Bring Good News | Andy Wood

Hey, what's up Saddleback [music] Hey, what's up Saddleback [music] Church? It's good to be in the house of Church? It's good to be in the house of Church? It's good to be in the house of the Lord. Let's sing [music] this song the Lord. Let's sing [music] this song the Lord. Let's sing [music] this song together. Let's believe this together. [music] when all [singing] I see is a [music] when all [singing] I see is a mountain. mountain. mountain. You see the mountain. [music] [music] And as I walk through the shadow, And as I walk through the shadow, And as I walk through the shadow, the love [singing] surrounds me. the love [singing] surrounds me. the love [singing] surrounds me. [music] There's nothing [music] to fear. There's nothing [music] to fear. I see. I see. I see. Come on. [music] Yes, we are. Hey. Come on. [music] Yes, we are. Hey. Come on. [music] Yes, we are. Hey. So when I [singing] fight So when I [singing] fight So when I [singing] fight on my knees with my [music and singing] on my knees with my [music and singing] on my knees with my [music and singing] hand every day, hand every day, hand every day, oh God, the battle belongs [singing] to oh God, the battle belongs [singing] to oh God, the battle belongs [singing] to you. Every [music] year I sing through [music] the night. Oh God, sing through [music] the night. Oh God, the battle belongs to you.

the battle belongs to you. And if [music] you are [singing] for me, And if [music] you are [singing] for me, who can be against me? [music] For Jesus, there's nothing [music] For Jesus, there's nothing impossible [singing] impossible [singing] impossible [singing] for you. for you. for you. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> I [singing] see. >> I [singing] see. >> I [singing] see. You see? [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] All might [singing] fores All might [singing] fores All might [singing] fores you go before. [music] you go before. [music] you go before. [music] Nothing can stand against the power of Nothing can stand against the power of Nothing can stand against the power of our you shine [music] in the shadows.

our you shine [music] in the shadows. our you shine [music] in the shadows. You win [singing] every battle. Yes. You win [singing] every battle. Yes. You win [singing] every battle. Yes. Nothing [music] Nothing [music] Nothing [music] can stand against mighty fortresses. mighty fortresses. You [music] go before us. You [music] go before us. You [music] go before us. Nothing can stand [singing] against the Nothing can stand [singing] against the Nothing can stand [singing] against the power of our you. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> I know who I am >> I know who I am cuz I [music and singing] know who you cuz I [music and singing] know who you cuz I [music and singing] know who you are. are. are. The cross of salvation [singing] and it's worth living.

and it's worth living. Come on, sing. [music] Come on, sing. [music] Come on, sing. [music] I wasn't made [singing] to be tended I wasn't made [singing] to be tended I wasn't made [singing] to be tended [music] a grave. I was called by name, [music] a grave. I was called by name, [music] a grave. I was called by name, born [music and singing] and raised back born [music and singing] and raised back born [music and singing] and raised back to life again. to life again. to life again. I [singing] was made for more. [music] Why [music] would I make Why [music] would I make [singing] my shame with a fountain of [singing] my shame with a fountain of [singing] my shame with a fountain of grace is running [music and singing] my grace is running [music and singing] my grace is running [music and singing] my way? I know I am yours. I was way? I know I am yours. I was way? I know I am yours. I was [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] made for. cuz [music] I know who you are. cuz [music] I know who you are. The cross of salvation [music] The cross of salvation [music] The cross of salvation [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] was only [music] [music] now I chose [music] [music] you.

Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You >> You >> You know, [music] I wasn't made to be tended and grave.

I wasn't made to be tended and grave. [singing and music] I was called by him, [singing and music] I was called by him, [singing and music] I was called by him, born and [singing and music] raised back born and [singing and music] raised back born and [singing and music] raised back to life again. to life again. to life again. I was [music] I was [music] I was [music] made for [singing] more. Yes, you were. made for [singing] more. Yes, you were. made for [singing] more. Yes, you were. [music] [music] [music] Why would I Why would I Why would I pay my [music] [music] Oh, [music] [music] heat, heat. So why would I [singing] make So why would I [singing] make [music] my shame in the grace? It's [music] my shame in the grace? It's [music] my shame in the grace? It's running [music] my [singing] way. I know running [music] my [singing] way. I know running [music] my [singing] way. I know I know yours. I [music and singing] was I know yours. I [music and singing] was I know yours. I [music and singing] was made for more.

made for more. made for more. We were made [music and singing] We were made [music and singing] We were made [music and singing] for more. Yes, we were faithful for more. Yes, we were faithful for more. Yes, we were faithful [singing] Jesus [music] [singing] Jesus [music] [singing] Jesus [music] to serve you, to love you. to serve you, to love you. to serve you, to love you. Father God, we do believe that together Father God, we do believe that together Father God, we do believe that together we were made we were made we were made in your likeness. in your likeness. in your likeness. We were made to be in connection to you, We were made to be in connection to you, We were made to be in connection to you, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, to live a life exceedingly and to live a life exceedingly and to live a life exceedingly and abundantly beyond all we could abundantly beyond all we could abundantly beyond all we could ask or imagine, God. We receive [music] that blessing right We receive [music] that blessing right now in your presence. Man, it is such a gift to worship God. Man, it is such a gift to worship God. It is such a gift to be in the house of It is such a gift to be in the house of It is such a gift to be in the house of the Lord and to gather together and just the Lord and to gather together and just the Lord and to gather together and just to sing about all the good things that to sing about all the good things that to sing about all the good things that God [music] is. God [music] is. God [music] is. >> To sing about how great he is, to sing >> To sing about how great he is, to sing >> To sing about how great he is, to sing about his love, his mercy in our lives. about his love, his mercy in our lives. about his love, his mercy in our lives. And one of my favorite favorite things And one of my favorite favorite things And one of my favorite favorite things to sing about to sing about to sing about >> is the faithfulness [music] of our >> is the faithfulness [music] of our >> is the faithfulness [music] of our father.

father. father. >> It's something that I need to be >> It's something that I need to be >> It's something that I need to be reminded of constantly. I will I'll be reminded of constantly. I will I'll be reminded of constantly. I will I'll be singing about God's faithfulness and singing about God's faithfulness and singing about God's faithfulness and then something will happen during my day then something will happen during my day then something will happen during my day and I'll immediately be hit with [music] and I'll immediately be hit with [music] and I'll immediately be hit with [music] anxiety, stress, feeling like, oh shoot, anxiety, stress, feeling like, oh shoot, anxiety, stress, feeling like, oh shoot, nervous. What what am I supposed to do? nervous. What what am I supposed to do? nervous. What what am I supposed to do? And I always have to come back to just And I always have to come back to just And I always have to come back to just the reality that we serve a a faithful the reality that we serve a a faithful the reality that we serve a a faithful God that loves us, that is [music] God that loves us, that is [music] God that loves us, that is [music] trustworthy, that every burden that we trustworthy, that every burden that we trustworthy, that every burden that we carry, he he wants to lift it off of us. carry, he he wants to lift it off of us. carry, he he wants to lift it off of us. And so just as we continue to worship, And so just as we continue to worship, And so just as we continue to worship, can we just believe in the faithfulness can we just believe in the faithfulness can we just believe in the faithfulness of our God? [music] Can we believe that of our God? [music] Can we believe that of our God? [music] Can we believe that he is in this room right now lifting he is in this room right now lifting he is in this room right now lifting every burden, breaking [music] every every burden, breaking [music] every every burden, breaking [music] every chain? We believe that, Father, let's chain? We believe that, Father, let's chain? We believe that, Father, let's sing this together. but you have never [music and singing] but you have never [music and singing] failed me yet.

[music] [music] Waiting for change to [singing] come. Waiting for change to [singing] come. Waiting for change to [singing] come. [music] [music] [music] Knowing the battle won. Yes. Knowing the battle won. Yes. Knowing the battle won. Yes. For you never [music] For you never [music] For you never [music] failed me. [singing] Come on. [music] This is true. Come on. [music] This is true. Your promise still stands. [music] Your promise still stands. [music] Your promise still stands. [music] Great is your faithfulness. [singing] Great is your faithfulness. [singing] Great is your faithfulness. [singing] Faithfulness, [music] [music] I'm still in [singing] your hands. I'm still in [singing] your hands. I'm still in [singing] your hands. This is [music] my confidence. This is [music] my confidence. This is [music] my confidence. You never [singing] You never [singing] You never [singing] fail me. [music] I know the [music] night won't last.

I know the [music] night won't last. [music] Your word will [singing] come to [music] Your word will [singing] come to [music] Your word will [singing] come to pass. My heart [music] will sing your praise My heart [music] will sing your praise [singing] again. [singing] again. [singing] again. [music] [music] [music] Oh My heart will sing your praise [singing] My heart will sing your praise [singing] again again again and then again [music] and again. All and then again [music] and again. All and then again [music] and again. All we're going to see is praise. we're going to see is praise. we're going to see is praise. Your [music] promise still stands. Raise Your [music] promise still stands. Raise Your [music] promise still stands. Raise your faithfulness. [singing] I'm still in your hands. I'm still in your hands. This is my [music] Heat.

Heat. [music] [singing] [singing] [music] No, you never [music] No, you never [music] fail [singing] me. fail [singing] me. fail [singing] me. Oh, Oh, Oh, [music] we can believe [music] together that God we can believe [music] together that God has never left us. He's never forsaken has never left us. He's never forsaken has never left us. He's never forsaken us. us. us. We have confidence in the faithfulness We have confidence in the faithfulness We have confidence in the faithfulness [music] of Jesus Christ. So we can see [music] of Jesus Christ. So we can see [music] of Jesus Christ. So we can see this this this [music] see away. [music] away. [music] There was no way.

There was no way. There was no way. [music] [music] [music] I see you doing it again. [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] [cheering] [music] [music] >> and every eye closed in this room. This >> and every eye closed in this room. This >> and every eye closed in this room. This is a holy, is a holy, is a holy, precious moment in the presence of precious moment in the presence of precious moment in the presence of Jesus.

And maybe just right now, maybe just And maybe just right now, maybe just think back to a moment that you said a think back to a moment that you said a think back to a moment that you said a prayer to him and he showed up and he showed up and he said yes and he made his presence and he said yes and he made his presence and he said yes and he made his presence [music] known to you because we remember [music] known to you because we remember [music] known to you because we remember those times. We we look back and we those times. We we look back and we those times. We we look back and we remember the times that he showed up in remember the times that he showed up in remember the times that he showed up in our lives before to build our faith for our lives before to build our faith for our lives before to build our faith for what's next what's next what's next in the dry seasons, in the valley in the dry seasons, in the valley in the dry seasons, in the valley seasons [music] to trust that if he did seasons [music] to trust that if he did seasons [music] to trust that if he did it once, he can do it again. If [music] it once, he can do it again. If [music] it once, he can do it again. If [music] he showed up in our lives once, he can he showed up in our lives once, he can he showed up in our lives once, he can show up again. We can believe that. show up again. We can believe that. show up again. We can believe that. Those aren't empty words. That is a Those aren't empty words. That is a Those aren't empty words. That is a promise and that is truth. We receive it now, Jesus. Can we sing We receive it now, Jesus. Can we sing that again? that again? that again? Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] sing. You move, sing. You move, sing. You move, you move the mountain. [music] you move the mountain. [music] you move the mountain. [music] And I believe And I believe And I believe I'll see you [music] do it again. You I'll see you [music] do it again. You I'll see you [music] do it again. You made a way made a way made a way where there was no [singing] way. And I where there was no [singing] way. And I where there was no [singing] way. And I believe believe believe I'll see you [singing] do it again. I've I'll see you [singing] do it again. I've I'll see you [singing] do it again. I've seen you move. [music] Yes, we [singing] seen you move. [music] Yes, we [singing] seen you move. [music] Yes, we [singing] are. You move the mountain.

are. You move the mountain. are. You move the mountain. And I [music] believe And I [music] believe And I [music] believe I see it [singing] do it again I see it [singing] do it again I see it [singing] do it again [music] way [music] way [music] way where there was no way. And I [music] where there was no way. And I [music] where there was no way. And I [music] believe come on church. I'll see believe come on church. I'll see believe come on church. I'll see [singing] you do it again. [singing] you do it again. [singing] you do it again. [music] Welcome to Saddleback Church. Man, I'm Welcome to Saddleback Church. Man, I'm so excited that you're joining us and so excited that you're joining us and so excited that you're joining us and with us [music] for church today. You with us [music] for church today. You with us [music] for church today. You can follow along with our service today can follow along with our service today can follow along with our service today by accessing our digital program by by accessing our digital program by by accessing our digital program by hitting the link in the description down hitting the link in the description down hitting the link in the description down below or by downloading our Saddleback below or by downloading our Saddleback below or by downloading our Saddleback [music] app and finding it there as [music] app and finding it there as [music] app and finding it there as well. Now, if you're new or if this is well. Now, if you're new or if this is well. Now, if you're new or if this is your first time, we would love to your first time, we would love to your first time, we would love to personally welcome [music] you. So, you personally welcome [music] you. So, you personally welcome [music] you. So, you can go to the Saddleback app, select can go to the Saddleback app, select can go to the Saddleback app, select online community as your campus, and online community as your campus, and online community as your campus, and then hit the new here button so that we then hit the new here button so that we then hit the new here button so that we can personally reach out, welcome can personally reach out, welcome can personally reach out, welcome [music] you to our church, and help you [music] you to our church, and help you [music] you to our church, and help you get more plugged in. Now, men, I don't get more plugged in. Now, men, I don't get more plugged in. Now, men, I don't know if you've heard, but we are having know if you've heard, but we are having know if you've heard, but we are having our men's gathering this weekend, and I our men's gathering this weekend, and I our men's gathering this weekend, and I would love for you to be a part of it. would love for you to be a part of it. would love for you to be a part of it. If you happen to be in the Lake Forest If you happen to be in the Lake Forest If you happen to be in the Lake Forest area, you can join us in person by area, you can join us in person by area, you can join us in person by registering on the Saddleback app. But registering on the Saddleback app. But registering on the Saddleback app. But if you can't join us in person, you can if you can't join us in person, you can if you can't join us in person, you can also stream the event by going to also stream the event by going to also stream the event by going to saddleback.com/online. [music] It's going to be a great time. I'm going It's going to be a great time. I'm going to be there and I certainly hope that to be there and I certainly hope that to be there and I certainly hope that you join us as well. Well, we got a lot you join us as well. Well, we got a lot you join us as well. Well, we got a lot of great [music] things coming up here of great [music] things coming up here of great [music] things coming up here at Saddleback. One of which is our fall at Saddleback. One of which is our fall at Saddleback. One of which is our fall small group semester. and we wanted to small group semester. and we wanted to small group semester. and we wanted to share with you a story of someone who share with you a story of someone who share with you a story of someone who took a step of faith [music] to lead a took a step of faith [music] to lead a took a step of faith [music] to lead a small group. Let's check this out small group. Let's check this out small group. Let's check this out together.

