The Practice of Neighboring | Andy Wood

I want to say welcome to all of our I want to say welcome to all of our campuses and those of you who are campuses and those of you who are campuses and those of you who are joining us online. Today we're in the joining us online. Today we're in the joining us online. Today we're in the second week of a message series called second week of a message series called second week of a message series called the art of neighboring. Last week was a the art of neighboring. Last week was a the art of neighboring. Last week was a great kickoff. If you missed it, I want great kickoff. If you missed it, I want great kickoff. If you missed it, I want to encourage you to go back and listen to encourage you to go back and listen to encourage you to go back and listen to it because each week is tying to it because each week is tying to it because each week is tying together. And in just a moment, I'm together. And in just a moment, I'm together. And in just a moment, I'm going to jump into my message, but I going to jump into my message, but I going to jump into my message, but I have a surprise for you. So, I've been have a surprise for you. So, I've been have a surprise for you. So, I've been waiting for this surprise for a while. waiting for this surprise for a while. waiting for this surprise for a while. You guys all know we have 23 campuses, You guys all know we have 23 campuses, You guys all know we have 23 campuses, right? Maybe you don't know that we have right? Maybe you don't know that we have right? Maybe you don't know that we have 23 campuses as a church family spread 23 campuses as a church family spread 23 campuses as a church family spread across Southern California and then we across Southern California and then we across Southern California and then we have two inside of prisons and five have two inside of prisons and five have two inside of prisons and five international campuses. We have staff international campuses. We have staff international campuses. We have staff members who have never been to Lake members who have never been to Lake members who have never been to Lake Forest. We have staff members who've Forest. We have staff members who've Forest. We have staff members who've never been to Saddleback Church and we never been to Saddleback Church and we never been to Saddleback Church and we have one staff member who is a campus have one staff member who is a campus have one staff member who is a campus pastor for our Santa Rosa campus. He's pastor for our Santa Rosa campus. He's pastor for our Santa Rosa campus. He's been pastoring there in that role for been pastoring there in that role for been pastoring there in that role for about 5 years. But before that, he was about 5 years. But before that, he was about 5 years. But before that, he was serving on staff as a small groups serving on staff as a small groups serving on staff as a small groups leader. But before that he was serving leader. But before that he was serving leader. But before that he was serving as a volunteer and before that he came as a volunteer and before that he came as a volunteer and before that he came to the launch of Saddleback Santa Rosa to the launch of Saddleback Santa Rosa to the launch of Saddleback Santa Rosa not following Jesus and for 10 years not following Jesus and for 10 years not following Jesus and for 10 years hadn't gone to church but when he came hadn't gone to church but when he came hadn't gone to church but when he came to Saddleback Santa Rosa in the to Saddleback Santa Rosa in the to Saddleback Santa Rosa in the Philippines he gave his life to Jesus he Philippines he gave his life to Jesus he Philippines he gave his life to Jesus he got baptized fast forward 10 years later got baptized fast forward 10 years later got baptized fast forward 10 years later now he's the campus pastor of that now he's the campus pastor of that now he's the campus pastor of that campus well campus well campus well you guys know God's doing amazing things you guys know God's doing amazing things you guys know God's doing amazing things in the Philippines that campus is in the Philippines that campus is in the Philippines that campus is reaching 1300 people every week. Now, reaching 1300 people every week. Now, reaching 1300 people every week. Now, we've been trying for 10 years to get we've been trying for 10 years to get we've been trying for 10 years to get Mike Ayala, our campus pastor, here at

Mike Ayala, our campus pastor, here at Mike Ayala, our campus pastor, here at Lake Forest. He was locked up with his Lake Forest. He was locked up with his Lake Forest. He was locked up with his visa. We were fasting and praying as a visa. We were fasting and praying as a visa. We were fasting and praying as a staff. And on August 1st, God opened the staff. And on August 1st, God opened the staff. And on August 1st, God opened the door. He got his visa. And the good news door. He got his visa. And the good news door. He got his visa. And the good news is he's here today, right now. So, will is he's here today, right now. So, will is he's here today, right now. So, will you please welcome to the stage, Pastor you please welcome to the stage, Pastor you please welcome to the stage, Pastor Mike Ayala as he comes. [Applause] [Applause] Mike, it's so awesome to have you here. Mike, it's so awesome to have you here. Mike, it's so awesome to have you here. You You can see how loved you are. And You You can see how loved you are. And You You can see how loved you are. And I'd love for you just to like fill us I'd love for you just to like fill us I'd love for you just to like fill us in. What's God doing in the Philippines? in. What's God doing in the Philippines? in. What's God doing in the Philippines? >> Thank you, Pastor Andy. But first of >> Thank you, Pastor Andy. But first of >> Thank you, Pastor Andy. But first of all, I'd like to say Maboohai from my family, from our staff Maboohai from my family, from our staff team and volunteers, and also from the team and volunteers, and also from the team and volunteers, and also from the congregation of Santa Rosa. Now, up congregation of Santa Rosa. Now, up congregation of Santa Rosa. Now, up front, I'd like to say that when Pastor front, I'd like to say that when Pastor front, I'd like to say that when Pastor Andy asked me this very difficult Andy asked me this very difficult Andy asked me this very difficult assignment this evening, why difficult?

assignment this evening, why difficult? assignment this evening, why difficult? Because he asked me to share one story Because he asked me to share one story Because he asked me to share one story of what's happening in Santa Rosa. of what's happening in Santa Rosa. of what's happening in Santa Rosa. And it's so hard. How can that be one And it's so hard. How can that be one And it's so hard. How can that be one story only for for whatever God is story only for for whatever God is story only for for whatever God is doing? So, let me share one story about doing? So, let me share one story about doing? So, let me share one story about what's happening in the Philippines. Is what's happening in the Philippines. Is what's happening in the Philippines. Is it okay with you? it okay with you? it okay with you? >> All right. But up front, I'd like to say >> All right. But up front, I'd like to say >> All right. But up front, I'd like to say that when when Pastor Andy asked me that when when Pastor Andy asked me that when when Pastor Andy asked me about it, I was reminded from a passage about it, I was reminded from a passage about it, I was reminded from a passage from 1 Corinthians 3 where it says, "I from 1 Corinthians 3 where it says, "I from 1 Corinthians 3 where it says, "I planted a seed. Apollo watered it and planted a seed. Apollo watered it and planted a seed. Apollo watered it and God was the one who made it grow." And God was the one who made it grow." And God was the one who made it grow." And what's happening in Saddleback Church, what's happening in Saddleback Church, what's happening in Saddleback Church, Santa Rosa, is not our work, but it is Santa Rosa, is not our work, but it is Santa Rosa, is not our work, but it is God's work. But what we have been doing, God's work. But what we have been doing, God's work. But what we have been doing, we have been planting seed of faith. We we have been planting seed of faith. We we have been planting seed of faith. We have been planting seed of love. And have been planting seed of love. And have been planting seed of love. And because of that, year after year, our because of that, year after year, our because of that, year after year, our Santa Rosa campus has been growing by Santa Rosa campus has been growing by Santa Rosa campus has been growing by 20%. We are at around 1,200 people 20%. We are at around 1,200 people 20%. We are at around 1,200 people attending our church on a weekly basis.

