The Path of Neighboring | Randy Frazee

I didn't know it, but I was already in a I didn't know it, but I was already in a small group. Yeah. Sometimes we meet for small group. Yeah. Sometimes we meet for small group. Yeah. Sometimes we meet for coffee, uh, tea, and now we also get to coffee, uh, tea, and now we also get to coffee, uh, tea, and now we also get to pray for one another. It's pretty cool. pray for one another. It's pretty cool. pray for one another. It's pretty cool. So, I love sports. And it turns out so So, I love sports. And it turns out so So, I love sports. And it turns out so do the other guys from my church. It do the other guys from my church. It do the other guys from my church. It could be football, pickle ball, doesn't could be football, pickle ball, doesn't could be football, pickle ball, doesn't matter. matter. matter. >> That was great. That was great. That was >> That was great. That was great. That was >> That was great. That was great. That was good. good. good. >> Let's see. We have game night. We read >> Let's see. We have game night. We read >> Let's see. We have game night. We read the Bible. Um, we always have food. the Bible. Um, we always have food. the Bible. Um, we always have food. We're all just taking one day at a time We're all just taking one day at a time We're all just taking one day at a time and trying to go deeper with one and trying to go deeper with one and trying to go deeper with one another. another. another. I don't think you need a theology I don't think you need a theology I don't think you need a theology degree. You're already doing life. Just degree. You're already doing life. Just degree. You're already doing life. Just invite others to do it with you. Yeah. invite others to do it with you. Yeah. invite others to do it with you. Yeah. Whatever you love doing, there's your Whatever you love doing, there's your Whatever you love doing, there's your small group. small group. small group. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] And now my friends that I've made, this And now my friends that I've made, this And now my friends that I've made, this small group, I call them family. And it just gets I call them family. And it just gets bigger. bigger. bigger. [Music] Hey church family. So exciting to think Hey church family. So exciting to think about all that God's going to do in our about all that God's going to do in our about all that God's going to do in our midst over these coming weeks as we take midst over these coming weeks as we take midst over these coming weeks as we take that step to get into community, into that step to get into community, into that step to get into community, into small groups. And maybe you've been small groups. And maybe you've been small groups. And maybe you've been hearing about groups every week for like hearing about groups every week for like hearing about groups every week for like the last four weeks. Some of you guys the last four weeks. Some of you guys the last four weeks. Some of you guys are like, "When are you going to stop are like, "When are you going to stop are like, "When are you going to stop talking about small groups?" It's when talking about small groups?" It's when talking about small groups?" It's when everybody gets in one. That's when we're everybody gets in one. That's when we're everybody gets in one. That's when we're going to stop talking about it. And when going to stop talking about it. And when going to stop talking about it. And when you think about your journey you think about your journey you think about your journey spiritually, there is no decision that spiritually, there is no decision that spiritually, there is no decision that you will make that will have a greater you will make that will have a greater you will make that will have a greater impact on your spiritual growth than impact on your spiritual growth than impact on your spiritual growth than your decision to be in community in a

your decision to be in community in a your decision to be in community in a small group. So, I want to encourage you small group. So, I want to encourage you small group. So, I want to encourage you over these next couple weeks as groups over these next couple weeks as groups over these next couple weeks as groups are rolling out to make that decision to are rolling out to make that decision to are rolling out to make that decision to get into community. And today you're get into community. And today you're get into community. And today you're actually going to hear about how all of actually going to hear about how all of actually going to hear about how all of what we've been looking at the last four what we've been looking at the last four what we've been looking at the last four weeks with neighboring ties together weeks with neighboring ties together weeks with neighboring ties together with small groups. Some of you today, I with small groups. Some of you today, I with small groups. Some of you today, I believe God's going to inspire you to believe God's going to inspire you to believe God's going to inspire you to take that step to lead a small group. So take that step to lead a small group. So take that step to lead a small group. So I want to just encourage you, settle in, I want to just encourage you, settle in, I want to just encourage you, settle in, let God speak to your heart today. let God speak to your heart today. let God speak to your heart today. There's a great message that you're There's a great message that you're There's a great message that you're going to hear in just a moment as we going to hear in just a moment as we going to hear in just a moment as we wrap up our Art of Neighboring series. wrap up our Art of Neighboring series. wrap up our Art of Neighboring series. This has been a great four weeks talking This has been a great four weeks talking This has been a great four weeks talking about God's desire for each of us to about God's desire for each of us to about God's desire for each of us to love our neighbor the way we love love our neighbor the way we love love our neighbor the way we love ourselves. And I also want to make sure ourselves. And I also want to make sure ourselves. And I also want to make sure you know one very important thing coming you know one very important thing coming you know one very important thing coming up in two weeks from now. In two weeks up in two weeks from now. In two weeks up in two weeks from now. In two weeks from now, we're starting a message from now, we're starting a message from now, we're starting a message series that we've been looking forward series that we've been looking forward series that we've been looking forward to for months on end called Fight for to for months on end called Fight for to for months on end called Fight for Your Family. Can we say that together? Your Family. Can we say that together? Your Family. Can we say that together? Fight for your family. Campuses, I want Fight for your family. Campuses, I want Fight for your family. Campuses, I want you to say it with me. Fight for your you to say it with me. Fight for your you to say it with me. Fight for your family. Some of you came to church today family. Some of you came to church today family. Some of you came to church today fighting against your family on the way fighting against your family on the way fighting against your family on the way here. And we live a lot of our lives here. And we live a lot of our lives here. And we live a lot of our lives fighting against the very people that fighting against the very people that fighting against the very people that God tells us to fight for. And we're God tells us to fight for. And we're God tells us to fight for. And we're going to spend four weeks talking about going to spend four weeks talking about going to spend four weeks talking about God's vision for your home. God has a God's vision for your home. God has a God's vision for your home. God has a dream and a vision for your home. And dream and a vision for your home. And dream and a vision for your home. And this is a season for us where we'll roll this is a season for us where we'll roll this is a season for us where we'll roll out our initiative called Stronger out our initiative called Stronger out our initiative called Stronger Homes. It ties into what we talked about Homes. It ties into what we talked about Homes. It ties into what we talked about earlier this year called Dream Now. And earlier this year called Dream Now. And earlier this year called Dream Now. And I want to encourage you, mark your I want to encourage you, mark your I want to encourage you, mark your calendars. two weekends from now, all of calendars. two weekends from now, all of calendars. two weekends from now, all of our campuses, we're going to celebrate our campuses, we're going to celebrate our campuses, we're going to celebrate launching this brand new series, Fight

launching this brand new series, Fight launching this brand new series, Fight for Your Family, and then as God calls for Your Family, and then as God calls for Your Family, and then as God calls us into this season of small groups, us into this season of small groups, us into this season of small groups, we're going to take that step for all of we're going to take that step for all of we're going to take that step for all of us to get into community. Now, today us to get into community. Now, today us to get into community. Now, today you're going to hear a phenomenal you're going to hear a phenomenal you're going to hear a phenomenal message from Pastor Randy Frzy. He's a message from Pastor Randy Frzy. He's a message from Pastor Randy Frzy. He's a senior pastor for 35 years. Uh he's senior pastor for 35 years. Uh he's senior pastor for 35 years. Uh he's written a lot of books. Several of his written a lot of books. Several of his written a lot of books. Several of his books really have impacted us as a books really have impacted us as a books really have impacted us as a church that talk about the subject of church that talk about the subject of church that talk about the subject of neighboring. one called connecting neighboring. one called connecting neighboring. one called connecting church and then the other real church and then the other real church and then the other real simplicity and he's going to talk about simplicity and he's going to talk about simplicity and he's going to talk about those books today but I want to those books today but I want to those books today but I want to encourage you as he comes to talk about encourage you as he comes to talk about encourage you as he comes to talk about the message of neighboring to give a the message of neighboring to give a the message of neighboring to give a warm saddleback welcome to pastor Randy warm saddleback welcome to pastor Randy warm saddleback welcome to pastor Randy Frzy [Applause] [Applause] >> well what an honor and a privilege it is >> well what an honor and a privilege it is >> well what an honor and a privilege it is for me to have Pastor Andy and the team for me to have Pastor Andy and the team for me to have Pastor Andy and the team invite me to come speak to you about a invite me to come speak to you about a invite me to come speak to you about a topic that I'm not just passionate about topic that I'm not just passionate about topic that I'm not just passionate about but a topic that has actually been a but a topic that has actually been a but a topic that has actually been a priority in our family's life. It'll be priority in our family's life. It'll be priority in our family's life. It'll be 40 years next year. The first time I 40 years next year. The first time I 40 years next year. The first time I actually wrote down a vision for actually wrote down a vision for actually wrote down a vision for neighboring will be 40 years next year.

neighboring will be 40 years next year. neighboring will be 40 years next year. So what you're ready getting ready to So what you're ready getting ready to So what you're ready getting ready to hear is not um is not a sermon so much hear is not um is not a sermon so much hear is not um is not a sermon so much as it is for me a way of life. Now, in as it is for me a way of life. Now, in as it is for me a way of life. Now, in the three weeks, uh, Pastor Andy has the three weeks, uh, Pastor Andy has the three weeks, uh, Pastor Andy has been talking to us about the priority of been talking to us about the priority of been talking to us about the priority of neighboring. In the second week, he neighboring. In the second week, he neighboring. In the second week, he talked about the practices of talked about the practices of talked about the practices of neighboring. And in the third week, last neighboring. And in the third week, last neighboring. And in the third week, last week, he talked about the power of week, he talked about the power of week, he talked about the power of neighboring. And I've been given the neighboring. And I've been given the neighboring. And I've been given the assignment to talk about the path to assignment to talk about the path to assignment to talk about the path to neighboring. How do we get from where we neighboring. How do we get from where we neighboring. How do we get from where we are to where Jesus wants us to live? are to where Jesus wants us to live? are to where Jesus wants us to live? that is to love your neighbor as that is to love your neighbor as that is to love your neighbor as yourself. yourself. yourself. Now, you have to ask yourself the Now, you have to ask yourself the Now, you have to ask yourself the question, is this really a big deal? question, is this really a big deal? question, is this really a big deal? Because if I unless I miss my guess, Because if I unless I miss my guess, Because if I unless I miss my guess, many of you are worrying about a lot of many of you are worrying about a lot of many of you are worrying about a lot of things and one of them is not your things and one of them is not your things and one of them is not your neighbor right now. You're you're in a neighbor right now. You're you're in a neighbor right now. You're you're in a you're in a relational crisis. You're you're in a relational crisis. You're you're in a relational crisis. You're trying to pay the bills. You've got an trying to pay the bills. You've got an trying to pay the bills. You've got an illness that's overcome you. And you're illness that's overcome you. And you're illness that's overcome you. And you're like, that's like way down on my list. like, that's like way down on my list. like, that's like way down on my list. But I'm going to I'm going to throw out But I'm going to I'm going to throw out But I'm going to I'm going to throw out a a a question for you, and I want you a a a question for you, and I want you a a a question for you, and I want you to get a number in your mind. How many to get a number in your mind. How many to get a number in your mind. How many words do you think there are in the words do you think there are in the words do you think there are in the Bible? How many words? Okay, get a a Bible? How many words? Okay, get a a Bible? How many words? Okay, get a a number in your mind. Okay, the answer is number in your mind. Okay, the answer is number in your mind. Okay, the answer is 780,137 780,137 780,137 words. Now, five of them are love your words. Now, five of them are love your words. Now, five of them are love your neighbor as yourself.

neighbor as yourself. neighbor as yourself. So, you say of those five words, how So, you say of those five words, how So, you say of those five words, how important are they in the context of the important are they in the context of the important are they in the context of the 781 781 781 plus thousand words? Well, in the book plus thousand words? Well, in the book plus thousand words? Well, in the book of James, Jesus's brother says, "Loving of James, Jesus's brother says, "Loving of James, Jesus's brother says, "Loving your neighbor as yourself is not just a your neighbor as yourself is not just a your neighbor as yourself is not just a command. command. command. It is the royal command." So, what we're It is the royal command." So, what we're It is the royal command." So, what we're getting ready to talk about, if you are getting ready to talk about, if you are getting ready to talk about, if you are into God's word and wanting some into God's word and wanting some into God's word and wanting some direction in your life, this is direction in your life, this is direction in your life, this is something that you should pay great something that you should pay great something that you should pay great attention to because it's not just one attention to because it's not just one attention to because it's not just one of the commands or guidance in the of the commands or guidance in the of the commands or guidance in the Bible. It's the royal one. And I think Bible. It's the royal one. And I think Bible. It's the royal one. And I think what you're going to be maybe surprised what you're going to be maybe surprised what you're going to be maybe surprised about is this journeying into about is this journeying into about is this journeying into neighboring is certainly going to neighboring is certainly going to neighboring is certainly going to benefit your neighbor and help you benefit your neighbor and help you benefit your neighbor and help you fulfill the call of God in your life as fulfill the call of God in your life as fulfill the call of God in your life as to why you're here on earth. But you're to why you're here on earth. But you're to why you're here on earth. But you're going to find it surprisingly beneficial going to find it surprisingly beneficial going to find it surprisingly beneficial to you as well. Well, that's been my to you as well. Well, that's been my to you as well. Well, that's been my experience. And so what I want to do, I experience. And so what I want to do, I experience. And so what I want to do, I think the best way to pull this off is think the best way to pull this off is think the best way to pull this off is for me to simply tell my personal story for me to simply tell my personal story for me to simply tell my personal story with the Bible open. Are you good with with the Bible open. Are you good with with the Bible open. Are you good with that? Okay. So, I want to venture back that? Okay. So, I want to venture back that? Okay. So, I want to venture back to 1990.