together. together. Our season was so busy that I would hear Our season was so busy that I would hear Our season was so busy that I would hear about small groups, but it always kind about small groups, but it always kind about small groups, but it always kind of felt like how am I going to like drag of felt like how am I going to like drag of felt like how am I going to like drag three kids out and do all of that. Um, three kids out and do all of that. Um, three kids out and do all of that. Um, but the past couple of years, I but the past couple of years, I but the past couple of years, I definitely started to fill that call. definitely started to fill that call. definitely started to fill that call. [music] [music] [music] I wanted to not just feel like an I wanted to not just feel like an I wanted to not just feel like an audience member, uh, but feel even more audience member, uh, but feel even more audience member, uh, but feel even more connected. And one of the few times I connected. And one of the few times I connected. And one of the few times I take for myself every single week is take for myself every single week is take for myself every single week is early Saturday morning before the kids early Saturday morning before the kids early Saturday morning before the kids activities and the weekend starts and I activities and the weekend starts and I activities and the weekend starts and I would go walk or run or work out, get would go walk or run or work out, get would go walk or run or work out, get out in nature and get back before they out in nature and get back before they out in nature and get back before they get up. So it kind of starts the day. get up. So it kind of starts the day. get up. So it kind of starts the day. [music] And as I looked at small groups, [music] And as I looked at small groups, [music] And as I looked at small groups, there was nothing that fit a schedule there was nothing that fit a schedule there was nothing that fit a schedule where I was like I knew I could commit where I was like I knew I could commit where I was like I knew I could commit to it on a regular basis just because to it on a regular basis just because to it on a regular basis just because [music] of my schedule except for that [music] of my schedule except for that [music] of my schedule except for that time. And then I was on a work call and time. And then I was on a work call and time. And then I was on a work call and one of my employees who lives [music] on one of my employees who lives [music] on one of my employees who lives [music] on the East Coast was about 5 minutes late the East Coast was about 5 minutes late the East Coast was about 5 minutes late to the work call and she joined kind of to the work call and she joined kind of to the work call and she joined kind of frantic and was like, "I'm so sorry I frantic and was like, "I'm so sorry I frantic and was like, "I'm so sorry I lost track of time. [music] Um, I lead a lost track of time. [music] Um, I lead a lost track of time. [music] Um, I lead a women's small group every Saturday women's small group every Saturday women's small group every Saturday morning. We're getting ready to kick morning. We're getting ready to kick morning. We're getting ready to kick off." And so we were having kind of like off." And so we were having kind of like off." And so we were having kind of like this pow-wow before we kick off. And I this pow-wow before we kick off. And I this pow-wow before we kick off. And I literally said to her, I was just like, literally said to her, I was just like, literally said to her, I was just like, "Miss Pam, like you don't even know "Miss Pam, like you don't even know "Miss Pam, like you don't even know this, but like [music] God just used you this, but like [music] God just used you this, but like [music] God just used you to call out my like delayed obedience to call out my like delayed obedience to call out my like delayed obedience for him." And so I signed [music] up for him." And so I signed [music] up for him." And so I signed [music] up that day. Um, and frankly, I really was that day. Um, and frankly, I really was that day. Um, and frankly, I really was like, "Nobody's gonna sign up to walk at like, "Nobody's gonna sign up to walk at like, "Nobody's gonna sign up to walk at like [music] 7:30 on a Saturday like [music] 7:30 on a Saturday like [music] 7:30 on a Saturday morning." And I was like, "So, I'll sign morning." And I was like, "So, I'll sign morning." And I was like, "So, I'll sign up." And within like three days, I had up." And within like three days, I had up." And within like three days, I had eight people sign up. And then [music] I eight people sign up. And then [music] I eight people sign up. And then [music] I had like 10 more people sign up. And had like 10 more people sign up. And had like 10 more people sign up. And they had assigned me like a mentor. And they had assigned me like a mentor. And they had assigned me like a mentor. And they assured me that uh, you know, who they assured me that uh, you know, who they assured me that uh, you know, who who would show up was meant to show up

who would show up was meant to show up who would show up was meant to show up and asked me to be intentional about and asked me to be intentional about and asked me to be intentional about what I wanted uh what God was telling me what I wanted uh what God was telling me what I wanted uh what God was telling me that I needed from that group. And I that I needed from that group. And I that I needed from that group. And I wanted it to be where people could show wanted it to be where people could show wanted it to be where people could show up without fear of obligation or another up without fear of obligation or another up without fear of obligation or another to-do list on their weekly schedule. to-do list on their weekly schedule. to-do list on their weekly schedule. [music] [music] [music] That very first session, I said, "Hey, That very first session, I said, "Hey, That very first session, I said, "Hey, why don't we send like a selfie so that why don't we send like a selfie so that why don't we send like a selfie so that people [music] who couldn't make it, one people [music] who couldn't make it, one people [music] who couldn't make it, one will recognize who we are the next time will recognize who we are the next time will recognize who we are the next time they show up, and maybe it'll give a they show up, and maybe it'll give a they show up, and maybe it'll give a little comfort to somebody who hasn't little comfort to somebody who hasn't little comfort to somebody who hasn't stepped into it." before we [music] stepped into it." before we [music] stepped into it." before we [music] start walking, we spend five minutes start walking, we spend five minutes start walking, we spend five minutes either reflecting on the prior week's either reflecting on the prior week's either reflecting on the prior week's church service [music] or maybe God put church service [music] or maybe God put church service [music] or maybe God put like a quick thought on my heart that I like a quick thought on my heart that I like a quick thought on my heart that I read in one of my devotionals and then read in one of my devotionals and then read in one of my devotionals and then we walk and then it what's great about we walk and then it what's great about we walk and then it what's great about the walking is that [music] the walking is that [music] the walking is that [music] you mix and you walk side by side with you mix and you walk side by side with you mix and you walk side by side with different people each week. And so it's different people each week. And so it's different people each week. And so it's allowed [music] an opportunity for us to allowed [music] an opportunity for us to allowed [music] an opportunity for us to gather as a group but also build those gather as a group but also build those gather as a group but also build those one-on-one connections that somebody one-on-one connections that somebody one-on-one connections that somebody probably wouldn't have said [music] in probably wouldn't have said [music] in probably wouldn't have said [music] in the large group format. where we've the large group format. where we've the large group format. where we've celebrated baptisms, celebrated baptisms, celebrated baptisms, uh, renewal of faith, engagements, uh, renewal of faith, engagements, uh, renewal of faith, engagements, [music] [music] [music] celebrating weddings together. We've celebrating weddings together. We've celebrating weddings together. We've carried each other through difficult carried each other through difficult carried each other through difficult times, job loss, job change, family times, job loss, job change, family times, job loss, job change, family relationship conflicts, and encouraging relationship conflicts, and encouraging relationship conflicts, and encouraging each other in those. It's been such a each other in those. It's been such a each other in those. It's been such a blessing, too, to have these connections blessing, too, to have these connections blessing, too, to have these connections [music] come together that I couldn't [music] come together that I couldn't [music] come together that I couldn't have put together, no social media have put together, no social media have put together, no social media algorithm could have put together. It algorithm could have put together. It algorithm could have put together. It came from the church and and [music] came from the church and and [music] came from the church and and [music] stepping into actual human connection stepping into actual human connection stepping into actual human connection centered on God.

Hey Sodak, I love Chelsea's story Hey Sodak, I love Chelsea's story because it shows what can happen when because it shows what can happen when because it shows what can happen when someone simply says yes to leading. someone simply says yes to leading. someone simply says yes to leading. [music] And that story lands personally [music] And that story lands personally [music] And that story lands personally for me because my parents have been in for me because my parents have been in for me because my parents have been in the same small group since I [music] was the same small group since I [music] was the same small group since I [music] was a child. I grew up watching what happens a child. I grew up watching what happens a child. I grew up watching what happens when a handful of people keep showing when a handful of people keep showing when a handful of people keep showing [music] up for each other. And the kids [music] up for each other. And the kids [music] up for each other. And the kids from that group, they're some of my from that group, they're some of my from that group, they're some of my closest friends to this day. And today, closest friends to this day. And today, closest friends to this day. And today, my husband and I are in a married my husband and I are in a married my husband and I are in a married couple's group that meets every couple's group that meets every couple's group that meets every Thursday. [music] Thursday. [music] Thursday. [music] And this group has been incredible for And this group has been incredible for And this group has been incredible for us, especially as we've walked through us, especially as we've walked through us, especially as we've walked through seasons of transition and hardship. And seasons of transition and hardship. And seasons of transition and hardship. And if you've never been in a small [music] if you've never been in a small [music] if you've never been in a small [music] group, it's actually really simple. It's group, it's actually really simple. It's group, it's actually really simple. It's a handful of people who meet regularly a handful of people who meet regularly a handful of people who meet regularly to talk about real life and about faith. to talk about real life and about faith. to talk about real life and about faith. And fall small groups begin across And fall small groups begin across And fall small groups begin across Saddleach on September 12th. So check Saddleach on September 12th. So check Saddleach on September 12th. So check the small groups box on your [music] the small groups box on your [music] the small groups box on your [music] next steps card and we'll help you find next steps card and we'll help you find next steps card and we'll help you find one. Or explore the group finder in the one. Or explore the group finder in the one. Or explore the group finder in the Saddleach app. And if Chelsea's story Saddleach app. And if Chelsea's story Saddleach app. And if Chelsea's story stirred [music] something in you about stirred [music] something in you about stirred [music] something in you about leading, know that you don't have to be leading, know that you don't have to be leading, know that you don't have to be a Bible expert or have everything a Bible expert or have everything a Bible expert or have everything figured out. You can start a group figured out. You can start a group figured out. You can start a group around something you already enjoy. and around something you already enjoy. and around something you already enjoy. and we'll train, resource, and support you we'll train, resource, and support you we'll train, resource, and support you along the way. September 12th is going along the way. September 12th is going along the way. September 12th is going to be here really quick, so check that to be here really quick, so check that to be here really quick, so check that small groups box on your next steps small groups box on your next steps small groups box on your next steps [music] card or visit the app and learn [music] card or visit the app and learn [music] card or visit the app and learn all about our next leader trainings. And all about our next leader trainings. And all about our next leader trainings. And finally, we want to say a huge thank you finally, we want to say a huge thank you finally, we want to say a huge thank you to our church family for being a part of to our church family for being a part of to our church family for being a part of the school supply drive this summer.

the school supply drive this summer. the school supply drive this summer. Preparing for a new school year can add Preparing for a new school year can add Preparing for a new school year can add stress for families already walking stress for families already walking stress for families already walking through difficult circumstances. And through difficult circumstances. And through difficult circumstances. And because of your generosity, we filled because of your generosity, we filled because of your generosity, we filled 250 backpacks to help local students 250 backpacks to help local students 250 backpacks to help local students begin the year feeling prepared and begin the year feeling prepared and begin the year feeling prepared and [music] cared for. Our volunteers [music] cared for. Our volunteers [music] cared for. Our volunteers gathered at our love local tent to fill gathered at our love local tent to fill gathered at our love local tent to fill each backpack with age appropriate each backpack with age appropriate each backpack with age appropriate supplies for elementary, junior high, supplies for elementary, junior high, supplies for elementary, junior high, and high school students. [music] They and high school students. [music] They and high school students. [music] They were given to foster children, military were given to foster children, military were given to foster children, military families at Camp Pendleton, families families at Camp Pendleton, families families at Camp Pendleton, families connected to chalk, students at seven connected to chalk, students at seven connected to chalk, students at seven local schools, [music] and families local schools, [music] and families local schools, [music] and families served through our peace center through served through our peace center through served through our peace center through Love Local. We also regularly give Love Local. We also regularly give Love Local. We also regularly give Saddleback [music] Kids HYO Bibles to Saddleback [music] Kids HYO Bibles to Saddleback [music] Kids HYO Bibles to the children we serve. And this summer, the children we serve. And this summer, the children we serve. And this summer, foster children who received backpacks foster children who received backpacks foster children who received backpacks were also given a Bible. One dream team were also given a Bible. One dream team were also given a Bible. One dream team member shared with us that a foster member shared with us that a foster member shared with us that a foster daughter sleeps with hers [music] every daughter sleeps with hers [music] every daughter sleeps with hers [music] every night and now she wants to give a copy night and now she wants to give a copy night and now she wants to give a copy to all her friends. The summer school to all her friends. The summer school to all her friends. The summer school supply drive is [music] just one way our supply drive is [music] just one way our supply drive is [music] just one way our love local initiative serves our love local initiative serves our love local initiative serves our community. Every week [music] our love community. Every week [music] our love community. Every week [music] our love local tent is open Monday through local tent is open Monday through local tent is open Monday through Saturday and we're so grateful for the Saturday and we're so grateful for the Saturday and we're so grateful for the dream teamers who care for people there dream teamers who care for people there dream teamers who care for people there all year long. Thank you for giving and all year long. Thank you for giving and all year long. Thank you for giving and serving so faithfully church. [music] serving so faithfully church. [music] serving so faithfully church. [music] today. If you'd like to give your tithe today. If you'd like to give your tithe today. If you'd like to give your tithe or your offering to Saddleach, you can or your offering to Saddleach, you can or your offering to Saddleach, you can do so through the app or a giving do so through the app or a giving do so through the app or a giving envelope near you. And now, let's get envelope near you. And now, let's get envelope near you. And now, let's get ready to hear from Pastor Andy as he ready to hear from Pastor Andy as he ready to hear from Pastor Andy as he continues our Live Sent message series continues our Live Sent message series continues our Live Sent message series this weekend.