attending our church on a weekly basis. attending our church on a weekly basis. And out of that as of this moment year And out of that as of this moment year And out of that as of this moment year to date more than 300 people gave their to date more than 300 people gave their to date more than 300 people gave their life to Christ because of our ministry. life to Christ because of our ministry. life to Christ because of our ministry. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And also there were more than 70 people And also there were more than 70 people And also there were more than 70 people who got baptized because of our ministry who got baptized because of our ministry who got baptized because of our ministry in Saddleback Santa Rosa. That brought in Saddleback Santa Rosa. That brought in Saddleback Santa Rosa. That brought us now to we we already have 1,200 us now to we we already have 1,200 us now to we we already have 1,200 people who got baptized through our people who got baptized through our people who got baptized through our ministry in the Philippines. ministry in the Philippines. ministry in the Philippines. Yes, Yes, Yes, at the same time there were close to 500 at the same time there were close to 500 at the same time there were close to 500 people who attended our church for the people who attended our church for the people who attended our church for the first time just this year alone 2025. So first time just this year alone 2025. So first time just this year alone 2025. So friends, God is doing amazing things friends, God is doing amazing things friends, God is doing amazing things through our ministry in Saddleback through our ministry in Saddleback through our ministry in Saddleback Church in Santa Rosa. Now, here's the Church in Santa Rosa. Now, here's the Church in Santa Rosa. Now, here's the next story that that I think many of you next story that that I think many of you next story that that I think many of you know already, but this coming October, know already, but this coming October, know already, but this coming October, we will be launching the third campus in we will be launching the third campus in we will be launching the third campus in the Philippines in Davao City. So, the Philippines in Davao City. So, the Philippines in Davao City. So, please continue to pray for that. Now, please continue to pray for that. Now, please continue to pray for that. Now, why third? Because there is already an a why third? Because there is already an a why third? Because there is already an a second campus there, the prison's second campus there, the prison's second campus there, the prison's ministry there. We call it correctional ministry there. We call it correctional ministry there. We call it correctional institute for women, which is also institute for women, which is also institute for women, which is also gathering on a weekly basis. And there gathering on a weekly basis. And there gathering on a weekly basis. And there there are 1,400 people that are 400 there are 1,400 people that are 400 there are 1,400 people that are 400 1,400 ladies that are attending that 1,400 ladies that are attending that 1,400 ladies that are attending that church inside correctional institute for church inside correctional institute for church inside correctional institute for women. So friends,

God is amazing amazing things through God is amazing amazing things through our church. Now I'd like to say thank our church. Now I'd like to say thank our church. Now I'd like to say thank you so much for your prayers. Thank you you so much for your prayers. Thank you you so much for your prayers. Thank you so much for your generosity because so much for your generosity because so much for your generosity because every prayer and every generous gift every prayer and every generous gift every prayer and every generous gift that you are giving, it's not only that you are giving, it's not only that you are giving, it's not only reaching the people here in this area reaching the people here in this area reaching the people here in this area here in Lake Forest, but it is reaching here in Lake Forest, but it is reaching here in Lake Forest, but it is reaching people across the globe also in the people across the globe also in the people across the globe also in the Philippines. Thank you so much in Philippines. Thank you so much in Philippines. Thank you so much in Tagalog. Let me say well we want to pray for you and just well we want to pray for you and just bless bless you. if you'll step forward bless bless you. if you'll step forward bless bless you. if you'll step forward here. I just I want to just say in front here. I just I want to just say in front here. I just I want to just say in front of our whole church family, all of our of our whole church family, all of our of our whole church family, all of our campuses, Mike is one of the greatest campuses, Mike is one of the greatest campuses, Mike is one of the greatest examples of faith that you will ever examples of faith that you will ever examples of faith that you will ever meet. He has bold faith that God can do meet. He has bold faith that God can do meet. He has bold faith that God can do the unthinkable. And every time I get a the unthinkable. And every time I get a the unthinkable. And every time I get a text from him, it's like, here's what text from him, it's like, here's what text from him, it's like, here's what God is doing, pictures, here's our goals God is doing, pictures, here's our goals God is doing, pictures, here's our goals of what we're praying for next. And that of what we're praying for next. And that of what we're praying for next. And that faith is spilling over there. The staff, faith is spilling over there. The staff, faith is spilling over there. The staff, the team in Santa Rosa, God is doing the team in Santa Rosa, God is doing the team in Santa Rosa, God is doing amazing things, volunteers. So, those of amazing things, volunteers. So, those of amazing things, volunteers. So, those of you who will watch this, uh, we love you who will watch this, uh, we love you who will watch this, uh, we love you. The rest of your church family is you. The rest of your church family is you. The rest of your church family is behind you. We're one big church family behind you. We're one big church family behind you. We're one big church family spread across the world. And every time spread across the world. And every time spread across the world. And every time that we pray for Mike, we are joining that we pray for Mike, we are joining that we pray for Mike, we are joining together with the work that God is doing together with the work that God is doing together with the work that God is doing in the Philippines. So, let's pray in the Philippines. So, let's pray in the Philippines. So, let's pray together. If you're comfortable, will together. If you're comfortable, will together. If you're comfortable, will you lift a hand? And just as all of our you lift a hand? And just as all of our you lift a hand? And just as all of our campuses spread across, Lord, we thank campuses spread across, Lord, we thank campuses spread across, Lord, we thank you for Pastor Mike. We thank you for you for Pastor Mike. We thank you for you for Pastor Mike. We thank you for his heart, his passion, his love for his heart, his passion, his love for his heart, his passion, his love for you, for Tanai, for their two two sons you, for Tanai, for their two two sons you, for Tanai, for their two two sons that are growing up to love you and walk that are growing up to love you and walk that are growing up to love you and walk with you. I pray you bless them, with you. I pray you bless them, with you. I pray you bless them, strengthen them, use them. I ask Lord

