Staying on Track With Community | Andy Wood

Well, hey church family, it is so good Well, hey church family, it is so good to be together and I do want to welcome to be together and I do want to welcome to be together and I do want to welcome all of you who are joining us online. all of you who are joining us online. all of you who are joining us online. All of our campuses across Southern All of our campuses across Southern All of our campuses across Southern California, our international campuses. California, our international campuses. California, our international campuses. I got to say, on the front end of this I got to say, on the front end of this I got to say, on the front end of this message, I've been looking forward all message, I've been looking forward all message, I've been looking forward all week long to this moment and I just like week long to this moment and I just like week long to this moment and I just like a kid on Christmas morning, I've been so a kid on Christmas morning, I've been so a kid on Christmas morning, I've been so excited about this weekend. And here's excited about this weekend. And here's excited about this weekend. And here's why, because I know that this weekend at why, because I know that this weekend at why, because I know that this weekend at all of our campuses, there going to be all of our campuses, there going to be all of our campuses, there going to be some of you that make one decision that some of you that make one decision that some of you that make one decision that will change the entire trajectory of will change the entire trajectory of will change the entire trajectory of your life this weekend. I believe that. your life this weekend. I believe that. your life this weekend. I believe that. Cuz this weekend we're celebrating the Cuz this weekend we're celebrating the Cuz this weekend we're celebrating the launch of small groups at all of our launch of small groups at all of our launch of small groups at all of our campuses and at the end of our service, campuses and at the end of our service, campuses and at the end of our service, I'm going to give you an opportunity to I'm going to give you an opportunity to I'm going to give you an opportunity to one lead a group or two get into a one lead a group or two get into a one lead a group or two get into a group. And here's my prayer. My prayer group. And here's my prayer. My prayer group. And here's my prayer. My prayer is that the end of this message, you is that the end of this message, you is that the end of this message, you will be so excited about getting into a will be so excited about getting into a will be so excited about getting into a small group that you will be shaking in small group that you will be shaking in small group that you will be shaking in your chair, that you can't wait to get your chair, that you can't wait to get your chair, that you can't wait to get out and be a part of one of our groups. out and be a part of one of our groups. out and be a part of one of our groups. So, today as we're as we're celebrating So, today as we're as we're celebrating So, today as we're as we're celebrating connect weekend, uh I do want to just connect weekend, uh I do want to just connect weekend, uh I do want to just remind us of where we've been so far remind us of where we've been so far remind us of where we've been so far this year. We've been in the middle of a this year. We've been in the middle of a this year. We've been in the middle of a journey looking at how do we get our journey looking at how do we get our journey looking at how do we get our lives back on track? How do we get our lives back on track? How do we get our lives back on track? How do we get our lives back into alignment with God's lives back into alignment with God's lives back into alignment with God's very best for all areas of our life and very best for all areas of our life and very best for all areas of our life and and we looked particularly about our and we looked particularly about our and we looked particularly about our faith and how do we get on track with faith and how do we get on track with faith and how do we get on track with our faith? And we looked at our our faith? And we looked at our our faith? And we looked at our relationships and our finances and our relationships and our finances and our relationships and our finances and our vocation and ultimately uh with the all vocation and ultimately uh with the all vocation and ultimately uh with the all areas of our life moving in the areas of our life moving in the areas of our life moving in the direction of God's best. And one of the direction of God's best. And one of the direction of God's best. And one of the things that has happened in the midst of things that has happened in the midst of things that has happened in the midst of this season of getting our lives on

this season of getting our lives on this season of getting our lives on track as we've been seeking God's heart track as we've been seeking God's heart track as we've been seeking God's heart through prayer at all of our campuses through prayer at all of our campuses through prayer at all of our campuses and I have just been blown away with the and I have just been blown away with the and I have just been blown away with the response of our church. Just seeing response of our church. Just seeing response of our church. Just seeing people in this room at Lake Forest, people in this room at Lake Forest, people in this room at Lake Forest, pictures from our campuses, the hunger pictures from our campuses, the hunger pictures from our campuses, the hunger inside of our church wanting more of inside of our church wanting more of inside of our church wanting more of God, praying for breakthrough, praying God, praying for breakthrough, praying God, praying for breakthrough, praying for lives to be changed. And every day, for lives to be changed. And every day, for lives to be changed. And every day, all week long, we've had this stage and all week long, we've had this stage and all week long, we've had this stage and our campuses filled with cards of our campuses filled with cards of our campuses filled with cards of prayers from you and we've seen so many prayers from you and we've seen so many prayers from you and we've seen so many answered prayers just in two weeks of answered prayers just in two weeks of answered prayers just in two weeks of prayer. So, if you've been a part of our prayer. So, if you've been a part of our prayer. So, if you've been a part of our 21 days of prayer at one of our 21 days of prayer at one of our 21 days of prayer at one of our campuses, I want to celebrate you. Just campuses, I want to celebrate you. Just campuses, I want to celebrate you. Just say thank you for coming out to be a say thank you for coming out to be a say thank you for coming out to be a part of that. part of that. part of that. And I I want to give just a small And I I want to give just a small And I I want to give just a small challenge before I jump into my message. challenge before I jump into my message. challenge before I jump into my message. If you haven't been yet, I want to If you haven't been yet, I want to If you haven't been yet, I want to encourage you to go to at least one day. encourage you to go to at least one day. encourage you to go to at least one day. And a great day to go is Monday, this And a great day to go is Monday, this And a great day to go is Monday, this coming week. And I believe if you go coming week. And I believe if you go coming week. And I believe if you go Monday, you'll want to come the rest of Monday, you'll want to come the rest of Monday, you'll want to come the rest of the week. So, just one day, I believe the week. So, just one day, I believe the week. So, just one day, I believe God will use it to change your life. And God will use it to change your life. And God will use it to change your life. And I believe there's something shifting in I believe there's something shifting in I believe there's something shifting in our church. God is changing our church our church. God is changing our church our church. God is changing our church with hunger for more of him in all areas with hunger for more of him in all areas with hunger for more of him in all areas of our life. We will never be the same of our life. We will never be the same of our life. We will never be the same after this 21 days of prayer. Do you after this 21 days of prayer. Do you after this 21 days of prayer. Do you guys believe that?

guys believe that? guys believe that? Yes. Now, as we talk about getting back on Now, as we talk about getting back on track, I had this question after last track, I had this question after last track, I had this question after last week's message. And this question really week's message. And this question really week's message. And this question really ties into when my kids were young. I ties into when my kids were young. I ties into when my kids were young. I remember when the kids were young, they remember when the kids were young, they remember when the kids were young, they used to do this little train in our used to do this little train in our used to do this little train in our living room. And we would spend hours on living room. And we would spend hours on living room. And we would spend hours on end setting up the track and they would end setting up the track and they would end setting up the track and they would kind of link together. And there was a kind of link together. And there was a kind of link together. And there was a little button that you could press on a little button that you could press on a little button that you could press on a little small train. And there'd be this little small train. And there'd be this little small train. And there'd be this track as they were going along. And track as they were going along. And track as they were going along. And every so often, if all the tracks were every so often, if all the tracks were every so often, if all the tracks were not linked together, one train, the not linked together, one train, the not linked together, one train, the first train would come off. And then first train would come off. And then first train would come off. And then what happens? Every other train behind what happens? Every other train behind what happens? Every other train behind that falls off the tracks because the that falls off the tracks because the that falls off the tracks because the track was not set up correctly. And it track was not set up correctly. And it track was not set up correctly. And it made me think about what we've talked made me think about what we've talked made me think about what we've talked about with our lives getting back on about with our lives getting back on about with our lives getting back on track. And this question emerged in my track. And this question emerged in my track. And this question emerged in my mind this week. How do you stay on track mind this week. How do you stay on track mind this week. How do you stay on track with all that we've done this year? Like with all that we've done this year? Like with all that we've done this year? Like I If you've made decisions to to get on I If you've made decisions to to get on I If you've made decisions to to get on track with your finances and start track with your finances and start track with your finances and start honoring God with a budget. Or you made honoring God with a budget. Or you made honoring God with a budget. Or you made a decision to reconcile your marriage. a decision to reconcile your marriage. a decision to reconcile your marriage. Or you made a decision in particular to Or you made a decision in particular to Or you made a decision in particular to start honoring God with your body or start honoring God with your body or start honoring God with your body or your work. How do you stay on track in your work. How do you stay on track in your work. How do you stay on track in all areas of your life? And that's what all areas of your life? And that's what all areas of your life? And that's what we're going to talk about today as we we're going to talk about today as we we're going to talk about today as we look at the power of community to help look at the power of community to help look at the power of community to help us stay in the direction of God's very us stay in the direction of God's very us stay in the direction of God's very best for our lives. I believe God gives best for our lives. I believe God gives best for our lives. I believe God gives us three tools to stay on track. One is us three tools to stay on track. One is us three tools to stay on track. One is his word, two is his spirit, and three his word, two is his spirit, and three his word, two is his spirit, and three is his church. That these are God's is his church. That these are God's is his church. That these are God's tools for us to live a different kind of tools for us to live a different kind of tools for us to live a different kind of life. And today we're going to look at life. And today we're going to look at life. And today we're going to look at the start of the church in Acts chapter