to 1990. to 1990. I had married my high school sweetheart. I had married my high school sweetheart. I had married my high school sweetheart. Uh, we had three children, two years. Uh, we had three children, two years. Uh, we had three children, two years. Another one would be on the way. Uh, we Another one would be on the way. Uh, we Another one would be on the way. Uh, we had bought a house that needed a lot of had bought a house that needed a lot of had bought a house that needed a lot of tending to. My children's activities tending to. My children's activities tending to. My children's activities were starting to to kick up. And in were starting to to kick up. And in were starting to to kick up. And in addition to that, I had a year earlier addition to that, I had a year earlier addition to that, I had a year earlier became the pastor of a a large and became the pastor of a a large and became the pastor of a a large and growing church. I was 29 years old. And growing church. I was 29 years old. And growing church. I was 29 years old. And so, life was very very busy and so, life was very very busy and so, life was very very busy and sometimes I would say overwhelming and sometimes I would say overwhelming and sometimes I would say overwhelming and out of control. And I knew that in this out of control. And I knew that in this out of control. And I knew that in this growing church that I had that it was growing church that I had that it was growing church that I had that it was going to become increasingly more going to become increasingly more going to become increasingly more difficult for people to feel a sense of difficult for people to feel a sense of difficult for people to feel a sense of belonging and connection and um in their belonging and connection and um in their belonging and connection and um in their lives which I knew they desperately lives which I knew they desperately lives which I knew they desperately needed. And so I did what a number of needed. And so I did what a number of needed. And so I did what a number of churches did back then. I declared that churches did back then. I declared that churches did back then. I declared that we were like you are going to start we were like you are going to start we were like you are going to start church sponsored small groups. And I church sponsored small groups. And I church sponsored small groups. And I really wanted this to work. And so I really wanted this to work. And so I really wanted this to work. And so I gathered my staff team together and I gathered my staff team together and I gathered my staff team together and I said we've got to be all in on this. said we've got to be all in on this. said we've got to be all in on this. speed of the leader, speed of the team. speed of the leader, speed of the team. speed of the leader, speed of the team. And so I am declaring today that if And so I am declaring today that if And so I am declaring today that if you're going to serve on this staff, you you're going to serve on this staff, you you're going to serve on this staff, you must in perpetuity always be in a small must in perpetuity always be in a small must in perpetuity always be in a small group. And if you're not, I'm going to group. And if you're not, I'm going to group. And if you're not, I'm going to fire you. And and uh get this down, I'm fire you. And and uh get this down, I'm fire you. And and uh get this down, I'm going to ask you to sign a covenant. And going to ask you to sign a covenant. And going to ask you to sign a covenant. And uh just to show you how authentic this uh just to show you how authentic this uh just to show you how authentic this is, I'm going to sign the covenant is, I'm going to sign the covenant is, I'm going to sign the covenant first. And so I signed it. And I just first. And so I signed it. And I just first. And so I signed it. And I just walked out of that meeting with a sense walked out of that meeting with a sense walked out of that meeting with a sense of, man, I'm a leader, man. I mean, you of, man, I'm a leader, man. I mean, you of, man, I'm a leader, man. I mean, you know, I was really pretty proud of know, I was really pretty proud of know, I was really pretty proud of myself that day. don't feel that way all myself that day. don't feel that way all myself that day. don't feel that way all the time. And so I went home to uh the time. And so I went home to uh the time. And so I went home to uh eagerly to tell my wife what I had done eagerly to tell my wife what I had done eagerly to tell my wife what I had done and what I'd committed us to. And she

and what I'd committed us to. And she and what I'd committed us to. And she said, "You should have talked to me said, "You should have talked to me said, "You should have talked to me first before you signed that." And I first before you signed that." And I first before you signed that." And I said, "Um, well, I knew why she said it. said, "Um, well, I knew why she said it. said, "Um, well, I knew why she said it. Because to be completely transparent Because to be completely transparent Because to be completely transparent with you, we had had several experiences with you, we had had several experiences with you, we had had several experiences in small groups that just well, they in small groups that just well, they in small groups that just well, they just weren't all that exciting. So now I just weren't all that exciting. So now I just weren't all that exciting. So now I got us into it, so we got to do got us into it, so we got to do got us into it, so we got to do something." So we surmise that one of something." So we surmise that one of something." So we surmise that one of the reasons why we haven't been the reasons why we haven't been the reasons why we haven't been satisfied with our small group is that satisfied with our small group is that satisfied with our small group is that we haven't been careful who we have been we haven't been careful who we have been we haven't been careful who we have been inviting into our group. That if we were inviting into our group. That if we were inviting into our group. That if we were careful who we invited into the group, careful who we invited into the group, careful who we invited into the group, we might like it more. So what I'm about we might like it more. So what I'm about we might like it more. So what I'm about to tell you is true, but it's somewhere to tell you is true, but it's somewhere to tell you is true, but it's somewhere between true and fiction. And I'll leave between true and fiction. And I'll leave between true and fiction. And I'll leave it up to you to determine where that it up to you to determine where that it up to you to determine where that line is at. line is at. line is at. So we pulled out the church directory So we pulled out the church directory So we pulled out the church directory and we said we each will sit with the and we said we each will sit with the and we said we each will sit with the church directory for the next week and church directory for the next week and church directory for the next week and put a tick mark next to a person you put a tick mark next to a person you put a tick mark next to a person you think or couple that you would like to think or couple that you would like to think or couple that you would like to have in the group. So we came back after have in the group. So we came back after have in the group. So we came back after the week and we had identified a total the week and we had identified a total the week and we had identified a total of four couples that we think we could of four couples that we think we could of four couples that we think we could have a successful small group with. So have a successful small group with. So have a successful small group with. So the first couple that we approached is the first couple that we approached is the first couple that we approached is what we will call the smartest people in what we will call the smartest people in what we will call the smartest people in our church. And my theory there was, you our church. And my theory there was, you our church. And my theory there was, you know, maybe the reason why the groups in know, maybe the reason why the groups in know, maybe the reason why the groups in the past haven't worked is I haven't had the past haven't worked is I haven't had the past haven't worked is I haven't had anybody to sort of talk at my level.

anybody to sort of talk at my level. anybody to sort of talk at my level. And so we went to the smartest person in And so we went to the smartest person in And so we went to the smartest person in the church and we said, "As you know, the church and we said, "As you know, the church and we said, "As you know, we're starting churchwide small groups we're starting churchwide small groups we're starting churchwide small groups all throughout the church and um and all throughout the church and um and all throughout the church and um and Rosanne and I are starting one and we'd Rosanne and I are starting one and we'd Rosanne and I are starting one and we'd like you to be in a group." And boom, like you to be in a group." And boom, like you to be in a group." And boom, they said yes right away. So we went to they said yes right away. So we went to they said yes right away. So we went to the second couple on our list and we'll the second couple on our list and we'll the second couple on our list and we'll call these the prettiest people in our call these the prettiest people in our call these the prettiest people in our church. And our theory there was if church. And our theory there was if church. And our theory there was if you're going to have to sit in a circle you're going to have to sit in a circle you're going to have to sit in a circle for two hours, give me something to look for two hours, give me something to look for two hours, give me something to look at. at. at. So we went to the prettiest people in So we went to the prettiest people in So we went to the prettiest people in our church and we said,"Hey, listen our church and we said,"Hey, listen our church and we said,"Hey, listen Rosanne, you know, we're starting Rosanne, you know, we're starting Rosanne, you know, we're starting churchwide small group, church sponsored churchwide small group, church sponsored churchwide small group, church sponsored small groups all throughout the church small groups all throughout the church small groups all throughout the church and Rosanne and I are starting one and and Rosanne and I are starting one and and Rosanne and I are starting one and we'd like to invite you to be in our we'd like to invite you to be in our we'd like to invite you to be in our group and if it means anything, the group and if it means anything, the group and if it means anything, the smartest people have already said yes." smartest people have already said yes." smartest people have already said yes." They said yes. I mean, we're on a roll. They said yes. I mean, we're on a roll. They said yes. I mean, we're on a roll. The the final couple in our group is The the final couple in our group is The the final couple in our group is what we'll call the wealthiest people in what we'll call the wealthiest people in what we'll call the wealthiest people in our church. Now, the theory behind this our church. Now, the theory behind this our church. Now, the theory behind this decision was that in our group from time decision was that in our group from time decision was that in our group from time to time, there's going to be needs and to time, there's going to be needs and to time, there's going to be needs and it just seems to make sense to put it just seems to make sense to put it just seems to make sense to put people in the group who have the people in the group who have the people in the group who have the capacity to meet the need. So, we went capacity to meet the need. So, we went capacity to meet the need. So, we went to the wealthiest people in our church to the wealthiest people in our church to the wealthiest people in our church and said to them, "We're starting uh and said to them, "We're starting uh and said to them, "We're starting uh church sponsored small groups all church sponsored small groups all church sponsored small groups all throughout the church. Roseanne and I throughout the church. Roseanne and I throughout the church. Roseanne and I are starting a group and we'd like to are starting a group and we'd like to are starting a group and we'd like to ask you to be in it. And if it means ask you to be in it. And if it means ask you to be in it. And if it means anything to you, the smartest people, anything to you, the smartest people, anything to you, the smartest people, the prettiest people, Rosanne and I will the prettiest people, Rosanne and I will the prettiest people, Rosanne and I will play the role of the most spiritual play the role of the most spiritual play the role of the most spiritual people, you'll be the wealthiest people.

people, you'll be the wealthiest people. people, you'll be the wealthiest people. And they said yes. And they said yes. And they said yes. We called that group the mother of all We called that group the mother of all We called that group the mother of all small groups. This was surely to be a small groups. This was surely to be a small groups. This was surely to be a success. We began to meet on Friday success. We began to meet on Friday success. We began to meet on Friday nights and it was the flattest experience of and it was the flattest experience of our life. our life. our life. and we were scratching our head and and we were scratching our head and and we were scratching our head and trying to probe why did it once again trying to probe why did it once again trying to probe why did it once again not work. We engineered this for not work. We engineered this for not work. We engineered this for success. success. success. Some suggested that I had nothing in Some suggested that I had nothing in Some suggested that I had nothing in common with the smartest, prettiest, and common with the smartest, prettiest, and common with the smartest, prettiest, and wealthiest people in the church. Fair wealthiest people in the church. Fair wealthiest people in the church. Fair enough. But I began to probe a little enough. But I began to probe a little enough. But I began to probe a little deeper and came up with something deeper and came up with something deeper and came up with something underneath it all that might help you as underneath it all that might help you as underneath it all that might help you as you're considering getting into a small you're considering getting into a small you're considering getting into a small group that might make the experience group that might make the experience group that might make the experience much better. But in order to uncover much better. But in order to uncover much better. But in order to uncover this, I'm going to need your help. Will this, I'm going to need your help. Will this, I'm going to need your help. Will you help me? Okay. So, what I'm going to you help me? Okay. So, what I'm going to you help me? Okay. So, what I'm going to do is I'm going to draw a picture here do is I'm going to draw a picture here do is I'm going to draw a picture here of you of you of you um or someone like you and I'm going to um or someone like you and I'm going to um or someone like you and I'm going to ask you to identify relational worlds ask you to identify relational worlds ask you to identify relational worlds that you manage. Relationships that you that you manage. Relationships that you that you manage. Relationships that you manage, separate worlds. Maybe you see manage, separate worlds. Maybe you see manage, separate worlds. Maybe you see them once a day, once a week, once a them once a day, once a week, once a them once a day, once a week, once a month, maybe once a year. That's all.

month, maybe once a year. That's all. month, maybe once a year. That's all. But relationship worlds that you have to But relationship worlds that you have to But relationship worlds that you have to manage. Are you ready? Now, not just manage. Are you ready? Now, not just manage. Are you ready? Now, not just here uh at Lake Forest, but all of our here uh at Lake Forest, but all of our here uh at Lake Forest, but all of our campuses internationally have the campuses internationally have the campuses internationally have the spiritual gift of hearing through the spiritual gift of hearing through the spiritual gift of hearing through the internet. So, uh, begin to shout it out. internet. So, uh, begin to shout it out. internet. So, uh, begin to shout it out. Okay. Got something Okay. Got something Okay. Got something work. Okay, good. >> What did you say? >> What did you say? >> I can't hear him. >> I can't hear him. >> I can't hear him. >> Therapy. >> Parenting. Okay. All right. Parenting. >> Parenting. Okay. All right. Parenting. Wow, that took a while. Wow, that took a while. Wow, that took a while. Okay. I'm going to say family. All Okay. I'm going to say family. All Okay. I'm going to say family. All right. What else? Okay. Kids sports. right. What else? Okay. Kids sports. right. What else? Okay. Kids sports. Yeah. From a kid. Okay. Kids sports. Yeah. From a kid. Okay. Kids sports. Yeah. From a kid. Okay. Kids sports. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> School. Yeah. Wow. Here we go. >> School. Yeah. Wow. Here we go. >> School. Yeah. Wow. Here we go. >> Church. Yes. Okay. I love that. >> Spouse. Okay. I'm going to put that. >> Spouse. Okay. I'm going to put that. Okay. Spouse. I'll put that in here. Okay. Spouse. I'll put that in here. Okay. Spouse. I'll put that in here. Okay. What? Okay. What? Okay. What? >> The gym. Okay. Like working out. Okay.