>> Well, it's good to be together, church >> Well, it's good to be together, church family. I want to welcome all of you who family. I want to welcome all of you who family. I want to welcome all of you who are joining us online and all of our are joining us online and all of our are joining us online and all of our campuses. This weekend, we're in the campuses. This weekend, we're in the campuses. This weekend, we're in the second weekend of a series called Live second weekend of a series called Live second weekend of a series called Live Set. Can we say that together? for all Set. Can we say that together? for all Set. Can we say that together? for all of our campuses. Live sent. Now, we of our campuses. Live sent. Now, we of our campuses. Live sent. Now, we kicked off this series last week and the kicked off this series last week and the kicked off this series last week and the big statement that we really camped on big statement that we really camped on big statement that we really camped on that is that really the impetus of these that is that really the impetus of these that is that really the impetus of these five weeks is that you were made for five weeks is that you were made for five weeks is that you were made for more. God made you for more than more. God made you for more than more. God made you for more than anything that this world has to offer. anything that this world has to offer. anything that this world has to offer. He made you to know him. He made you to He made you to know him. He made you to He made you to know him. He made you to experience the joy, purpose, and experience the joy, purpose, and experience the joy, purpose, and fulfillment that comes out of fulfillment that comes out of fulfillment that comes out of relationship with him. And you know so relationship with him. And you know so relationship with him. And you know so much of our lives wars against that much of our lives wars against that much of our lives wars against that message that often we find ourselves in message that often we find ourselves in message that often we find ourselves in the busyiness of life so focused on the busyiness of life so focused on the busyiness of life so focused on what's here and now. So last week we what's here and now. So last week we what's here and now. So last week we lifted our eyes to see the vision that lifted our eyes to see the vision that lifted our eyes to see the vision that Jesus has given to each of us that when Jesus has given to each of us that when Jesus has given to each of us that when we step into this idea that God sends us we step into this idea that God sends us we step into this idea that God sends us into the world with his love and his into the world with his love and his into the world with his love and his good news, it gives us a kind of joy and good news, it gives us a kind of joy and good news, it gives us a kind of joy and purpose about our lives. So last week purpose about our lives. So last week purpose about our lives. So last week was really a rally cry. uh thousands of was really a rally cry. uh thousands of was really a rally cry. uh thousands of you said, "Man, I'm going to pray every you said, "Man, I'm going to pray every you said, "Man, I'm going to pray every day for God to use my life." And it day for God to use my life." And it day for God to use my life." And it really was a moment for us to call really was a moment for us to call really was a moment for us to call ourselves back to what matters most. So, ourselves back to what matters most. So, ourselves back to what matters most. So, this series at the end of it, we're this series at the end of it, we're this series at the end of it, we're going to take a moment as we're casting going to take a moment as we're casting going to take a moment as we're casting vision for living scent. The fifth week vision for living scent. The fifth week vision for living scent. The fifth week to sign a covenant together as a church to sign a covenant together as a church to sign a covenant together as a church family to say each of us will live sent.

family to say each of us will live sent. family to say each of us will live sent. We're praying that at all of our We're praying that at all of our We're praying that at all of our campuses together, there'll be 10,000 campuses together, there'll be 10,000 campuses together, there'll be 10,000 people that say yes to Jesus, that people that say yes to Jesus, that people that say yes to Jesus, that they're going to live on mission with they're going to live on mission with they're going to live on mission with their lives. And each week we're their lives. And each week we're their lives. And each week we're building upon one idea after the other. building upon one idea after the other. building upon one idea after the other. And this week we're going to look at not And this week we're going to look at not And this week we're going to look at not just the vision of why we would live just the vision of why we would live just the vision of why we would live this kind of life, but also what does it this kind of life, but also what does it this kind of life, but also what does it look like on a practical level. So you look like on a practical level. So you look like on a practical level. So you might want to live for more, but how do might want to live for more, but how do might want to live for more, but how do you live for more? That's what we're you live for more? That's what we're you live for more? That's what we're going to talk about today. But I want to going to talk about today. But I want to going to talk about today. But I want to begin with a statement that I think most begin with a statement that I think most begin with a statement that I think most of us would agree with and it's this. We of us would agree with and it's this. We of us would agree with and it's this. We live in a world filled with bad news. live in a world filled with bad news. live in a world filled with bad news. You agree with that? Like there's a lot You agree with that? Like there's a lot You agree with that? Like there's a lot of bad news and I I can know what of bad news and I I can know what of bad news and I I can know what generation you're in by the way based generation you're in by the way based generation you're in by the way based upon how you get your news. Uh maybe upon how you get your news. Uh maybe upon how you get your news. Uh maybe some of you still get your news on TV. some of you still get your news on TV. some of you still get your news on TV. Yeah. Anybody in this service you still Yeah. Anybody in this service you still Yeah. Anybody in this service you still get your news on TV? Five people. The get your news on TV? Five people. The get your news on TV? Five people. The rest of you maybe you get it on your rest of you maybe you get it on your rest of you maybe you get it on your phone on an app. How many of you get it phone on an app. How many of you get it phone on an app. How many of you get it on an app out of curiosity? Okay. How on an app out of curiosity? Okay. How on an app out of curiosity? Okay. How many of you get it from social media? many of you get it from social media? many of you get it from social media? That's where you get your news. Now we That's where you get your news. Now we That's where you get your news. Now we know your generation based upon how you know your generation based upon how you know your generation based upon how you get your news. In fact, there used to be get your news. In fact, there used to be get your news. In fact, there used to be a way that you could get your news with a way that you could get your news with a way that you could get your news with this thing called the news paper. It was this thing called the news paper. It was this thing called the news paper. It was paper and got ink all over your hands.

paper and got ink all over your hands. paper and got ink all over your hands. But the truth is with news so often it But the truth is with news so often it But the truth is with news so often it is so negative. And when I open up my is so negative. And when I open up my is so negative. And when I open up my news app, that's how I get my news. news app, that's how I get my news. news app, that's how I get my news. There there's constantly things that are There there's constantly things that are There there's constantly things that are just bombarding me. Like how many of you just bombarding me. Like how many of you just bombarding me. Like how many of you have seen the El Nino reports that are have seen the El Nino reports that are have seen the El Nino reports that are coming? It's going to be the wetest year coming? It's going to be the wetest year coming? It's going to be the wetest year on record. Southern California is going on record. Southern California is going on record. Southern California is going to float into the ocean. It's going to to float into the ocean. It's going to to float into the ocean. It's going to be so bad. gas prices are so high. And be so bad. gas prices are so high. And be so bad. gas prices are so high. And the list goes on and on and on and on the list goes on and on and on and on the list goes on and on and on and on and on. So what we want if we're if we and on. So what we want if we're if we and on. So what we want if we're if we are followers of Jesus, what we want is are followers of Jesus, what we want is are followers of Jesus, what we want is not just to to to enter into a place not just to to to enter into a place not just to to to enter into a place that there's bad news all around us. We that there's bad news all around us. We that there's bad news all around us. We want to come into a world that is filled want to come into a world that is filled want to come into a world that is filled with bad news with the good news that with bad news with the good news that with bad news with the good news that Jesus offers. In a world filled with bad Jesus offers. In a world filled with bad Jesus offers. In a world filled with bad news, we need we need more good news news, we need we need more good news news, we need we need more good news people. We need more people who live people. We need more people who live people. We need more people who live lives that when they enter into their lives that when they enter into their lives that when they enter into their place of work, they come in with good place of work, they come in with good place of work, they come in with good news. We need more students that when news. We need more students that when news. We need more students that when they walk down the hallway of their they walk down the hallway of their they walk down the hallway of their school on the first day of school, they school on the first day of school, they school on the first day of school, they bring life with them when they come. And bring life with them when they come. And bring life with them when they come. And not only do we need more good news not only do we need more good news not only do we need more good news people, we also need more good news people, we also need more good news people, we also need more good news churches. We need churches that when you churches. We need churches that when you churches. We need churches that when you walk in, you feel the love. You walk in, you feel the love. You walk in, you feel the love. You encounter the difference that Jesus has encounter the difference that Jesus has encounter the difference that Jesus has made in each person's life who is a part made in each person's life who is a part made in each person's life who is a part of that church family. So the good news of that church family. So the good news of that church family. So the good news as we talk about good news is that when as we talk about good news is that when as we talk about good news is that when Jesus would come and speak about what he Jesus would come and speak about what he Jesus would come and speak about what he was offering to the world, the word that was offering to the world, the word that was offering to the world, the word that was used to describe him more than any was used to describe him more than any was used to describe him more than any other word describing his ministry and other word describing his ministry and other word describing his ministry and his work was this word in Greek called

his work was this word in Greek called his work was this word in Greek called oo and gelon. Can we say that together? oo and gelon. Can we say that together? oo and gelon. Can we say that together? Oo and gelon. Now this original word, Oo and gelon. Now this original word, Oo and gelon. Now this original word, what it means is to proclaim good news. what it means is to proclaim good news. what it means is to proclaim good news. It's the combination of good news being It's the combination of good news being It's the combination of good news being proclaimed with our lips. And so if proclaimed with our lips. And so if proclaimed with our lips. And so if you're a follower of Jesus, God makes a you're a follower of Jesus, God makes a you're a follower of Jesus, God makes a call to your life to be a good news call to your life to be a good news call to your life to be a good news person that brings good news with you person that brings good news with you person that brings good news with you wherever you go. Now, multiple times wherever you go. Now, multiple times wherever you go. Now, multiple times throughout the scriptures, Jesus speaks throughout the scriptures, Jesus speaks throughout the scriptures, Jesus speaks of the good news as well as his of the good news as well as his of the good news as well as his disciples. In fact, 76 times the phrase disciples. In fact, 76 times the phrase disciples. In fact, 76 times the phrase uelion is used to describe the work and uelion is used to describe the work and uelion is used to describe the work and the ministry of Jesus. And I want to the ministry of Jesus. And I want to the ministry of Jesus. And I want to just look at a couple of them before we just look at a couple of them before we just look at a couple of them before we jump in today. Matthew 24:14. jump in today. Matthew 24:14. jump in today. Matthew 24:14. I want to invite you to read this aloud I want to invite you to read this aloud I want to invite you to read this aloud with me at all of our campuses. It says with me at all of our campuses. It says with me at all of our campuses. It says this, "And the good news about the this, "And the good news about the this, "And the good news about the kingdom will be preached throughout the kingdom will be preached throughout the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world so that all nations will whole world so that all nations will whole world so that all nations will hear it and the end will come." Now, in hear it and the end will come." Now, in hear it and the end will come." Now, in your notes, I want you to underline two your notes, I want you to underline two your notes, I want you to underline two phrases, good news and kingdom. So what phrases, good news and kingdom. So what phrases, good news and kingdom. So what Jesus is saying is one day the kingdom Jesus is saying is one day the kingdom Jesus is saying is one day the kingdom of God, the rule and the reign of God of God, the rule and the reign of God of God, the rule and the reign of God will come to every pocket of planet will come to every pocket of planet will come to every pocket of planet earth. And this is good news. Now the earth. And this is good news. Now the earth. And this is good news. Now the good news that God would rule and reign good news that God would rule and reign good news that God would rule and reign means that wherever his kingdom is, means that wherever his kingdom is, means that wherever his kingdom is, there's life, there's joy, there's there's life, there's joy, there's there's life, there's joy, there's peace. So the kingdom of God is not just peace. So the kingdom of God is not just peace. So the kingdom of God is not just in heaven. The kingdom of God is in heaven. The kingdom of God is in heaven. The kingdom of God is wherever God is king. So there's this wherever God is king. So there's this wherever God is king. So there's this ruling and reigning of Jesus here on ruling and reigning of Jesus here on ruling and reigning of Jesus here on planet earth that brings life. That is planet earth that brings life. That is planet earth that brings life. That is good news. Now in Mark 16:15,

good news. Now in Mark 16:15, good news. Now in Mark 16:15, Jesus gives a statement right before he Jesus gives a statement right before he Jesus gives a statement right before he goes back to heaven. And he says to his goes back to heaven. And he says to his goes back to heaven. And he says to his disciples, "Go into all the world and disciples, "Go into all the world and disciples, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel or the good news to proclaim the gospel or the good news to proclaim the gospel or the good news to the whole creation. So go out with this the whole creation. So go out with this the whole creation. So go out with this good news and proclaim the lifegiving good news and proclaim the lifegiving good news and proclaim the lifegiving message that you can receive salvation message that you can receive salvation message that you can receive salvation out of relationship with God. Go into out of relationship with God. Go into out of relationship with God. Go into the world." This is called the great the world." This is called the great the world." This is called the great commission. The great commission uh for commission. The great commission uh for commission. The great commission uh for many followers of Jesus has been a rally many followers of Jesus has been a rally many followers of Jesus has been a rally cry to live our lives on mission. But cry to live our lives on mission. But cry to live our lives on mission. But what has happened over the course of what has happened over the course of what has happened over the course of time? Studies show us right now that time? Studies show us right now that time? Studies show us right now that only 17% of followers of Jesus know the only 17% of followers of Jesus know the only 17% of followers of Jesus know the great commission found here and all the great commission found here and all the great commission found here and all the gospel accounts of Jesus that they often gospel accounts of Jesus that they often gospel accounts of Jesus that they often don't even know what the phrase means don't even know what the phrase means don't even know what the phrase means anymore. So great commission is [snorts] anymore. So great commission is [snorts] anymore. So great commission is [snorts] simply to be sent by Jesus with his good simply to be sent by Jesus with his good simply to be sent by Jesus with his good news to the ends of the earth based upon news to the ends of the earth based upon news to the ends of the earth based upon his resurrection and his authority that his resurrection and his authority that his resurrection and his authority that he gives. And we're going to look at he gives. And we're going to look at he gives. And we're going to look at Matthew 28 next weekend. That passage Matthew 28 next weekend. That passage Matthew 28 next weekend. That passage that is a deeper dive on the great that is a deeper dive on the great that is a deeper dive on the great commission. But in Colossians 1:13, I commission. But in Colossians 1:13, I commission. But in Colossians 1:13, I also want us to notice a statement that also want us to notice a statement that also want us to notice a statement that speaks of the good news. And it says speaks of the good news. And it says speaks of the good news. And it says this, "For he has rescued us from the this, "For he has rescued us from the this, "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into dominion of darkness and brought us into dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the son he loves, in whom the kingdom of the son he loves, in whom the kingdom of the son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of we have redemption, the forgiveness of we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin." Now, I want you to underline, for sin." Now, I want you to underline, for sin." Now, I want you to underline, for he has rescued us. So when the kingdom he has rescued us. So when the kingdom he has rescued us. So when the kingdom of God comes, there's life in his of God comes, there's life in his of God comes, there's life in his kingdom. But his kingdom is also a kingdom. But his kingdom is also a kingdom. But his kingdom is also a kingdom of salvation. So I want you to kingdom of salvation. So I want you to kingdom of salvation. So I want you to understand as we're walking in to

understand as we're walking in to understand as we're walking in to becoming more and more people who bring becoming more and more people who bring becoming more and more people who bring good news, it's the good news of the good news, it's the good news of the good news, it's the good news of the kingdom of God. It's the good news of kingdom of God. It's the good news of kingdom of God. It's the good news of the salvation that God offers to planet the salvation that God offers to planet the salvation that God offers to planet earth that he invites his followers to earth that he invites his followers to earth that he invites his followers to bring wherever we go. Now I understand bring wherever we go. Now I understand bring wherever we go. Now I understand that there are a lot of people who are that there are a lot of people who are that there are a lot of people who are listening to my voice right now who are listening to my voice right now who are listening to my voice right now who are not followers of Jesus. And you're just not followers of Jesus. And you're just not followers of Jesus. And you're just exploring what you believe about him. exploring what you believe about him. exploring what you believe about him. And we want you to know that this is a And we want you to know that this is a And we want you to know that this is a safe space for you to come and to ask safe space for you to come and to ask safe space for you to come and to ask questions and wrestle through your questions and wrestle through your questions and wrestle through your doubts and our prayer that as we walk doubts and our prayer that as we walk doubts and our prayer that as we walk through this series live sent you would through this series live sent you would through this series live sent you would see our heart for you but more see our heart for you but more see our heart for you but more importantly you would see God's heart importantly you would see God's heart importantly you would see God's heart for you that he loves you that that he for you that he loves you that that he for you that he loves you that that he sends people so that you would sends people so that you would sends people so that you would experience his good news and he has you experience his good news and he has you experience his good news and he has you here for a reason. Now for followers of here for a reason. Now for followers of here for a reason. Now for followers of Jesus my hope is to equip you. And today Jesus my hope is to equip you. And today Jesus my hope is to equip you. And today I want you to look at these three I want you to look at these three I want you to look at these three questions cuz I think these are questions cuz I think these are questions cuz I think these are questions that all of us wrestle questions that all of us wrestle questions that all of us wrestle through. Yes, I want to bring good news, through. Yes, I want to bring good news, through. Yes, I want to bring good news, but there are some challenges that I but there are some challenges that I but there are some challenges that I feel. And one is how do we see feel. And one is how do we see feel. And one is how do we see opportunities that are right in front of opportunities that are right in front of opportunities that are right in front of us? So, how do you have eyes to see?

