for. Okay. So, cart is not designed for. Okay. So, we're going like 25 30 m an hour down we're going like 25 30 m an hour down we're going like 25 30 m an hour down this road. And we do it about three or this road. And we do it about three or this road. And we do it about three or four times. That's great. And then we four times. That's great. And then we four times. That's great. And then we see something. And the thing that we saw see something. And the thing that we saw see something. And the thing that we saw off in the distance was a field. And not off in the distance was a field. And not off in the distance was a field. And not just any field. It was a big field. And just any field. It was a big field. And just any field. It was a big field. And not only was it a big field, but it was

not only was it a big field, but it was not only was it a big field, but it was a big field with a really big hill. So, a big field with a really big hill. So, a big field with a really big hill. So, I had the idea, let's drive over there I had the idea, let's drive over there I had the idea, let's drive over there and see how fast we can get the golf and see how fast we can get the golf and see how fast we can get the golf cart going. So, we went over and we went cart going. So, we went over and we went cart going. So, we went over and we went down one time. It was awesome. We almost down one time. It was awesome. We almost down one time. It was awesome. We almost flipped it, but we're like, "Okay, we flipped it, but we're like, "Okay, we flipped it, but we're like, "Okay, we didn't flip it. We can do it another didn't flip it. We can do it another didn't flip it. We can do it another time." So, the next time we're going time." So, the next time we're going time." So, the next time we're going down and apparently there's this one down and apparently there's this one down and apparently there's this one spot where you can catch air. And when spot where you can catch air. And when spot where you can catch air. And when we got to the one spot that you catch we got to the one spot that you catch we got to the one spot that you catch air, we caught air. We caught serious air, we caught air. We caught serious air, we caught air. We caught serious air. And those front tires went up in air. And those front tires went up in air. And those front tires went up in the air and those front tires came down. the air and those front tires came down. the air and those front tires came down. And would you know that they don't And would you know that they don't And would you know that they don't design golf carts to catch air? That's design golf carts to catch air? That's design golf carts to catch air? That's like nobody had that idea. Put it like nobody had that idea. Put it like nobody had that idea. Put it together so it can catch air. So we together so it can catch air. So we together so it can catch air. So we caught air. Those front tires came down. caught air. Those front tires came down. caught air. Those front tires came down. And let's just say that we did our very And let's just say that we did our very And let's just say that we did our very best to salvage the windshield of the best to salvage the windshield of the best to salvage the windshield of the golf cart. And we took these big pieces golf cart. And we took these big pieces golf cart. And we took these big pieces of plexiglass back to the condo and we of plexiglass back to the condo and we of plexiglass back to the condo and we did what made sense to teenage kids. We did what made sense to teenage kids. We did what made sense to teenage kids. We got out some duct tape. We put it back got out some duct tape. We put it back got out some duct tape. We put it back together and we hoped that nobody would together and we hoped that nobody would together and we hoped that nobody would find out.

find out. find out. Well, somebody find found out. I will Well, somebody find found out. I will Well, somebody find found out. I will spare you the details of what happened spare you the details of what happened spare you the details of what happened next, but let's just say golf carts have next, but let's just say golf carts have next, but let's just say golf carts have an intended design and catching air is an intended design and catching air is an intended design and catching air is not a part of the intended design. And not a part of the intended design. And not a part of the intended design. And when you use them as they're not when you use them as they're not when you use them as they're not supposed to be used, there is a supposed to be used, there is a supposed to be used, there is a consequence. Can we say that together? consequence. Can we say that together? consequence. Can we say that together? There is a consequence. You know, most There is a consequence. You know, most There is a consequence. You know, most things in our life, there's an intended things in our life, there's an intended things in our life, there's an intended design. Like the chair you're in right design. Like the chair you're in right design. Like the chair you're in right now, if you're seated, there's an now, if you're seated, there's an now, if you're seated, there's an intended design for that chair. It's not intended design for that chair. It's not intended design for that chair. It's not designed to be jumped off. It's designed designed to be jumped off. It's designed designed to be jumped off. It's designed to be sat on. And all throughout the to be sat on. And all throughout the to be sat on. And all throughout the Bible, God gives us glimpses of this Bible, God gives us glimpses of this Bible, God gives us glimpses of this beautiful intended design for how life beautiful intended design for how life beautiful intended design for how life works. You know, God's intended design works. You know, God's intended design works. You know, God's intended design is never to punish us. In fact, God is never to punish us. In fact, God is never to punish us. In fact, God gives his intended design so that we gives his intended design so that we gives his intended design so that we might flourish and be blessed. And many might flourish and be blessed. And many might flourish and be blessed. And many times when you read the Bible, you can times when you read the Bible, you can times when you read the Bible, you can read the Bible through the filter like read the Bible through the filter like read the Bible through the filter like there are all these rules of things that there are all these rules of things that there are all these rules of things that we cannot do. But the better way to look we cannot do. But the better way to look we cannot do. But the better way to look at it is actually that there is a design at it is actually that there is a design at it is actually that there is a design that God gives to bless us to bless our that God gives to bless us to bless our that God gives to bless us to bless our homes, our families, our relationships.

homes, our families, our relationships. homes, our families, our relationships. So when it comes to family, family works So when it comes to family, family works So when it comes to family, family works best when it follows God's divine best when it follows God's divine best when it follows God's divine design. design. design. And I want to talk today what what is And I want to talk today what what is And I want to talk today what what is God's divine design for the family? God's divine design for the family? God's divine design for the family? We've been talking these last few weeks We've been talking these last few weeks We've been talking these last few weeks about fighting for our families, but we about fighting for our families, but we about fighting for our families, but we haven't stopped to pause and say, "Well, haven't stopped to pause and say, "Well, haven't stopped to pause and say, "Well, what is according to God's word? What is what is according to God's word? What is what is according to God's word? What is his divine design?" Now, let me just his divine design?" Now, let me just his divine design?" Now, let me just recognize when it comes to understanding recognize when it comes to understanding recognize when it comes to understanding God's divine design with that question God's divine design with that question God's divine design with that question as we're wrestling through it. We have a as we're wrestling through it. We have a as we're wrestling through it. We have a lot of different types of families. And lot of different types of families. And lot of different types of families. And we're going to look at a passage of we're going to look at a passage of we're going to look at a passage of scripture today. And there going to be scripture today. And there going to be scripture today. And there going to be some of you that you're going to say, some of you that you're going to say, some of you that you're going to say, "Well, what about my situation?" Like, "Well, what about my situation?" Like, "Well, what about my situation?" Like, "What about my circumstance?" And there "What about my circumstance?" And there "What about my circumstance?" And there are all kinds of situations and are all kinds of situations and are all kinds of situations and circumstance. There are divorced circumstance. There are divorced circumstance. There are divorced families and there are single people. families and there are single people. families and there are single people. But the question I want to encourage you But the question I want to encourage you But the question I want to encourage you to wrestle through as we walk through to wrestle through as we walk through to wrestle through as we walk through this today is how do I embrace on a this today is how do I embrace on a this today is how do I embrace on a personal level God's divine design? personal level God's divine design? personal level God's divine design? Like, how do I embrace what the Bible Like, how do I embrace what the Bible Like, how do I embrace what the Bible teaches to understand that there is a teaches to understand that there is a teaches to understand that there is a beauty to what God has created? And then beauty to what God has created? And then beauty to what God has created? And then finally, we're going to wrestle through finally, we're going to wrestle through finally, we're going to wrestle through what about my situation? So, if you find what about my situation? So, if you find what about my situation? So, if you find yourself in a situation that is not yourself in a situation that is not yourself in a situation that is not God's intended divine design, how do you God's intended divine design, how do you God's intended divine design, how do you adjust and what does it mean to bring adjust and what does it mean to bring adjust and what does it mean to bring the pieces of our lives to God? Now, the pieces of our lives to God? Now, the pieces of our lives to God? Now, we're going to go to Genesis chapter 1.

we're going to go to Genesis chapter 1. we're going to go to Genesis chapter 1. This is a great weekend for our students This is a great weekend for our students This is a great weekend for our students to be in service. I could not think of a to be in service. I could not think of a to be in service. I could not think of a better weekend because what we're going better weekend because what we're going better weekend because what we're going to talk about today is going to really to talk about today is going to really to talk about today is going to really tee up conversation in our homes. And tee up conversation in our homes. And tee up conversation in our homes. And parents, I really want to encourage you, parents, I really want to encourage you, parents, I really want to encourage you, take really good notes today so that you take really good notes today so that you take really good notes today so that you can go home and have these conversations can go home and have these conversations can go home and have these conversations with your kids. So in Genesis chapter 1, with your kids. So in Genesis chapter 1, with your kids. So in Genesis chapter 1, I want us to notice this is the account I want us to notice this is the account I want us to notice this is the account of creation. So God speaks the world of creation. So God speaks the world of creation. So God speaks the world into existence and he is doing all kinds into existence and he is doing all kinds into existence and he is doing all kinds of wonderful, beautiful things with of wonderful, beautiful things with of wonderful, beautiful things with creation. Day one, he makes the light. creation. Day one, he makes the light. creation. Day one, he makes the light. Day two, he separates sky and land and Day two, he separates sky and land and Day two, he separates sky and land and sea. Day three, he produces vegetation. sea. Day three, he produces vegetation. sea. Day three, he produces vegetation. Day four, there's lights in the sky with Day four, there's lights in the sky with Day four, there's lights in the sky with the moon and the sun. And day five, the the moon and the sun. And day five, the the moon and the sun. And day five, the birds and the sky and livestock. They're birds and the sky and livestock. They're birds and the sky and livestock. They're on the ground. And every time God on the ground. And every time God on the ground. And every time God creates, he says, "It's good. It's creates, he says, "It's good. It's creates, he says, "It's good. It's really good." So, he's making this really good." So, he's making this really good." So, he's making this beautiful creation without the stain of beautiful creation without the stain of beautiful creation without the stain of sin, without death upon it, and it's sin, without death upon it, and it's sin, without death upon it, and it's good every time he does it. Now, in good every time he does it. Now, in good every time he does it. Now, in chapter 1 26, finally, on the sixth day, chapter 1 26, finally, on the sixth day, chapter 1 26, finally, on the sixth day, God makes mankind. And I want you to God makes mankind. And I want you to God makes mankind. And I want you to notice what it says. God said, "Let us notice what it says. God said, "Let us notice what it says. God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness.

make man in our image, in our likeness. make man in our image, in our likeness. Let them rule over the fish of the sea Let them rule over the fish of the sea Let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the and the birds of the air, over the and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over livestock, over all the earth, and over livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the all the creatures that move along the all the creatures that move along the ground." So God says, "I'm I'm going to ground." So God says, "I'm I'm going to ground." So God says, "I'm I'm going to make a man and a woman, and they are make a man and a woman, and they are make a man and a woman, and they are together going to rule. Together they're together going to rule. Together they're together going to rule. Together they're going to create, and they're going to going to create, and they're going to going to create, and they're going to develop my world in such a way that develop my world in such a way that develop my world in such a way that leads to beauty. that there's going to leads to beauty. that there's going to leads to beauty. that there's going to be this beauty of them taking what is in be this beauty of them taking what is in be this beauty of them taking what is in my creation and harnessing it, gardening my creation and harnessing it, gardening my creation and harnessing it, gardening it to make it to to to leverage the it to make it to to to leverage the it to make it to to to leverage the beauty that I've already created. And beauty that I've already created. And beauty that I've already created. And they're doing this together. And it's in they're doing this together. And it's in they're doing this together. And it's in the image of God that we're created. the image of God that we're created. the image of God that we're created. Now, if you notice the first chapter of Now, if you notice the first chapter of Now, if you notice the first chapter of Genesis, God never says that anything Genesis, God never says that anything Genesis, God never says that anything else is created in his image. Cows are else is created in his image. Cows are else is created in his image. Cows are not made in God's image. Cats are made not made in God's image. Cats are made not made in God's image. Cats are made in the image of Satan. And so like none in the image of Satan. And so like none in the image of Satan. And so like none of none of what he creates up until this of none of what he creates up until this of none of what he creates up until this point is made in his image, but mankind point is made in his image, but mankind point is made in his image, but mankind is. So God created mankind in his image.