>> The gym. Okay. Like working out. Okay. >> The gym. Okay. Like working out. Okay. How about uh Oh, I heard from Anaheim. How about uh Oh, I heard from Anaheim. How about uh Oh, I heard from Anaheim. Yes. I heard hobbies. Yep. Yes. I heard hobbies. Yep. Yes. I heard hobbies. Yep. That's really good. Um, okay. I'm I'm That's really good. Um, okay. I'm I'm That's really good. Um, okay. I'm I'm hearing something from Hong Kong. Oh, hearing something from Hong Kong. Oh, hearing something from Hong Kong. Oh, this is going to be embarrassing that this is going to be embarrassing that this is going to be embarrassing that you didn't get this one. How about a you didn't get this one. How about a you didn't get this one. How about a relationship with God? That's true. So, you look at all of this That's true. So, you look at all of this and you say, "Wow, no wonder I'm so and you say, "Wow, no wonder I'm so and you say, "Wow, no wonder I'm so tired. These are all different worlds tired. These are all different worlds tired. These are all different worlds that I have to manage." But the question that I have to manage." But the question that I have to manage." But the question is, is that really all u for example, is, is that really all u for example, is, is that really all u for example, let's take uh work. How many of you were let's take uh work. How many of you were let's take uh work. How many of you were you and your spouse both work? Do you you and your spouse both work? Do you you and your spouse both work? Do you have anybody like that? Okay. So, that's have anybody like that? Okay. So, that's have anybody like that? Okay. So, that's two Christmas two Christmas two Christmas uh parties to go to at the end of the uh parties to go to at the end of the uh parties to go to at the end of the year. Uh okay. Um how about let's take year. Uh okay. Um how about let's take year. Uh okay. Um how about let's take school. I remember when we were raising school. I remember when we were raising school. I remember when we were raising our four kids, there was one time that our four kids, there was one time that our four kids, there was one time that we had one in a private Christian we had one in a private Christian we had one in a private Christian school, one in public elementary school, school, one in public elementary school, school, one in public elementary school, one in elementary uh uh junior high, and one in elementary uh uh junior high, and one in elementary uh uh junior high, and one in high school. And none of them one in high school. And none of them one in high school. And none of them worked together to make our life easier. worked together to make our life easier. worked together to make our life easier. For sure. Okay. Let's take family for For sure. Okay. Let's take family for For sure. Okay. Let's take family for example. So, we have our immediate example. So, we have our immediate example. So, we have our immediate family, but then we have our extended family, but then we have our extended family, but then we have our extended family. So, I have siblings in and family. So, I have siblings in and family. So, I have siblings in and family. And so, I have a sister that was family. And so, I have a sister that was family. And so, I have a sister that was in Minnesota. I have a brother that's in in Minnesota. I have a brother that's in in Minnesota. I have a brother that's in Pennsylvania. I have my another sister Pennsylvania. I have my another sister Pennsylvania. I have my another sister in my parents uh in Cleveland, Ohio.

in my parents uh in Cleveland, Ohio. in my parents uh in Cleveland, Ohio. Fortunately for me, uh my wife is Fortunately for me, uh my wife is Fortunately for me, uh my wife is Italian, so all of her family lives in Italian, so all of her family lives in Italian, so all of her family lives in the same neighborhood, which is really, the same neighborhood, which is really, the same neighborhood, which is really, really helpful. And then, you know, from really helpful. And then, you know, from really helpful. And then, you know, from time to time, I mean, we don't ever mean time to time, I mean, we don't ever mean time to time, I mean, we don't ever mean it to be this way, but sometimes divorce it to be this way, but sometimes divorce it to be this way, but sometimes divorce happens and it's really challenging and happens and it's really challenging and happens and it's really challenging and that has to be a relationship. sometimes that has to be a relationship. sometimes that has to be a relationship. sometimes the most intense relationship your ex the most intense relationship your ex the most intense relationship your ex and um you know as the song goes what and um you know as the song goes what and um you know as the song goes what makes it super complicated is that all makes it super complicated is that all makes it super complicated is that all my exes my exes my exes live in Texas and that just makes it live in Texas and that just makes it live in Texas and that just makes it that much more uh difficult for us and that much more uh difficult for us and that much more uh difficult for us and you know let's take hobby for hobbies you know let's take hobby for hobbies you know let's take hobby for hobbies for example I have three hobbies uh one for example I have three hobbies uh one for example I have three hobbies uh one I like antique uh watches I like golf I like antique uh watches I like golf I like antique uh watches I like golf and I like um uh uh antique uh European and I like um uh uh antique uh European and I like um uh uh antique uh European cars the the thing about all of my cars the the thing about all of my cars the the thing about all of my hobbies that they share in common is hobbies that they share in common is hobbies that they share in common is that none of them actually work. Okay. that none of them actually work. Okay. that none of them actually work. Okay. But I have three hobbies with three But I have three hobbies with three But I have three hobbies with three separate groups of people. And my wife separate groups of people. And my wife separate groups of people. And my wife says, "Well, I want a hobby." And I say, says, "Well, I want a hobby." And I say, says, "Well, I want a hobby." And I say, "Sweetheart, we do not have time for you "Sweetheart, we do not have time for you "Sweetheart, we do not have time for you to have a hobby." So, you know, anyhow, to have a hobby." So, you know, anyhow, to have a hobby." So, you know, anyhow, she ended up picking up pickle ball she ended up picking up pickle ball she ended up picking up pickle ball recently. So, boom, another circle. And recently. So, boom, another circle. And recently. So, boom, another circle. And they want to get together. I'm like, "I they want to get together. I'm like, "I they want to get together. I'm like, "I don't have time to get together with you don't have time to get together with you don't have time to get together with you on that." And so, let's take a look at on that." And so, let's take a look at on that." And so, let's take a look at kids sports. Now, some of you maybe have kids sports. Now, some of you maybe have kids sports. Now, some of you maybe have one or two kids. Is it reasonable to say one or two kids. Is it reasonable to say one or two kids. Is it reasonable to say that over the course of a year they're that over the course of a year they're that over the course of a year they're involved in one thing?

involved in one thing? involved in one thing? Yeah. No, that's not enough. Okay. So, Yeah. No, that's not enough. Okay. So, Yeah. No, that's not enough. Okay. So, what I'm going to do, I suspected this. what I'm going to do, I suspected this. what I'm going to do, I suspected this. Um, I'm going to just keep drawing Um, I'm going to just keep drawing Um, I'm going to just keep drawing circles circles circles until you're just absolutely sick of it until you're just absolutely sick of it until you're just absolutely sick of it and just tell me, "Please, pastor, stop. and just tell me, "Please, pastor, stop. and just tell me, "Please, pastor, stop. I'm going to throw up if you don't I'm going to throw up if you don't I'm going to throw up if you don't stop." Right? Okay. Stop. So, um, stop." Right? Okay. Stop. So, um, stop." Right? Okay. Stop. So, um, we, here's what we've discovered is that we, here's what we've discovered is that we, here's what we've discovered is that the average American family, uh, manages the average American family, uh, manages the average American family, uh, manages 35 separate relational worlds. 35 separate relational worlds. 35 separate relational worlds. And I'm sure that this is somewhat true And I'm sure that this is somewhat true And I'm sure that this is somewhat true in our even international campuses. 35 in our even international campuses. 35 in our even international campuses. 35 separate relational worlds. And here's separate relational worlds. And here's separate relational worlds. And here's the problem that we've discovered is the problem that we've discovered is the problem that we've discovered is that the people in this world don't know that the people in this world don't know that the people in this world don't know the people in this world. The people in the people in this world. The people in the people in this world. The people in this world don't know the people in this this world don't know the people in this this world don't know the people in this world. The people in this world don't world. The people in this world don't world. The people in this world don't know the people in this world. And what know the people in this world. And what know the people in this world. And what sociologists are telling us is that um sociologists are telling us is that um sociologists are telling us is that um you're in so many different worlds, none you're in so many different worlds, none you're in so many different worlds, none of them long enough, and um you don't of them long enough, and um you don't of them long enough, and um you don't you play a different character in each you play a different character in each you play a different character in each world, and you don't even know who you world, and you don't even know who you world, and you don't even know who you actually are anymore. And if you don't actually are anymore. And if you don't actually are anymore. And if you don't believe me, at your next birthday party, believe me, at your next birthday party, believe me, at your next birthday party, invite one only one person from each invite one only one person from each invite one only one person from each circle to your next birthday party and circle to your next birthday party and circle to your next birthday party and see how miserable it'll be because they see how miserable it'll be because they see how miserable it'll be because they have nothing in common except you. And have nothing in common except you. And have nothing in common except you. And you're going to have to try to figure you're going to have to try to figure you're going to have to try to figure out what character to play in front of out what character to play in front of out what character to play in front of all of these people. and it's going to all of these people. and it's going to all of these people. and it's going to be a hot mess. Now, don't even get me be a hot mess. Now, don't even get me be a hot mess. Now, don't even get me started on commuting because these lines started on commuting because these lines started on commuting because these lines represent commutes.

represent commutes. represent commutes. Robert B uh uh Robert Bowling in his uh Robert B uh uh Robert Bowling in his uh Robert B uh uh Robert Bowling in his uh Robert Putman in his book Bowling Alone Robert Putman in his book Bowling Alone Robert Putman in his book Bowling Alone says, "For every 10 minutes you spend in says, "For every 10 minutes you spend in says, "For every 10 minutes you spend in the automobile, you reduce your the automobile, you reduce your the automobile, you reduce your available relational capital or time for available relational capital or time for available relational capital or time for relationships by 10 minutes." So, what relationships by 10 minutes." So, what relationships by 10 minutes." So, what that actually uh 10%. So what that that actually uh 10%. So what that that actually uh 10%. So what that actually means is that some of you are actually means is that some of you are actually means is that some of you are not only struggling with relationships not only struggling with relationships not only struggling with relationships but you're going into relational debt but you're going into relational debt but you're going into relational debt every single day. Now social specialists every single day. Now social specialists every single day. Now social specialists have a name for this way of life and have a name for this way of life and have a name for this way of life and they call it a disease. They call this they call it a disease. They call this they call it a disease. They call this way of life a disease. The name crowded way of life a disease. The name crowded way of life a disease. The name crowded loneliness. loneliness. loneliness. We have tons of people around us but we We have tons of people around us but we We have tons of people around us but we don't have a deep relationship with any don't have a deep relationship with any don't have a deep relationship with any one of them. one of them. one of them. So now I'm going to add the church So now I'm going to add the church So now I'm going to add the church sponsored small group uh to the circle. sponsored small group uh to the circle. sponsored small group uh to the circle. And one of my favorite uh Chinese And one of my favorite uh Chinese And one of my favorite uh Chinese proverbs is the beginning of wisdom is proverbs is the beginning of wisdom is proverbs is the beginning of wisdom is to call something by its right name.