us? So, how do you have eyes to see? us? So, how do you have eyes to see? We're going to talk about that today. We're going to talk about that today. We're going to talk about that today. And how do you not make it weird? You And how do you not make it weird? You And how do you not make it weird? You know anybody that makes it weird? It's know anybody that makes it weird? It's know anybody that makes it weird? It's like no matter what you say, they're like no matter what you say, they're like no matter what you say, they're going to try to get you saved. And going to try to get you saved. And going to try to get you saved. And sometimes I like to play along with sometimes I like to play along with sometimes I like to play along with that. If people don't know that I'm a that. If people don't know that I'm a that. If people don't know that I'm a Christian, I just play along with it and Christian, I just play along with it and Christian, I just play along with it and let them lead me to Jesus. It's great. let them lead me to Jesus. It's great. let them lead me to Jesus. It's great. So, um, maybe you know somebody like So, um, maybe you know somebody like So, um, maybe you know somebody like that. Um, how do you not come across as that. Um, how do you not come across as that. Um, how do you not come across as judgmental? That's another question. So, judgmental? That's another question. So, judgmental? That's another question. So, how do you not be the kind of person how do you not be the kind of person how do you not be the kind of person that's looking down their nose, it's that's looking down their nose, it's that's looking down their nose, it's good news. So, it's not bad news. It's good news. So, it's not bad news. It's good news. So, it's not bad news. It's not meant to be judgmental. It's not not meant to be judgmental. It's not not meant to be judgmental. It's not meant to be weird. So, we're going to meant to be weird. So, we're going to meant to be weird. So, we're going to talk about that today as we look at Acts talk about that today as we look at Acts talk about that today as we look at Acts chapter 3:es 1-10. Now, this passage chapter 3:es 1-10. Now, this passage chapter 3:es 1-10. Now, this passage we're going to look at today, this is we're going to look at today, this is we're going to look at today, this is right after the ascension of Jesus and right after the ascension of Jesus and right after the ascension of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1 the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1 the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1 and2. So, Jesus goes back to heaven. and2. So, Jesus goes back to heaven. and2. So, Jesus goes back to heaven. Right before he leaves, he says, "Wait Right before he leaves, he says, "Wait Right before he leaves, he says, "Wait in Jerusalem. My spirit will come. When in Jerusalem. My spirit will come. When in Jerusalem. My spirit will come. When the spirit comes, you'll receive power. the spirit comes, you'll receive power. the spirit comes, you'll receive power. You'll be my witnesses. Jerusalem, You'll be my witnesses. Jerusalem, You'll be my witnesses. Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth." So, the disciples understood earth." So, the disciples understood earth." So, the disciples understood when the Holy Spirit came that their when the Holy Spirit came that their when the Holy Spirit came that their assignment was to be witnesses to the assignment was to be witnesses to the assignment was to be witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. And this is an resurrection of Jesus. And this is an resurrection of Jesus. And this is an example of how early followers of Jesus example of how early followers of Jesus example of how early followers of Jesus carried out the good news in their carried out the good news in their carried out the good news in their day-to-day activity. And it's a very day-to-day activity. And it's a very day-to-day activity. And it's a very practical example for us. These two men practical example for us. These two men practical example for us. These two men that we're going to look at in this that we're going to look at in this that we're going to look at in this passage had undoubtedly witnessed from passage had undoubtedly witnessed from passage had undoubtedly witnessed from Jesus what they did in this passage, Jesus what they did in this passage, Jesus what they did in this passage, which is helpful for us because what which is helpful for us because what which is helpful for us because what we're trying to do is we're trying to we're trying to do is we're trying to we're trying to do is we're trying to follow their example as they followed follow their example as they followed follow their example as they followed Jesus example. And we're going to see

Jesus example. And we're going to see Jesus example. And we're going to see three character traits. These three three character traits. These three three character traits. These three character traits, one is a heart that is character traits, one is a heart that is character traits, one is a heart that is filled with hope. So there's a filled with hope. So there's a filled with hope. So there's a hopefulness in them that they bring. The hopefulness in them that they bring. The hopefulness in them that they bring. The second one is that they come with second one is that they come with second one is that they come with healing. And then the third one is that healing. And then the third one is that healing. And then the third one is that they have helpfulness. They're willing they have helpfulness. They're willing they have helpfulness. They're willing to help. So we're going to see that in to help. So we're going to see that in to help. So we're going to see that in this passage as we're challenged to lift this passage as we're challenged to lift this passage as we're challenged to lift our eyes to be people of good news. Now, our eyes to be people of good news. Now, our eyes to be people of good news. Now, Acts chapter 3, beginning in verse one, Acts chapter 3, beginning in verse one, Acts chapter 3, beginning in verse one, says this. One day, Peter and John were says this. One day, Peter and John were says this. One day, Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of going up to the temple at the time of going up to the temple at the time of prayer. It was 3:00 in the afternoon. prayer. It was 3:00 in the afternoon. prayer. It was 3:00 in the afternoon. Now, a man who was lame from birth was Now, a man who was lame from birth was Now, a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called being carried to the temple gate called being carried to the temple gate called beautiful where he was put every day to beautiful where he was put every day to beautiful where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple beg from those going into the temple beg from those going into the temple courts. I want you to notice first of courts. I want you to notice first of courts. I want you to notice first of all, Peter and John are just doing their all, Peter and John are just doing their all, Peter and John are just doing their day-to-day activity. They would go into day-to-day activity. They would go into day-to-day activity. They would go into the temple courts and they would pray in the temple courts and they would pray in the temple courts and they would pray in the afternoon. This was a part of their the afternoon. This was a part of their the afternoon. This was a part of their religious activity that they would do. religious activity that they would do. religious activity that they would do. And as they're walking in, here's a man. And as they're walking in, here's a man. And as they're walking in, here's a man. The story will later tell us that he's The story will later tell us that he's The story will later tell us that he's about 40 years old. And we see here that about 40 years old. And we see here that about 40 years old. And we see here that he has not been able to walk since he he has not been able to walk since he he has not been able to walk since he was born. So somebody carries him. He was born. So somebody carries him. He was born. So somebody carries him. He can't even walk himself to the temple can't even walk himself to the temple can't even walk himself to the temple gate. Somebody carries him to this place gate. Somebody carries him to this place gate. Somebody carries him to this place where every day he he cries out all day where every day he he cries out all day where every day he he cries out all day long. And imagine the image that he long. And imagine the image that he long. And imagine the image that he would have of himself with the would have of himself with the would have of himself with the realization that he could not even go realization that he could not even go realization that he could not even go inside the temple. That his whole life inside the temple. That his whole life inside the temple. That his whole life was just begging. He was known as a was just begging. He was known as a was just begging. He was known as a beggar. And as he would wait day after beggar. And as he would wait day after beggar. And as he would wait day after day after day, he would stand at the day after day, he would stand at the day after day, he would stand at the temple gate called beautiful. and he temple gate called beautiful. and he temple gate called beautiful. and he would not be allowed to enter into the would not be allowed to enter into the would not be allowed to enter into the place where people would go to worship.

place where people would go to worship. place where people would go to worship. Now, this gate, many historians believe, Now, this gate, many historians believe, Now, this gate, many historians believe, was very big and it was very prominent. was very big and it was very prominent. was very big and it was very prominent. And I want you to see a picture of what And I want you to see a picture of what And I want you to see a picture of what it might have looked like here. It would it might have looked like here. It would it might have looked like here. It would have been, this is, get this, it would have been, this is, get this, it would have been, this is, get this, it would have been over 75 ft tall. In addition have been over 75 ft tall. In addition have been over 75 ft tall. In addition to that, it would have been 60 feet to that, it would have been 60 feet to that, it would have been 60 feet wide, and it would have taken 20 people wide, and it would have taken 20 people wide, and it would have taken 20 people to open and close the door. It was so to open and close the door. It was so to open and close the door. It was so brilliant that a historian by the name brilliant that a historian by the name brilliant that a historian by the name of Josephus said that it far exceeded of Josephus said that it far exceeded of Josephus said that it far exceeded every other gate in the temple. So it every other gate in the temple. So it every other gate in the temple. So it was the great ceremonial front door for was the great ceremonial front door for was the great ceremonial front door for the Israelites of worship. And this man the Israelites of worship. And this man the Israelites of worship. And this man was on the outside. Now some of you was on the outside. Now some of you was on the outside. Now some of you might feel like you're on the outside might feel like you're on the outside might feel like you're on the outside today. And this story is going to give today. And this story is going to give today. And this story is going to give us some hope that many times we feel us some hope that many times we feel us some hope that many times we feel like we we we're not experiencing the like we we we're not experiencing the like we we we're not experiencing the same thing that others are are same thing that others are are same thing that others are are experiencing. So Peter and John walk up experiencing. So Peter and John walk up experiencing. So Peter and John walk up to this man who's at the temple gate to this man who's at the temple gate to this man who's at the temple gate who's begging day after day. And they who's begging day after day. And they who's begging day after day. And they come up and it says when he saw Peter come up and it says when he saw Peter come up and it says when he saw Peter and John about to enter in, he asked and John about to enter in, he asked and John about to enter in, he asked them for money. And then Peter in this them for money. And then Peter in this them for money. And then Peter in this moment as he's being asked for money, it moment as he's being asked for money, it moment as he's being asked for money, it says that Peter looked straight at him says that Peter looked straight at him says that Peter looked straight at him as did John and then Peter said, "Look as did John and then Peter said, "Look as did John and then Peter said, "Look at us." So the man gave him them them at us." So the man gave him them them at us." So the man gave him them them his attention expecting that he would his attention expecting that he would his attention expecting that he would receive something from them. Now here is receive something from them. Now here is receive something from them. Now here is this man Peter and John. We don't know this man Peter and John. We don't know this man Peter and John. We don't know if he would have known Peter and John.

if he would have known Peter and John. if he would have known Peter and John. We don't know how familiar he would have We don't know how familiar he would have We don't know how familiar he would have been with Jesus. We just know that this been with Jesus. We just know that this been with Jesus. We just know that this man was outside of a gate that man was outside of a gate that man was outside of a gate that represented him being disconnected from represented him being disconnected from represented him being disconnected from God. And there were so many other places God. And there were so many other places God. And there were so many other places within the temple that you weren't within the temple that you weren't within the temple that you weren't allowed to go. There were walls that allowed to go. There were walls that allowed to go. There were walls that separated people. And Peter and John separated people. And Peter and John separated people. And Peter and John come, these followers of Jesus, and they come, these followers of Jesus, and they come, these followers of Jesus, and they look at him, and the Bible says, with an look at him, and the Bible says, with an look at him, and the Bible says, with an intense glare or staring into his soul, intense glare or staring into his soul, intense glare or staring into his soul, that's what the original word would that's what the original word would that's what the original word would mean, that Peter looked at him intently. mean, that Peter looked at him intently. mean, that Peter looked at him intently. And you, you got to think about this for And you, you got to think about this for And you, you got to think about this for just a moment. How many people must have just a moment. How many people must have just a moment. How many people must have walked in and out of the place of walked in and out of the place of walked in and out of the place of worship, never saying anything to this worship, never saying anything to this worship, never saying anything to this man that was waiting there? And thi this man that was waiting there? And thi this man that was waiting there? And thi this so often happens that we're just so busy so often happens that we're just so busy so often happens that we're just so busy with our lives that we don't notice what with our lives that we don't notice what with our lives that we don't notice what is right in front of us. But a person is right in front of us. But a person is right in front of us. But a person who brings good news when they come with who brings good news when they come with who brings good news when they come with hope in their hearts, what happens is hope in their hearts, what happens is hope in their hearts, what happens is they start to see everyday opportunities they start to see everyday opportunities they start to see everyday opportunities right in front of them. So their eyes right in front of them. So their eyes right in front of them. So their eyes are opened to the fact that right in are opened to the fact that right in are opened to the fact that right in front of them is an opportunity to make front of them is an opportunity to make front of them is an opportunity to make a difference for them to be used by God a difference for them to be used by God a difference for them to be used by God to live sent. Now, a lot of people in to live sent. Now, a lot of people in to live sent. Now, a lot of people in our church's history have gone overseas our church's history have gone overseas our church's history have gone overseas on mission trips. Maybe some of you on mission trips. Maybe some of you on mission trips. Maybe some of you served this last summer in our Love served this last summer in our Love served this last summer in our Love Local Serve Day. I think there were Local Serve Day. I think there were Local Serve Day. I think there were about 4,000 people that served. And what about 4,000 people that served. And what about 4,000 people that served. And what you'll notice is on a mission trip, if you'll notice is on a mission trip, if you'll notice is on a mission trip, if you've ever been, a lot of times people you've ever been, a lot of times people you've ever been, a lot of times people will get together, they'll huddle, will get together, they'll huddle, will get together, they'll huddle, they'll pray in the morning, there might they'll pray in the morning, there might they'll pray in the morning, there might be a devotional, and then they'll go out

be a devotional, and then they'll go out be a devotional, and then they'll go out during the day. So Stacy, the last during the day. So Stacy, the last during the day. So Stacy, the last almost two weeks has been in Rwanda. I almost two weeks has been in Rwanda. I almost two weeks has been in Rwanda. I shared this last week uh on a mission shared this last week uh on a mission shared this last week uh on a mission trip with a lot of people from our trip with a lot of people from our trip with a lot of people from our church. I want you to see a picture of church. I want you to see a picture of church. I want you to see a picture of her here on the trip in Rwanda. I showed her here on the trip in Rwanda. I showed her here on the trip in Rwanda. I showed that just so I could see her cuz I kind that just so I could see her cuz I kind that just so I could see her cuz I kind of almost have forgotten what she looks of almost have forgotten what she looks of almost have forgotten what she looks like being gone for so long. And she's like being gone for so long. And she's like being gone for so long. And she's there with a with a lot of people from there with a with a lot of people from there with a with a lot of people from our church. And I'm hearing stories of our church. And I'm hearing stories of our church. And I'm hearing stories of what God is doing on their trip. Have what God is doing on their trip. Have what God is doing on their trip. Have you been on a mission trip before? You you been on a mission trip before? You you been on a mission trip before? You might have said at the end of the might have said at the end of the might have said at the end of the mission trip, "Man, I got to see God do mission trip, "Man, I got to see God do mission trip, "Man, I got to see God do so much in one week or two weeks or so much in one week or two weeks or so much in one week or two weeks or maybe one day on your love local serve maybe one day on your love local serve maybe one day on your love local serve day." But you know, the reason why you day." But you know, the reason why you day." But you know, the reason why you saw God do so much was not because God's saw God do so much was not because God's saw God do so much was not because God's not doing so much where you live. It's not doing so much where you live. It's not doing so much where you live. It's because your perspective was different. because your perspective was different. because your perspective was different. And I want you to write this down. And I want you to write this down. And I want you to write this down. Opportunity for impact is more about Opportunity for impact is more about Opportunity for impact is more about perspective than it is placement. perspective than it is placement. perspective than it is placement. This is so important because for Peter This is so important because for Peter This is so important because for Peter and John, this is ordinary day-to-day and John, this is ordinary day-to-day and John, this is ordinary day-to-day activity. Now, you could go to Israel on activity. Now, you could go to Israel on activity. Now, you could go to Israel on some tour. For us, it would not be some tour. For us, it would not be some tour. For us, it would not be ordinary day-to-day activity, but this ordinary day-to-day activity, but this ordinary day-to-day activity, but this was them going to church them. This was was them going to church them. This was was them going to church them. This was them doing their life. And here is this them doing their life. And here is this them doing their life. And here is this incredible moment for God to use them.

