Biblical Roles in a Waging War | Stacie Wood

Well, hey folks. It's great to get to be Well, hey folks. It's great to get to be together today. I'm so glad that you're together today. I'm so glad that you're together today. I'm so glad that you're here with us. Welcome to all of our here with us. Welcome to all of our here with us. Welcome to all of our campuses. Welcome to those of you campuses. Welcome to those of you campuses. Welcome to those of you joining us online or at our extensions. joining us online or at our extensions. joining us online or at our extensions. We're so glad you're with us. And today, We're so glad you're with us. And today, We're so glad you're with us. And today, I just want to warn you friends, go I just want to warn you friends, go I just want to warn you friends, go ahead and get your seat belts on because ahead and get your seat belts on because ahead and get your seat belts on because this message has a lot of hot takes in this message has a lot of hot takes in this message has a lot of hot takes in it. Okay. So, we're coming in a little it. Okay. So, we're coming in a little it. Okay. So, we're coming in a little bit hot today on the heels of this uh uh bit hot today on the heels of this uh uh bit hot today on the heels of this uh uh fighting for our family message series. fighting for our family message series. fighting for our family message series. So, I'm going to tell you I have exactly So, I'm going to tell you I have exactly So, I'm going to tell you I have exactly zero jokes and exactly zero funny zero jokes and exactly zero funny zero jokes and exactly zero funny stories incorporated into this message, stories incorporated into this message, stories incorporated into this message, but I've got a lot of Bible. Okay? So, but I've got a lot of Bible. Okay? So, but I've got a lot of Bible. Okay? So, are you guys ready to hear from the are you guys ready to hear from the are you guys ready to hear from the Bible today? That's a good thing because Bible today? That's a good thing because Bible today? That's a good thing because that's what you're going to get. Okay? that's what you're going to get. Okay? that's what you're going to get. Okay? So why are we using the language of war So why are we using the language of war So why are we using the language of war to talk about our families, fighting for to talk about our families, fighting for to talk about our families, fighting for our families? Well, the reason is our families? Well, the reason is our families? Well, the reason is because we have a very real enemy that because we have a very real enemy that because we have a very real enemy that is out to destroy our families. The is out to destroy our families. The is out to destroy our families. The Bible talks about this uh enemy that we Bible talks about this uh enemy that we Bible talks about this uh enemy that we have called the devil, Satan, who is have called the devil, Satan, who is have called the devil, Satan, who is like a roaring lion who's prowling like a roaring lion who's prowling like a roaring lion who's prowling around seeking to devour our lives. And around seeking to devour our lives. And around seeking to devour our lives. And so we have to know who we're fighting.

so we have to know who we're fighting. so we have to know who we're fighting. The enemy would like for you to think The enemy would like for you to think The enemy would like for you to think it's your spouse that's your enemy. Your it's your spouse that's your enemy. Your it's your spouse that's your enemy. Your enemy is your teenager, but actually enemy is your teenager, but actually enemy is your teenager, but actually that's not your enemy. The enemy is the that's not your enemy. The enemy is the that's not your enemy. The enemy is the devil and he is working in our devil and he is working in our devil and he is working in our relationships to turn us against one relationships to turn us against one relationships to turn us against one another. So instead of fighting for our another. So instead of fighting for our another. So instead of fighting for our families, a lot of times we end up families, a lot of times we end up families, a lot of times we end up fighting against our families. So we fighting against our families. So we fighting against our families. So we need to realize we have a very real need to realize we have a very real need to realize we have a very real enemy in this fight for our family. Now, enemy in this fight for our family. Now, enemy in this fight for our family. Now, a lot of what I'm going to say today is a lot of what I'm going to say today is a lot of what I'm going to say today is just going to fly right in the face of just going to fly right in the face of just going to fly right in the face of popular opinion. And there might be even popular opinion. And there might be even popular opinion. And there might be even some moments where you're like, "She is some moments where you're like, "She is some moments where you're like, "She is so out of touch with reality." so out of touch with reality." so out of touch with reality." But what I'm hoping to do is to bring us But what I'm hoping to do is to bring us But what I'm hoping to do is to bring us back to something that is more real than back to something that is more real than back to something that is more real than anything that this world is offering. So anything that this world is offering. So anything that this world is offering. So today I'm going to briefly touch on five today I'm going to briefly touch on five today I'm going to briefly touch on five different groups of people. And as best different groups of people. And as best different groups of people. And as best as I know how, I am just going to unpack as I know how, I am just going to unpack as I know how, I am just going to unpack what the Bible teaches to these five what the Bible teaches to these five what the Bible teaches to these five different groups of people. Because see, different groups of people. Because see, different groups of people. Because see, here's what I know about this here's what I know about this here's what I know about this generation, especially the younger generation, especially the younger generation, especially the younger generation, is you want people to speak generation, is you want people to speak generation, is you want people to speak very clearly and directly about what is very clearly and directly about what is very clearly and directly about what is true. and then you'll listen and you'll true. and then you'll listen and you'll true. and then you'll listen and you'll decide what to do with that. But I'm decide what to do with that. But I'm decide what to do with that. But I'm working under the assumption that if you working under the assumption that if you working under the assumption that if you are here at church and if you're are here at church and if you're are here at church and if you're listening to this message, then you listening to this message, then you listening to this message, then you actually are curious to know what does actually are curious to know what does actually are curious to know what does the Bible say about these topics. And so

the Bible say about these topics. And so the Bible say about these topics. And so that's what we're going to do. I'm going that's what we're going to do. I'm going that's what we're going to do. I'm going to talk to five different groups of to talk to five different groups of to talk to five different groups of people. To singles, to husbands, to people. To singles, to husbands, to people. To singles, to husbands, to wives, to parents, and to children. wives, to parents, and to children. wives, to parents, and to children. Okay? and we're just going to look at Okay? and we're just going to look at Okay? and we're just going to look at what does the Bible teach these what does the Bible teach these what does the Bible teach these particular groups of people. Now, I particular groups of people. Now, I particular groups of people. Now, I completely understand that not everyone completely understand that not everyone completely understand that not everyone who comes to Saddleback Church would who comes to Saddleback Church would who comes to Saddleback Church would consider themselves a Christian. Maybe consider themselves a Christian. Maybe consider themselves a Christian. Maybe you are in that process of exploring you are in that process of exploring you are in that process of exploring faith and what do you think about the faith and what do you think about the faith and what do you think about the Bible? What do you think about the Bible? What do you think about the Bible? What do you think about the teachings of Jesus? And you are so very teachings of Jesus? And you are so very teachings of Jesus? And you are so very welcome here. But I'm I'm kind of welcome here. But I'm I'm kind of welcome here. But I'm I'm kind of curious if maybe you've also been curious if maybe you've also been curious if maybe you've also been noticing that there's just this complete noticing that there's just this complete noticing that there's just this complete breakdown of the family in our society breakdown of the family in our society breakdown of the family in our society right now. And maybe like me, you are right now. And maybe like me, you are right now. And maybe like me, you are frustrated by all of the confusing frustrated by all of the confusing frustrated by all of the confusing misinformation that's just floating misinformation that's just floating misinformation that's just floating around in society. And you've you've around in society. And you've you've around in society. And you've you've thought to yourself, there has got to be thought to yourself, there has got to be thought to yourself, there has got to be a better way than this. And so if that's a better way than this. And so if that's a better way than this. And so if that's where you are today, I just want to where you are today, I just want to where you are today, I just want to encourage you and say I really think encourage you and say I really think encourage you and say I really think that as you hear God's design that that as you hear God's design that that as you hear God's design that there's going to be a moment where there's going to be a moment where there's going to be a moment where you're like, "Man, that's beautiful and you're like, "Man, that's beautiful and you're like, "Man, that's beautiful and that makes a lot of sense." So last that makes a lot of sense." So last that makes a lot of sense." So last week, Andy was teaching about God's week, Andy was teaching about God's week, Andy was teaching about God's divine design. If you missed that divine design. If you missed that divine design. If you missed that message, I want to encourage you to go message, I want to encourage you to go message, I want to encourage you to go back and listen to it because this is back and listen to it because this is back and listen to it because this is kind of like part two of that message.

kind of like part two of that message. kind of like part two of that message. And what we're doing here today is we're And what we're doing here today is we're And what we're doing here today is we're going to doubleclick on each of the going to doubleclick on each of the going to doubleclick on each of the roles that God has given us in the roles that God has given us in the roles that God has given us in the course of family. We're going to talk course of family. We're going to talk course of family. We're going to talk about the significance of those roles about the significance of those roles about the significance of those roles for our families and for God's kingdom for our families and for God's kingdom for our families and for God's kingdom at large. So, right out of the bat, at large. So, right out of the bat, at large. So, right out of the bat, we're going to talk to singles first. we're going to talk to singles first. we're going to talk to singles first. Okay? Now, for all the singles in the Okay? Now, for all the singles in the Okay? Now, for all the singles in the house today, I want to say to you that house today, I want to say to you that house today, I want to say to you that your identity and your purpose is not your identity and your purpose is not your identity and your purpose is not bound up in your marital status. That bound up in your marital status. That bound up in your marital status. That you are not limited in your ability to you are not limited in your ability to you are not limited in your ability to be used by God. That you do not need a be used by God. That you do not need a be used by God. That you do not need a spouse to validate God's call on your spouse to validate God's call on your spouse to validate God's call on your life or his hand on your life. Now, with life or his hand on your life. Now, with life or his hand on your life. Now, with that being said, most biblical that being said, most biblical that being said, most biblical instruction, it applies to both married instruction, it applies to both married instruction, it applies to both married and unmarried people. It's not it's not and unmarried people. It's not it's not and unmarried people. It's not it's not typically separated out, but there are a typically separated out, but there are a typically separated out, but there are a few occasions in scripture where God few occasions in scripture where God few occasions in scripture where God speaks directly to unmarried people. And speaks directly to unmarried people. And speaks directly to unmarried people. And so, I'm going to address a couple of so, I'm going to address a couple of so, I'm going to address a couple of those. The first one that I'm going to those. The first one that I'm going to those. The first one that I'm going to talk about is in 1 Corinthians chapter talk about is in 1 Corinthians chapter talk about is in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, 7, 7, where it says, "I would like you to be where it says, "I would like you to be where it says, "I would like you to be free from concern." Now, if you have free from concern." Now, if you have free from concern." Now, if you have your notes out, let me just say, you're your notes out, let me just say, you're your notes out, let me just say, you're going to want to get your notes out.