to call something by its right name. to call something by its right name. Call it by its right name. Call it out. Call it by its right name. Call it out. Call it by its right name. Call it out. And so I want to call this a place of And so I want to call this a place of And so I want to call this a place of belonging, a place of community and belonging, a place of community and belonging, a place of community and connection where you could be known and connection where you could be known and connection where you could be known and loved. But based upon all of this, what loved. But based upon all of this, what loved. But based upon all of this, what might you want to call it? might you want to call it? might you want to call it? How about just another circle? How about just another circle? How about just another circle? And one of the things that's going to And one of the things that's going to And one of the things that's going to happen to you next week when you sign up happen to you next week when you sign up happen to you next week when you sign up for small groups for small groups for small groups is that if you don't handle the is that if you don't handle the is that if you don't handle the fragmentation of your life, it's going fragmentation of your life, it's going fragmentation of your life, it's going to be very tough. The problem is not the to be very tough. The problem is not the to be very tough. The problem is not the small group. You absolutely absolutely small group. You absolutely absolutely small group. You absolutely absolutely need it for what God has in store for need it for what God has in store for need it for what God has in store for you. But unless you address this, you're you. But unless you address this, you're you. But unless you address this, you're going to be in trouble. And I think going to be in trouble. And I think going to be in trouble. And I think that's why uh George Gallup Jr. of the that's why uh George Gallup Jr. of the that's why uh George Gallup Jr. of the Gallup Pole wrote a number of years ago Gallup Pole wrote a number of years ago Gallup Pole wrote a number of years ago book a book called the people's book a book called the people's book a book called the people's religion. And he declared from his religion. And he declared from his religion. And he declared from his research that Americans are the research that Americans are the research that Americans are the loneliest people in the world. loneliest people in the world. loneliest people in the world. And again, I think this is probably true And again, I think this is probably true And again, I think this is probably true of our international campuses as well.

of our international campuses as well. of our international campuses as well. As a matter of fact, in 2023, the US As a matter of fact, in 2023, the US As a matter of fact, in 2023, the US surgeon general issued a loneliness surgeon general issued a loneliness surgeon general issued a loneliness epidemic in the United States. And some epidemic in the United States. And some epidemic in the United States. And some of you are feeling your heart of you are feeling your heart of you are feeling your heart palpitating right now because I'm palpitating right now because I'm palpitating right now because I'm speaking to you. And likely, it's not a speaking to you. And likely, it's not a speaking to you. And likely, it's not a conventional loneliness where you're in conventional loneliness where you're in conventional loneliness where you're in a nursing home and no family's coming to a nursing home and no family's coming to a nursing home and no family's coming to see you. You're a single person who's see you. You're a single person who's see you. You're a single person who's moved into town and you work out of your moved into town and you work out of your moved into town and you work out of your home and you don't know anybody. That's home and you don't know anybody. That's home and you don't know anybody. That's conventional loneliness. You're conventional loneliness. You're conventional loneliness. You're experiencing what we call crowded experiencing what we call crowded experiencing what we call crowded loneliness and you need to address it. I loneliness and you need to address it. I loneliness and you need to address it. I want you to look at Genesis chapter 2 want you to look at Genesis chapter 2 want you to look at Genesis chapter 2 and verse 18. Right in the first pages and verse 18. Right in the first pages and verse 18. Right in the first pages of the Bible, uh, this is what it says. of the Bible, uh, this is what it says. of the Bible, uh, this is what it says. We're going to put it on the screen. I'm We're going to put it on the screen. I'm We're going to put it on the screen. I'm going to ask you to say it out loud with going to ask you to say it out loud with going to ask you to say it out loud with me. Ready? The Lord God said, "It is not me. Ready? The Lord God said, "It is not me. Ready? The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone." This is good for the man to be alone." This is good for the man to be alone." This is the creation account. And it's the creation account. And it's the creation account. And it's interesting to note that in the six days interesting to note that in the six days interesting to note that in the six days of creation, after each single day, God of creation, after each single day, God of creation, after each single day, God writes in the construction log, "It is writes in the construction log, "It is writes in the construction log, "It is good." But it's only on this day that he good." But it's only on this day that he good." But it's only on this day that he declares it is not good. So we ask declares it is not good. So we ask declares it is not good. So we ask ourselves the question, is this a divine ourselves the question, is this a divine ourselves the question, is this a divine oops? Did God make a mistake in his oops? Did God make a mistake in his oops? Did God make a mistake in his design? And the answer to the question design? And the answer to the question design? And the answer to the question is absolutely not. I think what God is is absolutely not. I think what God is is absolutely not. I think what God is doing, the community of God, father, doing, the community of God, father, doing, the community of God, father, son, and holy spirit, is sending us a son, and holy spirit, is sending us a son, and holy spirit, is sending us a loud message on the first pages of the loud message on the first pages of the loud message on the first pages of the Bible. I did not design you to be alone.

Bible. I did not design you to be alone. Bible. I did not design you to be alone. As a matter of fact, the studies that As a matter of fact, the studies that As a matter of fact, the studies that we're doing today, we now understand we're doing today, we now understand we're doing today, we now understand that within our brain makeup and our that within our brain makeup and our that within our brain makeup and our body makeup, we have been created to be body makeup, we have been created to be body makeup, we have been created to be hardwired for community. hardwired for community. hardwired for community. So, it only stands to reason that if um So, it only stands to reason that if um So, it only stands to reason that if um God says it's not good for you to be God says it's not good for you to be God says it's not good for you to be alone and Americans are the loneliest alone and Americans are the loneliest alone and Americans are the loneliest people on earth, that we should s we people on earth, that we should s we people on earth, that we should s we should be able to find some evidence should be able to find some evidence should be able to find some evidence that something's not good in our life. that something's not good in our life. that something's not good in our life. So I have done a lot of research in So I have done a lot of research in So I have done a lot of research in order to write uh two books. One with my order to write uh two books. One with my order to write uh two books. One with my wife on the area of community. And I wife on the area of community. And I wife on the area of community. And I want to just share with you a little bit want to just share with you a little bit want to just share with you a little bit of research about the connection between of research about the connection between of research about the connection between social um relationships, your social um relationships, your social um relationships, your relationships and your physical health. relationships and your physical health. relationships and your physical health. We're not even getting into the impact We're not even getting into the impact We're not even getting into the impact when you do not have the right social when you do not have the right social when you do not have the right social community as it relates to your mental community as it relates to your mental community as it relates to your mental and emotional health. So just give me a and emotional health. So just give me a and emotional health. So just give me a second. Hang in there with me as I give second. Hang in there with me as I give second. Hang in there with me as I give you a little bit of the research. you a little bit of the research. you a little bit of the research. Careful research was conducted on 232 Careful research was conducted on 232 Careful research was conducted on 232 patients who had undergone cardiac patients who had undergone cardiac patients who had undergone cardiac surgery. Of these patients, 21 died in surgery. Of these patients, 21 died in surgery. Of these patients, 21 died in six months. Two statistically six months. Two statistically six months. Two statistically significant mortality predictors that significant mortality predictors that significant mortality predictors that emerged from these 21 cases were a lack emerged from these 21 cases were a lack emerged from these 21 cases were a lack of participation in social or community of participation in social or community of participation in social or community groups and the absence of strength and groups and the absence of strength and groups and the absence of strength and comfort from religion. The medical comfort from religion. The medical comfort from religion. The medical community has pondered the strong community has pondered the strong community has pondered the strong connection between community and connection between community and connection between community and cardiovascular disease and concluded cardiovascular disease and concluded cardiovascular disease and concluded that wholesome community reduces that wholesome community reduces that wholesome community reduces hyperactivity, hyperactive hyperactivity, hyperactive hyperactivity, hyperactive cardiovascular reactivity to stress.

cardiovascular reactivity to stress. cardiovascular reactivity to stress. When that community is spiritually When that community is spiritually When that community is spiritually based, health rises even further. based, health rises even further. based, health rises even further. Basically saying to us that Jesus wasn't Basically saying to us that Jesus wasn't Basically saying to us that Jesus wasn't kidding when he said this whole thing of kidding when he said this whole thing of kidding when he said this whole thing of the scriptures rides on your the scriptures rides on your the scriptures rides on your relationship with God and your relationship with God and your relationship with God and your relationships with other people. Study relationships with other people. Study relationships with other people. Study number two, a California study right number two, a California study right number two, a California study right here involving 7,000 men and women found here involving 7,000 men and women found here involving 7,000 men and women found that after 9 years, those with the that after 9 years, those with the that after 9 years, those with the fewest social ties were twice as likely fewest social ties were twice as likely fewest social ties were twice as likely to die as those with the strongest ones. to die as those with the strongest ones. to die as those with the strongest ones. Another research study shows that a lack Another research study shows that a lack Another research study shows that a lack of social support is linked with higher of social support is linked with higher of social support is linked with higher death rates for heart attacks, diabetes, death rates for heart attacks, diabetes, death rates for heart attacks, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other rheumatoid arthritis, and other rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders. One more. Another autoimmune disorders. One more. Another autoimmune disorders. One more. Another well doumented study shows that social well doumented study shows that social well doumented study shows that social isolation isolation isolation contributes to death as much as smoking. contributes to death as much as smoking. contributes to death as much as smoking. Did you hear that? Social isolation Did you hear that? Social isolation Did you hear that? Social isolation contributes to death as much as smoking. contributes to death as much as smoking. contributes to death as much as smoking. So if you must smoke, for goodness So if you must smoke, for goodness So if you must smoke, for goodness sakes, don't do it alone.

Just kidding. Just kidding. The point is we were created for The point is we were created for The point is we were created for community by God. When we don't have it, community by God. When we don't have it, community by God. When we don't have it, the research tells us, we will actually the research tells us, we will actually the research tells us, we will actually die. But when we do have it, as Adam is die. But when we do have it, as Adam is die. But when we do have it, as Adam is going to find out in just a few moments, going to find out in just a few moments, going to find out in just a few moments, it's not only good, but the scripture it's not only good, but the scripture it's not only good, but the scripture says it is very good. Now, let's say says it is very good. Now, let's say says it is very good. Now, let's say that this is my life and I have hired that this is my life and I have hired that this is my life and I have hired all of you as consultants to help me all of you as consultants to help me all of you as consultants to help me figure out my pathway from this crazy figure out my pathway from this crazy figure out my pathway from this crazy life. And so what I'm going to ask you life. And so what I'm going to ask you life. And so what I'm going to ask you to do as my consultants to just shout to do as my consultants to just shout to do as my consultants to just shout out um pieces of advice in one word of out um pieces of advice in one word of out um pieces of advice in one word of how I can get out of this what you might how I can get out of this what you might how I can get out of this what you might recommend I do to exit this world. So recommend I do to exit this world. So recommend I do to exit this world. So you know all of our campuses all over I you know all of our campuses all over I you know all of our campuses all over I can hear you here. Just throw out some can hear you here. Just throw out some can hear you here. Just throw out some advice for me. One word. advice for me. One word. advice for me. One word. >> Did someone say pray? Okay. What else? >> Did someone say pray? Okay. What else? >> Did someone say pray? Okay. What else? Simplify. Wow. There you go. Simplify. Wow. There you go. Simplify. Wow. There you go. Say no. Okay. Okay. Wow. It's coming Say no. Okay. Okay. Wow. It's coming Say no. Okay. Okay. Wow. It's coming fast. Prioritize. Yes.

fast. Prioritize. Yes. fast. Prioritize. Yes. >> Turn off your phone. >> Turn off your phone. >> Turn off your phone. >> Turn off your phone. >> Turn off your phone. >> Turn off your phone. >> Say no. Yeah, we got to say no. Oh. Oh. >> Say no. Yeah, we got to say no. Oh. Oh. >> Say no. Yeah, we got to say no. Oh. Oh. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. I I heard Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. I I heard Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. I I heard I heard from San Diego. Eliminate. Yep. I heard from San Diego. Eliminate. Yep. I heard from San Diego. Eliminate. Yep. That's good. Eliminate. What else you That's good. Eliminate. What else you That's good. Eliminate. What else you have? have? have? >> What? >> What? >> What? >> Quiet time. Okay. Quiet time. >> Quiet time. Okay. Quiet time. >> Quiet time. Okay. Quiet time. Quiet time. Okay. Anything else? Quiet time. Okay. Anything else? Quiet time. Okay. Anything else? What is that? What is that? What is that? >> Therapy. Yeah. Okay. Oh, I heard another >> Therapy. Yeah. Okay. Oh, I heard another >> Therapy. Yeah. Okay. Oh, I heard another one. Uh, how about medication? one. Uh, how about medication? one. Uh, how about medication? >> Sabbath. This is really good stuff. >> Sabbath. This is really good stuff. >> Sabbath. This is really good stuff. Maybe consolidation. Okay. Okay. You Maybe consolidation. Okay. Okay. You Maybe consolidation. Okay. Okay. You have done an amazing job. Amazing. But have done an amazing job. Amazing. But have done an amazing job. Amazing. But I'm going to tell you right now, this is I'm going to tell you right now, this is I'm going to tell you right now, this is a lot harder to pull off than it first a lot harder to pull off than it first a lot harder to pull off than it first looks. So, let let's take one. Uh, let's looks. So, let let's take one. Uh, let's looks. So, let let's take one. Uh, let's take eliminate. You got all of these take eliminate. You got all of these take eliminate. You got all of these worlds. Which one are you going to worlds. Which one are you going to worlds. Which one are you going to eliminate? H let's say um mother-in-law.