is. So God created mankind in his image. is. So God created mankind in his image. It says this, in the image of God, he It says this, in the image of God, he It says this, in the image of God, he created them. Male and female he made created them. Male and female he made created them. Male and female he made them. Notice this, God blessed them. I them. Notice this, God blessed them. I them. Notice this, God blessed them. I want to encourage you to circle that. want to encourage you to circle that. want to encourage you to circle that. God bless them. God is one who wants to God bless them. God is one who wants to God bless them. God is one who wants to bless you. Wants to bless us. And when bless you. Wants to bless us. And when bless you. Wants to bless us. And when he blessed them, here's what he said. Be he blessed them, here's what he said. Be he blessed them, here's what he said. Be fruitful and increase in number. What fruitful and increase in number. What fruitful and increase in number. What does that mean? That means have babies. does that mean? That means have babies. does that mean? That means have babies. Be fruitful and increase in number. Fill Be fruitful and increase in number. Fill Be fruitful and increase in number. Fill the earth. Subdue it. Rule over the fish the earth. Subdue it. Rule over the fish the earth. Subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea, birds in the sky, and over in the sea, birds in the sky, and over in the sea, birds in the sky, and over every living creature that moves along every living creature that moves along every living creature that moves along the ground. Tucked within these few the ground. Tucked within these few the ground. Tucked within these few verses, there's so much beauty. And what verses, there's so much beauty. And what verses, there's so much beauty. And what I want to do today is I want to lift up I want to do today is I want to lift up I want to do today is I want to lift up that beauty before us. Because sometimes that beauty before us. Because sometimes that beauty before us. Because sometimes the natural tendency when it comes to the natural tendency when it comes to the natural tendency when it comes to teaching on God's design is we want to teaching on God's design is we want to teaching on God's design is we want to talk about all the things that we're talk about all the things that we're talk about all the things that we're against. But I want to lift up what we against. But I want to lift up what we against. But I want to lift up what we are for and then we're going to compare are for and then we're going to compare are for and then we're going to compare the rest of what we see around us to the rest of what we see around us to the rest of what we see around us to what God has created and the beauty of what God has created and the beauty of what God has created and the beauty of God's divine design. And in this chapter God's divine design. And in this chapter God's divine design. And in this chapter you as you see this there's actually a you as you see this there's actually a you as you see this there's actually a double click in chapter 2. And I want double click in chapter 2. And I want double click in chapter 2. And I want you to see what chapter 2 says as it you to see what chapter 2 says as it you to see what chapter 2 says as it goes deeper into the sixth day as God is goes deeper into the sixth day as God is goes deeper into the sixth day as God is making man and woman. And notice what it making man and woman. And notice what it making man and woman. And notice what it says. But for Adam, no suitable helper says. But for Adam, no suitable helper says. But for Adam, no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the was found. So the Lord God caused the was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. And while man to fall into a deep sleep. And while man to fall into a deep sleep. And while he was sleeping, he took one of the he was sleeping, he took one of the he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and he closed up the place man's ribs and he closed up the place man's ribs and he closed up the place with the flesh. And then the Lord God

with the flesh. And then the Lord God with the flesh. And then the Lord God made a woman from the rib taken out of made a woman from the rib taken out of made a woman from the rib taken out of the man and he brought her to the man. the man and he brought her to the man. the man and he brought her to the man. Now when God looks at Adam and it says Now when God looks at Adam and it says Now when God looks at Adam and it says that he's alone, God actually says it's that he's alone, God actually says it's that he's alone, God actually says it's not good for Adam to be alone. That's not good for Adam to be alone. That's not good for Adam to be alone. That's the only place in creation and there's the only place in creation and there's the only place in creation and there's no sin in the world. God just looks at no sin in the world. God just looks at no sin in the world. God just looks at Adam and says it's incomplete. He's Adam and says it's incomplete. He's Adam and says it's incomplete. He's incomplete without a woman ruling with incomplete without a woman ruling with incomplete without a woman ruling with him in the garden. So he puts him to him in the garden. So he puts him to him in the garden. So he puts him to sleep. He takes a rib out. He makes a sleep. He takes a rib out. He makes a sleep. He takes a rib out. He makes a woman and he brings the woman to the woman and he brings the woman to the woman and he brings the woman to the man. I want you to see what happens. man. I want you to see what happens. man. I want you to see what happens. Many historians and uh Jewish scholars Many historians and uh Jewish scholars Many historians and uh Jewish scholars or Hebrew scholars believe that this was or Hebrew scholars believe that this was or Hebrew scholars believe that this was like a song that Adam sung to Eve when like a song that Adam sung to Eve when like a song that Adam sung to Eve when she came for the very first time. It was she came for the very first time. It was she came for the very first time. It was like a poem that he wrote. So let me like a poem that he wrote. So let me like a poem that he wrote. So let me sing it to you. The man said, "This is sing it to you. The man said, "This is sing it to you. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones now bone of my bones now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." So she shall be and flesh of my flesh." So she shall be and flesh of my flesh." So she shall be called what? Wo a man. Wo for she was called what? Wo a man. Wo for she was called what? Wo a man. Wo for she was taken out of man. For this reason a man taken out of man. For this reason a man taken out of man. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be will leave his father and mother and be will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife and the two will united with his wife and the two will united with his wife and the two will become one flesh. The man and his wife become one flesh. The man and his wife become one flesh. The man and his wife were both in the south they would say were both in the south they would say were both in the south they would say naked and they felt no shame. And this naked and they felt no shame. And this naked and they felt no shame. And this beautiful picture God gives to us. This beautiful picture God gives to us. This beautiful picture God gives to us. This is God's divine design that he created.

is God's divine design that he created. is God's divine design that he created. A man and a woman in a garden to be in A man and a woman in a garden to be in A man and a woman in a garden to be in marriage with one another to have marriage with one another to have marriage with one another to have children together to fill the earth and children together to fill the earth and children together to fill the earth and subdue it to pass on faith from subdue it to pass on faith from subdue it to pass on faith from generation to generation. And the first generation to generation. And the first generation to generation. And the first part I want us to see today for us to part I want us to see today for us to part I want us to see today for us to move into the benefit of God's design move into the benefit of God's design move into the benefit of God's design first we have to see the perfection of first we have to see the perfection of first we have to see the perfection of God's divine design. Like there's a part God's divine design. Like there's a part God's divine design. Like there's a part of the whole journey of of recognizing of the whole journey of of recognizing of the whole journey of of recognizing that there is a better way that God has that there is a better way that God has that there is a better way that God has given to us to do life. And it seems so given to us to do life. And it seems so given to us to do life. And it seems so much that in culture right now if we're much that in culture right now if we're much that in culture right now if we're not mindful, so much of what comes at us not mindful, so much of what comes at us not mindful, so much of what comes at us is tearing down God's image, tearing is tearing down God's image, tearing is tearing down God's image, tearing down God's design. So when God creates, down God's design. So when God creates, down God's design. So when God creates, it's a good thing and it's a beautiful it's a good thing and it's a beautiful it's a good thing and it's a beautiful thing. And we want to lift that up and thing. And we want to lift that up and thing. And we want to lift that up and esteem, esteem family, esteem marriage esteem, esteem family, esteem marriage esteem, esteem family, esteem marriage is this beautiful picture of God's is this beautiful picture of God's is this beautiful picture of God's creation. So in your notes, I'll give creation. So in your notes, I'll give creation. So in your notes, I'll give you a couple of really important you a couple of really important you a couple of really important components of this. God designed man and components of this. God designed man and components of this. God designed man and woman. First of all, equal before God.

woman. First of all, equal before God. woman. First of all, equal before God. This is so very important. Like God did This is so very important. Like God did This is so very important. Like God did not make one gender superior to the not make one gender superior to the not make one gender superior to the other one. I should get an amen at that other one. I should get an amen at that other one. I should get an amen at that point. There is there there is an point. There is there there is an point. There is there there is an equality before the living God that he equality before the living God that he equality before the living God that he makes. The Bible calls man and woman makes. The Bible calls man and woman makes. The Bible calls man and woman co-airs before the Lord God Almighty. So co-airs before the Lord God Almighty. So co-airs before the Lord God Almighty. So he pulls Eve out of Adam's side as they he pulls Eve out of Adam's side as they he pulls Eve out of Adam's side as they are equal before him. In addition to are equal before him. In addition to are equal before him. In addition to this, they are distinct from one this, they are distinct from one this, they are distinct from one another. And let me explain it like another. And let me explain it like another. And let me explain it like this. Like there are different strengths this. Like there are different strengths this. Like there are different strengths that a man brings to the world than what that a man brings to the world than what that a man brings to the world than what a woman brings to the world. My wife a woman brings to the world. My wife a woman brings to the world. My wife will often say to me,"Did you know how will often say to me,"Did you know how will often say to me,"Did you know how you made your daughter feel when you you made your daughter feel when you you made your daughter feel when you said that?" And I'm like, "I did not. said that?" And I'm like, "I did not. said that?" And I'm like, "I did not. Thank you for sharing that with me." And Thank you for sharing that with me." And Thank you for sharing that with me." And my wife will often bring me something my wife will often bring me something my wife will often bring me something that she cannot open and say, "Can you that she cannot open and say, "Can you that she cannot open and say, "Can you open this?" And then I'll say to my open this?" And then I'll say to my open this?" And then I'll say to my sons, "Could you open this?" sons, "Could you open this?" sons, "Could you open this?" But there is there is intended design But there is there is intended design But there is there is intended design and God gives man and woman different and God gives man and woman different and God gives man and woman different strengths and those different strengths strengths and those different strengths strengths and those different strengths are distinct and unique. So one gender are distinct and unique. So one gender are distinct and unique. So one gender is not the same as the other. There is a is not the same as the other. There is a is not the same as the other. There is a man and there is a woman and they are man and there is a woman and they are man and there is a woman and they are different from one another. The world different from one another. The world different from one another. The world knows this. It is implicit in design of knows this. It is implicit in design of knows this. It is implicit in design of how God made us. I did a Spartan race how God made us. I did a Spartan race how God made us. I did a Spartan race one time that is like this intense three one time that is like this intense three one time that is like this intense three mile run through a stadium lifting mile run through a stadium lifting mile run through a stadium lifting weights. And they know intuitively that weights. And they know intuitively that weights. And they know intuitively that the weight for the man should be more the weight for the man should be more the weight for the man should be more than the weight for the woman because of