strengthen them, use them. I ask Lord strengthen them, use them. I ask Lord that you would exceed expectation, Lord, that you would exceed expectation, Lord, that you would exceed expectation, Lord, that by the power of your spirit that that by the power of your spirit that that by the power of your spirit that you would do immeasurably more than he you would do immeasurably more than he you would do immeasurably more than he can think or imagine. And Lord, that you can think or imagine. And Lord, that you can think or imagine. And Lord, that you would get great glory all over that would get great glory all over that would get great glory all over that nation through what you're doing through nation through what you're doing through nation through what you're doing through Santa Rosa campus in the Philippines of Santa Rosa campus in the Philippines of Santa Rosa campus in the Philippines of Saddleback. Bless this man. Bless his Saddleback. Bless this man. Bless his Saddleback. Bless this man. Bless his time here in the States. And I pray that time here in the States. And I pray that time here in the States. And I pray that he would go back filled up, fueled up he would go back filled up, fueled up he would go back filled up, fueled up for the work that you have in this next for the work that you have in this next for the work that you have in this next season in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Love season in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Love season in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Love you, brother. Thank you. >> Well, for all of us as a church family, >> Well, for all of us as a church family, you know, it's cool to to see these you know, it's cool to to see these you know, it's cool to to see these stories of what God is doing. Whether stories of what God is doing. Whether stories of what God is doing. Whether you are joining in Anaheim or you're you are joining in Anaheim or you're you are joining in Anaheim or you're joining in Irvine or you're in joining in Irvine or you're in joining in Irvine or you're in Buenosades, we're one church. And this Buenosades, we're one church. And this Buenosades, we're one church. And this message series that we're in is more message series that we're in is more message series that we're in is more than just like four messages. It's a big than just like four messages. It's a big than just like four messages. It's a big vision for our church to recognize from vision for our church to recognize from vision for our church to recognize from the very beginning back in 1980 when the very beginning back in 1980 when the very beginning back in 1980 when Saddleback was started. The heartbeat of Saddleback was started. The heartbeat of Saddleback was started. The heartbeat of our church family has always been to our church family has always been to our church family has always been to love our neighbors the way we love love our neighbors the way we love love our neighbors the way we love ourselves. And so many of our lives have ourselves. And so many of our lives have ourselves. And so many of our lives have been changed because of that. Many of been changed because of that. Many of been changed because of that. Many of you who are listening to my voice, you who are listening to my voice, you who are listening to my voice, you're changed because a neighbor loved you're changed because a neighbor loved you're changed because a neighbor loved you. And that's at the heart of the you. And that's at the heart of the you. And that's at the heart of the message of Jesus. When Jesus came, he message of Jesus. When Jesus came, he message of Jesus. When Jesus came, he would elevate certain things that the would elevate certain things that the would elevate certain things that the religious leaders neglected. And last religious leaders neglected. And last religious leaders neglected. And last week we began this series looking at the week we began this series looking at the week we began this series looking at the priority of neighboring. And I want to priority of neighboring. And I want to priority of neighboring. And I want to invite you if you will to pull out your invite you if you will to pull out your invite you if you will to pull out your notes. I want to go back to the verses notes. I want to go back to the verses notes. I want to go back to the verses that we highlighted last weekend when that we highlighted last weekend when that we highlighted last weekend when Jesus is asked what's the most important Jesus is asked what's the most important Jesus is asked what's the most important law in all of the commandments. Jesus law in all of the commandments. Jesus law in all of the commandments. Jesus says there's two things. One, it's to says there's two things. One, it's to says there's two things. One, it's to love God with all your heart, with all

love God with all your heart, with all love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength. And your soul, with all your strength. And your soul, with all your strength. And number two, it's to love your neighbor number two, it's to love your neighbor number two, it's to love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself. So the same way that you love yourself. So the same way that you love yourself. So Jesus prioritize Jesus prioritize Jesus prioritize love for our neighbors above all other love for our neighbors above all other love for our neighbors above all other things aside from love for God. And if things aside from love for God. And if things aside from love for God. And if we do these two things, everything else we do these two things, everything else we do these two things, everything else works out. So last week, if you were works out. So last week, if you were works out. So last week, if you were here, you would have gotten a little here, you would have gotten a little here, you would have gotten a little card like this. And this little card, we card like this. And this little card, we card like this. And this little card, we were to write down the names of people, were to write down the names of people, were to write down the names of people, our friends, our family members, or not our friends, our family members, or not our friends, our family members, or not family members, our friends or neighbors family members, our friends or neighbors family members, our friends or neighbors around us that we were praying for. And around us that we were praying for. And around us that we were praying for. And we said last week, hey, what if we got we said last week, hey, what if we got we said last week, hey, what if we got to know the names of the people around to know the names of the people around to know the names of the people around us? So, I've got my little card up here us? So, I've got my little card up here us? So, I've got my little card up here in the Bible in my Bible that I'm in the Bible in my Bible that I'm in the Bible in my Bible that I'm praying for with you, those who are praying for with you, those who are praying for with you, those who are joining. And some of you who are joining. And some of you who are joining. And some of you who are students, you know, a way that you can students, you know, a way that you can students, you know, a way that you can look at this is to think about the look at this is to think about the look at this is to think about the people around you, the desks around you people around you, the desks around you people around you, the desks around you in class or if you're at work, maybe in class or if you're at work, maybe in class or if you're at work, maybe think about the people around you at think about the people around you at think about the people around you at work. But the goal is that we would work. But the goal is that we would work. But the goal is that we would prioritize love loving our neighbor the prioritize love loving our neighbor the prioritize love loving our neighbor the same way that we love ourselves. And same way that we love ourselves. And same way that we love ourselves. And today what I want to do is take it today what I want to do is take it today what I want to do is take it further and go how do we actually do further and go how do we actually do further and go how do we actually do this? How do we in the habits of our this? How do we in the habits of our this? How do we in the habits of our life love the people around us as we life love the people around us as we life love the people around us as we talk about the practice of neighboring.