incredible moment for God to use them. incredible moment for God to use them. And all of us have these moments right And all of us have these moments right And all of us have these moments right in front of us. But it's a matter of in front of us. But it's a matter of in front of us. But it's a matter of shifting our perspective to ask God to shifting our perspective to ask God to shifting our perspective to ask God to give us eyes to see as we go about our give us eyes to see as we go about our give us eyes to see as we go about our daily activity where he's at work around daily activity where he's at work around daily activity where he's at work around us. So it's important for us to us. So it's important for us to us. So it's important for us to understand our mission field. Your understand our mission field. Your understand our mission field. Your mission field if you're a follower of mission field if you're a follower of mission field if you're a follower of Jesus is where you live. It's where you Jesus is where you live. It's where you Jesus is where you live. It's where you work and it's where you play. It's where work and it's where you play. It's where work and it's where you play. It's where you live. It's where you work. Maybe you live. It's where you work. Maybe you live. It's where you work. Maybe you're a student. It's where you go to you're a student. It's where you go to you're a student. It's where you go to school and it's where you do your school and it's where you do your school and it's where you do your hobbies. Now, I understand there are a hobbies. Now, I understand there are a hobbies. Now, I understand there are a lot of retired people in our church. lot of retired people in our church. lot of retired people in our church. It's where you spend time with others. It's where you spend time with others. It's where you spend time with others. It's it's your activity throughout the It's it's your activity throughout the It's it's your activity throughout the course of your life. That God wants to course of your life. That God wants to course of your life. That God wants to open our eyes to see that everywhere we open our eyes to see that everywhere we open our eyes to see that everywhere we go is a mission field that if we're his go is a mission field that if we're his go is a mission field that if we're his followers, we're sent into that field. followers, we're sent into that field. followers, we're sent into that field. Now, there is a massive challenge that Now, there is a massive challenge that Now, there is a massive challenge that we all face. And I think we could agree we all face. And I think we could agree we all face. And I think we could agree upon this. It's the challenge of upon this. It's the challenge of upon this. It's the challenge of busyiness. that our busyiness in life busyiness. that our busyiness in life busyiness. that our busyiness in life has us where our eyes are down and we has us where our eyes are down and we has us where our eyes are down and we don't notice what God is doing around don't notice what God is doing around don't notice what God is doing around us. I was on an airplane recently. I us. I was on an airplane recently. I us. I was on an airplane recently. I went to the bathroom, which I do often went to the bathroom, which I do often went to the bathroom, which I do often on airplanes. I'm the guy that goes like on airplanes. I'm the guy that goes like on airplanes. I'm the guy that goes like eight times. And so, um, I always sit on eight times. And so, um, I always sit on eight times. And so, um, I always sit on the aisle, but I I'd gone to the the aisle, but I I'd gone to the the aisle, but I I'd gone to the bathroom and when I was walking back, I bathroom and when I was walking back, I bathroom and when I was walking back, I noticed everybody except for the people noticed everybody except for the people noticed everybody except for the people that were sleeping were looking at their that were sleeping were looking at their that were sleeping were looking at their phones. So, their heads were down.

phones. So, their heads were down. phones. So, their heads were down. They're staring at a screen and they're They're staring at a screen and they're They're staring at a screen and they're just they're not looking at anybody just they're not looking at anybody just they're not looking at anybody around them. I got on a plane a few around them. I got on a plane a few around them. I got on a plane a few weeks ago and I sat down next to this weeks ago and I sat down next to this weeks ago and I sat down next to this woman. She had a face mask on. She had a woman. She had a face mask on. She had a woman. She had a face mask on. She had a hoodie that she pulled up. She put an hoodie that she pulled up. She put an hoodie that she pulled up. She put an eye mask on, put her headphones in, and eye mask on, put her headphones in, and eye mask on, put her headphones in, and turned and faced the window. I knew she turned and faced the window. I knew she turned and faced the window. I knew she didn't want to talk to me, but didn't want to talk to me, but didn't want to talk to me, but [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] but that busyiness, imagine with me for but that busyiness, imagine with me for but that busyiness, imagine with me for just a moment if there were iPhones in just a moment if there were iPhones in just a moment if there were iPhones in the first century. And imagine if Peter the first century. And imagine if Peter the first century. And imagine if Peter and John had an iPhone or any kind of and John had an iPhone or any kind of and John had an iPhone or any kind of phone and they walk in to the temple and phone and they walk in to the temple and phone and they walk in to the temple and their eyes are down and they miss an their eyes are down and they miss an their eyes are down and they miss an opportunity right in front of them. So opportunity right in front of them. So opportunity right in front of them. So the challenge for us is that our eyes the challenge for us is that our eyes the challenge for us is that our eyes are so often down. We're in such a hurry are so often down. We're in such a hurry are so often down. We're in such a hurry that we miss the most incredible that we miss the most incredible that we miss the most incredible opportunities that God is placing in opportunities that God is placing in opportunities that God is placing in front of us. Friends, you you don't have front of us. Friends, you you don't have front of us. Friends, you you don't have to be extraordinary for God to use your to be extraordinary for God to use your to be extraordinary for God to use your life. You just have to have your eyes life. You just have to have your eyes life. You just have to have your eyes open. You have to look around you and open. You have to look around you and open. You have to look around you and see where God is at work. And sometimes see where God is at work. And sometimes see where God is at work. And sometimes there's doors right in front of you that there's doors right in front of you that there's doors right in front of you that if you're staring at a screen or you're if you're staring at a screen or you're if you're staring at a screen or you're so focused on yourself and your your own so focused on yourself and your your own so focused on yourself and your your own issues that you miss what God is doing issues that you miss what God is doing issues that you miss what God is doing right around you. So I want to ask you a right around you. So I want to ask you a right around you. So I want to ask you a question. Who's sitting at your gate?

question. Who's sitting at your gate? question. Who's sitting at your gate? Who's the person that you keep walking Who's the person that you keep walking Who's the person that you keep walking past that God is saying, "Yes. past that God is saying, "Yes. past that God is saying, "Yes. I I have work for you to do." It might I I have work for you to do." It might I I have work for you to do." It might be a co-orker that she's walking through be a co-orker that she's walking through be a co-orker that she's walking through a divorce and every day you're like, a divorce and every day you're like, a divorce and every day you're like, "Why aren't you getting your work done?" "Why aren't you getting your work done?" "Why aren't you getting your work done?" And maybe God has you there for a And maybe God has you there for a And maybe God has you there for a purpose so that you can be his conduit purpose so that you can be his conduit purpose so that you can be his conduit to bring her good news in the midst of to bring her good news in the midst of to bring her good news in the midst of her brokenness and pain. her brokenness and pain. her brokenness and pain. >> And the vision for us is to be people >> And the vision for us is to be people >> And the vision for us is to be people that live with our eyes lifted. It's not that live with our eyes lifted. It's not that live with our eyes lifted. It's not just use me, God, is open my eyes to just use me, God, is open my eyes to just use me, God, is open my eyes to what you're doing around me so that I what you're doing around me so that I what you're doing around me so that I can see, so that I'm not so head down. can see, so that I'm not so head down. can see, so that I'm not so head down. you you only live one life and the you you only live one life and the you you only live one life and the average is that you live about 4,000 average is that you live about 4,000 average is that you live about 4,000 weeks. And you think about that, this weeks. And you think about that, this weeks. And you think about that, this next week is one one 4,000th if you live next week is one one 4,000th if you live next week is one one 4,000th if you live that long of your entire life. And then that long of your entire life. And then that long of your entire life. And then you have one day, one 7th of that. And you have one day, one 7th of that. And you have one day, one 7th of that. And then you have 124th, but you're only then you have 124th, but you're only then you have 124th, but you're only awake for about 16 of that. So you have awake for about 16 of that. So you have awake for about 16 of that. So you have 1/16th. And if your eyes are on a screen 1/16th. And if your eyes are on a screen 1/16th. And if your eyes are on a screen for 816 of the time that you're awake, for 816 of the time that you're awake, for 816 of the time that you're awake, you might be missing half of the you might be missing half of the you might be missing half of the opportunities that God has placed in opportunities that God has placed in opportunities that God has placed in front of you. So lift your eyes.

front of you. So lift your eyes. front of you. So lift your eyes. Lift your vision and say, "God, give me Lift your vision and say, "God, give me Lift your vision and say, "God, give me eyes to see what you're doing around eyes to see what you're doing around eyes to see what you're doing around me." Now Peter, his eyes are up. He me." Now Peter, his eyes are up. He me." Now Peter, his eyes are up. He looks at the guy and says, "Peter said looks at the guy and says, "Peter said looks at the guy and says, "Peter said to him, silver or gold I do not have, to him, silver or gold I do not have, to him, silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have, I give to you in the but what I do have, I give to you in the but what I do have, I give to you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." Now, name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." Now, name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." Now, notice this. When Peter looks at him, he notice this. When Peter looks at him, he notice this. When Peter looks at him, he says, "Silver or gold, I don't have." says, "Silver or gold, I don't have." says, "Silver or gold, I don't have." He's expecting to get money from Peter He's expecting to get money from Peter He's expecting to get money from Peter and from John. And Peter says, "I don't and from John. And Peter says, "I don't and from John. And Peter says, "I don't have money to give to you." The truth have money to give to you." The truth have money to give to you." The truth is, you cannot give somebody something is, you cannot give somebody something is, you cannot give somebody something that you don't have. So in this passage that you don't have. So in this passage that you don't have. So in this passage of scripture, Peter says, "But what I do of scripture, Peter says, "But what I do of scripture, Peter says, "But what I do have, I give to you in the name of Jesus have, I give to you in the name of Jesus have, I give to you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Now I want us Christ of Nazareth, walk." Now I want us Christ of Nazareth, walk." Now I want us to notice that Peter is speaking words to notice that Peter is speaking words to notice that Peter is speaking words of life. There is healing coming from of life. There is healing coming from of life. There is healing coming from the power of God through his words. And the power of God through his words. And the power of God through his words. And the commission for us is not just to be the commission for us is not just to be the commission for us is not just to be people who have our eyes open, but to be people who have our eyes open, but to be people who have our eyes open, but to be people who speak lifegiving words. That people who speak lifegiving words. That people who speak lifegiving words. That that the proverb says that your tongue that the proverb says that your tongue that the proverb says that your tongue has the power of life and death in it.

has the power of life and death in it. has the power of life and death in it. that you have the the ability with your that you have the the ability with your that you have the the ability with your words to bring life into environments. words to bring life into environments. words to bring life into environments. Now, I think all of us have some Now, I think all of us have some Now, I think all of us have some memories and stories or moments where we memories and stories or moments where we memories and stories or moments where we did not bring life-giving words. And did not bring life-giving words. And did not bring life-giving words. And I'll tell you one of mine. I'm not very I'll tell you one of mine. I'm not very I'll tell you one of mine. I'm not very proud of it, but since my wife's out of proud of it, but since my wife's out of proud of it, but since my wife's out of town, I'll share it. So, um just town, I'll share it. So, um just town, I'll share it. So, um just kidding, but a few years ago, Stacy kidding, but a few years ago, Stacy kidding, but a few years ago, Stacy knows this story. A few years ago, we knows this story. A few years ago, we knows this story. A few years ago, we lived in this neighborhood. This was lived in this neighborhood. This was lived in this neighborhood. This was back when we lived in Northern back when we lived in Northern back when we lived in Northern California. And there there was like no California. And there there was like no California. And there there was like no space to park cars in the neighborhood. space to park cars in the neighborhood. space to park cars in the neighborhood. And the kids were a bit younger at the And the kids were a bit younger at the And the kids were a bit younger at the time. And we weren't the kind of people, time. And we weren't the kind of people, time. And we weren't the kind of people, nor are we now, that you can park two nor are we now, that you can park two nor are we now, that you can park two cars in the garage. Any of you guys, you cars in the garage. Any of you guys, you cars in the garage. Any of you guys, you two car garage type people, just out of two car garage type people, just out of two car garage type people, just out of curiosity. God bless you. You're the curiosity. God bless you. You're the curiosity. God bless you. You're the overachievers. We should learn from you. overachievers. We should learn from you. overachievers. We should learn from you. But our garage was always full. It was a But our garage was always full. It was a But our garage was always full. It was a lucky day if we could fit one car in the lucky day if we could fit one car in the lucky day if we could fit one car in the garage. And most of the time we had to garage. And most of the time we had to garage. And most of the time we had to park both cars on the street. And the park both cars on the street. And the park both cars on the street. And the problem was there weren't enough spots problem was there weren't enough spots problem was there weren't enough spots for all the cars in the neighborhood. for all the cars in the neighborhood. for all the cars in the neighborhood. So, as you would park your car, you So, as you would park your car, you So, as you would park your car, you would do this dance of looking for a would do this dance of looking for a would do this dance of looking for a spot and you're trying to get it where spot and you're trying to get it where spot and you're trying to get it where you're not over the red line. And man, you're not over the red line. And man, you're not over the red line. And man, you would like get right in front of you would like get right in front of you would like get right in front of somebody if they're coming at the same somebody if they're coming at the same somebody if they're coming at the same time. People get very anxious coming time. People get very anxious coming time. People get very anxious coming home. And sometimes I'd walk three or home. And sometimes I'd walk three or home. And sometimes I'd walk three or four blocks just to get home. And so four blocks just to get home. And so four blocks just to get home. And so this one day I come home and there's one this one day I come home and there's one this one day I come home and there's one spot, but this one spot I'm like trying spot, but this one spot I'm like trying spot, but this one spot I'm like trying to get as close as I can to the car in to get as close as I can to the car in to get as close as I can to the car in front of me. But as I'm like two inches front of me. But as I'm like two inches front of me. But as I'm like two inches next to this car, I'm in front of the next to this car, I'm in front of the next to this car, I'm in front of the red line. So there's like six inches in red line. So there's like six inches in red line. So there's like six inches in front of the red line. And I'm like, front of the red line. And I'm like, front of the red line. And I'm like, it's fine. It'll be okay. Nobody's going

it's fine. It'll be okay. Nobody's going it's fine. It'll be okay. Nobody's going to notice. I'm just going to go inside to notice. I'm just going to go inside to notice. I'm just going to go inside and do my thing. Well, we were going out and do my thing. Well, we were going out and do my thing. Well, we were going out of town that week. And so we left the of town that week. And so we left the of town that week. And so we left the next day. We didn't take that car with next day. We didn't take that car with next day. We didn't take that car with us. So we left. And when we came back, I us. So we left. And when we came back, I us. So we left. And when we came back, I thought somebody had stolen the car. But thought somebody had stolen the car. But thought somebody had stolen the car. But what I didn't realize, it took me a what I didn't realize, it took me a what I didn't realize, it took me a moment to realize this is that actually moment to realize this is that actually moment to realize this is that actually no, it had been towed. Now, there was a no, it had been towed. Now, there was a no, it had been towed. Now, there was a towing company in the neighborhood and towing company in the neighborhood and towing company in the neighborhood and they would come after hours and they they would come after hours and they they would come after hours and they would just roam the neighborhood. They would just roam the neighborhood. They would just roam the neighborhood. They were sharks, man. They would just like were sharks, man. They would just like were sharks, man. They would just like they were looking as soon as the sun they were looking as soon as the sun they were looking as soon as the sun went down. They're like went down. They're like went down. They're like like jaws just looking for a car to eat. like jaws just looking for a car to eat. like jaws just looking for a car to eat. And so I'm like coming home, the car is And so I'm like coming home, the car is And so I'm like coming home, the car is gone and there's this big sign, you gone and there's this big sign, you gone and there's this big sign, you know, go call 1800 towing. We're we're know, go call 1800 towing. We're we're know, go call 1800 towing. We're we're horrible. So I call that number and so horrible. So I call that number and so horrible. So I call that number and so I'm like, you know what? I'm just going I'm like, you know what? I'm just going I'm like, you know what? I'm just going to go down to the office. You know, I to go down to the office. You know, I to go down to the office. You know, I was really really feeling great that was really really feeling great that was really really feeling great that day. So I'm just going to go down there, day. So I'm just going to go down there, day. So I'm just going to go down there, take a couple kids with me. I go into take a couple kids with me. I go into take a couple kids with me. I go into the office and something came over me. I the office and something came over me. I the office and something came over me. I mean, I was like, so I I go up to the mean, I was like, so I I go up to the mean, I was like, so I I go up to the front counter and I I just start asking front counter and I I just start asking front counter and I I just start asking a couple questions and she tells me, a couple questions and she tells me, a couple questions and she tells me, "Well, it's been like 10 days that your "Well, it's been like 10 days that your "Well, it's been like 10 days that your car has been here." And she tells me how car has been here." And she tells me how car has been here." And she tells me how much I'm going to have to pay for the much I'm going to have to pay for the much I'm going to have to pay for the car. It's more than the car is worth.