going to want to get your notes out. going to want to get your notes out. There there's paper notes like this that There there's paper notes like this that There there's paper notes like this that you can pull out, or if you can pull it you can pull out, or if you can pull it you can pull out, or if you can pull it out on your app, but there's so much out on your app, but there's so much out on your app, but there's so much content today that I do want to content today that I do want to content today that I do want to encourage you to at least have the notes encourage you to at least have the notes encourage you to at least have the notes in your hand. All right? So, let's start in your hand. All right? So, let's start in your hand. All right? So, let's start again. I would like you to be free from again. I would like you to be free from again. I would like you to be free from concern. Underline or circle that word concern. Underline or circle that word concern. Underline or circle that word free. An unmarried man is concerned free. An unmarried man is concerned free. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs, how he can about the Lord's affairs, how he can about the Lord's affairs, how he can please the Lord. But a married man is please the Lord. But a married man is please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this concerned about the affairs of this concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, and world, how he can please his wife, and world, how he can please his wife, and his interests are divided. An unmarried his interests are divided. An unmarried his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the woman or virgin is concerned about the woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs. Her aim is to be devoted Lord's affairs. Her aim is to be devoted Lord's affairs. Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But to the Lord in both body and spirit. But to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the a married woman is concerned about the a married woman is concerned about the affairs of the this world, how she can affairs of the this world, how she can affairs of the this world, how she can please her husband. I'm saying this for please her husband. I'm saying this for please her husband. I'm saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but your own good, not to restrict you, but your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in that you may live in a right way in that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. Circle undivided devotion to the Lord. Circle undivided devotion to the Lord. Circle that phrase, undivided devotion. Now, that phrase, undivided devotion. Now, that phrase, undivided devotion. Now, what the Apostle Paul is talking about what the Apostle Paul is talking about what the Apostle Paul is talking about in this passage is that there are some in this passage is that there are some in this passage is that there are some gifts to embrace when it comes to gifts to embrace when it comes to gifts to embrace when it comes to singleness. There's some benefits that singleness. There's some benefits that singleness. There's some benefits that you have as a single person. Now, there you have as a single person. Now, there you have as a single person. Now, there are also benefits and gifts with being are also benefits and gifts with being are also benefits and gifts with being married, but some of them are different married, but some of them are different married, but some of them are different from one another. And what Paul is from one another. And what Paul is from one another. And what Paul is pointing out here is that there is a pointing out here is that there is a pointing out here is that there is a focus and a freedom and a flexibility focus and a freedom and a flexibility focus and a freedom and a flexibility that single people have that is that single people have that is that single people have that is different than when you're married. That different than when you're married. That different than when you're married. That you have this ability to be focused. You you have this ability to be focused. You you have this ability to be focused. You have a freedom and a flexibility. Now

have a freedom and a flexibility. Now have a freedom and a flexibility. Now what God is saying through this passage what God is saying through this passage what God is saying through this passage is that that those gifts of singleness, is that that those gifts of singleness, is that that those gifts of singleness, the freedom and the focus and the the freedom and the focus and the the freedom and the focus and the flexibility are intended to be redeemed. flexibility are intended to be redeemed. flexibility are intended to be redeemed. So they're not intended for you to go So they're not intended for you to go So they're not intended for you to go out and use this freedom and flexibility out and use this freedom and flexibility out and use this freedom and flexibility for your own selfishness or your own for your own selfishness or your own for your own selfishness or your own pleasure. God's saying actually the pleasure. God's saying actually the pleasure. God's saying actually the reason why this is a gift to you is that reason why this is a gift to you is that reason why this is a gift to you is that it allows you to have undivided focus on it allows you to have undivided focus on it allows you to have undivided focus on your relationship with God and on your relationship with God and on your relationship with God and on serving God's people. And so he wants serving God's people. And so he wants serving God's people. And so he wants you to redeem these gifts. Now the other you to redeem these gifts. Now the other you to redeem these gifts. Now the other place that scripture specifically speaks place that scripture specifically speaks place that scripture specifically speaks to unmarried people is in regard to to unmarried people is in regard to to unmarried people is in regard to their sexual practice. Now this their sexual practice. Now this their sexual practice. Now this conversation is much bigger than just conversation is much bigger than just conversation is much bigger than just celibacy or sexual activity which kind celibacy or sexual activity which kind celibacy or sexual activity which kind of seems to be the only way the church of seems to be the only way the church of seems to be the only way the church ever addresses this issue. It's like we ever addresses this issue. It's like we ever addresses this issue. It's like we answer every question with just save sex answer every question with just save sex answer every question with just save sex for marriage and and that and that's a for marriage and and that and that's a for marriage and and that and that's a very limited view of this whole very limited view of this whole very limited view of this whole conversation. But if if God's intention conversation. But if if God's intention conversation. But if if God's intention is for sexual intimacy to be enjoyed by is for sexual intimacy to be enjoyed by is for sexual intimacy to be enjoyed by a husband and a wife in the context of a a husband and a wife in the context of a a husband and a wife in the context of a covenant marriage, then why in the world covenant marriage, then why in the world covenant marriage, then why in the world did he allow single people to have such did he allow single people to have such did he allow single people to have such strong sexual desire? Is it because he strong sexual desire? Is it because he strong sexual desire? Is it because he wants to torture you?

wants to torture you? wants to torture you? No, I I don't think it is. This No, I I don't think it is. This No, I I don't think it is. This question, it goes far beyond question, it goes far beyond question, it goes far beyond pleasure and it goes even far beyond pleasure and it goes even far beyond pleasure and it goes even far beyond just the standards of morality. This is just the standards of morality. This is just the standards of morality. This is a question of worship. This is a a question of worship. This is a a question of worship. This is a question of witness. And so what I want question of witness. And so what I want question of witness. And so what I want to challenge you as a single person is to challenge you as a single person is to challenge you as a single person is that you would offer your sexuality as a that you would offer your sexuality as a that you would offer your sexuality as a witness to the world and as a sacrifice witness to the world and as a sacrifice witness to the world and as a sacrifice of praise of praise of praise to God. to God. to God. Now biblical sexual ethic is one of the Now biblical sexual ethic is one of the Now biblical sexual ethic is one of the greatest distinguishing characteristics greatest distinguishing characteristics greatest distinguishing characteristics between followers of Jesus and the rest between followers of Jesus and the rest between followers of Jesus and the rest of the world. I want to say that again of the world. I want to say that again of the world. I want to say that again because it's it's so true. Think about because it's it's so true. Think about because it's it's so true. Think about this. the biblical sexual ethic. If we this. the biblical sexual ethic. If we this. the biblical sexual ethic. If we lived according to that, it would be one lived according to that, it would be one lived according to that, it would be one of the biggest distinguishing factors of the biggest distinguishing factors of the biggest distinguishing factors between Christians and those who are not between Christians and those who are not between Christians and those who are not followers of Jesus. This has been true followers of Jesus. This has been true followers of Jesus. This has been true ever since the earliest days of ever since the earliest days of ever since the earliest days of Christendom back in the Roman Empire Christendom back in the Roman Empire Christendom back in the Roman Empire when there was just a lot of sexual when there was just a lot of sexual when there was just a lot of sexual immorality that was going on. But the immorality that was going on. But the immorality that was going on. But the church did it differently and it set church did it differently and it set church did it differently and it set them apart because an unmarried them apart because an unmarried them apart because an unmarried Christian honors Jesus with their Christian honors Jesus with their Christian honors Jesus with their celibacy because they know that their celibacy because they know that their celibacy because they know that their body is his temple and he is worthy of a body is his temple and he is worthy of a body is his temple and he is worthy of a consecrated life. Look at what it says consecrated life. Look at what it says consecrated life. Look at what it says in 1 Corinthians 6. It says, "Do you not in 1 Corinthians 6. It says, "Do you not in 1 Corinthians 6. It says, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the

know that your bodies are temples of the know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. received from God? You are not your own. received from God? You are not your own. You were bought with a price. Therefore, You were bought with a price. Therefore, You were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. And before honor God with your bodies. And before honor God with your bodies. And before we move on, I just want to say, wouldn't we move on, I just want to say, wouldn't we move on, I just want to say, wouldn't it be such a beautiful gift for you to it be such a beautiful gift for you to it be such a beautiful gift for you to give your body to Jesus as a living give your body to Jesus as a living give your body to Jesus as a living sacrifice? Think of the impact that sacrifice? Think of the impact that sacrifice? Think of the impact that would make to give him a gift that would make to give him a gift that would make to give him a gift that actually cost you something. to get to actually cost you something. to get to actually cost you something. to get to the point in your relationship with him the point in your relationship with him the point in your relationship with him where you're like, "Jesus, I love you where you're like, "Jesus, I love you where you're like, "Jesus, I love you more than anything. I love you more than more than anything. I love you more than more than anything. I love you more than this romantic relationship that I'm in. this romantic relationship that I'm in. this romantic relationship that I'm in. And and I I want every part of me to And and I I want every part of me to And and I I want every part of me to belong to you. I don't want my sexuality belong to you. I don't want my sexuality belong to you. I don't want my sexuality to be the thing that keeps me from your to be the thing that keeps me from your to be the thing that keeps me from your very best for my life." very best for my life." very best for my life." So singles, I just want to say to you So singles, I just want to say to you So singles, I just want to say to you that you have the opportunity here to that you have the opportunity here to that you have the opportunity here to allow your sexual your sexuality to be a allow your sexual your sexuality to be a allow your sexual your sexuality to be a powerful witness to the world around you powerful witness to the world around you powerful witness to the world around you and this beautiful sacrifice of praise and this beautiful sacrifice of praise and this beautiful sacrifice of praise back to God.