You go home after this uh gathering You go home after this uh gathering today and and you you call up and say, today and and you you call up and say, today and and you you call up and say, "We had this pastor who's written "We had this pastor who's written "We had this pastor who's written apparently some good books on this and apparently some good books on this and apparently some good books on this and he says, "I'm not spending enough time he says, "I'm not spending enough time he says, "I'm not spending enough time with my family. I need to eliminate with my family. I need to eliminate with my family. I need to eliminate relationships and I don't know how to relationships and I don't know how to relationships and I don't know how to tell you this, but you didn't make the tell you this, but you didn't make the tell you this, but you didn't make the short list." short list." short list." Yeah, that's going to be really Yeah, that's going to be really Yeah, that's going to be really challenging, but you cannot do nothing. challenging, but you cannot do nothing. challenging, but you cannot do nothing. You're going to have to do something You're going to have to do something You're going to have to do something with this. So, you are on the right with this. So, you are on the right with this. So, you are on the right track. And if you're taking notes, write track. And if you're taking notes, write track. And if you're taking notes, write this down. We need to trade lines circle. circle. What that means is you need to find a What that means is you need to find a What that means is you need to find a way, as you've suggested to me, to take way, as you've suggested to me, to take way, as you've suggested to me, to take as many of these relationships as as many of these relationships as as many of these relationships as possible and stick it in a single possible and stick it in a single possible and stick it in a single circle. It's not going to be able to do circle. It's not going to be able to do circle. It's not going to be able to do all of the relationships, but you need all of the relationships, but you need all of the relationships, but you need to figure out how to get more to figure out how to get more to figure out how to get more relationships in a single circle where relationships in a single circle where relationships in a single circle where the people of one world know the people the people of one world know the people the people of one world know the people of another world, and you're becoming of another world, and you're becoming of another world, and you're becoming your true self. So, I want to ask you a your true self. So, I want to ask you a your true self. So, I want to ask you a question. Make a decision. Which one of question. Make a decision. Which one of question. Make a decision. Which one of these ways of life seems clearer to you?

these ways of life seems clearer to you? these ways of life seems clearer to you? This one This one This one or this one? or this one? or this one? This one This one This one or this one? or this one? or this one? I want to tell you that while all of I want to tell you that while all of I want to tell you that while all of this was going on in my life, in my this was going on in my life, in my this was going on in my life, in my family's life, something else was family's life, something else was family's life, something else was happening at the same time. There was a happening at the same time. There was a happening at the same time. There was a a new family that moved into our a new family that moved into our a new family that moved into our neighborhood just two doors down. Uh, neighborhood just two doors down. Uh, neighborhood just two doors down. Uh, his name is Tom. Tom was a manufacturers his name is Tom. Tom was a manufacturers his name is Tom. Tom was a manufacturers rep, moved from Minnesota, and he um, rep, moved from Minnesota, and he um, rep, moved from Minnesota, and he um, uh, was not a follower of Jesus. But uh, was not a follower of Jesus. But uh, was not a follower of Jesus. But I'll tell you that Tom had what I call I'll tell you that Tom had what I call I'll tell you that Tom had what I call the gift of party. I would say the gift the gift of party. I would say the gift the gift of party. I would say the gift of hospitality, but he's not a believer, of hospitality, but he's not a believer, of hospitality, but he's not a believer, and that seems like a spiritual word. He and that seems like a spiritual word. He and that seems like a spiritual word. He has the gift. It doesn't mean he was, has the gift. It doesn't mean he was, has the gift. It doesn't mean he was, you know, a ruckus and drank and all you know, a ruckus and drank and all you know, a ruckus and drank and all that stuff. No, he had the gift of woo. that stuff. No, he had the gift of woo. that stuff. No, he had the gift of woo. He could bring people together. He could bring people together. He could bring people together. oftentimes because he worked out of the oftentimes because he worked out of the oftentimes because he worked out of the house. I would come home from a busy day house. I would come home from a busy day house. I would come home from a busy day of work and he would just come over and of work and he would just come over and of work and he would just come over and hang out with me, stand in the front hang out with me, stand in the front hang out with me, stand in the front lawn and and uh there were times when he lawn and and uh there were times when he lawn and and uh there were times when he would invite us over for a late night would invite us over for a late night would invite us over for a late night dessert and I'd say, "Man, we got our dessert and I'd say, "Man, we got our dessert and I'd say, "Man, we got our pajamas on already." Like, "Bring them pajamas on already." Like, "Bring them pajamas on already." Like, "Bring them over, man." And we would go over with over, man." And we would go over with over, man." And we would go over with our pajamas on and then he would our pajamas on and then he would our pajamas on and then he would introduce us to other neighbors. We'd introduce us to other neighbors. We'd introduce us to other neighbors. We'd have Fourth of July parties, Super Bowl have Fourth of July parties, Super Bowl have Fourth of July parties, Super Bowl parties. It was really cool. One time he parties. It was really cool. One time he parties. It was really cool. One time he came over and asked if he could borrow came over and asked if he could borrow came over and asked if he could borrow my ladder and I just felt so good that I my ladder and I just felt so good that I my ladder and I just felt so good that I was helping my neighbor. And uh then a was helping my neighbor. And uh then a was helping my neighbor. And uh then a couple days later, I was over in his couple days later, I was over in his couple days later, I was over in his garage and he had a ladder just like garage and he had a ladder just like garage and he had a ladder just like mine. And I said to him, "Tom, why did mine. And I said to him, "Tom, why did mine. And I said to him, "Tom, why did you borrow my ladder when you have a you borrow my ladder when you have a you borrow my ladder when you have a ladder?" And he said, "I didn't tell you ladder?" And he said, "I didn't tell you ladder?" And he said, "I didn't tell you I didn't have a ladder." Uh and and and I didn't have a ladder." Uh and and and I didn't have a ladder." Uh and and and he was teaching me a principle of

he was teaching me a principle of he was teaching me a principle of neighboring of when you put yourself in neighboring of when you put yourself in neighboring of when you put yourself in a place of need, it really helps your a place of need, it really helps your a place of need, it really helps your neighbor to feel more connected with neighbor to feel more connected with neighbor to feel more connected with you. And so we just had a great uh time you. And so we just had a great uh time you. And so we just had a great uh time with Tom and I was enjoying my with Tom and I was enjoying my with Tom and I was enjoying my relationship. But the aha moment came on relationship. But the aha moment came on relationship. But the aha moment came on one particular Saturday morning. On one particular Saturday morning. On one particular Saturday morning. On Saturday morning, uh it was the uh time Saturday morning, uh it was the uh time Saturday morning, uh it was the uh time for me to mow my lawn and do all my yard for me to mow my lawn and do all my yard for me to mow my lawn and do all my yard work. And it was a hot Texas day. And so work. And it was a hot Texas day. And so work. And it was a hot Texas day. And so I was in the front yard and I needed to I was in the front yard and I needed to I was in the front yard and I needed to go in to the to the house in the front go in to the to the house in the front go in to the to the house in the front to go to the back to get a glass of to go to the back to get a glass of to go to the back to get a glass of water. As I come into the family room, water. As I come into the family room, water. As I come into the family room, there is Tom sitting in my family room there is Tom sitting in my family room there is Tom sitting in my family room reading the newspaper. reading the newspaper. reading the newspaper. And I had not invited him into our And I had not invited him into our And I had not invited him into our house. And so I thought to myself, "Oh house. And so I thought to myself, "Oh house. And so I thought to myself, "Oh man, man, my my ability to get my my man, man, my my ability to get my my man, man, my my ability to get my my lawn done today, this is over with. This lawn done today, this is over with. This lawn done today, this is over with. This is crazy." And I said, "Well, hi Tom." is crazy." And I said, "Well, hi Tom." is crazy." And I said, "Well, hi Tom." He goes, "Hey, Randy." And um I said, He goes, "Hey, Randy." And um I said, He goes, "Hey, Randy." And um I said, "What are you doing?" I'm just reading "What are you doing?" I'm just reading "What are you doing?" I'm just reading the newspaper. He said, "Don't you like the newspaper. He said, "Don't you like the newspaper. He said, "Don't you like to do your lawn on Saturday?" I said, to do your lawn on Saturday?" I said, to do your lawn on Saturday?" I said, "Well, yes, as a matter of fact, I do." "Well, yes, as a matter of fact, I do." "Well, yes, as a matter of fact, I do." He said, "Well, why don't you go finish He said, "Well, why don't you go finish He said, "Well, why don't you go finish your lawn, come in, shower up, and all your lawn, come in, shower up, and all your lawn, come in, shower up, and all that, and I I and maybe later because I that, and I I and maybe later because I that, and I I and maybe later because I do my lawn on Friday, and um maybe later do my lawn on Friday, and um maybe later do my lawn on Friday, and um maybe later we can catch up." And I went, "Okay."

we can catch up." And I went, "Okay." we can catch up." And I went, "Okay." And um and then you know, I'm a And um and then you know, I'm a And um and then you know, I'm a Christian. And so I said, "Hey, Tom, uh Christian. And so I said, "Hey, Tom, uh Christian. And so I said, "Hey, Tom, uh can I get you a cup of coffee?" can I get you a cup of coffee?" can I get you a cup of coffee?" And this actually happened. He pulls the And this actually happened. He pulls the And this actually happened. He pulls the newspaper down and holds up a cup of newspaper down and holds up a cup of newspaper down and holds up a cup of coffee and he said, "I made a pot of coffee and he said, "I made a pot of coffee and he said, "I made a pot of coffee in your kitchen. Why don't you coffee in your kitchen. Why don't you coffee in your kitchen. Why don't you help yourself?" help yourself?" help yourself?" So now I'm walking to the kitchen and So now I'm walking to the kitchen and So now I'm walking to the kitchen and I'm thinking to myself, cuz he did, we I'm thinking to myself, cuz he did, we I'm thinking to myself, cuz he did, we got to move. got to move. got to move. We're going to have to move. I went out We're going to have to move. I went out We're going to have to move. I went out into the garage, never getting a glass into the garage, never getting a glass into the garage, never getting a glass of water. We've got to move. But then of water. We've got to move. But then of water. We've got to move. But then something overcame me. There's something something overcame me. There's something something overcame me. There's something about this relationship with Tom that about this relationship with Tom that about this relationship with Tom that really worked for me. Something about it really worked for me. Something about it really worked for me. Something about it that really worked for me. I couldn't that really worked for me. I couldn't that really worked for me. I couldn't put my finger on it. So, not too long put my finger on it. So, not too long put my finger on it. So, not too long after that, um it was Friday night. It after that, um it was Friday night. It after that, um it was Friday night. It was time for our mother of all small was time for our mother of all small was time for our mother of all small groups. And so we went and got money, groups. And so we went and got money, groups. And so we went and got money, got a babysitter, came back to the got a babysitter, came back to the got a babysitter, came back to the house, and as we were pulling out of the house, and as we were pulling out of the house, and as we were pulling out of the driveway to go to our community. Um Tom driveway to go to our community. Um Tom driveway to go to our community. Um Tom had rolled out his uh grill, he was had rolled out his uh grill, he was had rolled out his uh grill, he was turning brats for the entire turning brats for the entire turning brats for the entire neighborhood. A a kickball game uh in uh neighborhood. A a kickball game uh in uh neighborhood. A a kickball game uh in uh ensued in the in the street and there ensued in the in the street and there ensued in the in the street and there were a number of elderly couples in were a number of elderly couples in were a number of elderly couples in their lawn chairs just wasting the their lawn chairs just wasting the their lawn chairs just wasting the evening away. And so we're going out evening away. And so we're going out evening away. And so we're going out waving like we're in a Miss America waving like we're in a Miss America waving like we're in a Miss America pageant. Bye. We got to go to our pageant. Bye. We got to go to our pageant. Bye. We got to go to our community. See you later. Uh, and then community. See you later. Uh, and then community. See you later. Uh, and then my wife, my wife, my wife, she says in the spirit of Esther, "If I she says in the spirit of Esther, "If I she says in the spirit of Esther, "If I perish, I perish." She said, "I don't perish, I perish." She said, "I don't perish, I perish." She said, "I don't want to go to our small group tonight."