than the weight for the woman because of than the weight for the woman because of how God designed our bodies. But then how God designed our bodies. But then how God designed our bodies. But then there are other strengths that a woman there are other strengths that a woman there are other strengths that a woman brings. Her understanding, her emotional brings. Her understanding, her emotional brings. Her understanding, her emotional capacity, her ability to hold many capacity, her ability to hold many capacity, her ability to hold many pieces together. If you watch moms at a pieces together. If you watch moms at a pieces together. If you watch moms at a playground with kids running back and playground with kids running back and playground with kids running back and forth and snot out of their nose and forth and snot out of their nose and forth and snot out of their nose and asking for things, they are unfaced. asking for things, they are unfaced. asking for things, they are unfaced. It's go back and forth. Dad is like, It's go back and forth. Dad is like, It's go back and forth. Dad is like, "Duh duh duh duh, what do I say? What do "Duh duh duh duh, what do I say? What do "Duh duh duh duh, what do I say? What do I do?" We we cannot focus. and and God I do?" We we cannot focus. and and God I do?" We we cannot focus. and and God made us different from one another, made us different from one another, made us different from one another, unique and complimentary of one another. unique and complimentary of one another. unique and complimentary of one another. So distinct and complimentary. So the So distinct and complimentary. So the So distinct and complimentary. So the gifts of a man and the gifts of a woman gifts of a man and the gifts of a woman gifts of a man and the gifts of a woman or the strengths of a man and the or the strengths of a man and the or the strengths of a man and the strengths of a woman are designed to strengths of a woman are designed to strengths of a woman are designed to complement each other. So they work complement each other. So they work complement each other. So they work together, not against one another. So together, not against one another. So together, not against one another. So when the enemy tries to destroy homes, when the enemy tries to destroy homes, when the enemy tries to destroy homes, what often he will do is he will try to what often he will do is he will try to what often he will do is he will try to get strengths against one another and get strengths against one another and get strengths against one another and what God does is he brings those what God does is he brings those what God does is he brings those strengths together to build something strengths together to build something strengths together to build something that they could never build in and of that they could never build in and of that they could never build in and of themselves. So when Adam and Eve are are themselves. So when Adam and Eve are are themselves. So when Adam and Eve are are placed into a garden, they're given a a placed into a garden, they're given a a placed into a garden, they're given a a mandate from God. And it says in Genesis mandate from God. And it says in Genesis mandate from God. And it says in Genesis 2:20, "But for Adam, no suitable, what's 2:20, "But for Adam, no suitable, what's 2:20, "But for Adam, no suitable, what's that word? Helper was found." Now, that that word? Helper was found." Now, that that word? Helper was found." Now, that word we're going to talk about next word we're going to talk about next word we're going to talk about next weekend. Stacy's going to finish up our weekend. Stacy's going to finish up our weekend. Stacy's going to finish up our series with that word helper. The word series with that word helper. The word series with that word helper. The word in the Hebrew is a word that is more in the Hebrew is a word that is more in the Hebrew is a word that is more applied to God than anybody else applied to God than anybody else applied to God than anybody else throughout the Bible. And it's this idea throughout the Bible. And it's this idea throughout the Bible. And it's this idea of a warrior that goes to battle with of a warrior that goes to battle with of a warrior that goes to battle with another warrior. So God's design is that

another warrior. So God's design is that another warrior. So God's design is that man and woman would would go into the man and woman would would go into the man and woman would would go into the world together to make the world a world together to make the world a world together to make the world a better place. It's this beautiful better place. It's this beautiful better place. It's this beautiful picture of man and woman working picture of man and woman working picture of man and woman working together. It's also covenanted together. It's also covenanted together. It's also covenanted exclusively together. exclusively together. exclusively together. It means that there is a leaving and It means that there is a leaving and It means that there is a leaving and cleaving that the Bible is talking cleaving that the Bible is talking cleaving that the Bible is talking about. Genesis 2:24 says this. For this about. Genesis 2:24 says this. For this about. Genesis 2:24 says this. For this reason, a man will do what? He will, reason, a man will do what? He will, reason, a man will do what? He will, what is the word? It should be on the what is the word? It should be on the what is the word? It should be on the screen right now. A man will do what? He screen right now. A man will do what? He screen right now. A man will do what? He will leave his father and mother and be will leave his father and mother and be will leave his father and mother and be united. They will become one flesh. So united. They will become one flesh. So united. They will become one flesh. So Stacy and I, our story, we got married Stacy and I, our story, we got married Stacy and I, our story, we got married one week after Stacy graduated from one week after Stacy graduated from one week after Stacy graduated from college. We did not waste any time. And college. We did not waste any time. And college. We did not waste any time. And after we got married, we moved across after we got married, we moved across after we got married, we moved across the country from South Carolina where we the country from South Carolina where we the country from South Carolina where we went to college and where her family was went to college and where her family was went to college and where her family was to Texas. And when we moved there, we to Texas. And when we moved there, we to Texas. And when we moved there, we knew nothing about marriage. We knew knew nothing about marriage. We knew knew nothing about marriage. We knew nothing about money. We we we like we nothing about money. We we we like we nothing about money. We we we like we were 21 years old trying to figure it were 21 years old trying to figure it were 21 years old trying to figure it all out. But we were in love with each all out. But we were in love with each all out. But we were in love with each other and we were covenant committed to other and we were covenant committed to other and we were covenant committed to one another. But we hit we hit our heads one another. But we hit we hit our heads one another. But we hit we hit our heads against the wall a lot of times. But one against the wall a lot of times. But one against the wall a lot of times. But one beauty that we had in that was because beauty that we had in that was because beauty that we had in that was because we were both moved from our families.

we were both moved from our families. we were both moved from our families. There was a kind of leaving that we had There was a kind of leaving that we had There was a kind of leaving that we had to do and a cleaving that had to happen. to do and a cleaving that had to happen. to do and a cleaving that had to happen. Now I'm not suggesting and for my kids Now I'm not suggesting and for my kids Now I'm not suggesting and for my kids I'm going to tell them that's not God's I'm going to tell them that's not God's I'm going to tell them that's not God's will for you. Your will God's will is to will for you. Your will God's will is to will for you. Your will God's will is to stay close. But but there there was stay close. But but there there was stay close. But but there there was something so wonderful about us having something so wonderful about us having something so wonderful about us having to figure it out together that we we to figure it out together that we we to figure it out together that we we we're still connected and we still love we're still connected and we still love we're still connected and we still love our families, but God when he makes a our families, but God when he makes a our families, but God when he makes a new family, it's a new unit that God is new family, it's a new unit that God is new family, it's a new unit that God is going to multiply through. So we have going to multiply through. So we have going to multiply through. So we have multi-generational faith, but it doesn't multi-generational faith, but it doesn't multi-generational faith, but it doesn't mean that we stay so imshed with each mean that we stay so imshed with each mean that we stay so imshed with each other as families from one generation to other as families from one generation to other as families from one generation to the next that there's no distinct the next that there's no distinct the next that there's no distinct identity in the next generation. So identity in the next generation. So identity in the next generation. So there is a sense in which it's there is a sense in which it's there is a sense in which it's covenanted exclusively together between covenanted exclusively together between covenanted exclusively together between a man and a woman and then it's a man and a woman and then it's a man and a woman and then it's consummated for blessing. If you don't consummated for blessing. If you don't consummated for blessing. If you don't know what that means, ask your mom and know what that means, ask your mom and know what that means, ask your mom and dad when you get home tonight. They'll dad when you get home tonight. They'll dad when you get home tonight. They'll give you their definition of what that give you their definition of what that give you their definition of what that means. But I will say for blessing, for means. But I will say for blessing, for means. But I will say for blessing, for joy, for pleasure. It is God's intended joy, for pleasure. It is God's intended joy, for pleasure. It is God's intended design not just for procreation, but design not just for procreation, but design not just for procreation, but there is a blessing that God gives. This there is a blessing that God gives. This there is a blessing that God gives. This is a part of what the Bible is saying.

is a part of what the Bible is saying. is a part of what the Bible is saying. They're naked and felt no shame. They're They're naked and felt no shame. They're They're naked and felt no shame. They're they're they're to experience the joy of they're they're to experience the joy of they're they're to experience the joy of oneness in the context of a covenant. So oneness in the context of a covenant. So oneness in the context of a covenant. So you could imagine the beauty of this you could imagine the beauty of this you could imagine the beauty of this that when a man leaves his father and that when a man leaves his father and that when a man leaves his father and his mother and if we've walked the way his mother and if we've walked the way his mother and if we've walked the way that God wants us to walk, there's been that God wants us to walk, there's been that God wants us to walk, there's been no consummation of a marriage prior to no consummation of a marriage prior to no consummation of a marriage prior to that point. And then at that point, that point. And then at that point, that point. And then at that point, there's a covenant that is made before there's a covenant that is made before there's a covenant that is made before the the Lord. That is a till death do us the the Lord. That is a till death do us the the Lord. That is a till death do us part kind of covenant that we're saying part kind of covenant that we're saying part kind of covenant that we're saying it's not about circumstance or it's not about circumstance or it's not about circumstance or convenience that there is a kind of convenience that there is a kind of convenience that there is a kind of beauty to that where there's not a back beauty to that where there's not a back beauty to that where there's not a back door. Stacy and I in our our wedding door. Stacy and I in our our wedding door. Stacy and I in our our wedding vows, we both said to each other, both vows, we both said to each other, both vows, we both said to each other, both wrote our independent vows and we said wrote our independent vows and we said wrote our independent vows and we said the line, I will never divorce you. Why? the line, I will never divorce you. Why? the line, I will never divorce you. Why? Because we were making a covenant with Because we were making a covenant with Because we were making a covenant with one another in the context of marriage. one another in the context of marriage. one another in the context of marriage. And then finally, there is a commandment And then finally, there is a commandment And then finally, there is a commandment to be fruitful and multiply. There's a to be fruitful and multiply. There's a to be fruitful and multiply. There's a commandment to be fruitful and multiply. commandment to be fruitful and multiply. commandment to be fruitful and multiply. Now, I understand this message is a Now, I understand this message is a Now, I understand this message is a little bit more teachy than preachy, but little bit more teachy than preachy, but little bit more teachy than preachy, but I want to walk through this because I I want to walk through this because I I want to walk through this because I think if we can understand the truth and think if we can understand the truth and think if we can understand the truth and the beauty of God's design, it's leading the beauty of God's design, it's leading the beauty of God's design, it's leading to so much freedom in our homes and so to so much freedom in our homes and so to so much freedom in our homes and so many great conversations that we can many great conversations that we can many great conversations that we can have with one another. So, let me read have with one another. So, let me read have with one another. So, let me read this verse one more time. Be fruitful this verse one more time. Be fruitful this verse one more time. Be fruitful and increase in number. fill the earth, and increase in number. fill the earth, and increase in number. fill the earth, subdue it, rule over the fish and sea subdue it, rule over the fish and sea subdue it, rule over the fish and sea and birds in the sky and over every and birds in the sky and over every and birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the living creature that moves on the living creature that moves on the ground. So when we do this, when we live ground. So when we do this, when we live ground. So when we do this, when we live according to God's divine design,