the start of the church in Acts chapter the start of the church in Acts chapter 2. I love the passage of scripture we're 2. I love the passage of scripture we're 2. I love the passage of scripture we're going to be in. And I want us for a going to be in. And I want us for a going to be in. And I want us for a moment if we could just read these few moment if we could just read these few moment if we could just read these few verses out loud together. Acts chapter 2 verses out loud together. Acts chapter 2 verses out loud together. Acts chapter 2 verse 42 through 47, the launch of the verse 42 through 47, the launch of the verse 42 through 47, the launch of the church after the resurrection of Jesus, church after the resurrection of Jesus, church after the resurrection of Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit. Let's the coming of the Holy Spirit. Let's the coming of the Holy Spirit. Let's read these verses aloud together. You read these verses aloud together. You read these verses aloud together. You guys ready? guys ready? guys ready? I I think there's like four people that I I think there's like four people that I I think there's like four people that said they're ready. You guys ready? All said they're ready. You guys ready? All said they're ready. You guys ready? All of our campuses? Yes. Okay. of our campuses? Yes. Okay. of our campuses? Yes. Okay. Says this, "They devoted themselves to Says this, "They devoted themselves to Says this, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the apostles' teaching and to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed at the many wonders and signs performed at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were by the apostles. All the believers were by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. together and had everything in common. together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions and They sold property and possessions and They sold property and possessions and gave it to anyone who had need. Every gave it to anyone who had need. Every gave it to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in day they continued to meet together in day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in the temple courts. They broke bread in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad their homes and ate together with glad their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and and sincere hearts, praising God and and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

enjoying the favor of all the people. enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily And the Lord added to their number daily And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. This is the those who were being saved. This is the those who were being saved. This is the word of God." And I love this little word of God." And I love this little word of God." And I love this little chunk of scripture. I I remember sitting chunk of scripture. I I remember sitting chunk of scripture. I I remember sitting in a conference and there was a leader in a conference and there was a leader in a conference and there was a leader up front, a pastor, who read these few up front, a pastor, who read these few up front, a pastor, who read these few verses and God used these verses to call verses and God used these verses to call verses and God used these verses to call me to be a pastor and start a church me to be a pastor and start a church me to be a pastor and start a church from scratch. I remember that moment from scratch. I remember that moment from scratch. I remember that moment vividly. And something inside of my vividly. And something inside of my vividly. And something inside of my heart just came alive as I I saw for the heart just came alive as I I saw for the heart just came alive as I I saw for the very first time that the power of God's very first time that the power of God's very first time that the power of God's local church. There is nothing on planet local church. There is nothing on planet local church. There is nothing on planet Earth like a local church that is alive. Earth like a local church that is alive. Earth like a local church that is alive. There there There no force, no There there There no force, no There there There no force, no institution, that there is nothing that institution, that there is nothing that institution, that there is nothing that transforms people's lives like the local transforms people's lives like the local transforms people's lives like the local church. And we're going to look at how church. And we're going to look at how church. And we're going to look at how does that happen? Like how does the does that happen? Like how does the does that happen? Like how does the local church actually help you stay on local church actually help you stay on local church actually help you stay on track and transform your life? Well, it track and transform your life? Well, it track and transform your life? Well, it happens one in a large group like this happens one in a large group like this happens one in a large group like this that we're gathering in at all of our that we're gathering in at all of our that we're gathering in at all of our campuses, but two through small groups. campuses, but two through small groups. campuses, but two through small groups. And here's the big idea for us today. And here's the big idea for us today. And here's the big idea for us today. When it comes to community, when it When it comes to community, when it When it comes to community, when it comes to staying on track, staying comes to staying on track, staying comes to staying on track, staying connected helps me stay the course.

connected helps me stay the course. connected helps me stay the course. So, if I want to stay the course as So, if I want to stay the course as So, if I want to stay the course as we've looked at all these areas of my we've looked at all these areas of my we've looked at all these areas of my life, I must be connected as we see here life, I must be connected as we see here life, I must be connected as we see here in Acts chapter 2:42-47. in Acts chapter 2:42-47. in Acts chapter 2:42-47. The early church was this beautiful The early church was this beautiful The early church was this beautiful picture of a group of people that picture of a group of people that picture of a group of people that gathered together corporately for gathered together corporately for gathered together corporately for worship, and then yet from home to home worship, and then yet from home to home worship, and then yet from home to home they gathered with one another. They they gathered with one another. They they gathered with one another. They spurred one another on, challenged each spurred one another on, challenged each spurred one another on, challenged each other, supported one another, prayed for other, supported one another, prayed for other, supported one another, prayed for one another, and as a result, the early one another, and as a result, the early one another, and as a result, the early church thrived. And there there's a church thrived. And there there's a church thrived. And there there's a quote that says, "The church at its quote that says, "The church at its quote that says, "The church at its birth is the church at its best." So, I birth is the church at its best." So, I birth is the church at its best." So, I believe we can look at these few verses believe we can look at these few verses believe we can look at these few verses as a model for our lives, as a model for as a model for our lives, as a model for as a model for our lives, as a model for our church of how do we stay the course our church of how do we stay the course our church of how do we stay the course through being connected in community. through being connected in community. through being connected in community. And I have three big ideas that I want And I have three big ideas that I want And I have three big ideas that I want to share with you from this passage to share with you from this passage to share with you from this passage around staying the course, staying around staying the course, staying around staying the course, staying connected, and the power of community. connected, and the power of community. connected, and the power of community. And the first one is this, community in And the first one is this, community in And the first one is this, community in the context of the local church, large the context of the local church, large the context of the local church, large group then into small group, what group then into small group, what group then into small group, what community does is it fuels extraordinary community does is it fuels extraordinary community does is it fuels extraordinary devotion.