back to God. back to God. All right, that's hot take number one. All right, that's hot take number one. All right, that's hot take number one. Number two is husbands. Number two is husbands. Number two is husbands. All right, so the key biblical All right, so the key biblical All right, so the key biblical instruction for husbands comes out of instruction for husbands comes out of instruction for husbands comes out of Ephesians chapter 5. So let's look at Ephesians chapter 5. So let's look at Ephesians chapter 5. So let's look at these verses together. these verses together. these verses together. For the husband is the head of the wife For the husband is the head of the wife For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his as Christ is the head of the church, his as Christ is the head of the church, his body of which he is the savior. body of which he is the savior. body of which he is the savior. Husbands, love your wives just as Christ Husbands, love your wives just as Christ Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for loved the church and gave himself up for loved the church and gave himself up for her. All right. So we're just taking her. All right. So we're just taking her. All right. So we're just taking scripture and we're immediately scripture and we're immediately scripture and we're immediately distilling down what can we get from distilling down what can we get from distilling down what can we get from this? And from the Bible, what we can this? And from the Bible, what we can this? And from the Bible, what we can see is a Christian husband is the loving see is a Christian husband is the loving see is a Christian husband is the loving head of his family. head of his family. head of his family. The Christian husband is the loving head The Christian husband is the loving head The Christian husband is the loving head of his family. Now, I want to put some of his family. Now, I want to put some of his family. Now, I want to put some meat on that phrase because there has meat on that phrase because there has meat on that phrase because there has been a lot of abuses to that phrase, been a lot of abuses to that phrase, been a lot of abuses to that phrase, right? There's been a lot of right? There's been a lot of right? There's been a lot of misunderstandings from these verses misunderstandings from these verses misunderstandings from these verses taken out of context and it's been used taken out of context and it's been used taken out of context and it's been used to berate people and to oppress people to berate people and to oppress people to berate people and to oppress people and to keep people in relationships that and to keep people in relationships that and to keep people in relationships that are not healthy. Let me put some meat on are not healthy. Let me put some meat on are not healthy. Let me put some meat on this of what God is intending for this of what God is intending for this of what God is intending for husbands to take on. Now, when you go husbands to take on. Now, when you go husbands to take on. Now, when you go back to the creation story, you can back to the creation story, you can back to the creation story, you can immediately see that God is giving and immediately see that God is giving and immediately see that God is giving and trusting Adam with some leadership. God trusting Adam with some leadership. God trusting Adam with some leadership. God created Adam first and then he gave Adam created Adam first and then he gave Adam created Adam first and then he gave Adam the job of naming all the animals. Adam the job of naming all the animals. Adam the job of naming all the animals. Adam is the one who named Eve and actually

is the one who named Eve and actually is the one who named Eve and actually Eve was created from Adam. So from the Eve was created from Adam. So from the Eve was created from Adam. So from the very beginning of creation we can see very beginning of creation we can see very beginning of creation we can see this order and that is that's this order and that is that's this order and that is that's significant. Now, if you'll remember, significant. Now, if you'll remember, significant. Now, if you'll remember, when Adam and Eve sinned, when they were when Adam and Eve sinned, when they were when Adam and Eve sinned, when they were in the garden, God held Eve accountable in the garden, God held Eve accountable in the garden, God held Eve accountable for her sin, but God held Adam for her sin, but God held Adam for her sin, but God held Adam accountable for both his and Eve's sin. accountable for both his and Eve's sin. accountable for both his and Eve's sin. This is a really important principle. This is a really important principle. This is a really important principle. Okay, I was doing a lot of research for Okay, I was doing a lot of research for Okay, I was doing a lot of research for this message and um Pastor Josh this message and um Pastor Josh this message and um Pastor Josh Howardson, one of our friends, he has Howardson, one of our friends, he has Howardson, one of our friends, he has done a lot of thoughtful um work around done a lot of thoughtful um work around done a lot of thoughtful um work around these ideas of men and women, husbands these ideas of men and women, husbands these ideas of men and women, husbands and wives. And he stated this principle and wives. And he stated this principle and wives. And he stated this principle that says not everything husbands that that says not everything husbands that that says not everything husbands that happens in your family is your fault, happens in your family is your fault, happens in your family is your fault, but it is your responsibility. but it is your responsibility. but it is your responsibility. Not everything in your family is your Not everything in your family is your Not everything in your family is your fault, but it is your responsibility. fault, but it is your responsibility. fault, but it is your responsibility. Because think of it, that is what Jesus Because think of it, that is what Jesus Because think of it, that is what Jesus did for us, right? Jesus who knew no sin did for us, right? Jesus who knew no sin did for us, right? Jesus who knew no sin took responsibility for our sin as an took responsibility for our sin as an took responsibility for our sin as an act of love toward us. So when the Bible act of love toward us. So when the Bible act of love toward us. So when the Bible says, "Husbands, love your wives as says, "Husbands, love your wives as says, "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself Christ loved the church and gave himself Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her," what it's saying is that a up for her," what it's saying is that a up for her," what it's saying is that a husband and a father will go to radical husband and a father will go to radical husband and a father will go to radical lengths to show protection and provision lengths to show protection and provision lengths to show protection and provision for his family. So men just just embrace for his family. So men just just embrace for his family. So men just just embrace that is such a high calling, right? Like that is such a high calling, right? Like that is such a high calling, right? Like now being the loving head of your now being the loving head of your now being the loving head of your family. That doesn't mean that that a

family. That doesn't mean that that a family. That doesn't mean that that a husband just gets to be bossy all the husband just gets to be bossy all the husband just gets to be bossy all the time, right? Like giving out orders and time, right? Like giving out orders and time, right? Like giving out orders and this is how it's going to be. It's my this is how it's going to be. It's my this is how it's going to be. It's my way or the highway, like just abusive way or the highway, like just abusive way or the highway, like just abusive and authoritative. And that is not the and authoritative. And that is not the and authoritative. And that is not the picture here. It's it's a lot less about picture here. It's it's a lot less about picture here. It's it's a lot less about giving orders and it's more about taking giving orders and it's more about taking giving orders and it's more about taking responsibility. responsibility. responsibility. That's the role of a loving husband. That's the role of a loving husband. That's the role of a loving husband. Now, let me tell you why this is so Now, let me tell you why this is so Now, let me tell you why this is so critical for the church, the capital C critical for the church, the capital C critical for the church, the capital C church, because we are living in a church, because we are living in a church, because we are living in a cultural moment that is tearing down cultural moment that is tearing down cultural moment that is tearing down men. You hear things all the time like men. You hear things all the time like men. You hear things all the time like men are pigs, men can't do anything, men are pigs, men can't do anything, men are pigs, men can't do anything, they're useless. In TV shows, men are they're useless. In TV shows, men are they're useless. In TV shows, men are always, specifically dads, dads are always, specifically dads, dads are always, specifically dads, dads are always kind of like the butt of the always kind of like the butt of the always kind of like the butt of the joke, right? like they're the idiot that joke, right? like they're the idiot that joke, right? like they're the idiot that they they can't figure anything out. they they can't figure anything out. they they can't figure anything out. They don't know what's going on. And so, They don't know what's going on. And so, They don't know what's going on. And so, it's no wonder that men don't want to it's no wonder that men don't want to it's no wonder that men don't want to lead. We have a whole generation of lead. We have a whole generation of lead. We have a whole generation of young men who are delaying manhood and young men who are delaying manhood and young men who are delaying manhood and they're delaying marriage and they're they're delaying marriage and they're they're delaying marriage and they're delaying their careers and they're delaying their careers and they're delaying their careers and they're extending adolescence because no one has extending adolescence because no one has extending adolescence because no one has given them a vision to lead. They don't given them a vision to lead. They don't given them a vision to lead. They don't feel invited to lead. They don't feel feel invited to lead. They don't feel feel invited to lead. They don't feel like they have permission to lead. But like they have permission to lead. But like they have permission to lead. But what I want to tell you is that God has what I want to tell you is that God has what I want to tell you is that God has given you permission to lead. This is a given you permission to lead. This is a given you permission to lead. This is a call that he has put on your life. And call that he has put on your life. And call that he has put on your life. And what the church needs from you and what what the church needs from you and what what the church needs from you and what your family needs from you is to reject

your family needs from you is to reject your family needs from you is to reject the passivity that is so prevalent in the passivity that is so prevalent in the passivity that is so prevalent in culture right now and to take ownership culture right now and to take ownership culture right now and to take ownership and responsibility in regards to your and responsibility in regards to your and responsibility in regards to your family. family. family. The Bible says that the husband is the The Bible says that the husband is the The Bible says that the husband is the head of his wife. And so head of his wife. And so head of his wife. And so that doesn't matter if you want to be that doesn't matter if you want to be that doesn't matter if you want to be the head, right? It doesn't say if you the head, right? It doesn't say if you the head, right? It doesn't say if you want to be the head, it's okay to be the want to be the head, it's okay to be the want to be the head, it's okay to be the head. It doesn't even say the husband head. It doesn't even say the husband head. It doesn't even say the husband should be the head of his wife. The way should be the head of his wife. The way should be the head of his wife. The way the Bible says it is that the husband is the Bible says it is that the husband is the Bible says it is that the husband is the head of his wife. So when God looks the head of his wife. So when God looks the head of his wife. So when God looks at you, he sees you at the as the head at you, he sees you at the as the head at you, he sees you at the as the head of his of your family. Regardless of how of his of your family. Regardless of how of his of your family. Regardless of how that dynamic is actually playing out in that dynamic is actually playing out in that dynamic is actually playing out in your home right now, he sees you as the your home right now, he sees you as the your home right now, he sees you as the head. And so my question to you is, what head. And so my question to you is, what head. And so my question to you is, what kind of head are you? kind of head are you? kind of head are you? What kind of head are you for your What kind of head are you for your What kind of head are you for your family? Because as goes the head, so family? Because as goes the head, so family? Because as goes the head, so goes the rest of the body. Your family goes the rest of the body. Your family goes the rest of the body. Your family is depending on your leadership.