talk about the practice of neighboring. talk about the practice of neighboring. So today's message is titled the So today's message is titled the So today's message is titled the practice of neighboring. Another way to practice of neighboring. Another way to practice of neighboring. Another way to think about this is the habits of what think about this is the habits of what think about this is the habits of what Jesus taught us to do. Now Jesus when he Jesus taught us to do. Now Jesus when he Jesus taught us to do. Now Jesus when he would teach us to prioritize neighboring would teach us to prioritize neighboring would teach us to prioritize neighboring he wasn't just teaching us this idea he wasn't just teaching us this idea he wasn't just teaching us this idea that that we could like somehow uh get that that we could like somehow uh get that that we could like somehow uh get it spiritually but not live it out dayto it spiritually but not live it out dayto it spiritually but not live it out dayto day and Jesus actually practice the very day and Jesus actually practice the very day and Jesus actually practice the very thing that he preached and he showed to thing that he preached and he showed to thing that he preached and he showed to us a model of how to do this and the us a model of how to do this and the us a model of how to do this and the hope that I have for you today for all hope that I have for you today for all hope that I have for you today for all of us as a church family is that we of us as a church family is that we of us as a church family is that we would understand the goal is not just a would understand the goal is not just a would understand the goal is not just a message series the goal is a lifestyle message series the goal is a lifestyle message series the goal is a lifestyle The goal is that what we talk about The goal is that what we talk about The goal is that what we talk about these four weeks would change the way these four weeks would change the way these four weeks would change the way that we live for the rest of our lives that we live for the rest of our lives that we live for the rest of our lives and that we would love our neighbor and that we would love our neighbor and that we would love our neighbor until Jesus comes back, until we're no until Jesus comes back, until we're no until Jesus comes back, until we're no longer here. So, a big idea I want to longer here. So, a big idea I want to longer here. So, a big idea I want to encourage you to write down is encourage you to write down is encourage you to write down is consistency counts. The habits of our consistency counts. The habits of our consistency counts. The habits of our life, the goal is that our habits would life, the goal is that our habits would life, the goal is that our habits would actually lead to loving the people actually lead to loving the people actually lead to loving the people around us. So, you might think of this around us. So, you might think of this around us. So, you might think of this as the habits of neighboring. So, we're as the habits of neighboring. So, we're as the habits of neighboring. So, we're after day in day out it changing our after day in day out it changing our after day in day out it changing our life. And this is our history as a life. And this is our history as a life. And this is our history as a church. I heard stories of how when church. I heard stories of how when church. I heard stories of how when Saddleback was started, there were whole Saddleback was started, there were whole Saddleback was started, there were whole neighborhoods reached because there were neighborhoods reached because there were neighborhoods reached because there were a few people that had been changed by a few people that had been changed by a few people that had been changed by changed by Jesus and loved their changed by Jesus and loved their changed by Jesus and loved their neighbors around them. I heard a story neighbors around them. I heard a story neighbors around them. I heard a story of one time when we were as a church of one time when we were as a church of one time when we were as a church family before we moved into the Lake family before we moved into the Lake family before we moved into the Lake Forest campus, we were meeting at Tribco Forest campus, we were meeting at Tribco Forest campus, we were meeting at Tribco Hills High School and there were Hills High School and there were Hills High School and there were weekends where the campus, the high

weekends where the campus, the high weekends where the campus, the high school was so full that there was no school was so full that there was no school was so full that there was no room left on the street. and my kids um room left on the street. and my kids um room left on the street. and my kids um who went to Tribco High School, one who went to Tribco High School, one who went to Tribco High School, one still there, but one who graduated, still there, but one who graduated, still there, but one who graduated, there are many times I would be dropping there are many times I would be dropping there are many times I would be dropping my sons off at school and the traffic my sons off at school and the traffic my sons off at school and the traffic would be like a half a mile. Well, this would be like a half a mile. Well, this would be like a half a mile. Well, this was happening because of church, because was happening because of church, because was happening because of church, because of Saddleback. And so, a lot of people of Saddleback. And so, a lot of people of Saddleback. And so, a lot of people who lived in the neighborhood as it was who lived in the neighborhood as it was who lived in the neighborhood as it was being built, they would try to get out being built, they would try to get out being built, they would try to get out of the neighborhood, but the traffic of the neighborhood, but the traffic of the neighborhood, but the traffic would be so bad, they're trying to go to would be so bad, they're trying to go to would be so bad, they're trying to go to church somewhere else, and they're like, church somewhere else, and they're like, church somewhere else, and they're like, "Well, I can't get out of the "Well, I can't get out of the "Well, I can't get out of the neighborhood. I might as well go to neighborhood. I might as well go to neighborhood. I might as well go to Saddleback." So this has just been our Saddleback." So this has just been our Saddleback." So this has just been our DNA for our history to love our DNA for our history to love our DNA for our history to love our neighbors, to be in the neighborhood. So neighbors, to be in the neighborhood. So neighbors, to be in the neighborhood. So the question for us today is what is the the question for us today is what is the the question for us today is what is the model? How do we do this? And we're model? How do we do this? And we're model? How do we do this? And we're going to look at Jesus as the model for going to look at Jesus as the model for going to look at Jesus as the model for us when it comes to loving our neighbor. us when it comes to loving our neighbor. us when it comes to loving our neighbor. In your notes, you can write this down. In your notes, you can write this down. In your notes, you can write this down. Models matter. So we're looking for a Models matter. So we're looking for a Models matter. So we're looking for a pattern that we can base our lives on. pattern that we can base our lives on. pattern that we can base our lives on. Jesus is the best pattern. Jesus life Jesus is the best pattern. Jesus life Jesus is the best pattern. Jesus life and the way he lived is the ultimate and the way he lived is the ultimate and the way he lived is the ultimate model and example of the human life. He model and example of the human life. He model and example of the human life. He never sinned or made a mistake and he never sinned or made a mistake and he never sinned or made a mistake and he modeled for us the very way of God for modeled for us the very way of God for modeled for us the very way of God for us to live. So we're going to look today us to live. So we're going to look today us to live. So we're going to look today at Mark 2. And if you have a Bible, you at Mark 2. And if you have a Bible, you at Mark 2. And if you have a Bible, you can turn there. Mark 2, Jesus is going can turn there. Mark 2, Jesus is going can turn there. Mark 2, Jesus is going to invite Levi to follow him. And I want to invite Levi to follow him. And I want to invite Levi to follow him. And I want you to notice this whole journey tucked you to notice this whole journey tucked you to notice this whole journey tucked within it is the way that Jesus loved within it is the way that Jesus loved within it is the way that Jesus loved people. So Mark 2:13, as we're going people. So Mark 2:13, as we're going people. So Mark 2:13, as we're going through, I want to ask you to look at through, I want to ask you to look at through, I want to ask you to look at Jesus and compare Jesus to the religious