devotion. devotion. It fuels extraordinary devotion. And It fuels extraordinary devotion. And It fuels extraordinary devotion. And there's something that happens when you there's something that happens when you there's something that happens when you get in a community with a few other get in a community with a few other get in a community with a few other people that are moving in the same people that are moving in the same people that are moving in the same direction that you want to go. You direction that you want to go. You direction that you want to go. You you've experienced this if you've gone you've experienced this if you've gone you've experienced this if you've gone to a CrossFit class. I go to CrossFit to a CrossFit class. I go to CrossFit to a CrossFit class. I go to CrossFit once a year. once a year. once a year. And once a year, Memorial Day weekend, And once a year, Memorial Day weekend, And once a year, Memorial Day weekend, there is a big competition called the there is a big competition called the there is a big competition called the Murph, and every year I'm like I'm just Murph, and every year I'm like I'm just Murph, and every year I'm like I'm just out of breath. I'm about to die at the out of breath. I'm about to die at the out of breath. I'm about to die at the end of it. And Jeremiah Gulley from our end of it. And Jeremiah Gulley from our end of it. And Jeremiah Gulley from our staff invites me to go every single staff invites me to go every single staff invites me to go every single year. And I run way past my capacity for year. And I run way past my capacity for year. And I run way past my capacity for about 60 minutes, and then I lay down about 60 minutes, and then I lay down about 60 minutes, and then I lay down and die for the rest of the day. I'm and die for the rest of the day. I'm and die for the rest of the day. I'm like out of it. And the reason I run so like out of it. And the reason I run so like out of it. And the reason I run so much faster is cuz I'm right next to much faster is cuz I'm right next to much faster is cuz I'm right next to Jeremiah, and I don't want him to shame Jeremiah, and I don't want him to shame Jeremiah, and I don't want him to shame me afterwards. me afterwards. me afterwards. And the truth is, when you're in And the truth is, when you're in And the truth is, when you're in community, it spurs you on to live a community, it spurs you on to live a community, it spurs you on to live a different kind of life. different kind of life. different kind of life. So, I I have been so encouraged again So, I I have been so encouraged again So, I I have been so encouraged again this week with prayer to see so many this week with prayer to see so many this week with prayer to see so many generations coming together to seek the generations coming together to seek the generations coming together to seek the heart of God. And one group of people in heart of God. And one group of people in heart of God. And one group of people in our church that I've been so encouraged our church that I've been so encouraged our church that I've been so encouraged with is our college students and our with is our college students and our with is our college students and our young adults coming together for prayer.

young adults coming together for prayer. young adults coming together for prayer. And there's this one group of students, And there's this one group of students, And there's this one group of students, they meet together every week for their they meet together every week for their they meet together every week for their small group, and they have been small group, and they have been small group, and they have been challenging one another to get up early challenging one another to get up early challenging one another to get up early in the morning to be in the room for in the morning to be in the room for in the morning to be in the room for prayer. And how many of you know that prayer. And how many of you know that prayer. And how many of you know that college students do not get up at 6:30 college students do not get up at 6:30 college students do not get up at 6:30 a.m., right? So, I want you to see this a.m., right? So, I want you to see this a.m., right? So, I want you to see this picture right here that I got with them picture right here that I got with them picture right here that I got with them this week. Um I guess you have to be this week. Um I guess you have to be this week. Um I guess you have to be 6'2" to be in their small group. 6'2" to be in their small group. 6'2" to be in their small group. Uh and that's my that's my oldest on the Uh and that's my that's my oldest on the Uh and that's my that's my oldest on the far right, but I just have been so far right, but I just have been so far right, but I just have been so encouraged because these guys they would encouraged because these guys they would encouraged because these guys they would not be at prayer alone. And they're not be at prayer alone. And they're not be at prayer alone. And they're challenging each other to live a challenging each other to live a challenging each other to live a different kind of life. And and that's different kind of life. And and that's different kind of life. And and that's the beauty. If there there's something the beauty. If there there's something the beauty. If there there's something on the inside of you that wants more of on the inside of you that wants more of on the inside of you that wants more of God. If there's something on the inside God. If there's something on the inside God. If there's something on the inside of you that longs for more of his power of you that longs for more of his power of you that longs for more of his power and his presence in your life. If and his presence in your life. If and his presence in your life. If there's a part of you that is saying, I there's a part of you that is saying, I there's a part of you that is saying, I I want to live a life that's more I want to live a life that's more I want to live a life that's more committed and on fire for God, well, the committed and on fire for God, well, the committed and on fire for God, well, the best way to do that is in community. best way to do that is in community. best way to do that is in community. It's to find other people that spur you It's to find other people that spur you It's to find other people that spur you on. And in the middle of the week when on. And in the middle of the week when on. And in the middle of the week when you're challenged and struggling, it's you're challenged and struggling, it's you're challenged and struggling, it's to have that group that you can come to to have that group that you can come to to have that group that you can come to and they inspire you. And notice again and they inspire you. And notice again and they inspire you. And notice again in verse 42, it says they devoted in verse 42, it says they devoted in verse 42, it says they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.

themselves to the apostles' teaching. themselves to the apostles' teaching. You might circle on your notes that word You might circle on your notes that word You might circle on your notes that word devoted. It means to be continually devoted. It means to be continually devoted. It means to be continually committed. So, they were continually committed. So, they were continually committed. So, they were continually committed to the apostles' teaching, and committed to the apostles' teaching, and committed to the apostles' teaching, and notice it says themselves. It's plural. notice it says themselves. It's plural. notice it says themselves. It's plural. So, it's in the context of community. So, it's in the context of community. So, it's in the context of community. One of my mentors, a guy by the name of One of my mentors, a guy by the name of One of my mentors, a guy by the name of Dr. C, says this. He says, "No one Dr. C, says this. He says, "No one Dr. C, says this. He says, "No one becomes the best version of themselves becomes the best version of themselves becomes the best version of themselves by themselves." by themselves." by themselves." So, if you want to grow, if you want to So, if you want to grow, if you want to So, if you want to grow, if you want to transform, if you want to be a different transform, if you want to be a different transform, if you want to be a different person, you need community. You need person, you need community. You need person, you need community. You need people around you that stand with you. people around you that stand with you. people around you that stand with you. And I thought one of the best ways that And I thought one of the best ways that And I thought one of the best ways that I could just display this I could just display this I could just display this is through sharing with you a little bit is through sharing with you a little bit is through sharing with you a little bit about my small group. Now, I've been in about my small group. Now, I've been in about my small group. Now, I've been in a small group now this last [snorts] a small group now this last [snorts] a small group now this last [snorts] semester, a couple small groups since semester, a couple small groups since semester, a couple small groups since we've been here, but this last semester we've been here, but this last semester we've been here, but this last semester was by far the best small group I've was by far the best small group I've was by far the best small group I've ever been a part of. And this group ever been a part of. And this group ever been a part of. And this group is a group of men, older and younger, is a group of men, older and younger, is a group of men, older and younger, but they're all business owners or but they're all business owners or but they're all business owners or business leaders. And so, we pulled this business leaders. And so, we pulled this business leaders. And so, we pulled this group together with another business group together with another business group together with another business owner. And if you want to know the owner. And if you want to know the owner. And if you want to know the difference between a group of business difference between a group of business difference between a group of business owners and people who aren't business owners and people who aren't business owners and people who aren't business owners when they get together, people owners when they get together, people owners when they get together, people who aren't business owners get together who aren't business owners get together who aren't business owners get together and complain about their boss. People and complain about their boss. People and complain about their boss. People who are business owners get together and who are business owners get together and who are business owners get together and complain about their employees. So, complain about their employees. So, complain about their employees. So, that's that's that's you know, it's one of the differences you know, it's one of the differences you know, it's one of the differences among many. But, this group has been among many. But, this group has been among many. But, this group has been such a lifeline for me on a personal such a lifeline for me on a personal such a lifeline for me on a personal level. I've been able to develop new level. I've been able to develop new level. I've been able to develop new friendships through it. And I'm so friendships through it. And I'm so friendships through it. And I'm so encouraged every week when I get encouraged every week when I get encouraged every week when I get together. So, I want you to see this together. So, I want you to see this together. So, I want you to see this short video that highlights some of the short video that highlights some of the short video that highlights some of the things God is doing in the small group