is depending on your leadership. is depending on your leadership. So husbands, please don't stand So husbands, please don't stand So husbands, please don't stand passively by while the enemy devours passively by while the enemy devours passively by while the enemy devours your family. Don't just give your kids your family. Don't just give your kids your family. Don't just give your kids an unlimited access to a device that has an unlimited access to a device that has an unlimited access to a device that has no filters on it and can actually no filters on it and can actually no filters on it and can actually destroy their lives and be like, "Well, destroy their lives and be like, "Well, destroy their lives and be like, "Well, it's their phone. What can I do?" it's their phone. What can I do?" it's their phone. What can I do?" Don't just watch your children choose Don't just watch your children choose Don't just watch your children choose friends that are going to take them down friends that are going to take them down friends that are going to take them down a path of destruction and be like, a path of destruction and be like, a path of destruction and be like, "Well, it's their friends. What can I "Well, it's their friends. What can I "Well, it's their friends. What can I do?" No, sir. You are the leader of your do?" No, sir. You are the leader of your do?" No, sir. You are the leader of your family. This is your responsibility. You family. This is your responsibility. You family. This is your responsibility. You are the head. You are the watchman on are the head. You are the watchman on are the head. You are the watchman on the wall. So, you've got to allow that the wall. So, you've got to allow that the wall. So, you've got to allow that spirit to rise up in you to say, "As for spirit to rise up in you to say, "As for spirit to rise up in you to say, "As for me and my house, we will serve the me and my house, we will serve the me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Husbands, there are entire Lord." Husbands, there are entire Lord." Husbands, there are entire generations generations generations that are depending on your loving, that are depending on your loving, that are depending on your loving, God-honoring God-honoring God-honoring leadership in your families. And so the leadership in your families. And so the leadership in your families. And so the question is, what kind of head are you?

question is, what kind of head are you? question is, what kind of head are you? That's hot take number two. All right, That's hot take number two. All right, That's hot take number two. All right, number three. Here we go. This is for number three. Here we go. This is for number three. Here we go. This is for the wives. All right, so what is the the wives. All right, so what is the the wives. All right, so what is the biblical instruction that God gives to biblical instruction that God gives to biblical instruction that God gives to us as wives? Well, when you look back at us as wives? Well, when you look back at us as wives? Well, when you look back at the creation story, you can see some of the creation story, you can see some of the creation story, you can see some of God's intended design for husbands and God's intended design for husbands and God's intended design for husbands and wives. In Genesis 2 says, 'The Lord God wives. In Genesis 2 says, 'The Lord God wives. In Genesis 2 says, 'The Lord God said, it is not good for the man to be said, it is not good for the man to be said, it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for alone. I will make a helper suitable for alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. And then over in Ephesians 5:33, him. And then over in Ephesians 5:33, him. And then over in Ephesians 5:33, it says, "The wife must respect her it says, "The wife must respect her it says, "The wife must respect her husband." So if we just take exactly husband." So if we just take exactly husband." So if we just take exactly what scripture says, we can we can what scripture says, we can we can what scripture says, we can we can conclude that a Christian wife is to be conclude that a Christian wife is to be conclude that a Christian wife is to be a respectful helper for her husband. A a respectful helper for her husband. A a respectful helper for her husband. A respectful helper for her husband. And respectful helper for her husband. And respectful helper for her husband. And listen, I know that flies in the face of listen, I know that flies in the face of listen, I know that flies in the face of culture right now and of modern culture right now and of modern culture right now and of modern perception of how women are supposed to perception of how women are supposed to perception of how women are supposed to live and be, but I think a lot of this live and be, but I think a lot of this live and be, but I think a lot of this comes from a misunderstanding of what comes from a misunderstanding of what comes from a misunderstanding of what this verse is saying, right? Like I I this verse is saying, right? Like I I this verse is saying, right? Like I I don't know very many women who are like don't know very many women who are like don't know very many women who are like when I grow up I just want to be a when I grow up I just want to be a when I grow up I just want to be a helper. Like that's not what little helper. Like that's not what little helper. Like that's not what little girls dream about. Like I just I I just girls dream about. Like I just I I just girls dream about. Like I just I I just want you to be the boss and I get to be want you to be the boss and I get to be want you to be the boss and I get to be your personal assistant. It's like well your personal assistant. It's like well your personal assistant. It's like well that's a little little less than what I that's a little little less than what I that's a little little less than what I was hoping for, right? It seems was hoping for, right? It seems was hoping for, right? It seems diminishing, right? Like you're the boss diminishing, right? Like you're the boss diminishing, right? Like you're the boss and I'm I'm your secretary. That's cool and I'm I'm your secretary. That's cool and I'm I'm your secretary. That's cool cool. But um actually this word helper

cool. But um actually this word helper cool. But um actually this word helper from the Hebrew it's the word azer ezer from the Hebrew it's the word azer ezer from the Hebrew it's the word azer ezer and it is a military term. It's a it's and it is a military term. It's a it's and it is a military term. It's a it's it shows military strength and so there it shows military strength and so there it shows military strength and so there is 21 times in the old testament where is 21 times in the old testament where is 21 times in the old testament where that word azer is used. The first two that word azer is used. The first two that word azer is used. The first two times it's referring to Eve, but the times it's referring to Eve, but the times it's referring to Eve, but the vast majority of the other times, 16 vast majority of the other times, 16 vast majority of the other times, 16 times, it's referring to God himself. times, it's referring to God himself. times, it's referring to God himself. God is the only other being that uses God is the only other being that uses God is the only other being that uses the title Azer. So, we get to share a the title Azer. So, we get to share a the title Azer. So, we get to share a title with God. And it's this idea of a title with God. And it's this idea of a title with God. And it's this idea of a deliverer, like a rescuer, someone that deliverer, like a rescuer, someone that deliverer, like a rescuer, someone that rushes in at the critical hour in a rushes in at the critical hour in a rushes in at the critical hour in a battle and provides the needed supplies battle and provides the needed supplies battle and provides the needed supplies so that the the battle can be won. I so that the the battle can be won. I so that the the battle can be won. I want to show you a verse in Psalm 20 want to show you a verse in Psalm 20 want to show you a verse in Psalm 20 where God is referred to as our helper. where God is referred to as our helper. where God is referred to as our helper. Okay? It says, "May the Lord answer you Okay? It says, "May the Lord answer you Okay? It says, "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress. when you are in distress. when you are in distress. May the name of the God of Jacob protect May the name of the God of Jacob protect May the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you Azer. May he send you. May he send you Azer. May he send you. May he send you Azer. May he send you Azer. So when you are in distress, you Azer. So when you are in distress, you Azer. So when you are in distress, when your husband is in distress and when your husband is in distress and when your husband is in distress and it's a critical moment, you are the help it's a critical moment, you are the help it's a critical moment, you are the help that God is sending to him. Isn't that that God is sending to him. Isn't that that God is sending to him. Isn't that such a beautiful thing? You are a such a beautiful thing? You are a such a beautiful thing? You are a necessary ally for your husband. There necessary ally for your husband. There necessary ally for your husband. There are battles that he cannot win without are battles that he cannot win without are battles that he cannot win without your help. So wives, there is so much

your help. So wives, there is so much your help. So wives, there is so much power that has been entrusted to you as power that has been entrusted to you as power that has been entrusted to you as a wife. And you will either use your a wife. And you will either use your a wife. And you will either use your power to build your husband up or to power to build your husband up or to power to build your husband up or to tear him down. You will either encourage tear him down. You will either encourage tear him down. You will either encourage his leadership or you will diminish it. his leadership or you will diminish it. his leadership or you will diminish it. You will either bring that lion out of You will either bring that lion out of You will either bring that lion out of him that's on the inside or you're going him that's on the inside or you're going him that's on the inside or you're going to say by your attitude or your actions, to say by your attitude or your actions, to say by your attitude or your actions, I've got this. I can handle it from I've got this. I can handle it from I've got this. I can handle it from here. And that lion that's inside of him here. And that lion that's inside of him here. And that lion that's inside of him will just retreat back into its den. will just retreat back into its den. will just retreat back into its den. Now, some men, some men only achieve a Now, some men, some men only achieve a Now, some men, some men only achieve a fraction of the potential that's inside fraction of the potential that's inside fraction of the potential that's inside of them because they didn't marry a of them because they didn't marry a of them because they didn't marry a helper. They married a hindrance. helper. They married a hindrance. helper. They married a hindrance. And none of us as wives would want to be And none of us as wives would want to be And none of us as wives would want to be a hindrance to our husbands, right? But a hindrance to our husbands, right? But a hindrance to our husbands, right? But it's so easy for us to fall into these it's so easy for us to fall into these it's so easy for us to fall into these negative patterns of diminishing our negative patterns of diminishing our negative patterns of diminishing our husbands. We diminish our husbands in husbands. We diminish our husbands in husbands. We diminish our husbands in front of our children and we diminish front of our children and we diminish front of our children and we diminish our husbands in front of our friends and our husbands in front of our friends and our husbands in front of our friends and to our moms. And you know what happens to our moms. And you know what happens to our moms. And you know what happens is that our husbands begin to live up to is that our husbands begin to live up to is that our husbands begin to live up to a diminished version of themselves a diminished version of themselves a diminished version of themselves because that's what they begin to because that's what they begin to because that's what they begin to believe is true about them. Our words, believe is true about them. Our words, believe is true about them. Our words, wives, have so much weight to our men, wives, have so much weight to our men, wives, have so much weight to our men, more than any other person in their more than any other person in their more than any other person in their life. Your words weigh more. So, a wise life. Your words weigh more. So, a wise life. Your words weigh more. So, a wise woman is going to use her words to speak

woman is going to use her words to speak woman is going to use her words to speak life and encouragement into her husband. life and encouragement into her husband. life and encouragement into her husband. You want to be a help to your husband? You want to be a help to your husband? You want to be a help to your husband? Tell him you believe in him. Tell him Tell him you believe in him. Tell him Tell him you believe in him. Tell him that you see greatness inside of him. that you see greatness inside of him. that you see greatness inside of him. Tell him thank you for every big and Tell him thank you for every big and Tell him thank you for every big and small thing that he does for your small thing that he does for your small thing that he does for your family. And you will see that lion start family. And you will see that lion start family. And you will see that lion start to come out of him. In Proverbs 12, it to come out of him. In Proverbs 12, it to come out of him. In Proverbs 12, it says this, "A noble, a wife of noble says this, "A noble, a wife of noble says this, "A noble, a wife of noble character is her husband's crown, character is her husband's crown, character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in but a disgraceful wife is like decay in but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." his bones." his bones." So girls, we're either a crown on his So girls, we're either a crown on his So girls, we're either a crown on his head or we are decay in his bones. Those head or we are decay in his bones. Those head or we are decay in his bones. Those are two very dramatically different are two very dramatically different are two very dramatically different outcomes. outcomes. outcomes. But you know what a crown does? A crown But you know what a crown does? A crown But you know what a crown does? A crown signifies this guy is a king. There's signifies this guy is a king. There's signifies this guy is a king. There's something noble about this man, something noble about this man, something noble about this man, something worthy of respect. And so something worthy of respect. And so something worthy of respect. And so everywhere I go, I really want with my everywhere I go, I really want with my everywhere I go, I really want with my words and with my actions to signal to words and with my actions to signal to words and with my actions to signal to the world to signal to my children that the world to signal to my children that the world to signal to my children that there is a king inside of Andy and that there is a king inside of Andy and that there is a king inside of Andy and that he's worthy of respect. There's nobility he's worthy of respect. There's nobility he's worthy of respect. There's nobility in this man. I want to be the crown on in this man. I want to be the crown on in this man. I want to be the crown on his head, not decay in his bones. So his head, not decay in his bones. So his head, not decay in his bones. So girls, just like a warrior who's girls, just like a warrior who's girls, just like a warrior who's wielding a sword in battle, there is wielding a sword in battle, there is wielding a sword in battle, there is power inside of you as a wife. And my power inside of you as a wife. And my power inside of you as a wife. And my question to you today, wives, is, will