want to go to our small group tonight." want to go to our small group tonight." Then she waited to see what the king Then she waited to see what the king Then she waited to see what the king would say. would say. would say. And I said, "I don't want to go either, And I said, "I don't want to go either, And I said, "I don't want to go either, but I have to or I'll have to fire but I have to or I'll have to fire but I have to or I'll have to fire myself." Then she said, "Wait a minute. myself." Then she said, "Wait a minute. myself." Then she said, "Wait a minute. You're the senior pastor. You made up You're the senior pastor. You made up You're the senior pastor. You made up the rule, you can change it. My chest the rule, you can change it. My chest the rule, you can change it. My chest popped up and I said, "Well, yes, woman, popped up and I said, "Well, yes, woman, popped up and I said, "Well, yes, woman, I am." And that evening, we made one I am." And that evening, we made one I am." And that evening, we made one little small shift and said that little small shift and said that little small shift and said that neighbors count. Neighbors count. neighbors count. Neighbors count. neighbors count. Neighbors count. Instead of inviting Tom to church, what Instead of inviting Tom to church, what Instead of inviting Tom to church, what if we brought the church to Tom? And if we brought the church to Tom? And if we brought the church to Tom? And that's the decision that we made. We that's the decision that we made. We that's the decision that we made. We literally drew a circle around our literally drew a circle around our literally drew a circle around our neighborhood to make our life simpler, neighborhood to make our life simpler, neighborhood to make our life simpler, to park the car, to stay home, to go to park the car, to stay home, to go to park the car, to stay home, to go deeper with the folks that lived right deeper with the folks that lived right deeper with the folks that lived right around us, including our family. We around us, including our family. We around us, including our family. We literally drew a onem radius around our literally drew a onem radius around our literally drew a onem radius around our house and did as much life in that house and did as much life in that house and did as much life in that circle as we possibly could. And two circle as we possibly could. And two circle as we possibly could. And two things happened. things happened. things happened. Number one, we exited the world of Number one, we exited the world of Number one, we exited the world of crowded loneliness and we entered into a crowded loneliness and we entered into a crowded loneliness and we entered into a more deep lifegiving way. There's a guy more deep lifegiving way. There's a guy more deep lifegiving way. There's a guy named Will Miller who wrote a book named Will Miller who wrote a book named Will Miller who wrote a book called Refrigerator Rights called Refrigerator Rights called Refrigerator Rights that actually put um a language to why that actually put um a language to why that actually put um a language to why my relationship with Tom was so dynamic.

my relationship with Tom was so dynamic. my relationship with Tom was so dynamic. Will Miller in his book says we don't Will Miller in his book says we don't Will Miller in his book says we don't need more relationships. We need a need more relationships. We need a need more relationships. We need a different kind of relationships. Kind of different kind of relationships. Kind of different kind of relationships. Kind of relationships where we give each other relationships where we give each other relationships where we give each other more refrigerator rights. Tom took it more refrigerator rights. Tom took it more refrigerator rights. Tom took it for granted. He didn't actually ask for for granted. He didn't actually ask for for granted. He didn't actually ask for the right, but I eventually gave it to the right, but I eventually gave it to the right, but I eventually gave it to him. I want you to think of Kramer from him. I want you to think of Kramer from him. I want you to think of Kramer from Seinfeld. Seinfeld. Seinfeld. I want you to think of Tom making a pot I want you to think of Tom making a pot I want you to think of Tom making a pot of coffee. That's what we got out of the of coffee. That's what we got out of the of coffee. That's what we got out of the journey. A more lifegiving relationship journey. A more lifegiving relationship journey. A more lifegiving relationship that turned out to make us healthier and that turned out to make us healthier and that turned out to make us healthier and happier. The second thing we found happier. The second thing we found happier. The second thing we found ourselves living out the command of ourselves living out the command of ourselves living out the command of Jesus to love our neighbor as our self Jesus to love our neighbor as our self Jesus to love our neighbor as our self in a more pure and natural way. It in a more pure and natural way. It in a more pure and natural way. It wasn't a program but a way of life. Tom wasn't a program but a way of life. Tom wasn't a program but a way of life. Tom wasn't a project. He was my neighbor. wasn't a project. He was my neighbor. wasn't a project. He was my neighbor. But as it turns out, Tom ended up moving But as it turns out, Tom ended up moving But as it turns out, Tom ended up moving back to Minnesota and he never became a back to Minnesota and he never became a back to Minnesota and he never became a follower of Jesus Christ. However, we follower of Jesus Christ. However, we follower of Jesus Christ. However, we saw numerous people over the 13 years saw numerous people over the 13 years saw numerous people over the 13 years that we lived on that street come to that we lived on that street come to that we lived on that street come to know Christ. Several of them were know Christ. Several of them were know Christ. Several of them were actually baptized in neighborhood pools.

actually baptized in neighborhood pools. actually baptized in neighborhood pools. We saw marriages healed and people We saw marriages healed and people We saw marriages healed and people helped and cared for at their point of helped and cared for at their point of helped and cared for at their point of need. We knew all 88 of our neighbors by need. We knew all 88 of our neighbors by need. We knew all 88 of our neighbors by name. and even at the end of the day name. and even at the end of the day name. and even at the end of the day started three small groups within that started three small groups within that started three small groups within that neighborhood. And the crazy thing about neighborhood. And the crazy thing about neighborhood. And the crazy thing about it, I learned about the art of it, I learned about the art of it, I learned about the art of neighboring from a non-believer. My sister who lives in Minnesota, lived My sister who lives in Minnesota, lived in Minnesota, said she had her home in Minnesota, said she had her home in Minnesota, said she had her home moment when they adopted three kids from moment when they adopted three kids from moment when they adopted three kids from Guatemala and the girl, one of them, the Guatemala and the girl, one of them, the Guatemala and the girl, one of them, the girl was malnutritioned as a kid. And so girl was malnutritioned as a kid. And so girl was malnutritioned as a kid. And so she had a number of medical issues that she had a number of medical issues that she had a number of medical issues that came uh came upon her. And my sister came uh came upon her. And my sister came uh came upon her. And my sister said, she called me. She said, "Randy, said, she called me. She said, "Randy, said, she called me. She said, "Randy, we're snowed in in Minnesota and we we're snowed in in Minnesota and we we're snowed in in Minnesota and we can't get out. My husband is off on can't get out. My husband is off on can't get out. My husband is off on business and I've got to get her to the business and I've got to get her to the business and I've got to get her to the hospital. What could what can you do for hospital. What could what can you do for hospital. What could what can you do for me, Randy, brother?" And I said, "I can me, Randy, brother?" And I said, "I can me, Randy, brother?" And I said, "I can pray for you. I'll pray for you, pray for you. I'll pray for you, pray for you. I'll pray for you, sister." She said, "Thank you. I need sister." She said, "Thank you. I need sister." She said, "Thank you. I need that." So, what ended up happening? Her that." So, what ended up happening? Her that." So, what ended up happening? Her neighbors right around her, they all neighbors right around her, they all neighbors right around her, they all came together and they shoveled her came together and they shoveled her came together and they shoveled her driveway and snowplowed her driveway.

driveway and snowplowed her driveway. driveway and snowplowed her driveway. Uh, one of them went with her to the Uh, one of them went with her to the Uh, one of them went with her to the hospital and a couple of them stayed hospital and a couple of them stayed hospital and a couple of them stayed behind to take care of the two younger behind to take care of the two younger behind to take care of the two younger boys and she came upon a proverb, boys and she came upon a proverb, boys and she came upon a proverb, Proverbs 27:10 that reads, "Better a Proverbs 27:10 that reads, "Better a Proverbs 27:10 that reads, "Better a neighbor nearby than a brother far neighbor nearby than a brother far neighbor nearby than a brother far away." That's the power of neighboring. away." That's the power of neighboring. away." That's the power of neighboring. I want you to listen to the to the words I want you to listen to the to the words I want you to listen to the to the words of Acts chapter 17. Maybe you've never of Acts chapter 17. Maybe you've never of Acts chapter 17. Maybe you've never seen this before. seen this before. seen this before. The author writes, "From one man he made The author writes, "From one man he made The author writes, "From one man he made all the people of the world. Now they all the people of the world. Now they all the people of the world. Now they lived all over the earth. He decided lived all over the earth. He decided lived all over the earth. He decided exactly where they should live and he exactly where they should live and he exactly where they should live and he decided exactly where they should live." decided exactly where they should live." decided exactly where they should live." He decided exactly when they should live He decided exactly when they should live He decided exactly when they should live and he decided exactly where they should and he decided exactly where they should and he decided exactly where they should live. Now, some of you might be of the live. Now, some of you might be of the live. Now, some of you might be of the belief that you're living right now belief that you're living right now belief that you're living right now where you're living because you really where you're living because you really where you're living because you really liked the granite countertops or because liked the granite countertops or because liked the granite countertops or because the walk-in closet was humongous. Or the walk-in closet was humongous. Or the walk-in closet was humongous. Or some of you are saying, "I'm living some of you are saying, "I'm living some of you are saying, "I'm living where I'm living because my my my income where I'm living because my my my income where I'm living because my my my income is limited and I'm living here because I is limited and I'm living here because I is limited and I'm living here because I don't have a choice." The scripture says don't have a choice." The scripture says don't have a choice." The scripture says that that's not true. God in his overall that that's not true. God in his overall that that's not true. God in his overall plan has you right now where you are at plan has you right now where you are at plan has you right now where you are at this time by his divine design. You say, this time by his divine design. You say, this time by his divine design. You say, "Well, why did he do that?" The next "Well, why did he do that?" The next "Well, why did he do that?" The next verse tells us God did this so that verse tells us God did this so that verse tells us God did this so that people would seek him and perhaps they people would seek him and perhaps they people would seek him and perhaps they would reach out for him and find him.

would reach out for him and find him. would reach out for him and find him. They would find him even though he is They would find him even though he is They would find him even though he is not far from any of us. not far from any of us. not far from any of us. God wants everybody to find him and you God wants everybody to find him and you God wants everybody to find him and you are the person he put there to make it are the person he put there to make it are the person he put there to make it happen. When you became a follower of happen. When you became a follower of happen. When you became a follower of Jesus, the presence of God was departed Jesus, the presence of God was departed Jesus, the presence of God was departed into you. So that when you are residing into you. So that when you are residing into you. So that when you are residing in the exact place at the exact time in the exact place at the exact time in the exact place at the exact time that God wants you to be there, he is that God wants you to be there, he is that God wants you to be there, he is simply saying to you, um, I've got you simply saying to you, um, I've got you simply saying to you, um, I've got you right where I want you, and I need you right where I want you, and I need you right where I want you, and I need you to let your neighbors know that I'm not to let your neighbors know that I'm not to let your neighbors know that I'm not very far away. very far away. very far away. Now, what I'd like to conclude with is Now, what I'd like to conclude with is Now, what I'd like to conclude with is practical paths to begin your journey. practical paths to begin your journey. practical paths to begin your journey. I'm going to give you 10 practical I'm going to give you 10 practical I'm going to give you 10 practical things, and I'm going to ask you as you things, and I'm going to ask you as you things, and I'm going to ask you as you listen to these to pick one that you're listen to these to pick one that you're listen to these to pick one that you're going to enter into. So, we're going to going to enter into. So, we're going to going to enter into. So, we're going to go through these pretty quickly. You can go through these pretty quickly. You can go through these pretty quickly. You can take some notes. Number one, draw a onem take some notes. Number one, draw a onem take some notes. Number one, draw a onem circle around your home and do as much circle around your home and do as much circle around your home and do as much life in that circle as possible. That's life in that circle as possible. That's life in that circle as possible. That's principle number one. We did that. principle number one. We did that. principle number one. We did that. Number two, stop all work by 6 p.m. Stop Number two, stop all work by 6 p.m. Stop Number two, stop all work by 6 p.m. Stop all work by 6 p.m. Get the whole family all work by 6 p.m. Get the whole family all work by 6 p.m. Get the whole family to get all your work done by 6 p.m. Some to get all your work done by 6 p.m. Some to get all your work done by 6 p.m. Some of you can't do that because of your of you can't do that because of your of you can't do that because of your job, but if you can, try it. Cuz you job, but if you can, try it. Cuz you job, but if you can, try it. Cuz you know that work takes all the time know that work takes all the time know that work takes all the time allotted to it. And that when you put allotted to it. And that when you put allotted to it. And that when you put create a boundary, you'll actually get create a boundary, you'll actually get create a boundary, you'll actually get more work done and then at 6 p.m. waste more work done and then at 6 p.m. waste more work done and then at 6 p.m. waste the evening away with family and the evening away with family and the evening away with family and friends. Number three, dare I say it, friends. Number three, dare I say it, friends. Number three, dare I say it, chill out a bit with kids sports.