car. It's more than the car is worth. car. It's more than the car is worth. So, I'm now in this dilemma, but I'm So, I'm now in this dilemma, but I'm So, I'm now in this dilemma, but I'm just like finally I just like, you know just like finally I just like, you know just like finally I just like, you know what? I just got a question for you. what? I just got a question for you. what? I just got a question for you. Like, when you wake up in the morning Like, when you wake up in the morning Like, when you wake up in the morning and you look in the mirror, how do you and you look in the mirror, how do you and you look in the mirror, how do you feel about yourself? feel about yourself? feel about yourself? It just came out. Just came out. It just came out. Just came out. It just came out. Just came out. And And And she looks back and she's like, "What do she looks back and she's like, "What do she looks back and she's like, "What do you mean?" And I was like, "You should you mean?" And I was like, "You should you mean?" And I was like, "You should get a new job. Like, if I were you, I get a new job. Like, if I were you, I get a new job. Like, if I were you, I would feel so bad about myself every would feel so bad about myself every would feel so bad about myself every day. I would just wake up. I could not. day. I would just wake up. I could not. day. I would just wake up. I could not. How do you come to work every day and How do you come to work every day and How do you come to work every day and work at this place?" And I'm going on work at this place?" And I'm going on work at this place?" And I'm going on and on and on. And finally, I'm like, I and on and on. And finally, I'm like, I and on and on. And finally, I'm like, I got two kids with me. And then I look got two kids with me. And then I look got two kids with me. And then I look down and I realize I have a church down and I realize I have a church down and I realize I have a church t-shirt on right in the middle of it. t-shirt on right in the middle of it. t-shirt on right in the middle of it. And there there was no prayer. There was And there there was no prayer. There was And there there was no prayer. There was no Jesus. I mean, it was just like, oh no Jesus. I mean, it was just like, oh no Jesus. I mean, it was just like, oh my gosh. So now in this moment, I've got my gosh. So now in this moment, I've got my gosh. So now in this moment, I've got to backtrack and I'm trying to figure to backtrack and I'm trying to figure to backtrack and I'm trying to figure out how to get out of this and like you, out how to get out of this and like you, out how to get out of this and like you, let me go to the bathroom, flip the let me go to the bathroom, flip the let me go to the bathroom, flip the t-shirt inside out, come back, hope she t-shirt inside out, come back, hope she t-shirt inside out, come back, hope she didn't see it. And those moments, how didn't see it. And those moments, how didn't see it. And those moments, how many of you had a moment like that in many of you had a moment like that in many of you had a moment like that in your life out of curiosity? If you're your life out of curiosity? If you're your life out of curiosity? If you're not raising your hand right now, God not raising your hand right now, God not raising your hand right now, God bless you. You definitely should be bless you. You definitely should be bless you. You definitely should be leading a small group for the rest of leading a small group for the rest of leading a small group for the rest of us. But but I I I come I come back and us. But but I I I come I come back and us. But but I I I come I come back and I'm like, man, I just tell Stacy, I'm I'm like, man, I just tell Stacy, I'm I'm like, man, I just tell Stacy, I'm like, my words, I just it something came like, my words, I just it something came like, my words, I just it something came over me. And we've had those moments, over me. And we've had those moments, over me. And we've had those moments, the power of your tongue to speak life the power of your tongue to speak life the power of your tongue to speak life or to speak death into a situation. So or to speak death into a situation. So or to speak death into a situation. So God gives us a mouth that he wants to God gives us a mouth that he wants to God gives us a mouth that he wants to use to bless others. And sometimes what use to bless others. And sometimes what use to bless others. And sometimes what can happen is if you're a follower of can happen is if you're a follower of can happen is if you're a follower of Jesus, you can start to think to

Jesus, you can start to think to Jesus, you can start to think to yourself, you've got to say everything yourself, you've got to say everything yourself, you've got to say everything there is to say about God. And maybe you there is to say about God. And maybe you there is to say about God. And maybe you know somebody like that. It gets weird. know somebody like that. It gets weird. know somebody like that. It gets weird. It just gets weirder and weirder and It just gets weirder and weirder and It just gets weirder and weirder and weirder the longer that they go. And the weirder the longer that they go. And the weirder the longer that they go. And the truth is all that we have to do is use truth is all that we have to do is use truth is all that we have to do is use our words to bring life and to point our words to bring life and to point our words to bring life and to point people to Jesus, to point people to his people to Jesus, to point people to his people to Jesus, to point people to his goodness. And I I wonder for you who in goodness. And I I wonder for you who in goodness. And I I wonder for you who in your life is the person that needs you your life is the person that needs you your life is the person that needs you to speak into them this week life that to speak into them this week life that to speak into them this week life that you would use your words to bring into you would use your words to bring into you would use your words to bring into them a seed that has the potential to them a seed that has the potential to them a seed that has the potential to later bear fruit. So all we have to do later bear fruit. So all we have to do later bear fruit. So all we have to do is just sew those seeds over and over is just sew those seeds over and over is just sew those seeds over and over and over again. And there are some and over again. And there are some and over again. And there are some people they have a spiritual gift of people they have a spiritual gift of people they have a spiritual gift of evangelism, which means they're the kind evangelism, which means they're the kind evangelism, which means they're the kind of person they usually lead somebody of person they usually lead somebody of person they usually lead somebody across the line of faith. And there are across the line of faith. And there are across the line of faith. And there are a whole lot of other people that they a whole lot of other people that they a whole lot of other people that they might not have that spiritual gift. And might not have that spiritual gift. And might not have that spiritual gift. And you might only get to lead somebody you might only get to lead somebody you might only get to lead somebody personally to Jesus a few times in your personally to Jesus a few times in your personally to Jesus a few times in your life, but you can every day seow seeds life, but you can every day seow seeds life, but you can every day seow seeds wherever you go. And it's a matter of wherever you go. And it's a matter of wherever you go. And it's a matter of saying, "God, lift my vision, but then saying, "God, lift my vision, but then saying, "God, lift my vision, but then give me the ability to speak life give me the ability to speak life give me the ability to speak life wherever I'm going." I'll give you an wherever I'm going." I'll give you an wherever I'm going." I'll give you an example. I have a friend on my street.

example. I have a friend on my street. example. I have a friend on my street. He's not a follower of Jesus. And we He's not a follower of Jesus. And we He's not a follower of Jesus. And we spend time together. I love the guy. We spend time together. I love the guy. We spend time together. I love the guy. We go for hikes. Um we we like to ruck go for hikes. Um we we like to ruck go for hikes. Um we we like to ruck together. It's it's a lot of fun. And together. It's it's a lot of fun. And together. It's it's a lot of fun. And he's not really interested at this point he's not really interested at this point he's not really interested at this point in his life following Jesus. He's not in his life following Jesus. He's not in his life following Jesus. He's not it's not that he's like against it or he it's not that he's like against it or he it's not that he's like against it or he doesn't like church. He's just not doesn't like church. He's just not doesn't like church. He's just not really interested. So when I go for a really interested. So when I go for a really interested. So when I go for a walk with him, every time I go for a walk with him, every time I go for a walk with him, every time I go for a walk with him, I'm not putting pressure walk with him, I'm not putting pressure walk with him, I'm not putting pressure on him that day to say, 'When are you on him that day to say, 'When are you on him that day to say, 'When are you going to make the decision? I'm trying going to make the decision? I'm trying going to make the decision? I'm trying to love him and just be a friend to him. to love him and just be a friend to him. to love him and just be a friend to him. And there are times where maybe he's And there are times where maybe he's And there are times where maybe he's going through something and we talk going through something and we talk going through something and we talk about it. There was a moment at the end about it. There was a moment at the end about it. There was a moment at the end of a walk, we got to pray together. I of a walk, we got to pray together. I of a walk, we got to pray together. I prayed over him who's walking through prayed over him who's walking through prayed over him who's walking through something with his job. And it's not a something with his job. And it's not a something with his job. And it's not a project. He's not a project to me. He's project. He's not a project to me. He's project. He's not a project to me. He's a friend. And just bringing life with my a friend. And just bringing life with my a friend. And just bringing life with my words. Maybe some point he'll hit a words. Maybe some point he'll hit a words. Maybe some point he'll hit a place in his journey where his heart is place in his journey where his heart is place in his journey where his heart is more open and I want to be right there more open and I want to be right there more open and I want to be right there when his heart is open to more because I when his heart is open to more because I when his heart is open to more because I built a friendship with him over the built a friendship with him over the built a friendship with him over the course of time. So we often, this is so course of time. So we often, this is so course of time. So we often, this is so important, Christians are often so important, Christians are often so important, Christians are often so transactional transactional transactional and it's not about transaction, it's and it's not about transaction, it's and it's not about transaction, it's about relationship. You might write that about relationship. You might write that about relationship. You might write that down. It's not about being transactional down. It's not about being transactional down. It's not about being transactional with people with good news. You have to with people with good news. You have to with people with good news. You have to embody the good news with your eyes embody the good news with your eyes embody the good news with your eyes open, but with your words bringing life open, but with your words bringing life open, but with your words bringing life wherever you go. So imagine what could wherever you go. So imagine what could wherever you go. So imagine what could happen if all 20,000 people connected to happen if all 20,000 people connected to happen if all 20,000 people connected to our church this week every day were just our church this week every day were just our church this week every day were just to bring life into our work, into our to bring life into our work, into our to bring life into our work, into our school, into our families, with our

school, into our families, with our school, into our families, with our homes, with friends when we go to the homes, with friends when we go to the homes, with friends when we go to the toe company. Like if we could just over toe company. Like if we could just over toe company. Like if we could just over and over do that, the power, the and over do that, the power, the and over do that, the power, the compound effect. I think the greatest compound effect. I think the greatest compound effect. I think the greatest challenge is prayerlessness. challenge is prayerlessness. challenge is prayerlessness. I think for me personally if I had not I think for me personally if I had not I think for me personally if I had not stopped and processed but I had stopped stopped and processed but I had stopped stopped and processed but I had stopped and prayed before going into the toe and prayed before going into the toe and prayed before going into the toe company it would have been a different company it would have been a different company it would have been a different story and if you just pray before you go story and if you just pray before you go story and if you just pray before you go into your place of work God give me into your place of work God give me into your place of work God give me words to speak of life before you before words to speak of life before you before words to speak of life before you before you walk in the door at home maybe you you walk in the door at home maybe you you walk in the door at home maybe you have a child that's still not a follower have a child that's still not a follower have a child that's still not a follower of Jesus or a sibling or maybe it's it's of Jesus or a sibling or maybe it's it's of Jesus or a sibling or maybe it's it's somebody in your life that you interact somebody in your life that you interact somebody in your life that you interact right before you go into that space with right before you go into that space with right before you go into that space with them just give me words of life let me them just give me words of life let me them just give me words of life let me be a lifegiving person and if I'm a be a lifegiving person and if I'm a be a lifegiving person and if I'm a person of hope where I see and I'm a person of hope where I see and I'm a person of hope where I see and I'm a person with healing and I bring life person with healing and I bring life person with healing and I bring life with my words. God's building something with my words. God's building something with my words. God's building something through your life as you do these things through your life as you do these things through your life as you do these things over and over again. Now, in this story, over and over again. Now, in this story, over and over again. Now, in this story, it's all compressed into one moment. But it's all compressed into one moment. But it's all compressed into one moment. But I want us to notice before we get back I want us to notice before we get back I want us to notice before we get back into the story, this very specific verse into the story, this very specific verse into the story, this very specific verse from Colossians 4:3 because I love this from Colossians 4:3 because I love this from Colossians 4:3 because I love this as an image that Paul gives. pray for us as an image that Paul gives. pray for us as an image that Paul gives. pray for us that God may open a door for our message that God may open a door for our message that God may open a door for our message so that we might proclaim the mystery of so that we might proclaim the mystery of so that we might proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains. So a Christ for which I am in chains. So a Christ for which I am in chains. So a very practical prayer that I pray is God very practical prayer that I pray is God very practical prayer that I pray is God open doors for me today. I want to be open doors for me today. I want to be open doors for me today. I want to be open. I want to see it and I want to open. I want to see it and I want to open. I want to see it and I want to step through it with my words with life step through it with my words with life step through it with my words with life wherever I go. There was this old quote wherever I go. There was this old quote wherever I go. There was this old quote um you might have heard it before.