according to God's divine design, according to God's divine design, there is so much research that we see there is so much research that we see there is so much research that we see that God actually blesses this way of that God actually blesses this way of that God actually blesses this way of life. There's research from the Journal life. There's research from the Journal life. There's research from the Journal of Psychology, Family Psychology, of Psychology, Family Psychology, of Psychology, Family Psychology, studied over 2,000 people. And what they studied over 2,000 people. And what they studied over 2,000 people. And what they did was they they asked these people, did was they they asked these people, did was they they asked these people, "Did you wait until your marriage to "Did you wait until your marriage to "Did you wait until your marriage to consummate your your marriage? Did you consummate your your marriage? Did you consummate your your marriage? Did you wait until your wedding day to wait until your wedding day to wait until your wedding day to consummate your marriage? And did you consummate your marriage? And did you consummate your marriage? And did you exclusively make a commitment to one exclusively make a commitment to one exclusively make a commitment to one person in the marriage?" And what they person in the marriage?" And what they person in the marriage?" And what they found was there was higher stability in found was there was higher stability in found was there was higher stability in the marriages that had done it God's the marriages that had done it God's the marriages that had done it God's way. There was higher emotional way. There was higher emotional way. There was higher emotional satisfaction. There was greater satisfaction. There was greater satisfaction. There was greater emotional closeness. There were lower emotional closeness. There were lower emotional closeness. There were lower divorce rates. And there were less divorce rates. And there were less divorce rates. And there were less regrets because they had done it God's regrets because they had done it God's regrets because they had done it God's way. Now, I understand I'm probably way. Now, I understand I'm probably way. Now, I understand I'm probably stepping on some toes, but I hope that stepping on some toes, but I hope that stepping on some toes, but I hope that you can feel from me this is a heart of you can feel from me this is a heart of you can feel from me this is a heart of love of God's blessing. We're going to love of God's blessing. We're going to love of God's blessing. We're going to talk about what if you didn't do it talk about what if you didn't do it talk about what if you didn't do it God's way in just a few moments, but I God's way in just a few moments, but I God's way in just a few moments, but I want to lift this up especially for our want to lift this up especially for our want to lift this up especially for our students. There is a great book called students. There is a great book called students. There is a great book called Get Married. And the book is about Get Married. And the book is about Get Married. And the book is about getting married. And in the book, the getting married. And in the book, the getting married. And in the book, the author, who's not That was funny. Um the author, who's not That was funny. Um the author, who's not That was funny. Um the author is not writing so much from a author is not writing so much from a author is not writing so much from a Christian perspective. you can put on Christian perspective. you can put on Christian perspective. you can put on the screen. He's writing actually from a the screen. He's writing actually from a the screen. He's writing actually from a research perspective and he shows research perspective and he shows research perspective and he shows there's some some wild stats in this there's some some wild stats in this there's some some wild stats in this book. He shows that there was a 3,000% book. He shows that there was a 3,000% book. He shows that there was a 3,000% increase in life satisfaction for people increase in life satisfaction for people increase in life satisfaction for people that did marriage God's way where they that did marriage God's way where they that did marriage God's way where they actually made a commitment to not live

actually made a commitment to not live actually made a commitment to not live together before they got married, not together before they got married, not together before they got married, not have sex together before they got have sex together before they got have sex together before they got married. There was a blessing that came married. There was a blessing that came married. There was a blessing that came and there was actually all this research and there was actually all this research and there was actually all this research that he discovered again he's not that he discovered again he's not that he discovered again he's not writing from a Christian perspective writing from a Christian perspective writing from a Christian perspective purely sociological that people who get purely sociological that people who get purely sociological that people who get married who have kids there's greater married who have kids there's greater married who have kids there's greater satisfaction there's greater fulfillment satisfaction there's greater fulfillment satisfaction there's greater fulfillment there's income increase there all kinds there's income increase there all kinds there's income increase there all kinds of things that come as a result of doing of things that come as a result of doing of things that come as a result of doing it God's way. Now listen, the reason I it God's way. Now listen, the reason I it God's way. Now listen, the reason I think this is so important is because think this is so important is because think this is so important is because there is a generation that has grown up there is a generation that has grown up there is a generation that has grown up and they're they're just wondering why and they're they're just wondering why and they're they're just wondering why is what the world teaching us not is what the world teaching us not is what the world teaching us not working. What why is it not working? working. What why is it not working? working. What why is it not working? Well, it's because there's a better way. Well, it's because there's a better way. Well, it's because there's a better way. It's because God actually gave us a It's because God actually gave us a It's because God actually gave us a different way to live and do life and do different way to live and do life and do different way to live and do life and do marriage. And the second point I want us marriage. And the second point I want us marriage. And the second point I want us to see is to embrace the vi the wisdom to see is to embrace the vi the wisdom to see is to embrace the vi the wisdom of God's way, God's better way. to of God's way, God's better way. to of God's way, God's better way. to embrace that there's wisdom in God's embrace that there's wisdom in God's embrace that there's wisdom in God's divine design for us that's different. divine design for us that's different. divine design for us that's different. I'll say it like this. So, when I grew I'll say it like this. So, when I grew I'll say it like this. So, when I grew up, one of the other parts of my growing up, one of the other parts of my growing up, one of the other parts of my growing up was my dad can fix anything. Like, he up was my dad can fix anything. Like, he up was my dad can fix anything. Like, he is unbelievable with tools in his hands.

is unbelievable with tools in his hands. is unbelievable with tools in his hands. He's creative. He owned a plumbing He's creative. He owned a plumbing He's creative. He owned a plumbing business, still kind of owns it, but he business, still kind of owns it, but he business, still kind of owns it, but he he would always fix stuff around the he would always fix stuff around the he would always fix stuff around the house. And I didn't really like tools. house. And I didn't really like tools. house. And I didn't really like tools. And so I just ignored the whole fixing And so I just ignored the whole fixing And so I just ignored the whole fixing things growing up. And so when I became things growing up. And so when I became things growing up. And so when I became an adult, I got married, things would an adult, I got married, things would an adult, I got married, things would break around the house and they would break around the house and they would break around the house and they would stay broken for a really long period of stay broken for a really long period of stay broken for a really long period of time. And I would get around friends of time. And I would get around friends of time. And I would get around friends of mine and they knew how to fix things. mine and they knew how to fix things. mine and they knew how to fix things. I'm like, "Okay, you actually fixed the I'm like, "Okay, you actually fixed the I'm like, "Okay, you actually fixed the toilet. You actually you actually fixed toilet. You actually you actually fixed toilet. You actually you actually fixed a broken door." And I would have friends a broken door." And I would have friends a broken door." And I would have friends that I had so much admiration for, I that I had so much admiration for, I that I had so much admiration for, I couldn't fix anything. So finally, like couldn't fix anything. So finally, like couldn't fix anything. So finally, like in my mid30s, I humbled myself and I in my mid30s, I humbled myself and I in my mid30s, I humbled myself and I said to a friend, "Hey, bro, don't tell said to a friend, "Hey, bro, don't tell said to a friend, "Hey, bro, don't tell anybody. I don't know how to fix anybody. I don't know how to fix anybody. I don't know how to fix anything, and I really need your help. anything, and I really need your help. anything, and I really need your help. So if you come over my house, that would So if you come over my house, that would So if you come over my house, that would be awesome. And you could teach me a few be awesome. And you could teach me a few be awesome. And you could teach me a few things. I I want to build a desk. I want things. I I want to build a desk. I want things. I I want to build a desk. I want you to come over." So he comes over with you to come over." So he comes over with you to come over." So he comes over with his bag of tools and he pulls out his his bag of tools and he pulls out his his bag of tools and he pulls out his tools and he goes, "Okay, Andy, this is tools and he goes, "Okay, Andy, this is tools and he goes, "Okay, Andy, this is a screwdriver. This is a hammer. This is a screwdriver. This is a hammer. This is a screwdriver. This is a hammer. This is a stud finder." and he puts it and he a stud finder." and he puts it and he a stud finder." and he puts it and he goes and he he puts it on the wall and goes and he he puts it on the wall and goes and he he puts it on the wall and he's like there there is the stud.

he's like there there is the stud. he's like there there is the stud. What's a stud? Well, the stud is the What's a stud? Well, the stud is the What's a stud? Well, the stud is the piece of wood that you screw the that piece of wood that you screw the that piece of wood that you screw the that you put the screw into, and that's where you put the screw into, and that's where you put the screw into, and that's where this little this little piece I can even this little this little piece I can even this little this little piece I can even remember what it's called now, but a remember what it's called now, but a remember what it's called now, but a little wedge that goes into the wall. little wedge that goes into the wall. little wedge that goes into the wall. And he's like, "This is where you put And he's like, "This is where you put And he's like, "This is where you put that." And he screws it into the wall. that." And he screws it into the wall. that." And he screws it into the wall. And I'm like, "Oh, I get it. There's a And I'm like, "Oh, I get it. There's a And I'm like, "Oh, I get it. There's a better way. Now I know the better way, better way. Now I know the better way, better way. Now I know the better way, and I actually can work with tools. Uh, and I actually can work with tools. Uh, and I actually can work with tools. Uh, sometimes it's not very successful, but sometimes it's not very successful, but sometimes it's not very successful, but now I see I see that there's a better now I see I see that there's a better now I see I see that there's a better way." And here's the question I want to way." And here's the question I want to way." And here's the question I want to encourage you to wrestle through. If encourage you to wrestle through. If encourage you to wrestle through. If there were a better way to do it, would there were a better way to do it, would there were a better way to do it, would you want to know? Let me ask it one more you want to know? Let me ask it one more you want to know? Let me ask it one more time. Maybe you want to answer. If there time. Maybe you want to answer. If there time. Maybe you want to answer. If there were a better way to do it, would you were a better way to do it, would you were a better way to do it, would you want to know? Yes. Yes. I I think that want to know? Yes. Yes. I I think that want to know? Yes. Yes. I I think that sometimes we we we get to a place where sometimes we we we get to a place where sometimes we we we get to a place where it's like we're we're so overwhelmed it's like we're we're so overwhelmed it's like we're we're so overwhelmed with the idea of a different way of life with the idea of a different way of life with the idea of a different way of life that we forget that there is an that we forget that there is an that we forget that there is an invitation that God is making into this invitation that God is making into this invitation that God is making into this better way. So, let me give you a couple better way. So, let me give you a couple better way. So, let me give you a couple examples. In Ephesians chapter 5 21, examples. In Ephesians chapter 5 21, examples. In Ephesians chapter 5 21, Stacy's going to talk more about this Stacy's going to talk more about this Stacy's going to talk more about this verse next week. And if she didn't know verse next week. And if she didn't know verse next week. And if she didn't know she is, she's now she just found out.

she is, she's now she just found out. she is, she's now she just found out. But Ephesians 5:21 says, "Submit to one But Ephesians 5:21 says, "Submit to one But Ephesians 5:21 says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." another out of reverence for Christ." another out of reverence for Christ." Can we read that aloud together? Submit Can we read that aloud together? Submit Can we read that aloud together? Submit to one another out of reverence for to one another out of reverence for to one another out of reverence for Christ. Now, Paul's going to put this Christ. Now, Paul's going to put this Christ. Now, Paul's going to put this verse in the context of marriage. And verse in the context of marriage. And verse in the context of marriage. And what he's saying is there's this dance what he's saying is there's this dance what he's saying is there's this dance of submission where one spouse is often of submission where one spouse is often of submission where one spouse is often right and the other is right. And this right and the other is right. And this right and the other is right. And this is coming in the context of order and is coming in the context of order and is coming in the context of order and authority, but there is mutual authority, but there is mutual authority, but there is mutual submission in the home. And God, thank submission in the home. And God, thank submission in the home. And God, thank you for your word that shows me there's you for your word that shows me there's you for your word that shows me there's a better way. Because if I never a better way. Because if I never a better way. Because if I never listened to my wife who so often knows listened to my wife who so often knows listened to my wife who so often knows so much better and sees things I cannot so much better and sees things I cannot so much better and sees things I cannot see, my life at this point would have see, my life at this point would have see, my life at this point would have been a train wreck. So there is a better been a train wreck. So there is a better been a train wreck. So there is a better way. Let me give you another one. way. Let me give you another one. way. Let me give you another one. Husbands, love your wives just as Christ Husbands, love your wives just as Christ Husbands, love your wives just as Christ I'm going to leave the wives ones out I'm going to leave the wives ones out I'm going to leave the wives ones out for Stacy next week, but husbands, love for Stacy next week, but husbands, love for Stacy next week, but husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the your wives just as Christ loved the your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. So, church and gave himself up for her. So, church and gave himself up for her. So, there's this image of what a man does in there's this image of what a man does in there's this image of what a man does in a home to love and to serve his wife as a home to love and to serve his wife as a home to love and to serve his wife as the leader of his home, the way Jesus the leader of his home, the way Jesus the leader of his home, the way Jesus loved and served his bride, the church.