things God is doing in the small group things God is doing in the small group I'm a part of. This group has been an important part of This group has been an important part of my journey because I've been able to my journey because I've been able to my journey because I've been able to watch other [music] men with similar watch other [music] men with similar watch other [music] men with similar circumstances or experiences show me circumstances or experiences show me circumstances or experiences show me that it's okay to that it's okay to that it's okay to come and not have it all right, not be come and not have it all right, not be come and not have it all right, not be all put together, and also just model all put together, and also just model all put together, and also just model for me what it's like to put God first for me what it's like to put God first for me what it's like to put God first in your life. Our group ranges, you in your life. Our group ranges, you in your life. Our group ranges, you know, from 30s to 60s, [music] know, from 30s to 60s, [music] know, from 30s to 60s, [music] but guys who have started a business for but guys who have started a business for but guys who have started a business for entrepreneurs that we all like to do the entrepreneurs that we all like to do the entrepreneurs that we all like to do the same thing. All guys who love the Lord same thing. All guys who love the Lord same thing. All guys who love the Lord and like it's nice cuz I do other groups and like it's nice cuz I do other groups and like it's nice cuz I do other groups where I meet [music] just business where I meet [music] just business where I meet [music] just business people and that's great and or people and that's great and or people and that's great and or people that are in groups that are just people that are in groups that are just people that are in groups that are just Christian, [music] but to have Christian Christian, [music] but to have Christian Christian, [music] but to have Christian business people in the same group, business people in the same group, business people in the same group, we have a lot to talk about. My wife we have a lot to talk about. My wife we have a lot to talk about. My wife asked me during Christmas, "So, when are asked me during Christmas, "So, when are asked me during Christmas, "So, when are you starting your you starting your you starting your uh men's group again?" I said, "I think uh men's group again?" I said, "I think uh men's group again?" I said, "I think in February." "Why Why do you ask?" She in February." "Why Why do you ask?" She in February." "Why Why do you ask?" She says, says, says, "Cuz you're different when you're going "Cuz you're different when you're going "Cuz you're different when you're going to that weekly meeting." to that weekly meeting." to that weekly meeting." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Often times we go to church on Sunday >> Often times we go to church on Sunday >> Often times we go to church on Sunday and then Monday through Saturday you and then Monday through Saturday you and then Monday through Saturday you don't have a lot of connection from some don't have a lot of connection from some don't have a lot of connection from some spiritual brothers and and having this spiritual brothers and and having this spiritual brothers and and having this group gives me a chance to just to do group gives me a chance to just to do group gives me a chance to just to do life with people on a 24/7 basis. I open life with people on a 24/7 basis. I open life with people on a 24/7 basis. I open up to these guys about stuff that's up to these guys about stuff that's up to these guys about stuff that's going on in my personal life that I going on in my personal life that I going on in my personal life that I don't really talk to even some of my don't really talk to even some of my don't really talk to even some of my good friends about. You know, I'll bring good friends about. You know, I'll bring good friends about. You know, I'll bring up things to these guys that uh me and up things to these guys that uh me and up things to these guys that uh me and my wife just talk about. There have been my wife just talk about. There have been my wife just talk about. There have been some really heavy things shared of life some really heavy things shared of life some really heavy things shared of life experiences that people are going experiences that people are going experiences that people are going through that maybe they feel is very through that maybe they feel is very through that maybe they feel is very unique and every single time one or

unique and every single time one or unique and every single time one or several other people at the table have several other people at the table have several other people at the table have been through [music] that exact been through [music] that exact been through [music] that exact experience in life before experience in life before experience in life before and have walked that journey and and have walked that journey and and have walked that journey and can give guidance [music] and support can give guidance [music] and support can give guidance [music] and support and love. If you want growth in your and love. If you want growth in your and love. If you want growth in your life in all areas, this is one of the life in all areas, this is one of the life in all areas, this is one of the best ways to do it. Yeah, it may feel best ways to do it. Yeah, it may feel best ways to do it. Yeah, it may feel like another obligation, but it's an like another obligation, but it's an like another obligation, but it's an obligation that's going to become obligation that's going to become obligation that's going to become fruitful in so many other areas in your fruitful in so many other areas in your fruitful in so many other areas in your life. You got to go and jump in with life. You got to go and jump in with life. You got to go and jump in with both feet. Find one that you think would both feet. Find one that you think would both feet. Find one that you think would fit you best and just do it. I cannot fit you best and just do it. I cannot fit you best and just do it. I cannot believe believe believe the desire I have to be here the desire I have to be here the desire I have to be here and I went so long, multiple years, and I went so long, multiple years, and I went so long, multiple years, without being in a small group. What was without being in a small group. What was without being in a small group. What was I waiting for? This last week we launched our group and This last week we launched our group and I was walking back to the car after I was walking back to the car after I was walking back to the car after group and I was just in tears thanking group and I was just in tears thanking group and I was just in tears thanking God for that group of men. God for that group of men. God for that group of men. And the the thing that I just thought is And the the thing that I just thought is And the the thing that I just thought is the the beauty of community and how many the the beauty of community and how many the the beauty of community and how many people in our church family are doing people in our church family are doing people in our church family are doing life alone, missing out on this great life alone, missing out on this great life alone, missing out on this great gift that God has for us, trying to do gift that God has for us, trying to do gift that God has for us, trying to do it in our own strength without it in our own strength without it in our own strength without community, without the church coming community, without the church coming community, without the church coming alongside of us. God did not design you alongside of us. God did not design you alongside of us. God did not design you to do life alone. And the other truth to do life alone. And the other truth to do life alone. And the other truth that is in the scripture and I even that is in the scripture and I even that is in the scripture and I even experienced in my small group is that experienced in my small group is that experienced in my small group is that community strengthens me in my weakness.

community strengthens me in my weakness. community strengthens me in my weakness. So not only does it help me with my So not only does it help me with my So not only does it help me with my devotion, but it strengthens me with my devotion, but it strengthens me with my devotion, but it strengthens me with my weakness. And I'll I'll I'll describe it weakness. And I'll I'll I'll describe it weakness. And I'll I'll I'll describe it with my group this last week. This is with my group this last week. This is with my group this last week. This is part of why I was just so blown away part of why I was just so blown away part of why I was just so blown away with our conversation. We're kind of with our conversation. We're kind of with our conversation. We're kind of journeying through uh this small group journeying through uh this small group journeying through uh this small group curriculum that we're going to launch in curriculum that we're going to launch in curriculum that we're going to launch in the fall of next year piloting it. It's the fall of next year piloting it. It's the fall of next year piloting it. It's called Anchored. And with Anchored we're called Anchored. And with Anchored we're called Anchored. And with Anchored we're going through some of the basics of just going through some of the basics of just going through some of the basics of just following Jesus. And so this little last following Jesus. And so this little last following Jesus. And so this little last week we're talking about the Bible and week we're talking about the Bible and week we're talking about the Bible and all of us are gathered around and you'll all of us are gathered around and you'll all of us are gathered around and you'll notice from that video we're all notice from that video we're all notice from that video we're all different ages. Some of the guys are different ages. Some of the guys are different ages. Some of the guys are more mature than others, some are more mature than others, some are more mature than others, some are younger than others. And in the younger than others. And in the younger than others. And in the conversation some have been following conversation some have been following conversation some have been following Jesus for a long time, some are really Jesus for a long time, some are really Jesus for a long time, some are really new to faith, some aren't even followers new to faith, some aren't even followers new to faith, some aren't even followers of Jesus yet. And in this group when we of Jesus yet. And in this group when we of Jesus yet. And in this group when we started talking about the Bible, I just started talking about the Bible, I just started talking about the Bible, I just asked a couple of questions like what's asked a couple of questions like what's asked a couple of questions like what's your experience with the Bible been like your experience with the Bible been like your experience with the Bible been like and and what are some things that have and and what are some things that have and and what are some things that have shifted in your life because of the shifted in your life because of the shifted in your life because of the Bible. And one guy goes uh hey, I I've Bible. And one guy goes uh hey, I I've Bible. And one guy goes uh hey, I I've never really read the Bible. I don't never really read the Bible. I don't never really read the Bible. I don't even know where to start reading the even know where to start reading the even know where to start reading the Bible. And then another guy chimes in Bible. And then another guy chimes in Bible. And then another guy chimes in and says, hey, just a few months ago I and says, hey, just a few months ago I and says, hey, just a few months ago I was right where you are and somebody was right where you are and somebody was right where you are and somebody told me that if I start in the book of told me that if I start in the book of told me that if I start in the book of Proverbs or if I start with one of Proverbs or if I start with one of Proverbs or if I start with one of Jesus's stories of Jesus's life, Jesus's stories of Jesus's life, Jesus's stories of Jesus's life, Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, and I just Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, and I just Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, and I just started taking a chapter a day and let started taking a chapter a day and let started taking a chapter a day and let me tell you what I'm seeing in the Bible me tell you what I'm seeing in the Bible me tell you what I'm seeing in the Bible after before I never read it before and after before I never read it before and after before I never read it before and my life is changing. So one guy starts my life is changing. So one guy starts my life is changing. So one guy starts sharing with another and then just a a sharing with another and then just a a sharing with another and then just a a moment after that another guy says, "You moment after that another guy says, "You moment after that another guy says, "You know, know, know, I I come to group on Wednesday and I go I I come to group on Wednesday and I go I I come to group on Wednesday and I go home on Wednesday night and I'm so home on Wednesday night and I'm so home on Wednesday night and I'm so pumped up and I read my Bible on