question to you today, wives, is, will question to you today, wives, is, will you be your husband's greatest help you be your husband's greatest help you be your husband's greatest help or his biggest hindrance? or his biggest hindrance? or his biggest hindrance? Will you be his greatest help or his Will you be his greatest help or his Will you be his greatest help or his biggest hindrance? biggest hindrance? biggest hindrance? All right, we are moving right along. We All right, we are moving right along. We All right, we are moving right along. We are going to talk about parents next. are going to talk about parents next. are going to talk about parents next. This is number four out of five. You This is number four out of five. You This is number four out of five. You guys with me still? You guys still with guys with me still? You guys still with guys with me still? You guys still with me? Okay, here we go. Now, the clearest me? Okay, here we go. Now, the clearest me? Okay, here we go. Now, the clearest and most compelling Bible passage or and most compelling Bible passage or and most compelling Bible passage or biblical instruction for parents is what biblical instruction for parents is what biblical instruction for parents is what Jewish people call the Shama. Actually, Jewish people call the Shama. Actually, Jewish people call the Shama. Actually, Jewish people still to this day, if Jewish people still to this day, if Jewish people still to this day, if they're devout Jewish people, they would they're devout Jewish people, they would they're devout Jewish people, they would still quote this passage every single still quote this passage every single still quote this passage every single day. And this is what it says. It's from day. And this is what it says. It's from day. And this is what it says. It's from the book of Deuteronomy. It says here, the book of Deuteronomy. It says here, the book of Deuteronomy. It says here, "O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is "O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is "O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all one. Love the Lord your God with all one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and your heart and with all your soul and your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These with all your strength. These with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are commandments that I give you today are commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on to be on your hearts. Impress them on to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you your children. Talk about them when you your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the sit at home and when you walk along the sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get road, when you lie down and when you get road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands up. Tie them as symbols on your hands up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads."

and bind them on your foreheads." and bind them on your foreheads." All right. So, the first command that we All right. So, the first command that we All right. So, the first command that we can see, the first instruction that we can see, the first instruction that we can see, the first instruction that we get out of this passage for us as get out of this passage for us as get out of this passage for us as parents is that we got to love God with parents is that we got to love God with parents is that we got to love God with all of our hearts, with all of our soul, all of our hearts, with all of our soul, all of our hearts, with all of our soul, with all of our minds. Because this has with all of our minds. Because this has with all of our minds. Because this has to be the organizing principle of our to be the organizing principle of our to be the organizing principle of our home. Like in this type of home, the home. Like in this type of home, the home. Like in this type of home, the filter through which every decision is filter through which every decision is filter through which every decision is made is the Lord. the big rock around made is the Lord. the big rock around made is the Lord. the big rock around which everything else has to fit. It's which everything else has to fit. It's which everything else has to fit. It's the Lord. We need to allow our children the Lord. We need to allow our children the Lord. We need to allow our children to see us loving God, pursuing him to see us loving God, pursuing him to see us loving God, pursuing him because loving Jesus is more caught than because loving Jesus is more caught than because loving Jesus is more caught than it is taught. Our kids are very aware of it is taught. Our kids are very aware of it is taught. Our kids are very aware of the things that we actually value. So the things that we actually value. So the things that we actually value. So let them see you love Jesus. That's the let them see you love Jesus. That's the let them see you love Jesus. That's the first thing is just to love Jesus, to first thing is just to love Jesus, to first thing is just to love Jesus, to pursue Jesus, and do it in front of your pursue Jesus, and do it in front of your pursue Jesus, and do it in front of your kids. kids. kids. The second instruction that we can get The second instruction that we can get The second instruction that we can get from this passage is that we need to from this passage is that we need to from this passage is that we need to develop a plan. Like think about develop a plan. Like think about develop a plan. Like think about an intentional plan. We've talked about an intentional plan. We've talked about an intentional plan. We've talked about this earlier in the season, the this uh this earlier in the season, the this uh this earlier in the season, the this uh series. Like what is your vision for series. Like what is your vision for series. Like what is your vision for your family? What are your values as a your family? What are your values as a your family? What are your values as a family? What nights are you going to family? What nights are you going to family? What nights are you going to have family night dinners together? How have family night dinners together? How have family night dinners together? How are you going to spend one-on-one time are you going to spend one-on-one time are you going to spend one-on-one time with your kids? What are the specific with your kids? What are the specific with your kids? What are the specific character qualities and the the skills character qualities and the the skills character qualities and the the skills that your kids need to develop in this that your kids need to develop in this that your kids need to develop in this season? And how are you going to help season? And how are you going to help season? And how are you going to help them do that? I guarantee you that if them do that? I guarantee you that if them do that? I guarantee you that if you own a business, you have a business you own a business, you have a business you own a business, you have a business plan, right? So why would we not use all

plan, right? So why would we not use all plan, right? So why would we not use all of those leadership skills that we have of those leadership skills that we have of those leadership skills that we have to develop an intentional plan for our to develop an intentional plan for our to develop an intentional plan for our families, for each of our children? families, for each of our children? families, for each of our children? Because the world has a plan for your Because the world has a plan for your Because the world has a plan for your children, right? Like there is a children, right? Like there is a children, right? Like there is a thoughtful intentional disciplehip thoughtful intentional disciplehip thoughtful intentional disciplehip pathway that the world has for our kids. pathway that the world has for our kids. pathway that the world has for our kids. So if we as parents do not have an even So if we as parents do not have an even So if we as parents do not have an even more intentional plan, we are likely to more intentional plan, we are likely to more intentional plan, we are likely to be outwitted by the devil in his be outwitted by the devil in his be outwitted by the devil in his schemes. We are likely to lose this schemes. We are likely to lose this schemes. We are likely to lose this battle. Just this past week, our battle. Just this past week, our battle. Just this past week, our 11-year-old daughter, who attends a 11-year-old daughter, who attends a 11-year-old daughter, who attends a public elementary school, was given an public elementary school, was given an public elementary school, was given an article to read in her science class. um article to read in her science class. um article to read in her science class. um who was it was celebrating a scientist who was it was celebrating a scientist who was it was celebrating a scientist who had transitioned from being a woman who had transitioned from being a woman who had transitioned from being a woman to be to being a man. to be to being a man. to be to being a man. This is not okay. Here in California, This is not okay. Here in California, This is not okay. Here in California, there's this thing called the Fair there's this thing called the Fair there's this thing called the Fair Education Act and it requires this kind Education Act and it requires this kind Education Act and it requires this kind of indoctrination to be dripped into of indoctrination to be dripped into of indoctrination to be dripped into public school curriculum with public school curriculum with public school curriculum with everinccreasing frequency as our everinccreasing frequency as our everinccreasing frequency as our students are getting older.

students are getting older. students are getting older. So, the world has a plan for your kids. So, the world has a plan for your kids. So, the world has a plan for your kids. There is a an intentional training There is a an intentional training There is a an intentional training method that the world has. And I'm not method that the world has. And I'm not method that the world has. And I'm not proposing a specific solution. I am just proposing a specific solution. I am just proposing a specific solution. I am just stating a very difficult but obvious stating a very difficult but obvious stating a very difficult but obvious reality that we cannot outsource our reality that we cannot outsource our reality that we cannot outsource our children all day every day to schools children all day every day to schools children all day every day to schools and daycarees and extracurricular and daycarees and extracurricular and daycarees and extracurricular activities and and still think that we activities and and still think that we activities and and still think that we are going to be the primary voice of are going to be the primary voice of are going to be the primary voice of influence in their life. It just it's influence in their life. It just it's influence in their life. It just it's not enough. That 30 minutes that we have not enough. That 30 minutes that we have not enough. That 30 minutes that we have together at dinner, it's not enough to together at dinner, it's not enough to together at dinner, it's not enough to compensate for what's being compensate for what's being compensate for what's being indoctrinated in them out in the world. indoctrinated in them out in the world. indoctrinated in them out in the world. That 30 minutes that we have hustling in That 30 minutes that we have hustling in That 30 minutes that we have hustling in the morning to get out the door, it's the morning to get out the door, it's the morning to get out the door, it's just not going to be enough to overcome just not going to be enough to overcome just not going to be enough to overcome that. So, we as parents, it's on us to that. So, we as parents, it's on us to that. So, we as parents, it's on us to develop an intentional plan for how we develop an intentional plan for how we develop an intentional plan for how we will train our children. And this rolls will train our children. And this rolls will train our children. And this rolls right into number three, which is to right into number three, which is to right into number three, which is to reclaim your God-given authority as a reclaim your God-given authority as a reclaim your God-given authority as a parent. Reclaim your God-given parent. Reclaim your God-given parent. Reclaim your God-given authority. Because I know I've fallen authority. Because I know I've fallen authority. Because I know I've fallen into this trap. I've just seen so much into this trap. I've just seen so much into this trap. I've just seen so much timidity around parents recently where timidity around parents recently where timidity around parents recently where it's like, "Oh, well, the experts know.