Jesus and compare Jesus to the religious Jesus and compare Jesus to the religious leaders of his day and notice the vast leaders of his day and notice the vast leaders of his day and notice the vast difference between Jesus and the difference between Jesus and the difference between Jesus and the religious leaders. So it says this once religious leaders. So it says this once religious leaders. So it says this once again, Jesus went outside out beside the again, Jesus went outside out beside the again, Jesus went outside out beside the lake and a large crowd came to him and lake and a large crowd came to him and lake and a large crowd came to him and he began to teach them. As he walked he began to teach them. As he walked he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi, son of Alfus. Now, along, he saw Levi, son of Alfus. Now, along, he saw Levi, son of Alfus. Now, Levi will later have his name changed to Levi will later have his name changed to Levi will later have his name changed to Matthew. So, this is the guy that's Matthew. So, this is the guy that's Matthew. So, this is the guy that's going to write the Gospel of Matthew. going to write the Gospel of Matthew. going to write the Gospel of Matthew. His life is going to be radically His life is going to be radically His life is going to be radically changed by Jesus. He's going to become changed by Jesus. He's going to become changed by Jesus. He's going to become one of the original 12 followers. And as one of the original 12 followers. And as one of the original 12 followers. And as Jesus walks by, he sees Matthew, Jesus walks by, he sees Matthew, Jesus walks by, he sees Matthew, Matthew, Levi at first, and Levi is Matthew, Levi at first, and Levi is Matthew, Levi at first, and Levi is sitting there at the tax collector's sitting there at the tax collector's sitting there at the tax collector's booth. Now, for us, we read this and booth. Now, for us, we read this and booth. Now, for us, we read this and we're like, "Okay, that's cool. Tax we're like, "Okay, that's cool. Tax we're like, "Okay, that's cool. Tax collector's booth." And it's like in our collector's booth." And it's like in our collector's booth." And it's like in our culture taxes aren't as big of a deal as culture taxes aren't as big of a deal as culture taxes aren't as big of a deal as it is there. And somebody's saying, "No, it is there. And somebody's saying, "No, it is there. And somebody's saying, "No, taxes are a big deal." Well, the point taxes are a big deal." Well, the point taxes are a big deal." Well, the point is in their culture, the tax collectors is in their culture, the tax collectors is in their culture, the tax collectors were often like they were looked down were often like they were looked down were often like they were looked down upon because they would take money from upon because they would take money from upon because they would take money from people. They would charge them double.

people. They would charge them double. people. They would charge them double. So, Ma Matthew, who originally is Levi, So, Ma Matthew, who originally is Levi, So, Ma Matthew, who originally is Levi, Levi, is a pretty shady guy at first. Levi, is a pretty shady guy at first. Levi, is a pretty shady guy at first. He's like the kind of guy that the He's like the kind of guy that the He's like the kind of guy that the religious leaders would want nothing to religious leaders would want nothing to religious leaders would want nothing to do with. And so Jesus walks by this guy do with. And so Jesus walks by this guy do with. And so Jesus walks by this guy and the Bible says in the next verse it and the Bible says in the next verse it and the Bible says in the next verse it says that he saw Levi sitting at the tax says that he saw Levi sitting at the tax says that he saw Levi sitting at the tax collector's booth. He notices him. And I collector's booth. He notices him. And I collector's booth. He notices him. And I want you in your notes if you will just want you in your notes if you will just want you in your notes if you will just to circle he saw. Like Jesus notices to circle he saw. Like Jesus notices to circle he saw. Like Jesus notices this man. And when he sees him, he sees this man. And when he sees him, he sees this man. And when he sees him, he sees him very differently than the religious him very differently than the religious him very differently than the religious leaders. And this is good news for us. leaders. And this is good news for us. leaders. And this is good news for us. If your life at this moment is broken, If your life at this moment is broken, If your life at this moment is broken, if you're hurting, if you're struggling, if you're hurting, if you're struggling, if you're hurting, if you're struggling, if you feel like you don't have it all if you feel like you don't have it all if you feel like you don't have it all together, you're in good company with together, you're in good company with together, you're in good company with the guys in the Bible, you're in good the guys in the Bible, you're in good the guys in the Bible, you're in good company with the people that Jesus would company with the people that Jesus would company with the people that Jesus would choose. And when Jesus saw Levi, he saw choose. And when Jesus saw Levi, he saw choose. And when Jesus saw Levi, he saw what nobody else saw. All the religious what nobody else saw. All the religious what nobody else saw. All the religious leaders saw his past, Jesus saw his leaders saw his past, Jesus saw his leaders saw his past, Jesus saw his future. All the religious leaders saw future. All the religious leaders saw future. All the religious leaders saw his brokenness. Jesus saw his potential his brokenness. Jesus saw his potential his brokenness. Jesus saw his potential of who he could become. He noticed this of who he could become. He noticed this of who he could become. He noticed this man and listened to what he asked him to man and listened to what he asked him to man and listened to what he asked him to do. He said, "Follow me.