pumped up and I read my Bible on pumped up and I read my Bible on Thursday, but then on Friday kind of Thursday, but then on Friday kind of Thursday, but then on Friday kind of that fire goes away. How do I stay that fire goes away. How do I stay that fire goes away. How do I stay consistent with it?" And another guy consistent with it?" And another guy consistent with it?" And another guy says, "Oh, I was in the same position as says, "Oh, I was in the same position as says, "Oh, I was in the same position as you just just a few months ago and I you just just a few months ago and I you just just a few months ago and I started praying for God to put a hunger started praying for God to put a hunger started praying for God to put a hunger inside of me for his word and I would inside of me for his word and I would inside of me for his word and I would just ask every day, 'God, set my heart just ask every day, 'God, set my heart just ask every day, 'God, set my heart on fire for your word.' And now I'm on fire for your word.' And now I'm on fire for your word.' And now I'm consistent unlike I've ever been consistent unlike I've ever been consistent unlike I've ever been before." And my heart was just so before." And my heart was just so before." And my heart was just so filled. Like these guys are sharing with filled. Like these guys are sharing with filled. Like these guys are sharing with one another and the guy who's new is one another and the guy who's new is one another and the guy who's new is bringing something and the guy who's bringing something and the guy who's bringing something and the guy who's been following Jesus for for decades is been following Jesus for for decades is been following Jesus for for decades is bringing something. Are you guys bringing something. Are you guys bringing something. Are you guys tracking with me? It's It is the tracking with me? It's It is the tracking with me? It's It is the greatest gift and how we strengthen each greatest gift and how we strengthen each greatest gift and how we strengthen each other in community. And I want you to other in community. And I want you to other in community. And I want you to see again with this verse. I want you to see again with this verse. I want you to see again with this verse. I want you to notice how specific it says, "All the notice how specific it says, "All the notice how specific it says, "All the believers met together in one place and believers met together in one place and believers met together in one place and they shared everything that they had. they shared everything that they had. they shared everything that they had. They sold their property and possessions They sold their property and possessions They sold their property and possessions and they shared the money with those in and they shared the money with those in and they shared the money with those in need." Now there certainly is an aspect need." Now there certainly is an aspect need." Now there certainly is an aspect of community that is generosity with our of community that is generosity with our of community that is generosity with our our financial or our physical our financial or our physical our financial or our physical possessions, but there's another kind of possessions, but there's another kind of possessions, but there's another kind of sharing that when you come into sharing that when you come into sharing that when you come into community, there's there's something you community, there's there's something you community, there's there's something you bring. There's a gift that you have.

bring. There's a gift that you have. bring. There's a gift that you have. There's wisdom, there's there's There's wisdom, there's there's There's wisdom, there's there's knowledge, there's experience, there's knowledge, there's experience, there's knowledge, there's experience, there's even desire for God that that you carry even desire for God that that you carry even desire for God that that you carry and and all of that you're bringing to and and all of that you're bringing to and and all of that you're bringing to group and you're strengthening one group and you're strengthening one group and you're strengthening one another. And when you're strong and another. And when you're strong and another. And when you're strong and somebody else is weak, you pull them up. somebody else is weak, you pull them up. somebody else is weak, you pull them up. And when they're strong and you're weak, And when they're strong and you're weak, And when they're strong and you're weak, they pull you up. And I love how God they pull you up. And I love how God they pull you up. And I love how God uses community to strengthen us in our uses community to strengthen us in our uses community to strengthen us in our weakness. I'll give you another example weakness. I'll give you another example weakness. I'll give you another example just from this week. We asked the just from this week. We asked the just from this week. We asked the question, "How has God used the Bible to question, "How has God used the Bible to question, "How has God used the Bible to change the way that you live?" And one change the way that you live?" And one change the way that you live?" And one of the guys who is phenomenal at real of the guys who is phenomenal at real of the guys who is phenomenal at real estate, like he's been doing this for estate, like he's been doing this for estate, like he's been doing this for decades. He said, "When I was young in decades. He said, "When I was young in decades. He said, "When I was young in real estate, I just started my business. real estate, I just started my business. real estate, I just started my business. And there was a moment in my business And there was a moment in my business And there was a moment in my business where somebody they messed me up. They where somebody they messed me up. They where somebody they messed me up. They took lots of money from me, and I hired took lots of money from me, and I hired took lots of money from me, and I hired an attorney. And that attorney got all an attorney. And that attorney got all an attorney. And that attorney got all the paperwork together, and we were the paperwork together, and we were the paperwork together, and we were about to present our court case, and I about to present our court case, and I about to present our court case, and I started reading the Bible. started reading the Bible. started reading the Bible. And as I was reading the Bible, I came And as I was reading the Bible, I came And as I was reading the Bible, I came to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. And when to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. And when to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. And when I was reading through the Sermon on the I was reading through the Sermon on the I was reading through the Sermon on the Mount, there's this this one verse about Mount, there's this this one verse about Mount, there's this this one verse about when somebody comes to you, if they're when somebody comes to you, if they're when somebody comes to you, if they're your enemy, you should pray for them and your enemy, you should pray for them and your enemy, you should pray for them and bless them. And I thought, "If I'm a bless them. And I thought, "If I'm a bless them. And I thought, "If I'm a follower of Jesus, then I'm going to do follower of Jesus, then I'm going to do follower of Jesus, then I'm going to do this. I can't sue somebody and then say this. I can't sue somebody and then say this. I can't sue somebody and then say I'm blessing them." So, he goes back to I'm blessing them." So, he goes back to I'm blessing them." So, he goes back to his attorney attorney, and he says, "I'm his attorney attorney, and he says, "I'm his attorney attorney, and he says, "I'm dropping the case." And the guy's like, dropping the case." And the guy's like, dropping the case." And the guy's like, "No, you're not."

"No, you're not." "No, you're not." And he's like, "No, I am. I'm a follower And he's like, "No, I am. I'm a follower And he's like, "No, I am. I'm a follower of Jesus, and I believe God wants me to of Jesus, and I believe God wants me to of Jesus, and I believe God wants me to drop this." And the guy's like, "You are drop this." And the guy's like, "You are drop this." And the guy's like, "You are stupid. You are You are d u m dumb. You stupid. You are You are d u m dumb. You stupid. You are You are d u m dumb. You are so I cannot believe you This is a are so I cannot believe you This is a are so I cannot believe you This is a slam dunk for you, brother." And he slam dunk for you, brother." And he slam dunk for you, brother." And he says, "No, I'm not doing it." Now, we're says, "No, I'm not doing it." Now, we're says, "No, I'm not doing it." Now, we're we're speaking hundreds of thousands of we're speaking hundreds of thousands of we're speaking hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, his attorney is like, dollars. So, his attorney is like, dollars. So, his attorney is like, "Okay, but I need you to just sign a "Okay, but I need you to just sign a "Okay, but I need you to just sign a letter saying that you told me to do letter saying that you told me to do letter saying that you told me to do this cuz I think it's so stupid." And this cuz I think it's so stupid." And this cuz I think it's so stupid." And so, he's just billing him hours, adding so, he's just billing him hours, adding so, he's just billing him hours, adding them up. And then afterwards, after he them up. And then afterwards, after he them up. And then afterwards, after he dismisses this guy who owed him lots of dismisses this guy who owed him lots of dismisses this guy who owed him lots of money, the attorney comes back and says, money, the attorney comes back and says, money, the attorney comes back and says, "Man, I got to I got to grab lunch with "Man, I got to I got to grab lunch with "Man, I got to I got to grab lunch with you. Like I'm blown away with what you you. Like I'm blown away with what you you. Like I'm blown away with what you just did. I've never I've never seen just did. I've never I've never seen just did. I've never I've never seen anything like it." And at lunch, this anything like it." And at lunch, this anything like it." And at lunch, this attorney says to him, "You know, I I'm attorney says to him, "You know, I I'm attorney says to him, "You know, I I'm so blown away by this. You don't need so blown away by this. You don't need so blown away by this. You don't need people like that guy in your life people like that guy in your life people like that guy in your life anymore. Let me introduce you to another anymore. Let me introduce you to another anymore. Let me introduce you to another guy who does real estate, who invests in guy who does real estate, who invests in guy who does real estate, who invests in real estate projects." And he introduces real estate projects." And he introduces real estate projects." And he introduces him to another guy who later invests 100 him to another guy who later invests 100 him to another guy who later invests 100 times what he lost in that first court times what he lost in that first court times what he lost in that first court case.