it's like, "Oh, well, the experts know. it's like, "Oh, well, the experts know. The experts who understand child The experts who understand child The experts who understand child development, they understand what's development, they understand what's development, they understand what's going on in my kids more. The doctor going on in my kids more. The doctor going on in my kids more. The doctor understands it more. The the therapist understands it more. The the therapist understands it more. The the therapist understands it more." No, you are the understands it more." No, you are the understands it more." No, you are the one who has authority from God to raise one who has authority from God to raise one who has authority from God to raise your children. There is no other entity, your children. There is no other entity, your children. There is no other entity, no other entity in this world that has no other entity in this world that has no other entity in this world that has authority to raise your children. Now, I authority to raise your children. Now, I authority to raise your children. Now, I want you to remember whenever God gives want you to remember whenever God gives want you to remember whenever God gives authority, it's different than when the authority, it's different than when the authority, it's different than when the world gives authority. God's authority world gives authority. God's authority world gives authority. God's authority is always given for the purpose of is always given for the purpose of is always given for the purpose of blessing and protection. And so, as a blessing and protection. And so, as a blessing and protection. And so, as a parent, that is two of your primary parent, that is two of your primary parent, that is two of your primary functions. It is to bless your children functions. It is to bless your children functions. It is to bless your children and to protect your children. And and to protect your children. And and to protect your children. And according to these verses, parents are according to these verses, parents are according to these verses, parents are the primary spiritual shepherds in their the primary spiritual shepherds in their the primary spiritual shepherds in their children's lives. Now, we have awesome children's lives. Now, we have awesome children's lives. Now, we have awesome programs at SK and at our junior high programs at SK and at our junior high programs at SK and at our junior high ministry and our high school ministry. ministry and our high school ministry. ministry and our high school ministry. They are not the primary shepherd, They are not the primary shepherd, They are not the primary shepherd, spiritual shepherd for your kids. You spiritual shepherd for your kids. You spiritual shepherd for your kids. You are. That is how God designed it. You are. That is how God designed it. You are. That is how God designed it. You know, I used to make this joke that it know, I used to make this joke that it know, I used to make this joke that it was me plus Andy plus our therapist that was me plus Andy plus our therapist that was me plus Andy plus our therapist that was like raising our kids because let's was like raising our kids because let's was like raising our kids because let's just be honest, we needed a lot of help.

just be honest, we needed a lot of help. just be honest, we needed a lot of help. But then one day, God just convicted me But then one day, God just convicted me But then one day, God just convicted me about that and he said to me, Stacy, do about that and he said to me, Stacy, do about that and he said to me, Stacy, do not abdicate the authority and the not abdicate the authority and the not abdicate the authority and the responsibility that I have given to you responsibility that I have given to you responsibility that I have given to you to raise your children. Listen, I am to raise your children. Listen, I am to raise your children. Listen, I am like all for good therapy. spent many an like all for good therapy. spent many an like all for good therapy. spent many an hour in the therapist's office. hour in the therapist's office. hour in the therapist's office. And and the reality is we all need tools And and the reality is we all need tools And and the reality is we all need tools for our tool belt because there's no for our tool belt because there's no for our tool belt because there's no parent that is born with a fully parent that is born with a fully parent that is born with a fully equipped tool belt for everything you're equipped tool belt for everything you're equipped tool belt for everything you're going to need to help your kid along the going to need to help your kid along the going to need to help your kid along the way. And so we need to read the books way. And so we need to read the books way. And so we need to read the books and we need to go to the seminars and we and we need to go to the seminars and we and we need to go to the seminars and we need to get the wisdom. Well, what I'm need to get the wisdom. Well, what I'm need to get the wisdom. Well, what I'm saying is don't lose your confidence saying is don't lose your confidence saying is don't lose your confidence that you are the one who has been given that you are the one who has been given that you are the one who has been given authority and responsibility to raise authority and responsibility to raise authority and responsibility to raise your kids. All right, so that's number your kids. All right, so that's number your kids. All right, so that's number four. Now, we're on to the last one. four. Now, we're on to the last one. four. Now, we're on to the last one. Good job, you guys. You made it this Good job, you guys. You made it this Good job, you guys. You made it this far. So much Bible tonight. So much far. So much Bible tonight. So much far. So much Bible tonight. So much Bible. All right, this one's for the Bible. All right, this one's for the Bible. All right, this one's for the kids. For children, how many children kids. For children, how many children kids. For children, how many children are in the room today? Raise your hands.

are in the room today? Raise your hands. are in the room today? Raise your hands. That's a trick question because we all That's a trick question because we all That's a trick question because we all have parents. Every hand should have have parents. Every hand should have have parents. Every hand should have gone up, you guys. I tricked you. Okay. gone up, you guys. I tricked you. Okay. gone up, you guys. I tricked you. Okay. Now, if you are an adult who still has Now, if you are an adult who still has Now, if you are an adult who still has living parents, obviously there's a bit living parents, obviously there's a bit living parents, obviously there's a bit of a difference in the amount of of a difference in the amount of of a difference in the amount of authority that your parents still have authority that your parents still have authority that your parents still have over your lives. If you're confused over your lives. If you're confused over your lives. If you're confused about that, that's called imshment. about that, that's called imshment. about that, that's called imshment. That's another conversation. There's That's another conversation. There's That's another conversation. There's this other thing that we could talk this other thing that we could talk this other thing that we could talk about called leave and cleave. But for about called leave and cleave. But for about called leave and cleave. But for tonight's purposes, tonight's purposes, tonight's purposes, it's still good for us to consider even it's still good for us to consider even it's still good for us to consider even as adults, how can we show honor to our as adults, how can we show honor to our as adults, how can we show honor to our parents? So, some of this will still parents? So, some of this will still parents? So, some of this will still relate to us, even if you're an adult in relate to us, even if you're an adult in relate to us, even if you're an adult in the room. Ephesians 6, starting in verse the room. Ephesians 6, starting in verse the room. Ephesians 6, starting in verse one, it says this to children, children, one, it says this to children, children, one, it says this to children, children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this obey your parents in the Lord, for this obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother is right. Honor your father and mother is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a which is the first commandment with a which is the first commandment with a promise so that it may go well with you promise so that it may go well with you promise so that it may go well with you and that you may live enjoy long life on and that you may live enjoy long life on and that you may live enjoy long life on the earth. So in those verses there are the earth. So in those verses there are the earth. So in those verses there are two instructions that God gives two instructions that God gives two instructions that God gives specifically to children and the first specifically to children and the first specifically to children and the first one is obey your parents and the second one is obey your parents and the second one is obey your parents and the second one is to honor your parents. Now, in one is to honor your parents. Now, in one is to honor your parents. Now, in our family, as our kids were growing up, our family, as our kids were growing up, our family, as our kids were growing up, we had a little phrase around obedience.

we had a little phrase around obedience. we had a little phrase around obedience. And it was defined as all the way, right And it was defined as all the way, right And it was defined as all the way, right away with a happy heart. And if any of away with a happy heart. And if any of away with a happy heart. And if any of those components were not executed those components were not executed those components were not executed efficiently, then obedience did not efficiently, then obedience did not efficiently, then obedience did not happen. It's all the way right away with happen. It's all the way right away with happen. It's all the way right away with a happy heart. Now, when it comes to a happy heart. Now, when it comes to a happy heart. Now, when it comes to honoring our parents, what are some honoring our parents, what are some honoring our parents, what are some things that we can do to show honor to things that we can do to show honor to things that we can do to show honor to our parents? I made a list of these our parents? I made a list of these our parents? I made a list of these ideas and you might want to take a a ideas and you might want to take a a ideas and you might want to take a a snapshot of it just to review it later, snapshot of it just to review it later, snapshot of it just to review it later, but it says we can honor them with your but it says we can honor them with your but it says we can honor them with your body language, with your facial body language, with your facial body language, with your facial expressions, with your tone of voice, expressions, with your tone of voice, expressions, with your tone of voice, with the attitude of your heart, by the with the attitude of your heart, by the with the attitude of your heart, by the way you speak about them to other way you speak about them to other way you speak about them to other people, by submitting to their people, by submitting to their people, by submitting to their authority, by representing them and your authority, by representing them and your authority, by representing them and your fa family values well, by being a joy. fa family values well, by being a joy. fa family values well, by being a joy. to lead and not a burden and by seeking to lead and not a burden and by seeking to lead and not a burden and by seeking to serve them instead of being served by to serve them instead of being served by to serve them instead of being served by them. Can you imagine the joy and the them. Can you imagine the joy and the them. Can you imagine the joy and the peace that we would have in our homes if peace that we would have in our homes if peace that we would have in our homes if we just lived in these rhythms of we just lived in these rhythms of we just lived in these rhythms of interacting with one another in this interacting with one another in this interacting with one another in this way? There's one primary key lesson that way? There's one primary key lesson that way? There's one primary key lesson that God wants all of us to learn. And he he God wants all of us to learn. And he he God wants all of us to learn. And he he designed it that we would learn it as designed it that we would learn it as designed it that we would learn it as children, although many of us don't. And children, although many of us don't. And children, although many of us don't. And the lesson is this. I am under the lesson is this. I am under the lesson is this. I am under authority. God wants children to learn I authority. God wants children to learn I authority. God wants children to learn I am under authority because this is true am under authority because this is true am under authority because this is true for all of us in every season. We are

for all of us in every season. We are for all of us in every season. We are all always under authority. And if you all always under authority. And if you all always under authority. And if you do not learn that lesson when you're two do not learn that lesson when you're two do not learn that lesson when you're two years old, you get to keep trying to years old, you get to keep trying to years old, you get to keep trying to learn that lesson when you're 16 years learn that lesson when you're 16 years learn that lesson when you're 16 years old. And if you don't get it, then guess old. And if you don't get it, then guess old. And if you don't get it, then guess what? is going to keep coming back to what? is going to keep coming back to what? is going to keep coming back to bite you in the butt when you're 26 bite you in the butt when you're 26 bite you in the butt when you're 26 years old and when you're 46 years old years old and when you're 46 years old years old and when you're 46 years old because we are all always under because we are all always under because we are all always under authority and we have to learn how to authority and we have to learn how to authority and we have to learn how to interact with people in authority in a interact with people in authority in a interact with people in authority in a loving honorable way. So kids and loving honorable way. So kids and loving honorable way. So kids and students specifically for you if you're students specifically for you if you're students specifically for you if you're in the room I want to give you a in the room I want to give you a in the room I want to give you a challenge this week. I want you to think challenge this week. I want you to think challenge this week. I want you to think about give yourself a grade. How am I about give yourself a grade. How am I about give yourself a grade. How am I doing honoring my parents? And then doing honoring my parents? And then doing honoring my parents? And then maybe you could just think of one or two maybe you could just think of one or two maybe you could just think of one or two specific things to bump that grade up a specific things to bump that grade up a specific things to bump that grade up a little bit. little bit. little bit. Okay, lots of Bible teaching today, Okay, lots of Bible teaching today, Okay, lots of Bible teaching today, right? But this is such a good thing right? But this is such a good thing right? But this is such a good thing because God gives us his word so that because God gives us his word so that because God gives us his word so that our lives will flourish, so that he can our lives will flourish, so that he can our lives will flourish, so that he can bring us freedom and peace. So that we bring us freedom and peace. So that we bring us freedom and peace. So that we can live a life without regret.