loved and served his bride, the church. loved and served his bride, the church. So, these images give us a better way. So, these images give us a better way. So, these images give us a better way. And within this, there's a couple And within this, there's a couple And within this, there's a couple components. First of all, there's a components. First of all, there's a components. First of all, there's a covenant commitment that I've already covenant commitment that I've already covenant commitment that I've already talked about. It's a till death do us talked about. It's a till death do us talked about. It's a till death do us part. And there are some ex there's some part. And there are some ex there's some part. And there are some ex there's some exclusion clauses in the Bible that you exclusion clauses in the Bible that you exclusion clauses in the Bible that you can read about adultery uh around a can read about adultery uh around a can read about adultery uh around a covenant. But this is this is the the covenant. But this is this is the the covenant. But this is this is the the pure idea of what God teaches. It's a pure idea of what God teaches. It's a pure idea of what God teaches. It's a covenant commitment. Two, there are covenant commitment. Two, there are covenant commitment. Two, there are roles and responsibilities in the home. roles and responsibilities in the home. roles and responsibilities in the home. So God gives different roles and So God gives different roles and So God gives different roles and responsibilities. Again, Stacy is going responsibilities. Again, Stacy is going responsibilities. Again, Stacy is going to talk about that next week. And then to talk about that next week. And then to talk about that next week. And then there's authority and order. So there's there's authority and order. So there's there's authority and order. So there's a way that God intended for authority to a way that God intended for authority to a way that God intended for authority to work. So it starts with him as the work. So it starts with him as the work. So it starts with him as the authority. Then it goes into the role of authority. Then it goes into the role of authority. Then it goes into the role of a husband to serve his family as the a husband to serve his family as the a husband to serve his family as the point leader of the home. And then it point leader of the home. And then it point leader of the home. And then it goes into the wife and the f the husband goes into the wife and the f the husband goes into the wife and the f the husband and wife working together to raise and wife working together to raise and wife working together to raise children and those children being under children and those children being under children and those children being under their authority. And it's a beautiful their authority. And it's a beautiful their authority. And it's a beautiful picture of God's divine design. If you picture of God's divine design. If you picture of God's divine design. If you want to get ready for next week, you can want to get ready for next week, you can want to get ready for next week, you can read Ephesians 5 and that will help read Ephesians 5 and that will help read Ephesians 5 and that will help prepare Ephesians 5 and the first six or prepare Ephesians 5 and the first six or prepare Ephesians 5 and the first six or seven verses of chapter 6 and that will seven verses of chapter 6 and that will seven verses of chapter 6 and that will help us get ready. But let me give you a help us get ready. But let me give you a help us get ready. But let me give you a couple of just really practical couple of just really practical couple of just really practical components of you're like, well, what components of you're like, well, what components of you're like, well, what might this look like? And I'll walk might this look like? And I'll walk might this look like? And I'll walk through for students and singles. Let me through for students and singles. Let me through for students and singles. Let me just throw a few ideas out at you. It just throw a few ideas out at you. It just throw a few ideas out at you. It might mean you ask God to help you find might mean you ask God to help you find might mean you ask God to help you find satisfaction in him before ever looking satisfaction in him before ever looking satisfaction in him before ever looking for a spouse, to find that place of for a spouse, to find that place of for a spouse, to find that place of wholeness in him first. It might mean wholeness in him first. It might mean wholeness in him first. It might mean that you make a list of character traits that you make a list of character traits that you make a list of character traits for a future spouse. It's a great way to

for a future spouse. It's a great way to for a future spouse. It's a great way to prepare your mind for what you're prepare your mind for what you're prepare your mind for what you're looking for. It might mean that you looking for. It might mean that you looking for. It might mean that you leverage your freedom to invest in God's leverage your freedom to invest in God's leverage your freedom to invest in God's kingdom. God God will call people, I'm kingdom. God God will call people, I'm kingdom. God God will call people, I'm going to talk about this in a moment, to going to talk about this in a moment, to going to talk about this in a moment, to singleness, to invest in his kingdom. singleness, to invest in his kingdom. singleness, to invest in his kingdom. Secondly, for married couples, let me Secondly, for married couples, let me Secondly, for married couples, let me give you a couple questions or thoughts. give you a couple questions or thoughts. give you a couple questions or thoughts. Um, one is just to have a conversation. Um, one is just to have a conversation. Um, one is just to have a conversation. Are we doing it God's way? Just to Are we doing it God's way? Just to Are we doing it God's way? Just to wrestle through like, is our home wrestle through like, is our home wrestle through like, is our home designed and structured in God's way? designed and structured in God's way? designed and structured in God's way? Um, next would be to renew your wedding Um, next would be to renew your wedding Um, next would be to renew your wedding vows. Maybe there's been some talk about vows. Maybe there's been some talk about vows. Maybe there's been some talk about leaving each other and there might be a leaving each other and there might be a leaving each other and there might be a way to renew that covenant commitment way to renew that covenant commitment way to renew that covenant commitment with one another. And then thirdly, take with one another. And then thirdly, take with one another. And then thirdly, take your spouse on a date and talk. And your spouse on a date and talk. And your spouse on a date and talk. And that's all I'll say. It will be awesome that's all I'll say. It will be awesome that's all I'll say. It will be awesome to go on a date with your spouse and to go on a date with your spouse and to go on a date with your spouse and other things might happen when you do other things might happen when you do other things might happen when you do that. But that is a gift from God that that. But that is a gift from God that that. But that is a gift from God that you can together as a couple spend time you can together as a couple spend time you can together as a couple spend time with one another. Okay, let's talk about with one another. Okay, let's talk about with one another. Okay, let's talk about parents and grandparents. Talk to your parents and grandparents. Talk to your parents and grandparents. Talk to your kids about God's design. So just have kids about God's design. So just have kids about God's design. So just have conversations about how God designed it conversations about how God designed it conversations about how God designed it to work. Talk about messages from school to work. Talk about messages from school to work. Talk about messages from school or media that they're seeing. So be or media that they're seeing. So be or media that they're seeing. So be involved in knowing what is coming into involved in knowing what is coming into involved in knowing what is coming into their hearts and minds so that you can their hearts and minds so that you can their hearts and minds so that you can have conversations with them and compare have conversations with them and compare have conversations with them and compare what you see in the media or what what you see in the media or what what you see in the media or what they're learning at school or what they're learning at school or what they're learning at school or what they're getting from friends to what God they're getting from friends to what God they're getting from friends to what God teaches us from the Bible and just have teaches us from the Bible and just have teaches us from the Bible and just have conversations about what does it look conversations about what does it look conversations about what does it look like to do it God's way. So we want to like to do it God's way. So we want to like to do it God's way. So we want to see it, we want to embrace it and then see it, we want to embrace it and then see it, we want to embrace it and then begin to live into it. And then finally,

begin to live into it. And then finally, begin to live into it. And then finally, I'm going to finish with this last one. I'm going to finish with this last one. I'm going to finish with this last one. We want to trade the truth, trade the We want to trade the truth, trade the We want to trade the truth, trade the lie for the truth of God's word. And I'm lie for the truth of God's word. And I'm lie for the truth of God's word. And I'm going to go through a few lies that come going to go through a few lies that come going to go through a few lies that come at us that we hear or we receive and may at us that we hear or we receive and may at us that we hear or we receive and may not even know that we've received. And not even know that we've received. And not even know that we've received. And I'll start with Romans 12:1 and 2. It I'll start with Romans 12:1 and 2. It I'll start with Romans 12:1 and 2. It says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy to offer your in view of God's mercy to offer your in view of God's mercy to offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and body as a living sacrifice, holy and body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual pleasing to God. This is your spiritual pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any act of worship. Do not conform any act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but longer to the pattern of this world, but longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your be transformed by the renewing of your be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you'll be able to test and mind. Then you'll be able to test and mind. Then you'll be able to test and approve what God's will is, his good, approve what God's will is, his good, approve what God's will is, his good, good, pleasing, and perfect will. Now, good, pleasing, and perfect will. Now, good, pleasing, and perfect will. Now, notice how it says, "Do not conform, but notice how it says, "Do not conform, but notice how it says, "Do not conform, but be transformed." So, what happens is we be transformed." So, what happens is we be transformed." So, what happens is we often get squeezed into the image or the often get squeezed into the image or the often get squeezed into the image or the mindset of the world. And then over time mindset of the world. And then over time mindset of the world. And then over time we we don't even receive the blessing of we we don't even receive the blessing of we we don't even receive the blessing of what God has for us in our relationship what God has for us in our relationship what God has for us in our relationship with him and with his design. But with him and with his design. But with him and with his design. But there's a renewal of our minds to God's there's a renewal of our minds to God's there's a renewal of our minds to God's design, a renewal to his truth. But if design, a renewal to his truth. But if design, a renewal to his truth. But if that truth is not in there, if I don't that truth is not in there, if I don't that truth is not in there, if I don't see or understand the difference between see or understand the difference between see or understand the difference between truth and lie, then I'm just going to be truth and lie, then I'm just going to be truth and lie, then I'm just going to be conformed to the lies that are coming at conformed to the lies that are coming at conformed to the lies that are coming at me from the enemy, from the world, and me from the enemy, from the world, and me from the enemy, from the world, and from my flesh. So let me read a couple from my flesh. So let me read a couple from my flesh. So let me read a couple of these. First of all, first lie, if of these. First of all, first lie, if of these. First of all, first lie, if you are single, something is wrong.