um you might have heard it before. um you might have heard it before. Preach the gospel at all times and if Preach the gospel at all times and if Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words. That is a stupid necessary use words. That is a stupid necessary use words. That is a stupid quote. It is. I just thought I'd add quote. It is. I just thought I'd add quote. It is. I just thought I'd add that in there because maybe you've felt that in there because maybe you've felt that in there because maybe you've felt like you needed to say that at times. like you needed to say that at times. like you needed to say that at times. You've heard it before. I would say You've heard it before. I would say You've heard it before. I would say preach the gospel at all times with your preach the gospel at all times with your preach the gospel at all times with your life and use words. You got to you got life and use words. You got to you got life and use words. You got to you got to do both of them because if we never to do both of them because if we never to do both of them because if we never speak of Jesus then nobody understands speak of Jesus then nobody understands speak of Jesus then nobody understands the truth. So we've got to live it and the truth. So we've got to live it and the truth. So we've got to live it and speak it with lifegiving words. Now speak it with lifegiving words. Now speak it with lifegiving words. Now finally in this story after Peter looks finally in this story after Peter looks finally in this story after Peter looks at the man and says in the name of Jesus at the man and says in the name of Jesus at the man and says in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth stand up and walk Christ of Nazareth stand up and walk Christ of Nazareth stand up and walk something happens. Peter looks at him something happens. Peter looks at him something happens. Peter looks at him and takes him by the right hand and he and takes him by the right hand and he and takes him by the right hand and he helped him up and instantly this man's helped him up and instantly this man's helped him up and instantly this man's feet and his ankles became strong and he feet and his ankles became strong and he feet and his ankles became strong and he jumped to his feet and he began to walk jumped to his feet and he began to walk jumped to his feet and he began to walk and he then went into the temple courts and he then went into the temple courts and he then went into the temple courts walking, jumping and praising God. Now walking, jumping and praising God. Now walking, jumping and praising God. Now think about this for just a moment. think about this for just a moment. think about this for just a moment. Peter could have spoken to him words of Peter could have spoken to him words of Peter could have spoken to him words of healing and kept moving. But what did healing and kept moving. But what did healing and kept moving. But what did Peter do? He stopped. He was willing not Peter do? He stopped. He was willing not Peter do? He stopped. He was willing not only to speak with his words, but he was only to speak with his words, but he was only to speak with his words, but he was willing to stretch out a hand to reach willing to stretch out a hand to reach willing to stretch out a hand to reach out his hand and help the man. So people out his hand and help the man. So people out his hand and help the man. So people who bring good news, they bring help who bring good news, they bring help who bring good news, they bring help wherever they go. They're not just wherever they go. They're not just wherever they go. They're not just taking. I have a philosophy in life. I I taking. I have a philosophy in life. I I taking. I have a philosophy in life. I I want to contribute more than I take to want to contribute more than I take to want to contribute more than I take to any relationship I'm in. And there are any relationship I'm in. And there are any relationship I'm in. And there are some relationships that it's hard to do

some relationships that it's hard to do some relationships that it's hard to do that. But the truth is that God fills that. But the truth is that God fills that. But the truth is that God fills you with his spirit so that you can be you with his spirit so that you can be you with his spirit so that you can be somebody who brings life with your words somebody who brings life with your words somebody who brings life with your words but also help with your hands. That if but also help with your hands. That if but also help with your hands. That if we're in environments and we're only we're in environments and we're only we're in environments and we're only taking all the time, then then we're taking all the time, then then we're taking all the time, then then we're actually not helping move that person to actually not helping move that person to actually not helping move that person to understand what the message of Jesus is. understand what the message of Jesus is. understand what the message of Jesus is. The message of Jesus at its essence is a The message of Jesus at its essence is a The message of Jesus at its essence is a message of service. It's a message that message of service. It's a message that message of service. It's a message that the son of man came not to be served but the son of man came not to be served but the son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a to serve and to give his life as a to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. So Jesus is the ransom for many. So Jesus is the ransom for many. So Jesus is the greatest example of helping by going to greatest example of helping by going to greatest example of helping by going to a cross to do what only he could do for a cross to do what only he could do for a cross to do what only he could do for our sin so that we can be forgiven. So our sin so that we can be forgiven. So our sin so that we can be forgiven. So his followers don't just speak and say his followers don't just speak and say his followers don't just speak and say be warmed and filled. Hope you feel be warmed and filled. Hope you feel be warmed and filled. Hope you feel better. But we reach out with our hands better. But we reach out with our hands better. But we reach out with our hands to help the people around us. And it's to help the people around us. And it's to help the people around us. And it's not always this weird thing that it has not always this weird thing that it has not always this weird thing that it has to feel judgmental that you're better to feel judgmental that you're better to feel judgmental that you're better than somebody else or I'm better. It can than somebody else or I'm better. It can than somebody else or I'm better. It can just be we're there to help whatever the just be we're there to help whatever the just be we're there to help whatever the need is in a practical way. You have need is in a practical way. You have need is in a practical way. You have friends over. Maybe you go over a friends over. Maybe you go over a friends over. Maybe you go over a friend's house for dinner and they friend's house for dinner and they friend's house for dinner and they invite you in. At the end of dinner, do invite you in. At the end of dinner, do invite you in. At the end of dinner, do something, contribute, help wash the something, contribute, help wash the something, contribute, help wash the dishes, bring something with you. But dishes, bring something with you. But dishes, bring something with you. But all of these are shaping the all of these are shaping the all of these are shaping the relationship. We want to be people who relationship. We want to be people who relationship. We want to be people who help. So Peter, he helps the man. The help. So Peter, he helps the man. The help. So Peter, he helps the man. The man stands up. He starts dancing. Jesus man stands up. He starts dancing. Jesus man stands up. He starts dancing. Jesus Christ heals him. And now from this Christ heals him. And now from this Christ heals him. And now from this point forward, Jesus gets credit for point forward, Jesus gets credit for point forward, Jesus gets credit for what he's done in this man's life. He's what he's done in this man's life. He's what he's done in this man's life. He's dancing. He's praising. But notice where dancing. He's praising. But notice where dancing. He's praising. But notice where is he doing it? Put the verse back up is he doing it? Put the verse back up is he doing it? Put the verse back up for just a moment. He began to walk. And

for just a moment. He began to walk. And for just a moment. He began to walk. And where did he go? Where did he go? He where did he go? Where did he go? He where did he go? Where did he go? He went into the temple courts. So he went went into the temple courts. So he went went into the temple courts. So he went into the place of worship. He was on the into the place of worship. He was on the into the place of worship. He was on the outside and he was helped up and then he outside and he was helped up and then he outside and he was helped up and then he went inside and began to worship God. So went inside and began to worship God. So went inside and began to worship God. So the miracle is is not just that he the miracle is is not just that he the miracle is is not just that he started walking. The miracle is the started walking. The miracle is the started walking. The miracle is the freedom that he had in the presence of freedom that he had in the presence of freedom that he had in the presence of God. Now, and when God sets you free, God. Now, and when God sets you free, God. Now, and when God sets you free, what God wants to do is he wants to what God wants to do is he wants to what God wants to do is he wants to bring about healing, but he wants you to bring about healing, but he wants you to bring about healing, but he wants you to experience the fullness of life. And experience the fullness of life. And experience the fullness of life. And some of you feel like you're on the some of you feel like you're on the some of you feel like you're on the outside and you need a touch from Jesus. outside and you need a touch from Jesus. outside and you need a touch from Jesus. And the grace of God lifts you up so And the grace of God lifts you up so And the grace of God lifts you up so that you can experience and live a new that you can experience and live a new that you can experience and live a new life that you can have freedom and joy. life that you can have freedom and joy. life that you can have freedom and joy. And I love this example because when you And I love this example because when you And I love this example because when you look at Peter, you got to think about look at Peter, you got to think about look at Peter, you got to think about him for just a moment. You got to think him for just a moment. You got to think him for just a moment. You got to think about who this guy is that does the about who this guy is that does the about who this guy is that does the helping. Just actually a little bit ago, helping. Just actually a little bit ago, helping. Just actually a little bit ago, right before the ascension, right as right before the ascension, right as right before the ascension, right as Jesus is being crucified and he is like Jesus is being crucified and he is like Jesus is being crucified and he is like nailed to a cross, Peter cowers in fear nailed to a cross, Peter cowers in fear nailed to a cross, Peter cowers in fear and runs from the cross. And now Jesus and runs from the cross. And now Jesus and runs from the cross. And now Jesus restores him and through the Holy restores him and through the Holy restores him and through the Holy Spirit, he has boldness and confidence.

Spirit, he has boldness and confidence. Spirit, he has boldness and confidence. He's recognized later in the chapter, He's recognized later in the chapter, He's recognized later in the chapter, both of them as men who had been with both of them as men who had been with both of them as men who had been with Jesus. They had been radically Jesus. They had been radically Jesus. They had been radically transformed by Jesus. And that hand of transformed by Jesus. And that hand of transformed by Jesus. And that hand of Peter's understands what it means to be Peter's understands what it means to be Peter's understands what it means to be helped. Peter would have known what it helped. Peter would have known what it helped. Peter would have known what it felt like for somebody to reach down and felt like for somebody to reach down and felt like for somebody to reach down and pull you up because there was a moment pull you up because there was a moment pull you up because there was a moment where Peter was on the water walking where Peter was on the water walking where Peter was on the water walking towards Jesus. He's the only man that we towards Jesus. He's the only man that we towards Jesus. He's the only man that we know according to scripture that has know according to scripture that has know according to scripture that has ever walked on water walking towards ever walked on water walking towards ever walked on water walking towards Jesus. And in the moment he takes his Jesus. And in the moment he takes his Jesus. And in the moment he takes his eyes off of Jesus, he falls into the eyes off of Jesus, he falls into the eyes off of Jesus, he falls into the water. He's crying out, "Help." Jesus water. He's crying out, "Help." Jesus water. He's crying out, "Help." Jesus reaches down and pulls Peter up out of reaches down and pulls Peter up out of reaches down and pulls Peter up out of the water. And the same hand that Jesus the water. And the same hand that Jesus the water. And the same hand that Jesus reached is the hand that Jesus uses to reached is the hand that Jesus uses to reached is the hand that Jesus uses to reach. The same hand that is redeemed is reach. The same hand that is redeemed is reach. The same hand that is redeemed is the hand of God that is used to bring the hand of God that is used to bring the hand of God that is used to bring about redemption into another person's about redemption into another person's about redemption into another person's life. And I wonder if there's anybody life. And I wonder if there's anybody life. And I wonder if there's anybody that God has reached down and pulled you that God has reached down and pulled you that God has reached down and pulled you out of darkness. That if God has out of darkness. That if God has out of darkness. That if God has transferred you from the kingdom of transferred you from the kingdom of transferred you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, what darkness into the kingdom of light, what darkness into the kingdom of light, what God wants to do is the same hand that God wants to do is the same hand that God wants to do is the same hand that stretched out to reach his hand, he stretched out to reach his hand, he stretched out to reach his hand, he wants to use to reach somebody else. So wants to use to reach somebody else. So wants to use to reach somebody else. So God puts you on planet Earth so that God puts you on planet Earth so that God puts you on planet Earth so that your life can make a difference. You your life can make a difference. You your life can make a difference. You were made for more. You and I were not were made for more. You and I were not were made for more. You and I were not just made to take up space. We were made just made to take up space. We were made just made to take up space. We were made for a purpose. And I believe one of the for a purpose. And I believe one of the for a purpose. And I believe one of the greatest challenges that we face, I face greatest challenges that we face, I face greatest challenges that we face, I face is my own selfishness.

is my own selfishness. is my own selfishness. It's the reality that at the core, my It's the reality that at the core, my It's the reality that at the core, my flesh leads me to focus on me. Leads me flesh leads me to focus on me. Leads me flesh leads me to focus on me. Leads me to have my eyes on my needs and what I to have my eyes on my needs and what I to have my eyes on my needs and what I want and what didn't work out for me and want and what didn't work out for me and want and what didn't work out for me and and all of it. The only way to truly and all of it. The only way to truly and all of it. The only way to truly live a life that is sent is to get our live a life that is sent is to get our live a life that is sent is to get our eyes off of ourselves and to have our eyes off of ourselves and to have our eyes off of ourselves and to have our eyes up to realize this life is not eyes up to realize this life is not eyes up to realize this life is not about us. It's not like the core of the about us. It's not like the core of the about us. It's not like the core of the gospel message. Jesus saved you cuz he gospel message. Jesus saved you cuz he gospel message. Jesus saved you cuz he loves you. You you could never be more loves you. You you could never be more loves you. You you could never be more loved than you are right now. His love loved than you are right now. His love loved than you are right now. His love is greater than you and I can possibly is greater than you and I can possibly is greater than you and I can possibly fathom. So you if you're in him, you are fathom. So you if you're in him, you are fathom. So you if you're in him, you are secure. like he he saw you in your secure. like he he saw you in your secure. like he he saw you in your brokenness and demonstrated his love to brokenness and demonstrated his love to brokenness and demonstrated his love to you while you were still a sinner. But you while you were still a sinner. But you while you were still a sinner. But he saves you not ju to just leave you he saves you not ju to just leave you he saves you not ju to just leave you there. He saves you so that you can be there. He saves you so that you can be there. He saves you so that you can be on this mission with him and be a part on this mission with him and be a part on this mission with him and be a part of his plan to bring that same of his plan to bring that same of his plan to bring that same redemption and life and restoration to redemption and life and restoration to redemption and life and restoration to others. So this verse, I just want to I others. So this verse, I just want to I others. So this verse, I just want to I want to read it one more time. I read it want to read it one more time. I read it want to read it one more time. I read it earlier, but the Lord gave me this verse earlier, but the Lord gave me this verse earlier, but the Lord gave me this verse yesterday as I was praying for this yesterday as I was praying for this yesterday as I was praying for this weekend and it just stuck in my heart weekend and it just stuck in my heart weekend and it just stuck in my heart and I didn't know why when it first was and I didn't know why when it first was and I didn't know why when it first was given to me. And then I saw that in the given to me. And then I saw that in the given to me. And then I saw that in the passage, the same hand that Jesus passage, the same hand that Jesus passage, the same hand that Jesus redeemed was the hand that Jesus used to redeemed was the hand that Jesus used to redeemed was the hand that Jesus used to reach. Colossians 1:13-14 reach. Colossians 1:13-14 reach. Colossians 1:13-14 says, "For he, for he, Jesus, has says, "For he, for he, Jesus, has says, "For he, for he, Jesus, has rescued us from the dominion of darkness

rescued us from the dominion of darkness rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us in to the kingdom of the and brought us in to the kingdom of the and brought us in to the kingdom of the son he loves, in whom we have son he loves, in whom we have son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin." So, redemption, the forgiveness of sin." So, redemption, the forgiveness of sin." So, the slate is wiped clean. If you're in the slate is wiped clean. If you're in the slate is wiped clean. If you're in him, if you put your trust in Jesus, him, if you put your trust in Jesus, him, if you put your trust in Jesus, you've been brought from death to life, you've been brought from death to life, you've been brought from death to life, from darkness to light. And if you are from darkness to light. And if you are from darkness to light. And if you are in him, your life is no longer your own. in him, your life is no longer your own. in him, your life is no longer your own. >> And so as 2 Corinthians 5:14 says, it >> And so as 2 Corinthians 5:14 says, it >> And so as 2 Corinthians 5:14 says, it says, can we read this aloud together? 2 says, can we read this aloud together? 2 says, can we read this aloud together? 2 Corinthians 5:14. This verse matters. Corinthians 5:14. This verse matters. Corinthians 5:14. This verse matters. Read it like it does. For Christ's love Read it like it does. For Christ's love Read it like it does. For Christ's love compels us because we are convinced that compels us because we are convinced that compels us because we are convinced that one died for all. And therefore all one died for all. And therefore all one died for all. And therefore all died. and he died for all that those who died. and he died for all that those who died. and he died for all that those who live should no longer live for live should no longer live for live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them themselves but for him who died for them themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. God God raised you and was raised again. God God raised you and was raised again. God God raised you from the darkness. Brought you into his from the darkness. Brought you into his from the darkness. Brought you into his kingdom of light so that you and I don't kingdom of light so that you and I don't kingdom of light so that you and I don't have to live for ourselves anymore. So have to live for ourselves anymore. So have to live for ourselves anymore. So the question I just want to leave you the question I just want to leave you the question I just want to leave you with is who are you living for? Like not with is who are you living for? Like not with is who are you living for? Like not just what are you living for but who are just what are you living for but who are just what are you living for but who are you living for? And the invitation from you living for? And the invitation from you living for? And the invitation from God is to live for him, to live for God is to live for him, to live for God is to live for him, to live for more. And as we wrap up our time more. And as we wrap up our time more. And as we wrap up our time together today, I want to invite you to together today, I want to invite you to together today, I want to invite you to make a choice today that you're not make a choice today that you're not make a choice today that you're not going to live for yourself anymore. That going to live for yourself anymore. That going to live for yourself anymore. That you're going to live for the one who you're going to live for the one who you're going to live for the one who gave himself for you. If you'll pull out gave himself for you. If you'll pull out gave himself for you. If you'll pull out that card with me, on the back of the that card with me, on the back of the that card with me, on the back of the card that you received when you walked card that you received when you walked card that you received when you walked in, there's a place where you can write