can live a life without regret. can live a life without regret. But the reality is that I know is that But the reality is that I know is that But the reality is that I know is that when it comes to family life, so many of when it comes to family life, so many of when it comes to family life, so many of us do live with a lot of regret. There's us do live with a lot of regret. There's us do live with a lot of regret. There's a lot of pain when it comes to our a lot of pain when it comes to our a lot of pain when it comes to our families. And if that is where you are families. And if that is where you are families. And if that is where you are today, if you are just like feeling this today, if you are just like feeling this today, if you are just like feeling this heaviness of condemnation, heaviness of condemnation, heaviness of condemnation, like we've spent the last five weeks like we've spent the last five weeks like we've spent the last five weeks talking about fighting for your family. talking about fighting for your family. talking about fighting for your family. God's designed for their family. And and God's designed for their family. And and God's designed for their family. And and maybe there are some people and you're maybe there are some people and you're maybe there are some people and you're just feeling like I'm like such a just feeling like I'm like such a just feeling like I'm like such a failure. Like my family is not what I failure. Like my family is not what I failure. Like my family is not what I wanted it to be. It's so hard. This is wanted it to be. It's so hard. This is wanted it to be. It's so hard. This is not the dream I had. not the dream I had. not the dream I had. If that's what you're thinking today, I If that's what you're thinking today, I If that's what you're thinking today, I just want you to know that is not the just want you to know that is not the just want you to know that is not the voice of God over your life. That the voice of God over your life. That the voice of God over your life. That the voice of God to you is one of hope. And voice of God to you is one of hope. And voice of God to you is one of hope. And whenever the Holy Spirit convicts us whenever the Holy Spirit convicts us whenever the Holy Spirit convicts us about things, it's very specific. about things, it's very specific. about things, it's very specific. There's some kind of tangible next step There's some kind of tangible next step There's some kind of tangible next step that he's inviting you into. And so, I that he's inviting you into. And so, I that he's inviting you into. And so, I just want to invite you to think about just want to invite you to think about just want to invite you to think about what is the next step that God wants you what is the next step that God wants you what is the next step that God wants you to take. So, can I give you a few a few to take. So, can I give you a few a few to take. So, can I give you a few a few just to think about? Maybe the Holy just to think about? Maybe the Holy just to think about? Maybe the Holy Spirit would say to you as a single, Spirit would say to you as a single, Spirit would say to you as a single, I want you to honor me with your body.

I want you to honor me with your body. I want you to honor me with your body. I want you to offer your purity back to I want you to offer your purity back to I want you to offer your purity back to me as a sacrifice of praise. me as a sacrifice of praise. me as a sacrifice of praise. Maybe for the husbands, the Holy Spirit Maybe for the husbands, the Holy Spirit Maybe for the husbands, the Holy Spirit might say to you, "Your heart has not might say to you, "Your heart has not might say to you, "Your heart has not been fully engaged with your family, and been fully engaged with your family, and been fully engaged with your family, and I want you to lean in. I want you to I want you to lean in. I want you to I want you to lean in. I want you to take ownership and responsibility for take ownership and responsibility for take ownership and responsibility for what's going on in your house. what's going on in your house. what's going on in your house. For those of you who are wives, maybe For those of you who are wives, maybe For those of you who are wives, maybe the Holy Spirit would say to you, you the Holy Spirit would say to you, you the Holy Spirit would say to you, you know what, girl, you not been using your know what, girl, you not been using your know what, girl, you not been using your power that I gave you to build your power that I gave you to build your power that I gave you to build your husband up. And I want you to apologize husband up. And I want you to apologize husband up. And I want you to apologize to him and make a fresh commitment that to him and make a fresh commitment that to him and make a fresh commitment that you will use your words to speak life you will use your words to speak life you will use your words to speak life into your family. into your family. into your family. For all of us that are parents, maybe For all of us that are parents, maybe For all of us that are parents, maybe God, the Holy Spirit would say to us, I God, the Holy Spirit would say to us, I God, the Holy Spirit would say to us, I want you to develop an intentional plan want you to develop an intentional plan want you to develop an intentional plan for how you are going to invest in the for how you are going to invest in the for how you are going to invest in the lives of each of your children. I want lives of each of your children. I want lives of each of your children. I want you to prioritize the call of parenting you to prioritize the call of parenting you to prioritize the call of parenting above the busyiness of life.

above the busyiness of life. above the busyiness of life. And for those of us that are children, And for those of us that are children, And for those of us that are children, maybe God would say to us, you know, the maybe God would say to us, you know, the maybe God would say to us, you know, the attitude of your heart towards your attitude of your heart towards your attitude of your heart towards your parents has actually been hotty and parents has actually been hotty and parents has actually been hotty and you've been annoyed with your parents. you've been annoyed with your parents. you've been annoyed with your parents. And I want you to humble yourself, to And I want you to humble yourself, to And I want you to humble yourself, to honor them, to show them respect, to not honor them, to show them respect, to not honor them, to show them respect, to not fight with them, and and try to defend fight with them, and and try to defend fight with them, and and try to defend yourself to them. yourself to them. yourself to them. You see, God is he's not a God of shame. You see, God is he's not a God of shame. You see, God is he's not a God of shame. He doesn't heap on us condemnation for He doesn't heap on us condemnation for He doesn't heap on us condemnation for all the ways that we've failed, for all all the ways that we've failed, for all all the ways that we've failed, for all the ways our family is falling apart and the ways our family is falling apart and the ways our family is falling apart and we're just awful people. That's not the we're just awful people. That's not the we're just awful people. That's not the voice of God. He is the lifter of your voice of God. He is the lifter of your voice of God. He is the lifter of your head. And whenever he brings conviction head. And whenever he brings conviction head. And whenever he brings conviction to our hearts, it's so that he can set to our hearts, it's so that he can set to our hearts, it's so that he can set us on the path, the flourishing so that us on the path, the flourishing so that us on the path, the flourishing so that there can be joy in your home, peace in there can be joy in your home, peace in there can be joy in your home, peace in your life. So here's what I wanted to do your life. So here's what I wanted to do your life. So here's what I wanted to do as we're closing out this series as we're closing out this series as we're closing out this series together. I was very prayerful around together. I was very prayerful around together. I was very prayerful around God, how do you want us to close this God, how do you want us to close this God, how do you want us to close this series? It feels like a moment for us.

series? It feels like a moment for us. series? It feels like a moment for us. Like we've been we've been talking so Like we've been we've been talking so Like we've been we've been talking so much about fighting for your family. much about fighting for your family. much about fighting for your family. It's like God, what do you want us to do It's like God, what do you want us to do It's like God, what do you want us to do to mark this moment to acknowledge that to mark this moment to acknowledge that to mark this moment to acknowledge that there are some ways that we've gotten it there are some ways that we've gotten it there are some ways that we've gotten it wrong and we want to intentionally take wrong and we want to intentionally take wrong and we want to intentionally take steps towards your blessing on our steps towards your blessing on our steps towards your blessing on our family. So, I felt like God said to me family. So, I felt like God said to me family. So, I felt like God said to me tonight or to or for this weekend that tonight or to or for this weekend that tonight or to or for this weekend that that I want this to be a tender moment that I want this to be a tender moment that I want this to be a tender moment of repentance and a fresh consecration of repentance and a fresh consecration of repentance and a fresh consecration unto me. And so, I don't know what God unto me. And so, I don't know what God unto me. And so, I don't know what God is doing in your heart right now and is doing in your heart right now and is doing in your heart right now and where he's asking you to turn back to where he's asking you to turn back to where he's asking you to turn back to him to say you're sorry, but I just want him to say you're sorry, but I just want him to say you're sorry, but I just want to create some space for you to do that to create some space for you to do that to create some space for you to do that work with God. You know, this isn't a work with God. You know, this isn't a work with God. You know, this isn't a time for you to think about all the time for you to think about all the time for you to think about all the things your spouse needs to repent of or things your spouse needs to repent of or things your spouse needs to repent of or all the things your children need to say all the things your children need to say all the things your children need to say they're sorry for. This is a moment they're sorry for. This is a moment they're sorry for. This is a moment between you and the Lord. Because listen between you and the Lord. Because listen between you and the Lord. Because listen to this. This is so important because I to this. This is so important because I to this. This is so important because I know some of you feel like you're know some of you feel like you're know some of you feel like you're fighting this battle alone. fighting this battle alone. fighting this battle alone. And I just want to say to you that it is And I just want to say to you that it is And I just want to say to you that it is possible for you to honor God in the possible for you to honor God in the possible for you to honor God in the role that he's given you. Even if no one role that he's given you. Even if no one role that he's given you. Even if no one else in your family is, you can honor else in your family is, you can honor else in your family is, you can honor God with what's in your hands. And so if God with what's in your hands. And so if God with what's in your hands. And so if that is what you want to do today, if that is what you want to do today, if that is what you want to do today, if you want to make a fresh commitment that you want to make a fresh commitment that you want to make a fresh commitment that as far as it's up to me for me and my as far as it's up to me for me and my as far as it's up to me for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