do. He said, "Follow me. do. He said, "Follow me. Come follow me." Like that. That's all Come follow me." Like that. That's all Come follow me." Like that. That's all he asks. He's not asking Levi to follow he asks. He's not asking Levi to follow he asks. He's not asking Levi to follow some religion. He's not asking him to some religion. He's not asking him to some religion. He's not asking him to take on some code of conduct. He's take on some code of conduct. He's take on some code of conduct. He's saying, "Follow me." Right in the middle saying, "Follow me." Right in the middle saying, "Follow me." Right in the middle of your mess. Come and follow me. And I of your mess. Come and follow me. And I of your mess. Come and follow me. And I love this because the invitation from love this because the invitation from love this because the invitation from Jesus to Levi is to relationship before Jesus to Levi is to relationship before Jesus to Levi is to relationship before anything else. All the change that's anything else. All the change that's anything else. All the change that's going to come in his life is going to going to come in his life is going to going to come in his life is going to come after relationship with Jesus. and come after relationship with Jesus. and come after relationship with Jesus. and he just simply invites him, "Come follow he just simply invites him, "Come follow he just simply invites him, "Come follow me." Afterwards, it says, "Levi got up. me." Afterwards, it says, "Levi got up. me." Afterwards, it says, "Levi got up. He followed him." And in the next verse, He followed him." And in the next verse, He followed him." And in the next verse, it says, "While Jesus was having dinner it says, "While Jesus was having dinner it says, "While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and at Levi's house, many tax collectors and at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his sinners were eating with him and his sinners were eating with him and his disciples." Now, again, you read this disciples." Now, again, you read this disciples." Now, again, you read this and you're like, "Okay, well, they're and you're like, "Okay, well, they're and you're like, "Okay, well, they're having a meal together, but this is a having a meal together, but this is a having a meal together, but this is a problem. Jesus is like breaking all of problem. Jesus is like breaking all of problem. Jesus is like breaking all of the religious rules. The tax collectors the religious rules. The tax collectors the religious rules. The tax collectors and sinners weren't even allowed to come and sinners weren't even allowed to come and sinners weren't even allowed to come to church. And yet Jesus was going in to church. And yet Jesus was going in to church. And yet Jesus was going in their house to eat with them. And so the their house to eat with them. And so the their house to eat with them. And so the religious leaders are like, "Oh man, religious leaders are like, "Oh man, religious leaders are like, "Oh man, he's breaking the law." The teachers of he's breaking the law." The teachers of he's breaking the law." The teachers of the law came and said to him, he said, the law came and said to him, he said, the law came and said to him, he said, "Why?" They said, "Why does he eat with "Why?" They said, "Why does he eat with "Why?" They said, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners? Why is he tax collectors and sinners? Why is he tax collectors and sinners? Why is he with these people whose lives are a with these people whose lives are a with these people whose lives are a mess?" And on seeing this or hearing mess?" And on seeing this or hearing mess?" And on seeing this or hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It's not the this, Jesus said to them, "It's not the this, Jesus said to them, "It's not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous I have not come to call the righteous I have not come to call the righteous but to call sinners. Jesus said, I but to call sinners. Jesus said, I but to call sinners. Jesus said, I didn't come for people whose lives are didn't come for people whose lives are didn't come for people whose lives are alltogether. I came for people whose alltogether. I came for people whose alltogether. I came for people whose lives are broken. I'm going to the place lives are broken. I'm going to the place lives are broken. I'm going to the place that you as a religious leader are that you as a religious leader are that you as a religious leader are avoiding. And there are three principles avoiding. And there are three principles avoiding. And there are three principles I want us to see from Jesus. The first I want us to see from Jesus. The first I want us to see from Jesus. The first one is the principle of presence. So one is the principle of presence. So one is the principle of presence. So notice how Jesus goes to Levi. He finds notice how Jesus goes to Levi. He finds notice how Jesus goes to Levi. He finds him at his tax collector's boot. He him at his tax collector's boot. He him at his tax collector's boot. He moves towards him. And that's the moves towards him. And that's the moves towards him. And that's the message of the gospel. That's the message of the gospel. That's the message of the gospel. That's the message of Jesus. That Jesus, God in message of Jesus. That Jesus, God in message of Jesus. That Jesus, God in human flesh, came to live among us and human flesh, came to live among us and human flesh, came to live among us and he shows up. That's what love does. Love he shows up. That's what love does. Love he shows up. That's what love does. Love shows up. Love goes to brokenness. Love shows up. Love goes to brokenness. Love shows up. Love goes to brokenness. Love goes to need. Love shows up in times of goes to need. Love shows up in times of goes to need. Love shows up in times of difficulty. Jesus, God in human flesh, difficulty. Jesus, God in human flesh, difficulty. Jesus, God in human flesh, shows up into our reality, into the shows up into our reality, into the shows up into our reality, into the brokenness of our world, taking the step brokenness of our world, taking the step brokenness of our world, taking the step towards us. And Jesus is seen so clearly towards us. And Jesus is seen so clearly towards us. And Jesus is seen so clearly here as Mark describes what he's doing.

here as Mark describes what he's doing. here as Mark describes what he's doing. He's saying Jesus went to the tax He's saying Jesus went to the tax He's saying Jesus went to the tax collector's booth. In fact, if you go collector's booth. In fact, if you go collector's booth. In fact, if you go back to these verses, notice the back to these verses, notice the back to these verses, notice the prepositions. prepositions. prepositions. This is like a little schoolish for you. This is like a little schoolish for you. This is like a little schoolish for you. Those of you who hated English class or Those of you who hated English class or Those of you who hated English class or your class where you were taught all your class where you were taught all your class where you were taught all these things. I've probably failed that these things. I've probably failed that these things. I've probably failed that class. But I do know what a preposition class. But I do know what a preposition class. But I do know what a preposition is. And so I want you to notice the is. And so I want you to notice the is. And so I want you to notice the preposition. At least I think it's a preposition. At least I think it's a preposition. At least I think it's a preposition. Okay? So notice as we go preposition. Okay? So notice as we go preposition. Okay? So notice as we go through, while Jesus was having dinner through, while Jesus was having dinner through, while Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and at Levi's house, many tax collectors and at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were there eating with him and sinners were there eating with him and sinners were there eating with him and his disciples. And when the teachers of his disciples. And when the teachers of his disciples. And when the teachers of the law and the Pharisees saw him eating the law and the Pharisees saw him eating the law and the Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, with the sinners and tax collectors, with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples, why does he they asked his disciples, why does he they asked his disciples, why does he eat with the tax collectors and sinners? eat with the tax collectors and sinners? eat with the tax collectors and sinners? He was with them. So we have a God who He was with them. So we have a God who He was with them. So we have a God who is a with us God. He comes to us. So he is a with us God. He comes to us. So he is a with us God. He comes to us. So he comes to us in flesh and now he sends comes to us in flesh and now he sends comes to us in flesh and now he sends his spirit to live and and dwell among his spirit to live and and dwell among his spirit to live and and dwell among us. So the invitation for us who are us. So the invitation for us who are us. So the invitation for us who are trying to model our ways after Jesus is trying to model our ways after Jesus is trying to model our ways after Jesus is to be the kind of people that move to be the kind of people that move to be the kind of people that move towards those around us, our neighbors, towards those around us, our neighbors, towards those around us, our neighbors, our friends to step into their world and our friends to step into their world and our friends to step into their world and be the kind of people that show up. In be the kind of people that show up. In be the kind of people that show up. In John 1:14, John 1:14, John 1:14, John describes Jesus ministry and says John describes Jesus ministry and says John describes Jesus ministry and says this. Says, "The word became flesh and this. Says, "The word became flesh and this. Says, "The word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen his dwelt among us and we have seen his dwelt among us and we have seen his glory as of the only son from the father glory as of the only son from the father glory as of the only son from the father full of grace and truth." So Jesus was full of grace and truth." So Jesus was full of grace and truth." So Jesus was the embodiment of the truth of God, the