in, there's a place where you can write in, there's a place where you can write down a prayer request. And what I'd like down a prayer request. And what I'd like down a prayer request. And what I'd like to ask you to do today is to write down to ask you to do today is to write down to ask you to do today is to write down the name of somebody in your life that the name of somebody in your life that the name of somebody in your life that you need to be praying for. Who's the you need to be praying for. Who's the you need to be praying for. Who's the person that God wants to use you? They person that God wants to use you? They person that God wants to use you? They might be seated at your gate. They might might be seated at your gate. They might might be seated at your gate. They might be living in your home, but God wants to be living in your home, but God wants to be living in your home, but God wants to use you. And every week on Wednesday use you. And every week on Wednesday use you. And every week on Wednesday morning, we we come before these cards. morning, we we come before these cards. morning, we we come before these cards. We lift them up in prayer before God. We lift them up in prayer before God. We lift them up in prayer before God. We're a praying church, and these cards We're a praying church, and these cards We're a praying church, and these cards are going to get prayed for this week. are going to get prayed for this week. are going to get prayed for this week. We want to join with you as a church We want to join with you as a church We want to join with you as a church family to pray over that name, to pray family to pray over that name, to pray family to pray over that name, to pray over that person. You might even write over that person. You might even write over that person. You might even write on that card the neighborhood that you on that card the neighborhood that you on that card the neighborhood that you live in or the part part of town that live in or the part part of town that live in or the part part of town that you live in. And we want to agree you live in. And we want to agree you live in. And we want to agree together. Next week, we're going to talk together. Next week, we're going to talk together. Next week, we're going to talk about prayer and the power of prayer about prayer and the power of prayer about prayer and the power of prayer that it's not just something that we do that it's not just something that we do that it's not just something that we do speaking, but we need the power of God. speaking, but we need the power of God. speaking, but we need the power of God. I want to encourage you to be back. But I want to encourage you to be back. But I want to encourage you to be back. But this week, we're going to pray. God, use this week, we're going to pray. God, use this week, we're going to pray. God, use me in this person's life. Open my eyes me in this person's life. Open my eyes me in this person's life. Open my eyes to see what you're doing all around me. to see what you're doing all around me. to see what you're doing all around me. And in just a moment, I'm going to pray. And in just a moment, I'm going to pray. And in just a moment, I'm going to pray. There going to be some buckets that go There going to be some buckets that go There going to be some buckets that go by. You can drop those cards in and your by. You can drop those cards in and your by. You can drop those cards in and your church family will pray with you. But I church family will pray with you. But I church family will pray with you. But I can't help but think there are some can't help but think there are some can't help but think there are some people today that as we conclude our people today that as we conclude our people today that as we conclude our time together that are living on the time together that are living on the time together that are living on the outside and you've never fully opened outside and you've never fully opened outside and you've never fully opened your heart to Jesus. You've never said, your heart to Jesus. You've never said, your heart to Jesus. You've never said, "God, I want to I want to receive the "God, I want to I want to receive the "God, I want to I want to receive the gift of life that you have for me." Good gift of life that you have for me." Good gift of life that you have for me." Good news. Today can be that day because the news. Today can be that day because the news. Today can be that day because the grace of God, it's not about what you've grace of God, it's not about what you've grace of God, it's not about what you've done. It's not about what you're living done. It's not about what you're living done. It's not about what you're living in right now. It's about you saying yes in right now. It's about you saying yes in right now. It's about you saying yes to what he's already done for you. And

to what he's already done for you. And to what he's already done for you. And because of his death on a cross, his because of his death on a cross, his because of his death on a cross, his resurrection from the dead, you can resurrection from the dead, you can resurrection from the dead, you can receive the gift of life, eternal life, receive the gift of life, eternal life, receive the gift of life, eternal life, right now in this moment where you can right now in this moment where you can right now in this moment where you can live in the kingdom of God here and now live in the kingdom of God here and now live in the kingdom of God here and now and have confidence that you'll be with and have confidence that you'll be with and have confidence that you'll be with him for all eternity. Today can be the him for all eternity. Today can be the him for all eternity. Today can be the day that you receive that gift. Now, I day that you receive that gift. Now, I day that you receive that gift. Now, I want to invite you, if you will, to want to invite you, if you will, to want to invite you, if you will, to close your eyes with me and to pray close your eyes with me and to pray close your eyes with me and to pray together. And if that's you, you know together. And if that's you, you know together. And if that's you, you know it's you. And this is your moment to it's you. And this is your moment to it's you. And this is your moment to receive this gift from God, to no longer receive this gift from God, to no longer receive this gift from God, to no longer live apart from him on the outside, but live apart from him on the outside, but live apart from him on the outside, but to enter into the fullness of life that to enter into the fullness of life that to enter into the fullness of life that comes from knowing him. And you can pray comes from knowing him. And you can pray comes from knowing him. And you can pray a very simple prayer that is just your a very simple prayer that is just your a very simple prayer that is just your surrender to God to say, "God, I'm I'm surrender to God to say, "God, I'm I'm surrender to God to say, "God, I'm I'm surrendering my life to you right now in surrendering my life to you right now in surrendering my life to you right now in this moment. I'm I'm turning it over to this moment. I'm I'm turning it over to this moment. I'm I'm turning it over to you." And as you're making this decision you." And as you're making this decision you." And as you're making this decision from your heart to turn your life over from your heart to turn your life over from your heart to turn your life over to him, the Bible says that if you to him, the Bible says that if you to him, the Bible says that if you believe in your heart and you confess believe in your heart and you confess believe in your heart and you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and God raised him from the dead, you will God raised him from the dead, you will God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. And there's an opportunity be saved. And there's an opportunity be saved. And there's an opportunity just to say to God, I I believe in you.

just to say to God, I I believe in you. just to say to God, I I believe in you. Just tell him from your heart, I believe Just tell him from your heart, I believe Just tell him from your heart, I believe in you. And Jesus, I believe that you in you. And Jesus, I believe that you in you. And Jesus, I believe that you rose again from the dead. And as you're rose again from the dead. And as you're rose again from the dead. And as you're praying this prayer, you're opening your praying this prayer, you're opening your praying this prayer, you're opening your heart to God. Some of you today, it's heart to God. Some of you today, it's heart to God. Some of you today, it's the day of salvation. It's the moment the day of salvation. It's the moment the day of salvation. It's the moment that you're opening your heart to God that you're opening your heart to God that you're opening your heart to God and for the very first time you're and for the very first time you're and for the very first time you're receiving this gift from him. If that's receiving this gift from him. If that's receiving this gift from him. If that's you, just want you to seal it in your you, just want you to seal it in your you, just want you to seal it in your heart right now today. If you're saying, heart right now today. If you're saying, heart right now today. If you're saying, "I'm praying to open my heart to God, to "I'm praying to open my heart to God, to "I'm praying to open my heart to God, to begin a relationship with him at all of begin a relationship with him at all of begin a relationship with him at all of our campuses. I'm going to count to our campuses. I'm going to count to our campuses. I'm going to count to three. I'm just going to ask you to lift three. I'm just going to ask you to lift three. I'm just going to ask you to lift your hands and say, "Today, I'm your hands and say, "Today, I'm your hands and say, "Today, I'm receiving this gift of life from Jesus. receiving this gift of life from Jesus. receiving this gift of life from Jesus. I'm believing in him for salvation." On I'm believing in him for salvation." On I'm believing in him for salvation." On a count of three, one, two, three. Lift a count of three, one, two, three. Lift a count of three, one, two, three. Lift your hands up today if you're saying, your hands up today if you're saying, your hands up today if you're saying, "I'm receiving this gift." Anybody else? "I'm receiving this gift." Anybody else? "I'm receiving this gift." Anybody else? Three, three, four here in the front. Three, three, four here in the front. Three, three, four here in the front. Anybody else? Our campuses, raise your Anybody else? Our campuses, raise your Anybody else? Our campuses, raise your hands today saying, "Today, I'm opening hands today saying, "Today, I'm opening hands today saying, "Today, I'm opening my heart to the gift of salvation." So my heart to the gift of salvation." So my heart to the gift of salvation." So God, we thank you today that you give us God, we thank you today that you give us God, we thank you today that you give us the gift of life. Thank you that you the gift of life. Thank you that you the gift of life. Thank you that you save us from the dominion of darkness save us from the dominion of darkness save us from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of light. Some of you into the kingdom of light. Some of you into the kingdom of light. Some of you today just need to say to God, "I'm today just need to say to God, "I'm today just need to say to God, "I'm sorry for making it about me." Just tell sorry for making it about me." Just tell sorry for making it about me." Just tell them, "I'm sorry that my eyes have been them, "I'm sorry that my eyes have been them, "I'm sorry that my eyes have been on me and not what you're doing all on me and not what you're doing all on me and not what you're doing all around me. And I want to live for more, around me. And I want to live for more, around me. And I want to live for more, God. I want my eyes to be open to what God. I want my eyes to be open to what God. I want my eyes to be open to what you're doing around me." God, give us you're doing around me." God, give us you're doing around me." God, give us eyes to see. Stir in us faith. Give us eyes to see. Stir in us faith. Give us eyes to see. Stir in us faith. Give us hope to believe that you're a God that hope to believe that you're a God that hope to believe that you're a God that is able to use our ordinary life to is able to use our ordinary life to is able to use our ordinary life to transform lives around us. Thank you, transform lives around us. Thank you, transform lives around us. Thank you, God, that this church for 46 years has

God, that this church for 46 years has God, that this church for 46 years has been a sending church. that has been a been a sending church. that has been a been a sending church. that has been a church that deeply cares about those who church that deeply cares about those who church that deeply cares about those who don't know you. And as long as there's don't know you. And as long as there's don't know you. And as long as there's one person, Lord, in our community that one person, Lord, in our community that one person, Lord, in our community that doesn't know you, we'll keep saying yes doesn't know you, we'll keep saying yes doesn't know you, we'll keep saying yes over and over again. God, send us. Use over and over again. God, send us. Use over and over again. God, send us. Use us. Use us in our neighborhoods. Use us us. Use us in our neighborhoods. Use us us. Use us in our neighborhoods. Use us in Southern California. Use us in in Southern California. Use us in in Southern California. Use us in Argentina. God, use our lives. We're Argentina. God, use our lives. We're Argentina. God, use our lives. We're we're here for you, God. We want to we're here for you, God. We want to we're here for you, God. We want to serve you. We want to bless you. We know serve you. We want to bless you. We know serve you. We want to bless you. We know it's not about us, but we thank you, it's not about us, but we thank you, it's not about us, but we thank you, God, that you loved us enough to die for God, that you loved us enough to die for God, that you loved us enough to die for us. Now God, send us send us into our us. Now God, send us send us into our us. Now God, send us send us into our community, God, with your love. In the community, God, with your love. In the community, God, with your love. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. I invite you to stand with Amen. Amen. I invite you to stand with Amen. Amen. I invite you to stand with me. You can place that card in as the me. You can place that card in as the me. You can place that card in as the buckets go by. But let's just declare buckets go by. But let's just declare buckets go by. But let's just declare this that we were made for more. Anybody this that we were made for more. Anybody this that we were made for more. Anybody glad that they were made for more today? glad that they were made for more today? glad that they were made for more today? That God made you for life. So, he's That God made you for life. So, he's That God made you for life. So, he's sending you. [snorts] Let this be a sending you. [snorts] Let this be a sending you. [snorts] Let this be a declaration. You were made for more. You declaration. You were made for more. You declaration. You were made for more. You weren't made to live in shame. You weren't made to live in shame. You weren't made to live in shame. You weren't made to live in a [music] life weren't made to live in a [music] life weren't made to live in a [music] life separated from God. You were made to separated from God. You were made to separated from God. You were made to live for more. Come on, let's sing it live for more. Come on, let's sing it live for more. Come on, let's sing it together. [music] I was made to be in the grave. I [music] I was made to be in the grave. I [music] was born.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So why would I make >> So why would I make >> So why would I make So why would I make So why would I make So why would I make [music and singing] my shame when a [music and singing] my shame when a [music and singing] my shame when a fountain of grace is running my way? I fountain of grace is running my way? I fountain of grace is running my way? I know I [singing] am yours. Come on. I know I [singing] am yours. Come on. I know I [singing] am yours. Come on. I was made for more. [music] Amen. Church family. We were made for Amen. Church family. We were made for more. [music] more. [music] more. [music] Thank you so much for joining us for Thank you so much for joining us for Thank you so much for joining us for church today. Once again, if you want to church today. Once again, if you want to church today. Once again, if you want to take a next step in your faith or if you take a next step in your faith or if you take a next step in your faith or if you want prayer for anything, you can let us want prayer for anything, you can let us want prayer for anything, you can let us know on the Saddleback app by filling know on the Saddleback app by filling know on the Saddleback app by filling out the next steps form. You can also out the next steps form. You can also out the next steps form. You can also use that form to let us know if you're use that form to let us know if you're use that form to let us know if you're interested [music] in leading a small interested [music] in leading a small interested [music] in leading a small group. You know, a small group semester group. You know, a small group semester group. You know, a small group semester is coming up real soon and we would love

is coming up real soon and we would love is coming up real soon and we would love to have you [music] join us as a small to have you [music] join us as a small to have you [music] join us as a small group leader. Don't worry, we'll make group leader. Don't worry, we'll make group leader. Don't worry, we'll make sure that you're trained and equipped sure that you're trained and equipped sure that you're trained and equipped and ready to go. Just let us know that and ready to go. Just let us know that and ready to go. Just let us know that you're interested by filling out the you're interested by filling out the you're interested by filling out the next [music] steps form. Well, church next [music] steps form. Well, church next [music] steps form. Well, church family, we love you so, so much. I hope family, we love you so, so much. I hope family, we love you so, so much. I hope you guys have a great week and we'll see you guys have a great week and we'll see you guys have a great week and we'll see you back here next week as [music] we you back here next week as [music] we you back here next week as [music] we continue our live sent series. We'll see continue our live sent series. We'll see continue our live sent series. We'll see you then.