case. case. Yo, that's crazy. That's crazy. And it Yo, that's crazy. That's crazy. And it Yo, that's crazy. That's crazy. And it all came out of a prompting. Now, I'm all came out of a prompting. Now, I'm all came out of a prompting. Now, I'm not saying every time you say yes to not saying every time you say yes to not saying every time you say yes to Jesus and obey the Bible it resort Jesus and obey the Bible it resort Jesus and obey the Bible it resort results in a hundred million dollar results in a hundred million dollar results in a hundred million dollar investment into your work. I'm just investment into your work. I'm just investment into your work. I'm just simply saying that when you when you simply saying that when you when you simply saying that when you when you obey God and you hear stories like that, obey God and you hear stories like that, obey God and you hear stories like that, it strengthens your faith. So God wants it strengthens your faith. So God wants it strengthens your faith. So God wants you in community so that your faith can you in community so that your faith can you in community so that your faith can be stronger. be stronger. be stronger. And in Ephesians chapter 4 these few And in Ephesians chapter 4 these few And in Ephesians chapter 4 these few verses are so significant. verses are so significant. verses are so significant. It says we will no longer be infants It says we will no longer be infants It says we will no longer be infants tossed back and forth by waves blown tossed back and forth by waves blown tossed back and forth by waves blown here and there by every wind of teaching here and there by every wind of teaching here and there by every wind of teaching and the cunning and craftiness of people and the cunning and craftiness of people and the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful in their deceitful in their deceitful scheming. Instead by speaking the truth scheming. Instead by speaking the truth scheming. Instead by speaking the truth in love we grow to become in every in love we grow to become in every in love we grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who's the respect the mature body of him who's the respect the mature body of him who's the head that is Christ. Now watch this. head that is Christ. Now watch this. head that is Christ. Now watch this. From him the whole body joined and held From him the whole body joined and held From him the whole body joined and held together grows by every supporting together grows by every supporting together grows by every supporting ligament. It grows and builds itself up ligament. It grows and builds itself up ligament. It grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work. So in love as each part does its work. So in love as each part does its work. So that connection results in growth that that connection results in growth that that connection results in growth that we get stronger as we're a part of we get stronger as we're a part of we get stronger as we're a part of community. And that leads me to the last community. And that leads me to the last community. And that leads me to the last point. Community multiplies the reach of point. Community multiplies the reach of point. Community multiplies the reach of my life.

my life. my life. And what I love about how God works in And what I love about how God works in And what I love about how God works in the early church is that God took a the early church is that God took a the early church is that God took a group of ordinary people like us group of ordinary people like us group of ordinary people like us who loved him and poured out his spirit who loved him and poured out his spirit who loved him and poured out his spirit upon them and they said God we're going upon them and they said God we're going upon them and they said God we're going to do whatever it takes to share your to do whatever it takes to share your to do whatever it takes to share your good news to the ends of the earth. And good news to the ends of the earth. And good news to the ends of the earth. And these early disciples God multiplied these early disciples God multiplied these early disciples God multiplied rapidly the movement. And notice in rapidly the movement. And notice in rapidly the movement. And notice in verse 47 it says this, "The Lord added verse 47 it says this, "The Lord added verse 47 it says this, "The Lord added to their number daily those who were to their number daily those who were to their number daily those who were being saved." being saved." being saved." So what is so crucial about community So what is so crucial about community So what is so crucial about community and what is so different about the and what is so different about the and what is so different about the church from from every other club or church from from every other club or church from from every other club or institution or organization that might institution or organization that might institution or organization that might exist, the church is not like every exist, the church is not like every exist, the church is not like every other organization. We are a group of other organization. We are a group of other organization. We are a group of people with a mission faced outward. So people with a mission faced outward. So people with a mission faced outward. So we love each other on the inside, we we love each other on the inside, we we love each other on the inside, we care for one another. We we bless one care for one another. We we bless one care for one another. We we bless one another, but our community that we form another, but our community that we form another, but our community that we form is hospitable and open to people who are is hospitable and open to people who are is hospitable and open to people who are currently not connected to the heart of currently not connected to the heart of currently not connected to the heart of God. God. God. And the more that the church in And the more that the church in And the more that the church in community has its eyes on the people community has its eyes on the people community has its eyes on the people disconnected in the world around us, the disconnected in the world around us, the disconnected in the world around us, the greater the impact becomes and the greater the impact becomes and the greater the impact becomes and the greater your impact becomes. And if greater your impact becomes. And if greater your impact becomes. And if there's a part of you that longs for there's a part of you that longs for there's a part of you that longs for your life to count at a deeper level, your life to count at a deeper level, your life to count at a deeper level, God gives you the church as a partner to God gives you the church as a partner to God gives you the church as a partner to come alongside of you to help your life come alongside of you to help your life come alongside of you to help your life have the greatest possible impact.

have the greatest possible impact. have the greatest possible impact. And my prayer for you, as you consider And my prayer for you, as you consider And my prayer for you, as you consider how do how do I let God one, stir in me how do how do I let God one, stir in me how do how do I let God one, stir in me in a way that my faith is stronger, but in a way that my faith is stronger, but in a way that my faith is stronger, but two, how do I let God use my life, the two, how do I let God use my life, the two, how do I let God use my life, the gifts and talents, and impact people who gifts and talents, and impact people who gifts and talents, and impact people who are disconnected from him? It It really are disconnected from him? It It really are disconnected from him? It It really is in the context of being connected to is in the context of being connected to is in the context of being connected to a local church. So, what I want to a local church. So, what I want to a local church. So, what I want to invite you into is I want to invite you invite you into is I want to invite you invite you into is I want to invite you not just to come to church and go in and not just to come to church and go in and not just to come to church and go in and out and experience great services and out and experience great services and out and experience great services and great children's ministry, but it's to great children's ministry, but it's to great children's ministry, but it's to connect yourself so that your life might connect yourself so that your life might connect yourself so that your life might flourish and you might experience the flourish and you might experience the flourish and you might experience the power and presence of God and ultimately power and presence of God and ultimately power and presence of God and ultimately the greatest possible impact that you the greatest possible impact that you the greatest possible impact that you can have with your life. can have with your life. can have with your life. In Genesis chapter 2, verse 18, In Genesis chapter 2, verse 18, In Genesis chapter 2, verse 18, God's word very clearly says, "It's not God's word very clearly says, "It's not God's word very clearly says, "It's not good for man to be alone. I will make a good for man to be alone. I will make a good for man to be alone. I will make a helper who is suitable for him." helper who is suitable for him." helper who is suitable for him." And what that means is you were not made And what that means is you were not made And what that means is you were not made by God to do life alone. by God to do life alone. by God to do life alone. And I'll close with this last point.