chill out a bit with kids sports. chill out a bit with kids sports. It's not going to happen, but I'm going It's not going to happen, but I'm going It's not going to happen, but I'm going to give you the advice. I've never been to give you the advice. I've never been to give you the advice. I've never been able to get people to do it except us, able to get people to do it except us, able to get people to do it except us, but maybe you should try this. I but maybe you should try this. I but maybe you should try this. I remember years ago when our kids were remember years ago when our kids were remember years ago when our kids were younger, um I I was coaching my younger, um I I was coaching my younger, um I I was coaching my daughter's softball team and our three daughter's softball team and our three daughter's softball team and our three boys were in little league and uh you boys were in little league and uh you boys were in little league and uh you know, they were pretty good. They're my know, they were pretty good. They're my know, they were pretty good. They're my kids. They were playing in field and kids. They were playing in field and kids. They were playing in field and doing their thing and it was really doing their thing and it was really doing their thing and it was really great. And then after like the spring great. And then after like the spring great. And then after like the spring thing was over, they said there's a thing was over, they said there's a thing was over, they said there's a summer league that and then they said summer league that and then they said summer league that and then they said after the summer thing, they said after the summer thing, they said after the summer thing, they said there's a fall league. I'm like, "Dude, there's a fall league. I'm like, "Dude, there's a fall league. I'm like, "Dude, we can't do all this and we're just we can't do all this and we're just we can't do all this and we're just going crazy. We're eating Taco Bell and going crazy. We're eating Taco Bell and going crazy. We're eating Taco Bell and and and McDonald's at night. We're and and McDonald's at night. We're and and McDonald's at night. We're getting fatter and it's not working and getting fatter and it's not working and getting fatter and it's not working and we got to do something about this." And we got to do something about this." And we got to do something about this." And so Rosanne and I sat down and said, so Rosanne and I sat down and said, so Rosanne and I sat down and said, "We're going to pull them. We're going "We're going to pull them. We're going "We're going to pull them. We're going to pull them from from baseball." And so to pull them from from baseball." And so to pull them from from baseball." And so we went to our kids and we said, "Um, we went to our kids and we said, "Um, we went to our kids and we said, "Um, mom and I want you to know that we got mom and I want you to know that we got mom and I want you to know that we got to get our life back and we're going to to get our life back and we're going to to get our life back and we're going to we're going to quit baseball." And my we're going to quit baseball." And my we're going to quit baseball." And my kids said, "So you mean we're not going kids said, "So you mean we're not going kids said, "So you mean we're not going to do baseball anymore?" We go, "Here it to do baseball anymore?" We go, "Here it to do baseball anymore?" We go, "Here it comes." We said, "Yeah." So that means comes." We said, "Yeah." So that means comes." We said, "Yeah." So that means that instead of doing all of that, we that instead of doing all of that, we that instead of doing all of that, we can go in the backyard and look for can go in the backyard and look for can go in the backyard and look for worms and and chase squirrels. I said, worms and and chase squirrels. I said, worms and and chase squirrels. I said, "Yeah, it means we can actually run down "Yeah, it means we can actually run down "Yeah, it means we can actually run down the street and actually have some free the street and actually have some free the street and actually have some free time on our bike." Yeah. They go like, time on our bike." Yeah. They go like, time on our bike." Yeah. They go like, "Oh, that's fantastic." I said, "Wait, I "Oh, that's fantastic." I said, "Wait, I "Oh, that's fantastic." I said, "Wait, I thought you guys wanted to be in thought you guys wanted to be in thought you guys wanted to be in baseball." They said, "No, you signed us baseball." They said, "No, you signed us baseball." They said, "No, you signed us up. You gave us no choice. You should up. You gave us no choice. You should up. You gave us no choice. You should have asked us if you wanted to get out have asked us if you wanted to get out have asked us if you wanted to get out of this thing to begin with, right?

of this thing to begin with, right? of this thing to begin with, right? Chill out on sports." Number four, do a Chill out on sports." Number four, do a Chill out on sports." Number four, do a digital fast. A couple weeks ago, you digital fast. A couple weeks ago, you digital fast. A couple weeks ago, you had Darren uh Whitehead here, and we had Darren uh Whitehead here, and we had Darren uh Whitehead here, and we actually did this in Kansas City uh with actually did this in Kansas City uh with actually did this in Kansas City uh with a number of churches, Advent Health a number of churches, Advent Health a number of churches, Advent Health Health Health System. We did a 28-day Health Health System. We did a 28-day Health Health System. We did a 28-day fast from our phones, and it was fast from our phones, and it was fast from our phones, and it was absolutely amazing. Number five, invite absolutely amazing. Number five, invite absolutely amazing. Number five, invite folks over for dinner. Yeah, invite folks over for dinner. Yeah, invite folks over for dinner. Yeah, invite folks over for dinner. And here's the folks over for dinner. And here's the folks over for dinner. And here's the thing, you'll lose weight, thing, you'll lose weight, thing, you'll lose weight, you know, because when you invite people you know, because when you invite people you know, because when you invite people over for dinner, you don't do Taco Bell, over for dinner, you don't do Taco Bell, over for dinner, you don't do Taco Bell, man. You're going to make something like man. You're going to make something like man. You're going to make something like better than that, right? Not that I better than that, right? Not that I better than that, right? Not that I dislike Taco Bell. It's just not as good dislike Taco Bell. It's just not as good dislike Taco Bell. It's just not as good for you. That's what I'm saying. And um for you. That's what I'm saying. And um for you. That's what I'm saying. And um did you know that when you have did you know that when you have did you know that when you have conversation around the table, you talk conversation around the table, you talk conversation around the table, you talk more, right? And did you know that it more, right? And did you know that it more, right? And did you know that it takes your brain 20 minutes to tell your takes your brain 20 minutes to tell your takes your brain 20 minutes to tell your stomach you're full? So that when you're stomach you're full? So that when you're stomach you're full? So that when you're having neighbors over for dinner, you having neighbors over for dinner, you having neighbors over for dinner, you eat less, thus lose weight. So if you eat less, thus lose weight. So if you eat less, thus lose weight. So if you don't care about your neighbor, you care don't care about your neighbor, you care don't care about your neighbor, you care about losing weight, try that one. about losing weight, try that one. about losing weight, try that one. Number six, sit on the front yard versus Number six, sit on the front yard versus Number six, sit on the front yard versus sit in the front yard versus the sit in the front yard versus the sit in the front yard versus the backyard. Now, I know some of our backyard. Now, I know some of our backyard. Now, I know some of our international people, particularly like international people, particularly like international people, particularly like in Hong Kong, I've been there. It's more in Hong Kong, I've been there. It's more in Hong Kong, I've been there. It's more like apartment living and going to the like apartment living and going to the like apartment living and going to the dog park, but sit in the front yard dog park, but sit in the front yard dog park, but sit in the front yard versus the backyard. Number seven, use versus the backyard. Number seven, use versus the backyard. Number seven, use your driveway for more than just cars.

your driveway for more than just cars. your driveway for more than just cars. In the current neighborhood that we've In the current neighborhood that we've In the current neighborhood that we've lived in, um, every Thursday night, lived in, um, every Thursday night, lived in, um, every Thursday night, everyone brings to a culde-sac their everyone brings to a culde-sac their everyone brings to a culde-sac their little chairs. Everybody brings their little chairs. Everybody brings their little chairs. Everybody brings their drink of choice, and we sit there and drink of choice, and we sit there and drink of choice, and we sit there and waste the evening away. And I'm just waste the evening away. And I'm just waste the evening away. And I'm just telling you, some of the best telling you, some of the best telling you, some of the best conversations come up in that conversations come up in that conversations come up in that spontaneous gathering. Number eight, if spontaneous gathering. Number eight, if spontaneous gathering. Number eight, if you don't have small children, get a dog you don't have small children, get a dog you don't have small children, get a dog and take them for walks. We've and take them for walks. We've and take them for walks. We've discovered over the years that small discovered over the years that small discovered over the years that small babies and dogs are people magnets. And babies and dogs are people magnets. And babies and dogs are people magnets. And even if you're shy and inward and even if you're shy and inward and even if you're shy and inward and introverted, you're going to have a introverted, you're going to have a introverted, you're going to have a great conversation. Number nine, try out great conversation. Number nine, try out great conversation. Number nine, try out the Bless app. The Bless app is an app. the Bless app. The Bless app is an app. the Bless app. The Bless app is an app. If you download it, we're putting a QR If you download it, we're putting a QR If you download it, we're putting a QR code up. It's going to populate uh your code up. It's going to populate uh your code up. It's going to populate uh your neighbors right around you and it's neighbors right around you and it's neighbors right around you and it's going to uh identify 40 of them and going to uh identify 40 of them and going to uh identify 40 of them and every day five of them will pop up for every day five of them will pop up for every day five of them will pop up for you to pray for them. Bless means begin you to pray for them. Bless means begin you to pray for them. Bless means begin with prayer. L means listen to them. E with prayer. L means listen to them. E with prayer. L means listen to them. E means eat with them. S means share uh means eat with them. S means share uh means eat with them. S means share uh serve them. And the final S means share serve them. And the final S means share serve them. And the final S means share your story. Uh as of yesterday I have your story. Uh as of yesterday I have your story. Uh as of yesterday I have offered 2872 offered 2872 offered 2872 prayers for my current neighbors. And prayers for my current neighbors. And prayers for my current neighbors. And finally number 10, this is a big one.

finally number 10, this is a big one. finally number 10, this is a big one. Maybe consider starting a small group in Maybe consider starting a small group in Maybe consider starting a small group in your neighborhood as you look at your neighborhood as you look at your neighborhood as you look at developing affinity groups here at developing affinity groups here at developing affinity groups here at Saddleach. Maybe the affinity is your Saddleach. Maybe the affinity is your Saddleach. Maybe the affinity is your neighbors and that might be a step for neighbors and that might be a step for neighbors and that might be a step for you. Now, I want to close by fast you. Now, I want to close by fast you. Now, I want to close by fast forwarding 30 years from my first forwarding 30 years from my first forwarding 30 years from my first encounter with Tom. I was teaching at a encounter with Tom. I was teaching at a encounter with Tom. I was teaching at a church in Carmel, Indiana, and the most church in Carmel, Indiana, and the most church in Carmel, Indiana, and the most unexpected thing happened to me 30 years unexpected thing happened to me 30 years unexpected thing happened to me 30 years later that I didn't see coming. and the later that I didn't see coming. and the later that I didn't see coming. and the church invited me back the next year to church invited me back the next year to church invited me back the next year to tell the story. Take a look at this tell the story. Take a look at this tell the story. Take a look at this video. video. video. I want to come back to Tom for just a I want to come back to Tom for just a I want to come back to Tom for just a moment. Um moment. Um moment. Um uh Tom a few years later uh moved moved uh Tom a few years later uh moved moved uh Tom a few years later uh moved moved back to Minnesota where he had come from back to Minnesota where he had come from back to Minnesota where he had come from and um we lost touch with each other. and um we lost touch with each other. and um we lost touch with each other. Tom uh uh ne never became a follower of Tom uh uh ne never became a follower of Tom uh uh ne never became a follower of Jesus, which was sad to me, but he Jesus, which was sad to me, but he Jesus, which was sad to me, but he introduced me to a number of people introduced me to a number of people introduced me to a number of people because he was in the neighborhood. And because he was in the neighborhood. And because he was in the neighborhood. And a number of people over the next 13 a number of people over the next 13 a number of people over the next 13 years that I lived on that street did years that I lived on that street did years that I lived on that street did become followers of Jesus Christ because become followers of Jesus Christ because become followers of Jesus Christ because we established oursel there, including a we established oursel there, including a we established oursel there, including a family called the Rosettes that Tom had family called the Rosettes that Tom had family called the Rosettes that Tom had introduced us to that live just caddy introduced us to that live just caddy introduced us to that live just caddy corner to us. But I never got a chance corner to us. But I never got a chance corner to us. But I never got a chance to see that happen for Tom and we just to see that happen for Tom and we just to see that happen for Tom and we just lost touch. Um, and I felt sad for that.

lost touch. Um, and I felt sad for that. lost touch. Um, and I felt sad for that. But he was responsible for catalyzing so But he was responsible for catalyzing so But he was responsible for catalyzing so many things in my life. Uh, not only in many things in my life. Uh, not only in many things in my life. Uh, not only in my life, but so many things that I my life, but so many things that I my life, but so many things that I learned about community came from a guy learned about community came from a guy learned about community came from a guy who never went to church. And uh from who never went to church. And uh from who never went to church. And uh from that day on, every church that I've been that day on, every church that I've been that day on, every church that I've been in, the Bible church that I led in in, the Bible church that I led in in, the Bible church that I led in Dallas for Worth, Willow Creek Community Dallas for Worth, Willow Creek Community Dallas for Worth, Willow Creek Community Church, and now Oakill's Church in San Church, and now Oakill's Church in San Church, and now Oakill's Church in San Antonio, we currently have in San Antonio, we currently have in San Antonio, we currently have in San Antonio uh 450 Antonio uh 450 Antonio uh 450 uh groups in neighborhoods in our city. uh groups in neighborhoods in our city. uh groups in neighborhoods in our city. All because of this guy named Tom. And I All because of this guy named Tom. And I All because of this guy named Tom. And I never had a chance to tell him the never had a chance to tell him the never had a chance to tell him the impact he had on my life. I've written impact he had on my life. I've written impact he had on my life. I've written two books on the topic that contain the two books on the topic that contain the two books on the topic that contain the story of Tom in them. story of Tom in them. story of Tom in them. But I lost touch with him until last But I lost touch with him until last But I lost touch with him until last year. year. year. I was here speaking at Northview I was here speaking at Northview I was here speaking at Northview and I was greeting and meeting with and I was greeting and meeting with and I was greeting and meeting with people people people and then the next guy in line said, "Hi and then the next guy in line said, "Hi and then the next guy in line said, "Hi Randy, remember me? Randy, remember me? Randy, remember me? I'm Tom."