you are single, something is wrong. you are single, something is wrong. That's a lie. Let me state it very That's a lie. Let me state it very That's a lie. Let me state it very clearly. The truth is God calls some clearly. The truth is God calls some clearly. The truth is God calls some people to singleness for his purposes. people to singleness for his purposes. people to singleness for his purposes. And there are some of you that you are And there are some of you that you are And there are some of you that you are single and that God God has called you single and that God God has called you single and that God God has called you to that. That actually I'll just remind to that. That actually I'll just remind to that. That actually I'll just remind you that Jesus was single in case you you that Jesus was single in case you you that Jesus was single in case you didn't know that. And the Apostle Paul didn't know that. And the Apostle Paul didn't know that. And the Apostle Paul was single and there there's a reality was single and there there's a reality was single and there there's a reality that the the whole idea of marriage that the the whole idea of marriage that the the whole idea of marriage being kind of the standard. A lot of being kind of the standard. A lot of being kind of the standard. A lot of people in the early church, they were people in the early church, they were people in the early church, they were single and that was their call that God single and that was their call that God single and that was their call that God had given to them. 1 Corinthians 7:7 had given to them. 1 Corinthians 7:7 had given to them. 1 Corinthians 7:7 says, "Each man has his own gift from says, "Each man has his own gift from says, "Each man has his own gift from God, but one has this gift and another God, but one has this gift and another God, but one has this gift and another has that." So Paul's talking about that has that." So Paul's talking about that has that." So Paul's talking about that in the context of singleness. The next in the context of singleness. The next in the context of singleness. The next slide, I think I should say this before slide, I think I should say this before slide, I think I should say this before I keep going. All of these we're going I keep going. All of these we're going I keep going. All of these we're going to post online. Uh you can find them at to post online. Uh you can find them at to post online. Uh you can find them at my social media and they're there, my my social media and they're there, my my social media and they're there, my little my social media handles in your little my social media handles in your little my social media handles in your notes so that you want to go there notes so that you want to go there notes so that you want to go there later, you can. So don't feel like you later, you can. So don't feel like you later, you can. So don't feel like you have to keep up as I'm going through have to keep up as I'm going through have to keep up as I'm going through because I got a few of them. Okay. So because I got a few of them. Okay. So because I got a few of them. Okay. So the next one, the lie says that men and the next one, the lie says that men and the next one, the lie says that men and women are the same. But God's word, as women are the same. But God's word, as women are the same. But God's word, as we've looked at, says that men and women we've looked at, says that men and women we've looked at, says that men and women are equal in value, different in role, are equal in value, different in role, are equal in value, different in role, and complimentary in design. So they and complimentary in design. So they and complimentary in design. So they work together. They're equal before the work together. They're equal before the work together. They're equal before the Lord. They're complimentary, and then Lord. They're complimentary, and then Lord. They're complimentary, and then they work together from different roles.

they work together from different roles. they work together from different roles. The next one, one lie says that one The next one, one lie says that one The next one, one lie says that one gender is better than the other. And gender is better than the other. And gender is better than the other. And this gets us into chauvinism and this gets us into chauvinism and this gets us into chauvinism and feminism. That's not God's intended feminism. That's not God's intended feminism. That's not God's intended design. God did not say, "I like my sons design. God did not say, "I like my sons design. God did not say, "I like my sons more than my daughters or my daughters more than my daughters or my daughters more than my daughters or my daughters more than my sons." God designed sons more than my sons." God designed sons more than my sons." God designed sons and daughters because he wanted both of and daughters because he wanted both of and daughters because he wanted both of them. They're both central to the them. They're both central to the them. They're both central to the message of Christianity, central to the message of Christianity, central to the message of Christianity, central to the church moving forward, central to God's church moving forward, central to God's church moving forward, central to God's family, sons and daughters working family, sons and daughters working family, sons and daughters working together to build the kingdom of God. together to build the kingdom of God. together to build the kingdom of God. Amen. Amen. All right. So, what was the Amen. Amen. All right. So, what was the Amen. Amen. All right. So, what was the lie? I just started preaching. I lost lie? I just started preaching. I lost lie? I just started preaching. I lost myself. Okay. Men, men and women are the myself. Okay. Men, men and women are the myself. Okay. Men, men and women are the same. We're equal and one gender is same. We're equal and one gender is same. We're equal and one gender is better than the other. Truth is, each is better than the other. Truth is, each is better than the other. Truth is, each is better at specific things designed to better at specific things designed to better at specific things designed to complete one another. So, they're each complete one another. So, they're each complete one another. So, they're each better at different things. Another lie, better at different things. Another lie, better at different things. Another lie, you don't need authority and order. you don't need authority and order. you don't need authority and order. Well, God actually, the Bible teaches us Well, God actually, the Bible teaches us Well, God actually, the Bible teaches us that God gave authority and order in the that God gave authority and order in the that God gave authority and order in the home for blessing and protection. So, home for blessing and protection. So, home for blessing and protection. So, that's his design to bless us. Another that's his design to bless us. Another that's his design to bless us. Another lie is that we don't need one another.

lie is that we don't need one another. lie is that we don't need one another. Well, God actually shows us in his word Well, God actually shows us in his word Well, God actually shows us in his word that he made husband and wife to depend that he made husband and wife to depend that he made husband and wife to depend on one another. Another lie that we have on one another. Another lie that we have on one another. Another lie that we have in our culture is that we can define in our culture is that we can define in our culture is that we can define gender and sexuality. But according to gender and sexuality. But according to gender and sexuality. But according to God's divine design, God created man and God's divine design, God created man and God's divine design, God created man and woman for a covenant marriage with one woman for a covenant marriage with one woman for a covenant marriage with one another. This beautiful picture of his another. This beautiful picture of his another. This beautiful picture of his display of how to build a family. display of how to build a family. display of how to build a family. Another lie is marriage and family will Another lie is marriage and family will Another lie is marriage and family will ruin your life. ruin your life. ruin your life. Heard that before. I can hear it based Heard that before. I can hear it based Heard that before. I can hear it based on the laughter in the room. And I will on the laughter in the room. And I will on the laughter in the room. And I will say very clearly from God's word, say very clearly from God's word, say very clearly from God's word, marriage and family are a gift from God. marriage and family are a gift from God. marriage and family are a gift from God. Gift from God. And in fact, the Bible Gift from God. And in fact, the Bible Gift from God. And in fact, the Bible says that children are a blessing from says that children are a blessing from says that children are a blessing from the Lord. I was convicted one time, the Lord. I was convicted one time, the Lord. I was convicted one time, Pastor Buddy said to me, you know, a lot Pastor Buddy said to me, you know, a lot Pastor Buddy said to me, you know, a lot of times when you share stories about of times when you share stories about of times when you share stories about your kids, they're negative stories. And your kids, they're negative stories. And your kids, they're negative stories. And anytime I would share a negative story anytime I would share a negative story anytime I would share a negative story about the kids when they were younger, about the kids when they were younger, about the kids when they were younger, I'd get a good laugh. And when he said I'd get a good laugh. And when he said I'd get a good laugh. And when he said that, it cut me right to the heart and I that, it cut me right to the heart and I that, it cut me right to the heart and I made a vow before God. I I would never made a vow before God. I I would never made a vow before God. I I would never share a negative story about my kids share a negative story about my kids share a negative story about my kids again from a stage. And what I want you again from a stage. And what I want you again from a stage. And what I want you to hear from me is what a blessing to hear from me is what a blessing to hear from me is what a blessing children are from God. What a blessing children are from God. What a blessing children are from God. What a blessing it is to have sons and daughters.

right, I'm going to give you two more right, I'm going to give you two more and then I'll wrap it up. Living and then I'll wrap it up. Living and then I'll wrap it up. Living together will help you see if you're together will help you see if you're together will help you see if you're compatible. compatible. compatible. And the truth is marriage begins with a And the truth is marriage begins with a And the truth is marriage begins with a covenant and then the consummation or covenant and then the consummation or covenant and then the consummation or intimacy follows. Marriage begins with a intimacy follows. Marriage begins with a intimacy follows. Marriage begins with a covenant. And then this last one, and covenant. And then this last one, and covenant. And then this last one, and we'll finish with this. The lie says, we'll finish with this. The lie says, we'll finish with this. The lie says, "My situation is too far gone. my "My situation is too far gone. my "My situation is too far gone. my situation is too far gone. And the truth situation is too far gone. And the truth situation is too far gone. And the truth of God says that he can restore broken of God says that he can restore broken of God says that he can restore broken marriages and families. He's a God that marriages and families. He's a God that marriages and families. He's a God that can take the pieces that we bring to him can take the pieces that we bring to him can take the pieces that we bring to him and he can bring healing and and he can bring healing and and he can bring healing and restoration. And I want you to hear one restoration. And I want you to hear one restoration. And I want you to hear one story, one story of how one family is story, one story of how one family is story, one story of how one family is experiencing the restoration of God as experiencing the restoration of God as experiencing the restoration of God as they're bringing the pieces to him. they're bringing the pieces to him. they're bringing the pieces to him. Let's watch this together. My mom was one of three siblings from My mom was one of three siblings from different dads and I'm one of three different dads and I'm one of three different dads and I'm one of three siblings from different dads siblings from different dads siblings from different dads and um that is something that has and um that is something that has and um that is something that has stopped with me and like my siblings and stopped with me and like my siblings and stopped with me and like my siblings and I think just like the power that that I think just like the power that that I think just like the power that that shows is like truly amazing because she shows is like truly amazing because she shows is like truly amazing because she did something right with us.

did something right with us. did something right with us. My mom met our dad when I was seven and My mom met our dad when I was seven and My mom met our dad when I was seven and they love each other very much and he is they love each other very much and he is they love each other very much and he is amazing. I didn't start going to amazing. I didn't start going to amazing. I didn't start going to Saddleback Church until my dad's cousin Saddleback Church until my dad's cousin Saddleback Church until my dad's cousin invited us and we really enjoyed it and invited us and we really enjoyed it and invited us and we really enjoyed it and my parents liked it. It was like nice to my parents liked it. It was like nice to my parents liked it. It was like nice to have something that we would do on the have something that we would do on the have something that we would do on the weekend together as like a family just weekend together as like a family just weekend together as like a family just cuz we were always kind of busy with cuz we were always kind of busy with cuz we were always kind of busy with like sports or school. like sports or school. like sports or school. When I was in high school, I played When I was in high school, I played When I was in high school, I played sports and like was super involved in sports and like was super involved in sports and like was super involved in soccer, but outside of that, I like soccer, but outside of that, I like soccer, but outside of that, I like struggled to find like my friends. I struggled to find like my friends. I struggled to find like my friends. I think that just like led me to like fall think that just like led me to like fall think that just like led me to like fall into the wrong crowd and do things that into the wrong crowd and do things that into the wrong crowd and do things that I like wasn't very proud of. When my I like wasn't very proud of. When my I like wasn't very proud of. When my parents like sat down to talk with me parents like sat down to talk with me parents like sat down to talk with me about like seeing that I wasn't exactly about like seeing that I wasn't exactly about like seeing that I wasn't exactly the same person that I was at home at the same person that I was at home at the same person that I was at home at school, they like came at me with love school, they like came at me with love school, they like came at me with love and like concerned because of my mom's and like concerned because of my mom's and like concerned because of my mom's past. She got pregnant with me at a very past. She got pregnant with me at a very past. She got pregnant with me at a very young age. And she's always been super young age. And she's always been super young age. And she's always been super open and honest with me about what she open and honest with me about what she open and honest with me about what she struggles, what she struggled with in struggles, what she struggled with in struggles, what she struggled with in the past, and the past, and the past, and how she doesn't want me to fall into how she doesn't want me to fall into how she doesn't want me to fall into those things as well. When I was a those things as well. When I was a those things as well. When I was a sophomore in high school, I joined a HSM sophomore in high school, I joined a HSM sophomore in high school, I joined a HSM life group for the first time. Well, life group for the first time. Well, life group for the first time. Well, really, my mom signed me up and she was really, my mom signed me up and she was really, my mom signed me up and she was just like, "You should do this." And just like, "You should do this." And just like, "You should do this." And having like leaders who are were there having like leaders who are were there having like leaders who are were there to support me and answer any questions

to support me and answer any questions to support me and answer any questions that I have was amazing. I still talk to that I have was amazing. I still talk to that I have was amazing. I still talk to them to this day and I know I could go them to this day and I know I could go them to this day and I know I could go to them for anything. That has inspired to them for anything. That has inspired to them for anything. That has inspired me to lead my own life group with my me to lead my own life group with my me to lead my own life group with my mom. It's been super fun just like mom. It's been super fun just like mom. It's been super fun just like leading with her a group of teenage leading with her a group of teenage leading with her a group of teenage girls who are in like the same spots of girls who are in like the same spots of girls who are in like the same spots of life that I was once not too long ago life that I was once not too long ago life that I was once not too long ago and just being able to be part of like and just being able to be part of like and just being able to be part of like that difficult time of their life. that difficult time of their life. that difficult time of their life. Seeing her be there for them the way she Seeing her be there for them the way she Seeing her be there for them the way she was for me is truly amazing and makes me was for me is truly amazing and makes me was for me is truly amazing and makes me want to be more like her. I look up to want to be more like her. I look up to want to be more like her. I look up to my mom a lot. She made me see like my mom a lot. She made me see like my mom a lot. She made me see like things things things in a different perspective and like how in a different perspective and like how in a different perspective and like how the world can be and how bad situations the world can be and how bad situations the world can be and how bad situations can be turned into good. can be turned into good. can be turned into good. If it wasn't for the love and support of If it wasn't for the love and support of If it wasn't for the love and support of my parents and them truly fighting for my parents and them truly fighting for my parents and them truly fighting for each other and for me, I don't think I each other and for me, I don't think I each other and for me, I don't think I would be in this place in my life. They would be in this place in my life. They would be in this place in my life. They showed me how to love myself in the way showed me how to love myself in the way showed me how to love myself in the way Christ loves me and it truly just Christ loves me and it truly just Christ loves me and it truly just changed my life.