And I'll close with this last point. And I'll close with this last point. It's impossible. It is impossible It's impossible. It is impossible It's impossible. It is impossible to live a rich and satisfying life to live a rich and satisfying life to live a rich and satisfying life alone. alone. alone. It's impossible to live the fullest life It's impossible to live the fullest life It's impossible to live the fullest life that God created you for that God created you for that God created you for alone. alone. alone. And and loneliness is so detrimental And and loneliness is so detrimental And and loneliness is so detrimental to the soul, so detrimental to our to the soul, so detrimental to our to the soul, so detrimental to our bodies. Studies show that loneliness is bodies. Studies show that loneliness is bodies. Studies show that loneliness is worse for us than smoking a pack of worse for us than smoking a pack of worse for us than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. cigarettes a day. cigarettes a day. And somebody just said, "Does that mean And somebody just said, "Does that mean And somebody just said, "Does that mean if I get into a small group, I can keep if I get into a small group, I can keep if I get into a small group, I can keep smoking?" And what I hope for you today is that And what I hope for you today is that you can you can realize that that God is you can you can realize that that God is you can you can realize that that God is giving you this opportunity right now to giving you this opportunity right now to giving you this opportunity right now to be a part of community, to be a part of be a part of community, to be a part of be a part of community, to be a part of a small group. So, I want to just share a small group. So, I want to just share a small group. So, I want to just share with you how you can be a part of a with you how you can be a part of a with you how you can be a part of a right now today. And as you make this right now today. And as you make this right now today. And as you make this decision, I believe that God will use decision, I believe that God will use decision, I believe that God will use this to radically transform your life. this to radically transform your life. this to radically transform your life. Now, at all of our campuses, in just a Now, at all of our campuses, in just a Now, at all of our campuses, in just a few moments, your campus pastor or your few moments, your campus pastor or your few moments, your campus pastor or your campus host is going to come out and campus host is going to come out and campus host is going to come out and share with you some of the incredible share with you some of the incredible share with you some of the incredible groups that are launching at your groups that are launching at your groups that are launching at your campus. But, I briefly want to tell you campus. But, I briefly want to tell you campus. But, I briefly want to tell you that if you will pull your phone out and that if you will pull your phone out and that if you will pull your phone out and scan the QR code that's on the screen scan the QR code that's on the screen scan the QR code that's on the screen screen or tap there's a a button that screen or tap there's a a button that screen or tap there's a a button that says tap here around some of your seats, says tap here around some of your seats, says tap here around some of your seats, you can tap, and it will bring you to a you can tap, and it will bring you to a you can tap, and it will bring you to a small short form.

small short form. small short form. And when you go there, it'll take you And when you go there, it'll take you And when you go there, it'll take you about 30 seconds just to say, "I'm about 30 seconds just to say, "I'm about 30 seconds just to say, "I'm interested in a group." One. Or, "I want interested in a group." One. Or, "I want interested in a group." One. Or, "I want to get connected into helping lead a to get connected into helping lead a to get connected into helping lead a small group." Two. small group." Two. small group." Two. And as you do this, there'll be an email And as you do this, there'll be an email And as you do this, there'll be an email that will come to you with a link where that will come to you with a link where that will come to you with a link where you can find all of our small groups and you can find all of our small groups and you can find all of our small groups and all of our campuses today are going to all of our campuses today are going to all of our campuses today are going to be equipped to help you get into be equipped to help you get into be equipped to help you get into community at the end of our service. I community at the end of our service. I community at the end of our service. I believe this decision is one of the most believe this decision is one of the most believe this decision is one of the most important decisions that you could make important decisions that you could make important decisions that you could make in a faith journey. And I so badly, so in a faith journey. And I so badly, so in a faith journey. And I so badly, so deeply hope that today you you've heard deeply hope that today you you've heard deeply hope that today you you've heard it loud and clear that this is a gift it loud and clear that this is a gift it loud and clear that this is a gift that God has given to you. And today, that God has given to you. And today, that God has given to you. And today, you can make that decision. And I want you can make that decision. And I want you can make that decision. And I want to share two stories with you, and then to share two stories with you, and then to share two stories with you, and then I'll pray, and your campus host will be I'll pray, and your campus host will be I'll pray, and your campus host will be up. One story up. One story up. One story is a couple from our church in the Bay is a couple from our church in the Bay is a couple from our church in the Bay Area where we pastored for 14 years. Area where we pastored for 14 years. Area where we pastored for 14 years. A lot of our families were young, and A lot of our families were young, and A lot of our families were young, and there were a lot of babies being born in there were a lot of babies being born in there were a lot of babies being born in the early days of our church. I mean, it the early days of our church. I mean, it the early days of our church. I mean, it was like half the church was babies. was like half the church was babies. was like half the church was babies. And there was this one couple And there was this one couple And there was this one couple and they went full term with the baby and they went full term with the baby and they went full term with the baby and on the day when the baby was and on the day when the baby was and on the day when the baby was supposed to be born, the baby was a supposed to be born, the baby was a supposed to be born, the baby was a stillborn and the grief stillborn and the grief stillborn and the grief was so overwhelming. I remember getting was so overwhelming. I remember getting was so overwhelming. I remember getting a call from this mom and just being on a call from this mom and just being on a call from this mom and just being on the phone with her. She's just weeping the phone with her. She's just weeping the phone with her. She's just weeping over losing her child.

over losing her child. over losing her child. They invited me They invited me They invited me to do the service. It was It was the to do the service. It was It was the to do the service. It was It was the worst It was the worst service I've ever worst It was the worst service I've ever worst It was the worst service I've ever done. done. done. And I walked in and when I walked into And I walked in and when I walked into And I walked in and when I walked into the room, they pulled the baby out of the room, they pulled the baby out of the room, they pulled the baby out of the casket and they put the baby into my the casket and they put the baby into my the casket and they put the baby into my hands and the the mom is just weeping hands and the the mom is just weeping hands and the the mom is just weeping and as I look around the room, this is and as I look around the room, this is and as I look around the room, this is even more sad than what happened in the even more sad than what happened in the even more sad than what happened in the circumstances. The reality is here's circumstances. The reality is here's circumstances. The reality is here's this couple that they're grieving the this couple that they're grieving the this couple that they're grieving the loss of a child, but there's nobody in loss of a child, but there's nobody in loss of a child, but there's nobody in the room except for our staff. the room except for our staff. the room except for our staff. So, this person has been living their So, this person has been living their So, this person has been living their life in isolation and not taken a step life in isolation and not taken a step life in isolation and not taken a step to be in community and we'll we'll do to be in community and we'll we'll do to be in community and we'll we'll do our best in that moment to bring staff our best in that moment to bring staff our best in that moment to bring staff around and to pray and to support, but around and to pray and to support, but around and to pray and to support, but there was no support system around them there was no support system around them there was no support system around them when they got into that moment. when they got into that moment. when they got into that moment. And if you compare that story, horrible And if you compare that story, horrible And if you compare that story, horrible grief, grief, grief, you compare that story to someone from you compare that story to someone from you compare that story to someone from our church that many of you know well at our church that many of you know well at our church that many of you know well at this local campus is Betty Hopkins. this local campus is Betty Hopkins. this local campus is Betty Hopkins. Betty Hopkins was one of our incredible Betty Hopkins was one of our incredible Betty Hopkins was one of our incredible staff members. She's a part of the black staff members. She's a part of the black staff members. She's a part of the black community in our church family and she community in our church family and she community in our church family and she was in one of the best small groups at was in one of the best small groups at was in one of the best small groups at Saddleback Church for years.