the embodiment of the truth of God, the the embodiment of the truth of God, the grace of God, God in human flesh, and he grace of God, God in human flesh, and he grace of God, God in human flesh, and he comes to us. So what he invites his comes to us. So what he invites his comes to us. So what he invites his followers to do is to have the same followers to do is to have the same followers to do is to have the same approach with life. It's to move towards approach with life. It's to move towards approach with life. It's to move towards people and show up. And the word word people and show up. And the word word people and show up. And the word word the Bible uses for this is the word the Bible uses for this is the word the Bible uses for this is the word hospitality. So that s simply it just hospitality. So that s simply it just hospitality. So that s simply it just means to love those around us who are means to love those around us who are means to love those around us who are strangers that we don't know. It's an strangers that we don't know. It's an strangers that we don't know. It's an open arm, open heart kind of way of open arm, open heart kind of way of open arm, open heart kind of way of living to love those around us. And living to love those around us. And living to love those around us. And there are so many followers of Jesus do there are so many followers of Jesus do there are so many followers of Jesus do a wonderful job with this. We have a lot a wonderful job with this. We have a lot a wonderful job with this. We have a lot of people in our church have this heart of people in our church have this heart of people in our church have this heart for hospitality. But I will say this, for hospitality. But I will say this, for hospitality. But I will say this, looking at my own life, looking at the looking at my own life, looking at the looking at my own life, looking at the lives of countless others and seeing how lives of countless others and seeing how lives of countless others and seeing how often hospitality is underutilized for often hospitality is underutilized for often hospitality is underutilized for what God could do through it, it's what God could do through it, it's what God could do through it, it's important to recognize hospitality is important to recognize hospitality is important to recognize hospitality is the single greatest tool for the single greatest tool for the single greatest tool for accomplishing the great commission that accomplishing the great commission that accomplishing the great commission that we have. It is the it's the greatest we have. It is the it's the greatest we have. It is the it's the greatest tool to love our neighbors as we love tool to love our neighbors as we love tool to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. And Jesus so beautifully ourselves. And Jesus so beautifully ourselves. And Jesus so beautifully models what does it mean to have an open models what does it mean to have an open models what does it mean to have an open heart and open life to those around us.

heart and open life to those around us. heart and open life to those around us. Romans 12:13 Romans 12:13 Romans 12:13 Paul says share with the Lord's people Paul says share with the Lord's people Paul says share with the Lord's people who are in need and practice who are in need and practice who are in need and practice hospitality. So you might circle the hospitality. So you might circle the hospitality. So you might circle the word practice because it's a habit that word practice because it's a habit that word practice because it's a habit that we put into place with our life. And we put into place with our life. And we put into place with our life. And then Peter, it's almost like he he read then Peter, it's almost like he he read then Peter, it's almost like he he read our mail in 1 Peter 4:9. He says, "Show our mail in 1 Peter 4:9. He says, "Show our mail in 1 Peter 4:9. He says, "Show hospitality to one another hospitality to one another hospitality to one another without grumbling." And isn't it true without grumbling." And isn't it true without grumbling." And isn't it true that the more you have people in your that the more you have people in your that the more you have people in your home, sometimes there's this natural home, sometimes there's this natural home, sometimes there's this natural tendency. It's like, "Oh, another person tendency. It's like, "Oh, another person tendency. It's like, "Oh, another person in my home." And then what can happen is in my home." And then what can happen is in my home." And then what can happen is that actually becomes body language that that actually becomes body language that that actually becomes body language that becomes a way of life. And if you don't becomes a way of life. And if you don't becomes a way of life. And if you don't believe me, maybe this is you or a believe me, maybe this is you or a believe me, maybe this is you or a neighbor. You come home, you open up the neighbor. You come home, you open up the neighbor. You come home, you open up the garage door, you drive your car in, you garage door, you drive your car in, you garage door, you drive your car in, you close the garage door behind you, and close the garage door behind you, and close the garage door behind you, and then you get out of the car. Anybody do then you get out of the car. Anybody do then you get out of the car. Anybody do that? Nobody wants to confess. That's that? Nobody wants to confess. That's that? Nobody wants to confess. That's okay. But that that communicates okay. But that that communicates okay. But that that communicates something, doesn't it? It's a body something, doesn't it? It's a body something, doesn't it? It's a body language. Or maybe there are moments language. Or maybe there are moments language. Or maybe there are moments I've had this happen. Somebody comes to I've had this happen. Somebody comes to I've had this happen. Somebody comes to the door and you don't want to be the door and you don't want to be the door and you don't want to be interrupted and you're like kind of interrupted and you're like kind of interrupted and you're like kind of hiding, hoping that they don't see you hiding, hoping that they don't see you hiding, hoping that they don't see you on the inside. And that way of living is on the inside. And that way of living is on the inside. And that way of living is it's it's body language or it's it's it's body language or it's it's it's body language or it's communication to those around us like communication to those around us like communication to those around us like we're we're not open. So the invitation we're we're not open. So the invitation we're we're not open. So the invitation is to be the kind of person that the way is to be the kind of person that the way is to be the kind of person that the way we live, the way we treat people around we live, the way we treat people around we live, the way we treat people around us, we have an open door, open heart way us, we have an open door, open heart way us, we have an open door, open heart way of living. And that leads to the second of living. And that leads to the second of living. And that leads to the second principle which is the principle of principle which is the principle of principle which is the principle of intentionality.