changed my life. changed my life. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] It's such a a beautiful display of God's It's such a a beautiful display of God's restoration. God has restored a family. restoration. God has restored a family. restoration. God has restored a family. Everything except for the fact that they Everything except for the fact that they Everything except for the fact that they cheer for the Buffalo Bills. God has cheer for the Buffalo Bills. God has cheer for the Buffalo Bills. God has restored them. And what I love is how restored them. And what I love is how restored them. And what I love is how it's moving into future generations. it's moving into future generations. it's moving into future generations. that as a family, as a life is that as a family, as a life is that as a family, as a life is surrendered to God, the blessing and a surrendered to God, the blessing and a surrendered to God, the blessing and a new way of doing it is coming into new way of doing it is coming into new way of doing it is coming into future generations. And I I've shared future generations. And I I've shared future generations. And I I've shared pieces of my story here. My parents when pieces of my story here. My parents when pieces of my story here. My parents when I was 10 years old, they divorced. And I was 10 years old, they divorced. And I was 10 years old, they divorced. And somebody asked me recently, I shared a somebody asked me recently, I shared a somebody asked me recently, I shared a little bit of this. Why are you so little bit of this. Why are you so little bit of this. Why are you so passionate about this subject? And it's passionate about this subject? And it's passionate about this subject? And it's because I see the significance and the because I see the significance and the because I see the significance and the importance. And I'm so thankful that importance. And I'm so thankful that importance. And I'm so thankful that after my parents broke in pieces that after my parents broke in pieces that after my parents broke in pieces that they took me to church and they taught they took me to church and they taught they took me to church and they taught me a different kind of way. And my story me a different kind of way. And my story me a different kind of way. And my story is different because of that. And is different because of that. And is different because of that. And sometimes the blessing is in future sometimes the blessing is in future sometimes the blessing is in future generations. And some of you are generations. And some of you are generations. And some of you are carrying regret. Some of you have just carrying regret. Some of you have just carrying regret. Some of you have just this sense in which you feel less than.

this sense in which you feel less than. this sense in which you feel less than. And I I need you to hear. God wants you And I I need you to hear. God wants you And I I need you to hear. God wants you to hear today. You are not less than. If to hear today. You are not less than. If to hear today. You are not less than. If you're a single parent, you're not less you're a single parent, you're not less you're a single parent, you're not less than. If you've walked through a than. If you've walked through a than. If you've walked through a divorce, you are not less than. If a divorce, you are not less than. If a divorce, you are not less than. If a spouse left you, you are not less than. spouse left you, you are not less than. spouse left you, you are not less than. If you are waiting for a marriage and If you are waiting for a marriage and If you are waiting for a marriage and single, you are not less than. God has a single, you are not less than. God has a single, you are not less than. God has a great plan for you. And although ideal great plan for you. And although ideal great plan for you. And although ideal is not always possible, surrender always is not always possible, surrender always is not always possible, surrender always is. Surrender is always a possibility is. Surrender is always a possibility is. Surrender is always a possibility with God. And in Joel chapter 2 verse with God. And in Joel chapter 2 verse with God. And in Joel chapter 2 verse 24, there is this beautiful picture of 24, there is this beautiful picture of 24, there is this beautiful picture of how God brings restoration. And it says how God brings restoration. And it says how God brings restoration. And it says this, I will repay you for the years this, I will repay you for the years this, I will repay you for the years that the locust have eaten. That God is that the locust have eaten. That God is that the locust have eaten. That God is able to take the pieces and write a new able to take the pieces and write a new able to take the pieces and write a new story. Isaiah 61:3 says that he can story. Isaiah 61:3 says that he can story. Isaiah 61:3 says that he can bestow on them on us a crown of beauty bestow on them on us a crown of beauty bestow on them on us a crown of beauty instead of ashes. So God through the instead of ashes. So God through the instead of ashes. So God through the cross is giving a different story. And cross is giving a different story. And cross is giving a different story. And all he is asking of you today is to all he is asking of you today is to all he is asking of you today is to surrender to him the pieces of your surrender to him the pieces of your surrender to him the pieces of your life. Some of you, there are hard life. Some of you, there are hard life. Some of you, there are hard decisions that you have to make. There decisions that you have to make. There decisions that you have to make. There are some of you that are living together are some of you that are living together are some of you that are living together and the decision needs to be to separate and the decision needs to be to separate and the decision needs to be to separate until you make a covenant commitment until you make a covenant commitment until you make a covenant commitment with one another. Some of you are in a with one another. Some of you are in a with one another. Some of you are in a relationship that you're dating and you relationship that you're dating and you relationship that you're dating and you know it's not the right one. There are know it's not the right one. There are know it's not the right one. There are some of you that are contemplating some of you that are contemplating some of you that are contemplating leaving a spouse for a very selfish leaving a spouse for a very selfish leaving a spouse for a very selfish reason and God is saying to you, "This reason and God is saying to you, "This reason and God is saying to you, "This is this is not my design." And there are is this is not my design." And there are is this is not my design." And there are pieces that you need to bring to God

pieces that you need to bring to God pieces that you need to bring to God today. And some of you, you're carrying today. And some of you, you're carrying today. And some of you, you're carrying the regret, the shame of a broken, the regret, the shame of a broken, the regret, the shame of a broken, fallen world, a broken, fallen reality. fallen world, a broken, fallen reality. fallen world, a broken, fallen reality. And God is saying to you, come bring And God is saying to you, come bring And God is saying to you, come bring those pieces to me and let me work with those pieces to me and let me work with those pieces to me and let me work with you to bring restoration to your story. you to bring restoration to your story. you to bring restoration to your story. And the way we know that God is a God of And the way we know that God is a God of And the way we know that God is a God of restoration is because of the cross. restoration is because of the cross. restoration is because of the cross. It's because Jesus died to pay the price It's because Jesus died to pay the price It's because Jesus died to pay the price so that we can be returned and restored so that we can be returned and restored so that we can be returned and restored to his heart and have a new relationship to his heart and have a new relationship to his heart and have a new relationship with him. And one of the best ways to with him. And one of the best ways to with him. And one of the best ways to remember this and to see it is through remember this and to see it is through remember this and to see it is through taking communion together and taking communion together and taking communion together and remembering how we can bring our broken remembering how we can bring our broken remembering how we can bring our broken pieces to God. And I'm going to pray for pieces to God. And I'm going to pray for pieces to God. And I'm going to pray for us. Our local campus pastors are going us. Our local campus pastors are going us. Our local campus pastors are going to come forth and they're going to lead to come forth and they're going to lead to come forth and they're going to lead us in a moment of communion together. us in a moment of communion together. us in a moment of communion together. And around you, you'll find a communion And around you, you'll find a communion And around you, you'll find a communion cup. You can grab that. I'm going to cup. You can grab that. I'm going to cup. You can grab that. I'm going to pray for us and then send it to your pray for us and then send it to your pray for us and then send it to your local campus host. Father, I thank you local campus host. Father, I thank you local campus host. Father, I thank you today that you're a God who restores the today that you're a God who restores the today that you're a God who restores the broken pieces. You are a God that leads broken pieces. You are a God that leads broken pieces. You are a God that leads us to a place of life, of joy, of us to a place of life, of joy, of us to a place of life, of joy, of fulfillment. And God, thank you for the fulfillment. And God, thank you for the fulfillment. And God, thank you for the beauty of your design. I pray that you beauty of your design. I pray that you beauty of your design. I pray that you would help us now as we consider what it would help us now as we consider what it would help us now as we consider what it might look like to surrender the pieces might look like to surrender the pieces might look like to surrender the pieces to you. And for those who are charting to you. And for those who are charting to you. And for those who are charting the course for the future, God, please the course for the future, God, please the course for the future, God, please continue to lift our vision for this continue to lift our vision for this continue to lift our vision for this beautiful design that we might live in beautiful design that we might live in beautiful design that we might live in accordance with it and step into it with accordance with it and step into it with accordance with it and step into it with our whole heart. We pray all these our whole heart. We pray all these our whole heart. We pray all these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen.

things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. >> We're going to step into a moment of >> We're going to step into a moment of >> We're going to step into a moment of communion together. And I just want to communion together. And I just want to communion together. And I just want to invite you to grab the elements that you invite you to grab the elements that you invite you to grab the elements that you prepared at the be beginning of the prepared at the be beginning of the prepared at the be beginning of the message. And I want to encourage you. message. And I want to encourage you. message. And I want to encourage you. You might have been multitasking as you You might have been multitasking as you You might have been multitasking as you were watching this service or maybe were watching this service or maybe were watching this service or maybe you're on a walk. Maybe you're sitting you're on a walk. Maybe you're sitting you're on a walk. Maybe you're sitting at one of our extensions watching with at one of our extensions watching with at one of our extensions watching with other people. I just want to invite you, other people. I just want to invite you, other people. I just want to invite you, whatever it is that you're doing right whatever it is that you're doing right whatever it is that you're doing right now to just take a moment to be still, now to just take a moment to be still, now to just take a moment to be still, to be present. I want to invite you as to be present. I want to invite you as to be present. I want to invite you as we do this, when we take communion, we we do this, when we take communion, we we do this, when we take communion, we are remembering God's great love. We are are remembering God's great love. We are are remembering God's great love. We are remembering God's great sacrifice when remembering God's great sacrifice when remembering God's great sacrifice when he died for us on the cross. These he died for us on the cross. These he died for us on the cross. These elements that we use, there's nothing elements that we use, there's nothing elements that we use, there's nothing special about them. I have some juice. I special about them. I have some juice. I special about them. I have some juice. I have a piece of cracker here. You might have a piece of cracker here. You might have a piece of cracker here. You might have some bread that you're using. have some bread that you're using. have some bread that you're using. Although the elements themselves are not Although the elements themselves are not Although the elements themselves are not special, what they represent has the special, what they represent has the special, what they represent has the utmost significance. It represents God's utmost significance. It represents God's utmost significance. It represents God's body, Jesus body that was broken for us.