Saddleback Church for years. Saddleback Church for years. And it happened that Betty's husband And it happened that Betty's husband And it happened that Betty's husband passed away passed away passed away and then just about 18 months later, I and then just about 18 months later, I and then just about 18 months later, I got a call that Betty had just returned got a call that Betty had just returned got a call that Betty had just returned from a mission trip and she had passed from a mission trip and she had passed from a mission trip and she had passed away and Stacy and I came over to the away and Stacy and I came over to the away and Stacy and I came over to the house house house and within 20 minutes of coming to her and within 20 minutes of coming to her and within 20 minutes of coming to her house, there were 20 people from her house, there were 20 people from her house, there were 20 people from her small group gathered around her family small group gathered around her family small group gathered around her family there praying for one another in the there praying for one another in the there praying for one another in the stark contrast. Are y'all tracking with stark contrast. Are y'all tracking with stark contrast. Are y'all tracking with me today? The stark contrast between a me today? The stark contrast between a me today? The stark contrast between a life lived with community and a life life lived with community and a life life lived with community and a life lived without community. All of us are lived without community. All of us are lived without community. All of us are going to hit those kind of moments in going to hit those kind of moments in going to hit those kind of moments in the future. And you might be doing great the future. And you might be doing great the future. And you might be doing great today. You you might have just got the today. You you might have just got the today. You you might have just got the job promotion, your baby was born, your job promotion, your baby was born, your job promotion, your baby was born, your kids are succeeding, but all of us hit kids are succeeding, but all of us hit kids are succeeding, but all of us hit those moments and what you have built those moments and what you have built those moments and what you have built before that moment will make all the before that moment will make all the before that moment will make all the difference. difference. difference. And one very simple decision to get into And one very simple decision to get into And one very simple decision to get into a small group will change your life. a small group will change your life. a small group will change your life. Now, listen, I know there's so many Now, listen, I know there's so many Now, listen, I know there's so many reasons why we say we can't do it. I'm reasons why we say we can't do it. I'm reasons why we say we can't do it. I'm so busy. I got so much going on. And I so busy. I got so much going on. And I so busy. I got so much going on. And I just hope you can hear like one just hope you can hear like one just hope you can hear like one commitment for 10 weeks, an hour and a commitment for 10 weeks, an hour and a commitment for 10 weeks, an hour and a half once a week. Don't you say Wouldn't half once a week. Don't you say Wouldn't half once a week. Don't you say Wouldn't you say it's worth your the rest of your you say it's worth your the rest of your you say it's worth your the rest of your life to be in community just to figure life to be in community just to figure life to be in community just to figure out what could happen in in the context out what could happen in in the context out what could happen in in the context of being in a small group? That you of being in a small group? That you of being in a small group? That you might lose 15 hours of your life but might lose 15 hours of your life but might lose 15 hours of your life but gain community around you that could gain community around you that could gain community around you that could support you for decades to come.

support you for decades to come. support you for decades to come. So, my encouragement to you is to take So, my encouragement to you is to take So, my encouragement to you is to take that step. Maybe you'll get into a group that step. Maybe you'll get into a group that step. Maybe you'll get into a group and you're like, "Oh, I hate this and you're like, "Oh, I hate this and you're like, "Oh, I hate this group." You can break up with that group group." You can break up with that group group." You can break up with that group and find a new one. and find a new one. and find a new one. And there there are some of you today And there there are some of you today And there there are some of you today that that decision is to get into a that that decision is to get into a that that decision is to get into a group and then there are those who today group and then there are those who today group and then there are those who today that decision is to lead a group. I I that decision is to lead a group. I I that decision is to lead a group. I I just want to encourage you as God is just want to encourage you as God is just want to encourage you as God is stirring in your heart. If you've been stirring in your heart. If you've been stirring in your heart. If you've been in a group and your group is filling up, in a group and your group is filling up, in a group and your group is filling up, you can take that step to be one of our you can take that step to be one of our you can take that step to be one of our leaders and our host this semester to leaders and our host this semester to leaders and our host this semester to say, "I'm I'm going to let God use my say, "I'm I'm going to let God use my say, "I'm I'm going to let God use my life. I want to have the greatest life. I want to have the greatest life. I want to have the greatest possible impact with my one life." And possible impact with my one life." And possible impact with my one life." And your local campus host is going to come your local campus host is going to come your local campus host is going to come up and walk you through how to respond up and walk you through how to respond up and walk you through how to respond to that that decision to get into to that that decision to get into to that that decision to get into community or lead community. Let's pray community or lead community. Let's pray community or lead community. Let's pray together. Father, we thank you today together. Father, we thank you today together. Father, we thank you today for small groups. We thank you, God, for for small groups. We thank you, God, for for small groups. We thank you, God, for your local church your local church your local church and the power of community. and the power of community. and the power of community. And I pray that today you would help And I pray that today you would help And I pray that today you would help every person in our church get every person in our church get every person in our church get connected. That there would be nobody connected. That there would be nobody connected. That there would be nobody that has that story of walking through a that has that story of walking through a that has that story of walking through a tragedy in life with nobody around them, tragedy in life with nobody around them, tragedy in life with nobody around them, God.

God. God. I pray that you would make us a church I pray that you would make us a church I pray that you would make us a church where we have more people in small where we have more people in small where we have more people in small groups than we do on the weekends. And groups than we do on the weekends. And groups than we do on the weekends. And Lord, I pray that you would continue to Lord, I pray that you would continue to Lord, I pray that you would continue to raise up more leaders at all of our raise up more leaders at all of our raise up more leaders at all of our campuses. You said the harvest is campuses. You said the harvest is campuses. You said the harvest is plentiful and the workers, the laborers plentiful and the workers, the laborers plentiful and the workers, the laborers are few. are few. are few. And I'm praying right now, even as we And I'm praying right now, even as we And I'm praying right now, even as we conclude our service time, that there conclude our service time, that there conclude our service time, that there would be hundreds and hundreds of people would be hundreds and hundreds of people would be hundreds and hundreds of people today that as campus pastors come forth, today that as campus pastors come forth, today that as campus pastors come forth, they would come forth and cast that they would come forth and cast that they would come forth and cast that vision to call us into leadership and vision to call us into leadership and vision to call us into leadership and call us into groups. And that as a call us into groups. And that as a call us into groups. And that as a result, God, there would be thousands result, God, there would be thousands result, God, there would be thousands upon thousands of lives that are changed upon thousands of lives that are changed upon thousands of lives that are changed through community. God, we thank you for through community. God, we thank you for through community. God, we thank you for all of this. In the mighty name of all of this. In the mighty name of all of this. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. And all of God's people Jesus, we pray. And all of God's people Jesus, we pray. And all of God's people said, "Amen. Amen." said, "Amen. Amen." said, "Amen. Amen." This Back on Track series has had such a This Back on Track series has had such a This Back on Track series has had such a great impact on our church. And it's great impact on our church. And it's great impact on our church. And it's been a great encourager of how to stay been a great encourager of how to stay been a great encourager of how to stay on track with our lives. on track with our lives. on track with our lives. Like Pastor Andy talked [music] about, Like Pastor Andy talked [music] about, Like Pastor Andy talked [music] about, one way that we can stay on track is one way that we can stay on track is one way that we can stay on track is through healthy community. And small through healthy community. And small through healthy community. And small groups are the way that we do that. groups are the way that we do that. groups are the way that we do that. Small groups allow us access to Small groups allow us access to Small groups allow us access to authentic relationships that help us to authentic relationships that help us to authentic relationships that help us to pursue growth and take next steps in our pursue growth and take next steps in our pursue growth and take next steps in our faith.

faith. faith. In the online community, we have a lot In the online community, we have a lot In the online community, we have a lot of great small groups, and we want to of great small groups, and we want to of great small groups, and we want to give you an opportunity right [music] give you an opportunity right [music] give you an opportunity right [music] now to join one. So, you can go ahead now to join one. So, you can go ahead now to join one. So, you can go ahead and scan the QR code on your screen or and scan the QR code on your screen or and scan the QR code on your screen or go to the Saddleback app and access the go to the Saddleback app and access the go to the Saddleback app and access the digital program and join a group there. digital program and join a group there. digital program and join a group there. You can select virtual when looking for You can select virtual when looking for You can select virtual when looking for a small group so that you can find all a small group so that you can find all a small group so that you can find all the different online groups that we have the different online groups that we have the different online groups that we have that you can join. that you can join. that you can join. If there's another next step that you'd If there's another next step that you'd If there's another next step that you'd like to take in your faith besides small like to take in your faith besides small like to take in your faith besides small groups, you can also go to the digital groups, you can also go to the digital groups, you can also go to the digital program on the Saddleback app and let us program on the Saddleback app and let us program on the Saddleback app and let us know there. We can be praying for you know there. We can be praying for you know there. We can be praying for you and walking you through that and and walking you through that and and walking you through that and supporting you in whatever next step you supporting you in whatever next step you supporting you in whatever next step you want to take. want to take. want to take. Well, church family, we're so, so Well, church family, we're so, so Well, church family, we're so, so grateful that you decided to join us for grateful that you decided to join us for grateful that you decided to join us for church today. I hope you guys have a church today. I hope you guys have a church today. I hope you guys have a great week, and we'll see you back here great week, and we'll see you back here great week, and we'll see you back here again next week.