house, we will serve the Lord. house, we will serve the Lord. So I want to open up the altar. We don't So I want to open up the altar. We don't So I want to open up the altar. We don't do this every week here at Saddleback, do this every week here at Saddleback, do this every week here at Saddleback, but I just want to create a space for but I just want to create a space for but I just want to create a space for people to physically take a humble people to physically take a humble people to physically take a humble posture and say, "God, I'm sorry for the posture and say, "God, I'm sorry for the posture and say, "God, I'm sorry for the ways that I've not honored you in my ways that I've not honored you in my ways that I've not honored you in my home. home. home. I'm sorry for the diminishing words that I'm sorry for the diminishing words that I'm sorry for the diminishing words that I've spoken over my husband or my I've spoken over my husband or my I've spoken over my husband or my children. children. children. I'm sorry, God, that I haven't had a I'm sorry, God, that I haven't had a I'm sorry, God, that I haven't had a heart that's fully engaged at home. And heart that's fully engaged at home. And heart that's fully engaged at home. And tonight, I want to repent of that. And I tonight, I want to repent of that. And I tonight, I want to repent of that. And I want to do it differently from this want to do it differently from this want to do it differently from this moment forward. moment forward. moment forward. And so, the the worship team is going to And so, the the worship team is going to And so, the the worship team is going to lead us in another song of worship. And lead us in another song of worship. And lead us in another song of worship. And while they're doing that, I just want to while they're doing that, I just want to while they're doing that, I just want to invite you if you want to come and kneel invite you if you want to come and kneel invite you if you want to come and kneel like a physical demonstration of your like a physical demonstration of your like a physical demonstration of your own repentance and your commitment to do own repentance and your commitment to do own repentance and your commitment to do family life in a way that honors God. family life in a way that honors God. family life in a way that honors God. You can do that. You can kneel at your You can do that. You can kneel at your You can do that. You can kneel at your seat. You can turn to someone in your seat. You can turn to someone in your seat. You can turn to someone in your family and just have a clear it up kind family and just have a clear it up kind family and just have a clear it up kind of conversation right now. You can of conversation right now. You can of conversation right now. You can worship right where you are. I just want worship right where you are. I just want worship right where you are. I just want there to be a space for the Holy Spirit there to be a space for the Holy Spirit there to be a space for the Holy Spirit to work in each of our hearts. Don't to work in each of our hearts. Don't to work in each of our hearts. Don't miss this moment because the spirit of miss this moment because the spirit of miss this moment because the spirit of Jesus is in this room and he has a Jesus is in this room and he has a Jesus is in this room and he has a beautiful plan for your family.

beautiful plan for your family. beautiful plan for your family. Two things I know tonight, friends. Two things I know tonight, friends. Two things I know tonight, friends. You have a heavenly father that loves You have a heavenly father that loves You have a heavenly father that loves you with an everlasting love. And he is you with an everlasting love. And he is you with an everlasting love. And he is for your family. He is fighting for your for your family. He is fighting for your for your family. He is fighting for your family. You're not in it alone. But family. You're not in it alone. But family. You're not in it alone. But maybe you need to humble yourself. maybe you need to humble yourself. maybe you need to humble yourself. So, let's just pray together. Let's just So, let's just pray together. Let's just So, let's just pray together. Let's just pray and then we'll leave. We'll go into pray and then we'll leave. We'll go into pray and then we'll leave. We'll go into this song. Heavenly Father, thank you this song. Heavenly Father, thank you this song. Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise that you are for our for the promise that you are for our for the promise that you are for our families. Thank you that you love us. families. Thank you that you love us. families. Thank you that you love us. Thank you that you've made a way for us. Thank you that you've made a way for us. Thank you that you've made a way for us. Thank you that you don't leave us on our Thank you that you don't leave us on our Thank you that you don't leave us on our own, but that you help us. Thank you for own, but that you help us. Thank you for own, but that you help us. Thank you for the vision that is provided in your word the vision that is provided in your word the vision that is provided in your word of this beautiful family system. of this beautiful family system. of this beautiful family system. God, I pray that you would strengthen God, I pray that you would strengthen God, I pray that you would strengthen the families of Saddleback Church. the families of Saddleback Church. the families of Saddleback Church. I pray that you would strengthen the I pray that you would strengthen the I pray that you would strengthen the marriages. I pray even now that husbands marriages. I pray even now that husbands marriages. I pray even now that husbands and wives and wives and wives would just reach out toward one another would just reach out toward one another would just reach out toward one another to say, "I'm in this with you. I want to to say, "I'm in this with you. I want to to say, "I'm in this with you. I want to strengthen our home together."

strengthen our home together." strengthen our home together." And father, I pray that there would be a And father, I pray that there would be a And father, I pray that there would be a humble sense of repentance in this room. humble sense of repentance in this room. humble sense of repentance in this room. A humble posture of our hearts to say, A humble posture of our hearts to say, A humble posture of our hearts to say, God, we can't do this on our own. We God, we can't do this on our own. We God, we can't do this on our own. We need your help. Come, Holy Spirit, move need your help. Come, Holy Spirit, move need your help. Come, Holy Spirit, move among us in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. You among us in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. You among us in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. You guys can stand right now. We're going to guys can stand right now. We're going to guys can stand right now. We're going to go into a song of worship. If you want go into a song of worship. If you want go into a song of worship. If you want to pray at the altar, you can just come to pray at the altar, you can just come to pray at the altar, you can just come forward right now and kneel and just do forward right now and kneel and just do forward right now and kneel and just do some business with God. And let's not some business with God. And let's not some business with God. And let's not miss this moment. Let's enter into this miss this moment. Let's enter into this miss this moment. Let's enter into this time of worship together. [Music] [Music] My heart needs a My heart needs a My heart needs a souls. souls. souls. So I run to the father again and again So I run to the father again and again So I run to the father again and again and again and again.

I'll run to the father. I'll run to the father. I run to the father. I fall into grace. I run to the father. I fall into grace. I run to the father. I fall into grace. I'm done with the heart. I'm done with the heart. I'm done with the heart. [Music] [Music] [Music] My heart needs a My heart needs a My heart needs a soul needs a friend. So I run to the soul needs a friend. So I run to the soul needs a friend. So I run to the father again and again and again and father again and again and again and father again and again and again and again. again. again. Oh, Oh, Oh, [Music] [Music] [Music] again again again [Music] [Music] [Music] run to the farm, run to the farm, run to the farm, fall into grace. I'm done with the fall into grace. I'm done with the fall into grace. I'm done with the hiding, the reason to wait. My heart hiding, the reason to wait. My heart hiding, the reason to wait. My heart needs a sur. My soul needs a friend. So needs a sur. My soul needs a friend. So needs a sur. My soul needs a friend. So I run to the father. Again and again I run to the father. Again and again I run to the father. Again and again I run to the father. I fall into grace.

I run to the father. I fall into grace. I run to the father. I fall into grace. I'm done with the hiding. No reason to I'm done with the hiding. No reason to I'm done with the hiding. No reason to wait. My heart needs a ser. My soul wait. My heart needs a ser. My soul wait. My heart needs a ser. My soul needs a praise. So I run to the father needs a praise. So I run to the father needs a praise. So I run to the father again and again and again and again. again and again and again and again. again and again and again and again. Oh again and again. again and again. Oh, [Music] [Music] again and again and again. again and again and again. again and again and again. Oh, >> again and again. >> again and again. [Music] Oh, Oh, >> my heart has been in your sight long >> my heart has been in your sight long >> my heart has been in your sight long before my first breath. Running into before my first breath. Running into before my first breath. Running into your arms is running to life your arms is running to life your arms is running to life from there. And I feel this rush deep in from there. And I feel this rush deep in from there. And I feel this rush deep in my chest.

my chest. my chest. >> Your mercy is me me >> just as I am. >> just as I am. >> just as I am. >> Just as I pull me in. >> Just as I pull me in. >> Just as I pull me in. >> Pull me out. >> Pull me out. >> Pull me out. >> I need you now. So I run to the father. >> I need you now. So I run to the father. >> I need you now. So I run to the father. Fall in grace. I'm done with the hiding. Fall in grace. I'm done with the hiding. Fall in grace. I'm done with the hiding. your pleas. your pleas. your pleas. My heart found a search. My soul found a My heart found a search. My soul found a My heart found a search. My soul found a friend. So I run to the father again. I friend. So I run to the father again. I friend. So I run to the father again. I run to the father. I'm calling the run to the father. I'm calling the run to the father. I'm calling the grace. I'm done with the hiding grace. I'm done with the hiding grace. I'm done with the hiding away. away. away. My heart is my soul found. My heart is my soul found. My heart is my soul found. So unto the father again and again and So unto the father again and again and So unto the father again and again and again and again.

again and again. again and again. Oh Oh Oh [Applause] Well, friends, thank you for joining us Well, friends, thank you for joining us for service today. If you are a parent, for service today. If you are a parent, for service today. If you are a parent, if you are single or married, or if if you are single or married, or if if you are single or married, or if you're a child, God has an important you're a child, God has an important you're a child, God has an important role for you in the family. And this role for you in the family. And this role for you in the family. And this fight for your family doesn't end as our fight for your family doesn't end as our fight for your family doesn't end as our series is wrapping up. It is an ongoing series is wrapping up. It is an ongoing series is wrapping up. It is an ongoing continuous decision to build stronger continuous decision to build stronger continuous decision to build stronger homes, to build Christ centered homes, to build Christ centered homes, to build Christ centered families. If there's something that you families. If there's something that you families. If there's something that you might need prayer for, I also want to might need prayer for, I also want to might need prayer for, I also want to invite you to let us know so that our invite you to let us know so that our invite you to let us know so that our church family and our prayer team can be church family and our prayer team can be church family and our prayer team can be praying for you. You can let us know by praying for you. You can let us know by praying for you. You can let us know by clicking the link in the description or clicking the link in the description or clicking the link in the description or if you're on our Saddleback app, you can if you're on our Saddleback app, you can if you're on our Saddleback app, you can let us know that way as well. If there's let us know that way as well. If there's let us know that way as well. If there's another next step that you might want to another next step that you might want to another next step that you might want to take in your faith as well, whether it's take in your faith as well, whether it's take in your faith as well, whether it's joining a small group or starting a joining a small group or starting a joining a small group or starting a relationship with Jesus for the very relationship with Jesus for the very relationship with Jesus for the very first time, you can let us know on the first time, you can let us know on the first time, you can let us know on the app or in the link in the description as app or in the link in the description as app or in the link in the description as well. Church family, we love you so well. Church family, we love you so well. Church family, we love you so much. We're praying for you this week much. We're praying for you this week much. We're praying for you this week and we hope to see you again next and we hope to see you again next and we hope to see you again next weekend.