body, Jesus body that was broken for us. body, Jesus body that was broken for us. It rep represents Jesus blood that was It rep represents Jesus blood that was It rep represents Jesus blood that was shed for us on the cross. shed for us on the cross. shed for us on the cross. Romans 6 says, "For the wages of sin is Romans 6 says, "For the wages of sin is Romans 6 says, "For the wages of sin is death." We are all sinful sinful people. death." We are all sinful sinful people. death." We are all sinful sinful people. We've all made mistakes. We've all done We've all made mistakes. We've all done We've all made mistakes. We've all done things that are not glorifying to God things that are not glorifying to God things that are not glorifying to God that separate us from him. And for that, that separate us from him. And for that, that separate us from him. And for that, we deserve punishment and we deserve we deserve punishment and we deserve we deserve punishment and we deserve death. But that's not the end of the death. But that's not the end of the death. But that's not the end of the story. Romans 6 continues to say, "For story. Romans 6 continues to say, "For story. Romans 6 continues to say, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free the wages of sin is death, but the free the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through gift of God is eternal life through gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." See, Jesus came Christ Jesus our Lord." See, Jesus came Christ Jesus our Lord." See, Jesus came to this earth. He lived a perfect, a to this earth. He lived a perfect, a to this earth. He lived a perfect, a sinless, a blameless life, not deserving sinless, a blameless life, not deserving sinless, a blameless life, not deserving of punishment. And he took our of punishment. And he took our of punishment. And he took our punishment of death. He went to the punishment of death. He went to the punishment of death. He went to the cross. He endured suffering and pain and cross. He endured suffering and pain and cross. He endured suffering and pain and died for our sake so that we wouldn't died for our sake so that we wouldn't died for our sake so that we wouldn't have to die and live in eternal have to die and live in eternal have to die and live in eternal damnation because of his love for us. He damnation because of his love for us. He damnation because of his love for us. He died for us on the cross that we might died for us on the cross that we might died for us on the cross that we might be restored in right relationship with be restored in right relationship with be restored in right relationship with the father. He died for us on the cross the father. He died for us on the cross the father. He died for us on the cross that we might live in freedom and chains that we might live in freedom and chains that we might live in freedom and chains broken from the things that hold us broken from the things that hold us broken from the things that hold us captive. He died for us on the cross captive. He died for us on the cross captive. He died for us on the cross because he loved us. And so I want to because he loved us. And so I want to because he loved us. And so I want to invite you grab your piece of bread or invite you grab your piece of bread or invite you grab your piece of bread or your cracker, whatever it is right now.

your cracker, whatever it is right now. your cracker, whatever it is right now. And in God's word in First Corinthians, And in God's word in First Corinthians, And in God's word in First Corinthians, it says, "On the night that he was it says, "On the night that he was it says, "On the night that he was betrayed, Jesus took the bread, he gave betrayed, Jesus took the bread, he gave betrayed, Jesus took the bread, he gave thanks, thanks, thanks, he broke it, and he said, "This is my he broke it, and he said, "This is my he broke it, and he said, "This is my body given for you. Do this in body given for you. Do this in body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And so as we take remembrance of me." And so as we take remembrance of me." And so as we take this bread, I want to encourage you to this bread, I want to encourage you to this bread, I want to encourage you to think about what Jesus might have think about what Jesus might have think about what Jesus might have endured on the cross. To think about the endured on the cross. To think about the endured on the cross. To think about the suffering that he might have gone suffering that he might have gone suffering that he might have gone through and his body beaten and whipped through and his body beaten and whipped through and his body beaten and whipped and broken in our place. So would you and broken in our place. So would you and broken in our place. So would you take this with me? [Music] [Music] And now I want to invite you to grab And now I want to invite you to grab And now I want to invite you to grab your cup. And God's word continues to your cup. And God's word continues to your cup. And God's word continues to say Jesus took the cup and he said, say Jesus took the cup and he said, say Jesus took the cup and he said, "This is my new covenant. My blood blood "This is my new covenant. My blood blood "This is my new covenant. My blood blood given for you. When you do this, do this given for you. When you do this, do this given for you. When you do this, do this in remembrance of me." This blood, this in remembrance of me." This blood, this in remembrance of me." This blood, this cup represents Jesus blood that was shed cup represents Jesus blood that was shed cup represents Jesus blood that was shed for us. a life given, a life taken in for us. a life given, a life taken in for us. a life given, a life taken in our place. And so we take this in our place. And so we take this in our place. And so we take this in remembrance of the great sacrifice that remembrance of the great sacrifice that remembrance of the great sacrifice that Jesus gave for us.

Jesus gave for us. Jesus gave for us. [Music] Would you join me in prayer? Would you join me in prayer? Heavenly Father, we give glory to you Heavenly Father, we give glory to you Heavenly Father, we give glory to you and we praise you with great and we praise you with great and we praise you with great thanksgiving thanksgiving thanksgiving for the great sacrifice of your son for the great sacrifice of your son for the great sacrifice of your son Jesus on the cross. We thank you, Lord, Jesus on the cross. We thank you, Lord, Jesus on the cross. We thank you, Lord, that the story wasn't finished when you that the story wasn't finished when you that the story wasn't finished when you said that we deserve punishment and said that we deserve punishment and said that we deserve punishment and death, but that you brought your son death, but that you brought your son death, but that you brought your son Jesus to pay that price, to pay that Jesus to pay that price, to pay that Jesus to pay that price, to pay that penalty for us, so that we could be penalty for us, so that we could be penalty for us, so that we could be forgiven. so that we could live in a way forgiven. so that we could live in a way forgiven. so that we could live in a way that's glorifying to you. So that we that's glorifying to you. So that we that's glorifying to you. So that we could live in right relationship with could live in right relationship with could live in right relationship with you and our chains broken from the you and our chains broken from the you and our chains broken from the things that hold us captive. And we things that hold us captive. And we things that hold us captive. And we thank you and we remember as we take thank you and we remember as we take thank you and we remember as we take communion, we remember your resurrection communion, we remember your resurrection communion, we remember your resurrection on the cross. That you defeated death, on the cross. That you defeated death, on the cross. That you defeated death, you defeated sin, you rose from the you defeated sin, you rose from the you defeated sin, you rose from the grave. And God, we give glory to you.

grave. And God, we give glory to you. grave. And God, we give glory to you. And so as we take communion, Lord, we And so as we take communion, Lord, we And so as we take communion, Lord, we sit here. We sit here in your love and sit here. We sit here in your love and sit here. We sit here in your love and we sit here in great gratitude. we sit here in great gratitude. we sit here in great gratitude. Amen. Amen. Amen. We're going to continue to worship now. We're going to continue to worship now. We're going to continue to worship now. And as we continue to worship, I just And as we continue to worship, I just And as we continue to worship, I just want you to think about and reflect and want you to think about and reflect and want you to think about and reflect and continue to recognize God's goodness and continue to recognize God's goodness and continue to recognize God's goodness and his great great love for you. his great great love for you. his great great love for you. All my life you have been faithful. All my life he has been so so good. All my life he has been so so good. And with every breath that I am able, And with every breath that I am able, And with every breath that I am able, oh I will sing of the goodness oh I will sing of the goodness oh I will sing of the goodness of God. of God. of God. Yes. All my life, Yes. All my life, Yes. All my life, all my life you have been faithful.

And all my life you have been so. And all my life you have been so. Oh, great is your power. Every breath Oh, great is your power. Every breath Oh, great is your power. Every breath that I amable. that I amable. that I amable. Oh, I'm going to sing Oh, I'm going to sing Oh, I'm going to sing of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness of God. of God. of God. Oh, goodness. Oh, goodness. Oh, goodness. Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's running after me. Thank you, Lord. running after me. Thank you, Lord. running after me. Thank you, Lord. Your goodness is running after. is Your goodness is running after. is Your goodness is running after. is running after me with my life laid down. running after me with my life laid down. running after me with my life laid down. I'm surrender now. I give you everything I'm surrender now. I give you everything I'm surrender now. I give you everything cuz your goodness is running after. It's cuz your goodness is running after. It's cuz your goodness is running after. It's always running after me. always running after me. always running after me. So we thank you Lord. Let's lift our So we thank you Lord. Let's lift our So we thank you Lord. Let's lift our praise to him and sing praise to him and sing praise to him and sing that all my life you have been faithful. that all my life you have been faithful. that all my life you have been faithful. Every day, every moment he has all my Every day, every moment he has all my Every day, every moment he has all my life and with every breath that I am making and with every breath that I am making and I will sing of the goodness and I will sing of the goodness and I will sing of the goodness of God.

of God. of God. Yes, I will speak Yes, I will speak Yes, I will speak of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness of God. I'm going to sing of the goodness I'm going to sing of the goodness of God. I loved hearing what Pastor Andy had to I loved hearing what Pastor Andy had to say about how we can live with God's say about how we can live with God's say about how we can live with God's design for our families. If during the design for our families. If during the design for our families. If during the message you felt led to take a next step message you felt led to take a next step message you felt led to take a next step in your faith, we would love for you to in your faith, we would love for you to in your faith, we would love for you to let us know in the Saddleback app so let us know in the Saddleback app so let us know in the Saddleback app so that we can walk with you and help you that we can walk with you and help you that we can walk with you and help you to take that step. And in addition, if to take that step. And in addition, if to take that step. And in addition, if you have prayer, if you want prayer for you have prayer, if you want prayer for you have prayer, if you want prayer for anything, you can also let us know on anything, you can also let us know on anything, you can also let us know on the app and we would love to have our the app and we would love to have our the app and we would love to have our prayer team praying with you in that. prayer team praying with you in that. prayer team praying with you in that. Well, we have a communion guide that you Well, we have a communion guide that you Well, we have a communion guide that you can find on strongerhomes.com. can find on strongerhomes.com. can find on strongerhomes.com. So, just like we got to take communion So, just like we got to take communion So, just like we got to take communion together, this guide will help you to together, this guide will help you to together, this guide will help you to take communion with your families. It'll take communion with your families. It'll take communion with your families. It'll give you instructions on the elements give you instructions on the elements give you instructions on the elements that you'll need, scripture to read that you'll need, scripture to read that you'll need, scripture to read through. It'll give you every step you through. It'll give you every step you through. It'll give you every step you need so that you can take communion with need so that you can take communion with need so that you can take communion with your own family. Well, church family, your own family. Well, church family, your own family. Well, church family, we're so grateful that you decided to we're so grateful that you decided to we're so grateful that you decided to join us for church this weekend. Kids, join us for church this weekend. Kids, join us for church this weekend. Kids, students, if you guys are still students, if you guys are still students, if you guys are still watching, I hope you guys enjoyed the watching, I hope you guys enjoyed the watching, I hope you guys enjoyed the service, and I'm so grateful that you service, and I'm so grateful that you service, and I'm so grateful that you joined us this weekend. We hope that joined us this weekend. We hope that joined us this weekend. We hope that you'll join us next weekend as we finish you'll join us next weekend as we finish you'll join us next weekend as we finish our fight for your family series. So, I our fight for your family series. So, I our fight for your family series. So, I hope you guys have a great week and hope you guys have a great week and hope you guys have a great week and we'll see you next time.

[Music] [Music] Heat. Heat.