I'm Tom." I'm Tom." And I began to cry. And I began to cry. And I began to cry. And so did my wife. And so did my wife. And so did my wife. He said, "I've become a follower of He said, "I've become a follower of He said, "I've become a follower of Jesus Christ and I go to Northview Jesus Christ and I go to Northview Jesus Christ and I go to Northview Church." Church." Church." Is that not a great story? Is that not a great story? Is that not a great story? Do you believe me? Do you believe me? Do you believe me? Do you believe me? Do you believe me? Do you believe me? Well, Well, Well, I'm going to put it all to rest because I'm going to put it all to rest because I'm going to put it all to rest because Tom is in the room right now. So, I'm Tom is in the room right now. So, I'm Tom is in the room right now. So, I'm going to ask Tom Ericson, my good friend going to ask Tom Ericson, my good friend going to ask Tom Ericson, my good friend and neighbor. He's here. Let's give it and neighbor. He's here. Let's give it and neighbor. He's here. Let's give it up for Tom and his wife, Angela. 30 years. I thought we had lost touch. 30 years. I thought we had lost touch. Remember you came up to me last year. It Remember you came up to me last year. It Remember you came up to me last year. It was pretty cool. It was pretty cool. was pretty cool. It was pretty cool. was pretty cool. It was pretty cool. >> Randy always came over to our house when >> Randy always came over to our house when >> Randy always came over to our house when the cookies were coming out of the oven, the cookies were coming out of the oven, the cookies were coming out of the oven, too. So, it wasn't just me going to his too. So, it wasn't just me going to his too. So, it wasn't just me going to his place.

place. place. I wanted you to see for yourself the uh I wanted you to see for yourself the uh I wanted you to see for yourself the uh the the the story. And and here's what I the the the story. And and here's what I the the the story. And and here's what I wanted to do. I wanted to thank you, wanted to do. I wanted to thank you, wanted to do. I wanted to thank you, North View Church, for finishing what I North View Church, for finishing what I North View Church, for finishing what I could not I watered, but you helped to could not I watered, but you helped to could not I watered, but you helped to finish. And we're going to be with him finish. And we're going to be with him finish. And we're going to be with him for all eternity and his lovely wife, for all eternity and his lovely wife, for all eternity and his lovely wife, Angela. Let's give it up. Thank you Angela. Let's give it up. Thank you Angela. Let's give it up. Thank you guys. So, the point of this four-week series So, the point of this four-week series is wrapped up in a story called Tom, is wrapped up in a story called Tom, is wrapped up in a story called Tom, where Tom and I, because of the grace of where Tom and I, because of the grace of where Tom and I, because of the grace of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for us, Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for us, Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for us, we're going to be neighbors for all we're going to be neighbors for all we're going to be neighbors for all eternity. eternity. eternity. Yeah. So, what I'm going to ask you to Yeah. So, what I'm going to ask you to Yeah. So, what I'm going to ask you to do as we wrap up this series is simply do as we wrap up this series is simply do as we wrap up this series is simply think of one simple step you're going to think of one simple step you're going to think of one simple step you're going to take onto the path of the art of take onto the path of the art of take onto the path of the art of neighboring. and that you might begin to neighboring. and that you might begin to neighboring. and that you might begin to discover why on earth God has you living discover why on earth God has you living discover why on earth God has you living where you are at right now at exactly where you are at right now at exactly where you are at right now at exactly this time. The mission to love your this time. The mission to love your this time. The mission to love your neighbor as yourself.

neighbor as yourself. neighbor as yourself. the royal command and all of God's the royal command and all of God's the royal command and all of God's people said, "Heavenly Father, now we people said, "Heavenly Father, now we people said, "Heavenly Father, now we come and we think of John chapter 1 come and we think of John chapter 1 come and we think of John chapter 1 verse1 14 where it says the word became verse1 14 where it says the word became verse1 14 where it says the word became flesh flesh flesh and moved into the neighborhood. Jesus and moved into the neighborhood. Jesus and moved into the neighborhood. Jesus took the first step to us and he moved took the first step to us and he moved took the first step to us and he moved into our neighborhood wrapped in flesh into our neighborhood wrapped in flesh into our neighborhood wrapped in flesh and he served us and he gave us life. and he served us and he gave us life. and he served us and he gave us life. Now we follow in his footsteps with his Now we follow in his footsteps with his Now we follow in his footsteps with his presence within us. Father, I just pray presence within us. Father, I just pray presence within us. Father, I just pray that your spirit would be uh moving in that your spirit would be uh moving in that your spirit would be uh moving in this place in all of the campuses and this place in all of the campuses and this place in all of the campuses and you might prick our hearts as to what is you might prick our hearts as to what is you might prick our hearts as to what is that one step that will move us to that one step that will move us to that one step that will move us to discovering this lifegiving command to discovering this lifegiving command to discovering this lifegiving command to love our neighbor as ourselves. We pray love our neighbor as ourselves. We pray love our neighbor as ourselves. We pray this all in the name of Jesus. Amen. this all in the name of Jesus. Amen. this all in the name of Jesus. Amen. Here is where I lay down every burden, Here is where I lay down every burden, Here is where I lay down every burden, every crown. This is my surrender. every crown. This is my surrender. every crown. This is my surrender. This is my surrender.

This is my surrender. This is my surrender. Here is where I lay down. Every lion, Here is where I lay down. Every lion, Here is where I lay down. Every lion, every every every this is my surrender, this is my surrender, this is my surrender, every voice. every voice. every voice. So I will make room for you So I will make room for you So I will make room for you [Music] [Music] [Music] to do whatever you want to. to do whatever you want to. to do whatever you want to. To do whatever you want to, Lord. Yes. I To do whatever you want to, Lord. Yes. I To do whatever you want to, Lord. Yes. I will make room for you. will make room for you. will make room for you. For you to do whatever you want to For you to do whatever you want to For you to do whatever you want to to do whatever you want to. And I will to do whatever you want to. And I will to do whatever you want to. And I will make room. make room. make room. Oh, for you, Oh, for you, Oh, for you, Lord, Lord, Lord, to do whatever you want to to do whatever you want to to do whatever you want to do. do. do. >> We make this our prayer tonight. I will >> We make this our prayer tonight. I will >> We make this our prayer tonight. I will make room. Oh, I will make room for you.

make room. Oh, I will make room for you. make room. Oh, I will make room for you. just for you just for you just for you to do whatever you want to. to do whatever you want to. to do whatever you want to. To do whatever you want to, Jesus, [Music] [Music] search every space in my life, Lord. search every space in my life, Lord. search every space in my life, Lord. Oh, Oh, Oh, [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] it shake up the ground for all my it shake up the ground for all my it shake up the ground for all my tradition. Break down the walls for all tradition. Break down the walls for all tradition. Break down the walls for all my religions. And your way, Shake up the ground of all my education. Shake up the ground of all my education. Break down the walls of all my religion. Break down the walls of all my religion. Break down the walls of all my religion. Your way there Your way there Your way there your way your way. Shake up the ground for my education.

Shake up the ground for my education. Break down the we need you Lord. Your Break down the we need you Lord. Your Break down the we need you Lord. Your way way way so much better. so much better. so much better. Oh Oh Oh shake up the ground of all my tradition. shake up the ground of all my tradition. shake up the ground of all my tradition. Break down the wall. So all my Break down the wall. So all my Break down the wall. So all my way is there. way is there. way is there. Your way is there. Your way is there. Your way is there. And I will make room for you to do whatever you want to to do whatever you want to to do whatever you want to. Oh, and I to do whatever you want to. Oh, and I to do whatever you want to. Oh, and I will make room for you. You can have it will make room for you. You can have it will make room for you. You can have it all all all to do whatever you want to. to do whatever you want to. to do whatever you want to. You do whatever you want to. Jesus. You do whatever you want to. Jesus. You do whatever you want to. Jesus. [Music] [Music] [Music] >> Well, thank you again for joining us >> Well, thank you again for joining us >> Well, thank you again for joining us this week online. And maybe as Pastor this week online. And maybe as Pastor this week online. And maybe as Pastor Randy was preaching, kind of wrapping up Randy was preaching, kind of wrapping up Randy was preaching, kind of wrapping up his message, you felt led to take a next his message, you felt led to take a next his message, you felt led to take a next step in your faith. I want to encourage step in your faith. I want to encourage step in your faith. I want to encourage you right now to do that. Again, if you right now to do that. Again, if you right now to do that. Again, if you're watching on YouTube or Facebook, you're watching on YouTube or Facebook, you're watching on YouTube or Facebook, there's a link in the description. You there's a link in the description. You there's a link in the description. You can take a next step from saying just can take a next step from saying just can take a next step from saying just I'm new here, a prayer request. You I'm new here, a prayer request. You I'm new here, a prayer request. You know, maybe you made a decision for know, maybe you made a decision for know, maybe you made a decision for Jesus. I'm not sure what it is, but it Jesus. I'm not sure what it is, but it Jesus. I'm not sure what it is, but it starts with you letting our church know starts with you letting our church know starts with you letting our church know about it, and our online team would love about it, and our online team would love about it, and our online team would love to personally follow up with you. You to personally follow up with you. You to personally follow up with you. You can also do that in the Saddleback can also do that in the Saddleback can also do that in the Saddleback Church app if you already have that

Church app if you already have that Church app if you already have that right on your phone. Again, that's a right on your phone. Again, that's a right on your phone. Again, that's a great tool to follow along every week. great tool to follow along every week. great tool to follow along every week. And I also want to encourage you, we are And I also want to encourage you, we are And I also want to encourage you, we are kicking off our fall group semester next kicking off our fall group semester next kicking off our fall group semester next weekend. Again, you can start and join a weekend. Again, you can start and join a weekend. Again, you can start and join a group with Saddleback's online group with Saddleback's online group with Saddleback's online community. We have tons of options. We community. We have tons of options. We community. We have tons of options. We have a bunch of trainings happening this have a bunch of trainings happening this have a bunch of trainings happening this week that you can sign up for. You can week that you can sign up for. You can week that you can sign up for. You can text the word lead to 83,000. The word text the word lead to 83,000. The word text the word lead to 83,000. The word lead to 83,000 and we'll send you all lead to 83,000 and we'll send you all lead to 83,000 and we'll send you all the info so you can be part of that. the info so you can be part of that. the info so you can be part of that. Again, we want everybody part of our Again, we want everybody part of our Again, we want everybody part of our church to get into a group. That is our church to get into a group. That is our church to get into a group. That is our hope. We believe here at Saddleback hope. We believe here at Saddleback hope. We believe here at Saddleback being part of church is much more than being part of church is much more than being part of church is much more than just sitting in a in a service or just sitting in a in a service or just sitting in a in a service or watching online. It's actually watching online. It's actually watching online. It's actually connecting with people. And this is connecting with people. And this is connecting with people. And this is where our group fall semester kickoff is where our group fall semester kickoff is where our group fall semester kickoff is all about is helping you right now. You all about is helping you right now. You all about is helping you right now. You you watching on YouTube. You might be you watching on YouTube. You might be you watching on YouTube. You might be going, "Jay, you're not talking. Why are going, "Jay, you're not talking. Why are going, "Jay, you're not talking. Why are you talking to me?" I'm talking to you you talking to me?" I'm talking to you you talking to me?" I'm talking to you because you need to get into community. because you need to get into community. because you need to get into community. Church is much more than just watching Church is much more than just watching Church is much more than just watching something, sitting in a service. It's something, sitting in a service. It's something, sitting in a service. It's about engaging with other people. So, about engaging with other people. So, about engaging with other people. So, make sure you text the word lead to make sure you text the word lead to make sure you text the word lead to 83,000. We'll get you all signed up. 83,000. We'll get you all signed up. 83,000. We'll get you all signed up. Well, thanks again for joining us. We Well, thanks again for joining us. We Well, thanks again for joining us. We will see you right here next weekend.

will see you right here next weekend. will see you right here next weekend. [Music]