intentionality. intentionality. So it's I take what God has given me, So it's I take what God has given me, So it's I take what God has given me, the life that he's created me to live, the life that he's created me to live, the life that he's created me to live, and I'm intentional with it. And Jesus and I'm intentional with it. And Jesus and I'm intentional with it. And Jesus was was a great example of this. And his was was a great example of this. And his was was a great example of this. And his love, the way Jesus loved people is he love, the way Jesus loved people is he love, the way Jesus loved people is he took the existing routine that was there took the existing routine that was there took the existing routine that was there that many of the religious leaders had that many of the religious leaders had that many of the religious leaders had not lived into and ex and and utilized not lived into and ex and and utilized not lived into and ex and and utilized for the good of loving people. Jesus for the good of loving people. Jesus for the good of loving people. Jesus repurposed routine for the sake of love. repurposed routine for the sake of love. repurposed routine for the sake of love. So what love does is it repurposes what So what love does is it repurposes what So what love does is it repurposes what we already do. So you have routine like we already do. So you have routine like we already do. So you have routine like you have a way you do life, time of day you have a way you do life, time of day you have a way you do life, time of day you wake up, where you go to work, where you wake up, where you go to work, where you wake up, where you go to work, where you work out, where you eat your meals, you work out, where you eat your meals, you work out, where you eat your meals, when you come home and your routine, when you come home and your routine, when you come home and your routine, that routine often times for me, I can that routine often times for me, I can that routine often times for me, I can get locked into a routine and my eyes get locked into a routine and my eyes get locked into a routine and my eyes are down and I miss opportunity. But are down and I miss opportunity. But are down and I miss opportunity. But when Jesus came, he took meals, when Jesus came, he took meals, when Jesus came, he took meals, conversations around the table, eating conversations around the table, eating conversations around the table, eating with people is the essence of how he with people is the essence of how he with people is the essence of how he built his ministry. So come back to Mark built his ministry. So come back to Mark built his ministry. So come back to Mark 2 for just a moment and notice it says 2 for just a moment and notice it says 2 for just a moment and notice it says while Jesus was having dinner at Levi's while Jesus was having dinner at Levi's while Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house. So notice the meal is the place house. So notice the meal is the place house. So notice the meal is the place where Jesus does his ministry. I where Jesus does his ministry. I where Jesus does his ministry. I remember when we started our church in remember when we started our church in remember when we started our church in the San Francisco Bay area before coming the San Francisco Bay area before coming the San Francisco Bay area before coming here. So we had been there 14 years. We here. So we had been there 14 years. We here. So we had been there 14 years. We started the church when I was 27 and I started the church when I was 27 and I started the church when I was 27 and I met with a mentor before I went to start met with a mentor before I went to start met with a mentor before I went to start the church. I said, "What's one piece of the church. I said, "What's one piece of the church. I said, "What's one piece of advice you would give to me when I'm advice you would give to me when I'm advice you would give to me when I'm starting a church from scratch?" And he starting a church from scratch?" And he starting a church from scratch?" And he would say, "Church planters, pastors who would say, "Church planters, pastors who would say, "Church planters, pastors who are starting churches from scratch need

are starting churches from scratch need are starting churches from scratch need to have two breakfasts, two lunches, and to have two breakfasts, two lunches, and to have two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners every day because that's how two dinners every day because that's how two dinners every day because that's how much you're with people." And that's why much you're with people." And that's why much you're with people." And that's why I put on 20 pounds in the first year of I put on 20 pounds in the first year of I put on 20 pounds in the first year of the new church because I was always with the new church because I was always with the new church because I was always with people. And the the power of the meal people. And the the power of the meal people. And the the power of the meal and the table is often times the thing and the table is often times the thing and the table is often times the thing that is underutilized. All of us eat. that is underutilized. All of us eat. that is underutilized. All of us eat. Some of us eat more than others. And Some of us eat more than others. And Some of us eat more than others. And those meals are opportunities for those meals are opportunities for those meals are opportunities for ministry. So the goal would be to make ministry. So the goal would be to make ministry. So the goal would be to make meals and tables a tool for love. So meals and tables a tool for love. So meals and tables a tool for love. So it's to make the meal that you already it's to make the meal that you already it's to make the meal that you already have or the table that's already in your have or the table that's already in your have or the table that's already in your home a tool to love the people around home a tool to love the people around home a tool to love the people around you. So Stacy and I, we've lived in you. So Stacy and I, we've lived in you. So Stacy and I, we've lived in about eight or nine places since we've about eight or nine places since we've about eight or nine places since we've been married. And the first place that been married. And the first place that been married. And the first place that we lived was this like little small shoe we lived was this like little small shoe we lived was this like little small shoe box apartment in Fort Worth, Texas. box apartment in Fort Worth, Texas. box apartment in Fort Worth, Texas. We're going to seminary at the time and We're going to seminary at the time and We're going to seminary at the time and everything was tight and everything that everything was tight and everything that everything was tight and everything that we had was given to us. We had this like we had was given to us. We had this like we had was given to us. We had this like one janky old table with a glass top one janky old table with a glass top one janky old table with a glass top that almost broke about five times. We that almost broke about five times. We that almost broke about five times. We had this nasty old couch that I think had this nasty old couch that I think had this nasty old couch that I think was Moses couch from the Old Testament.

was Moses couch from the Old Testament. was Moses couch from the Old Testament. And yet at the beginning of our And yet at the beginning of our And yet at the beginning of our marriage, we said, "God, we're going to marriage, we said, "God, we're going to marriage, we said, "God, we're going to do two things with what you give to us do two things with what you give to us do two things with what you give to us with our home. One, we're going to make with our home. One, we're going to make with our home. One, we're going to make it an altar of worship. And two, we're it an altar of worship. And two, we're it an altar of worship. And two, we're going to make it a place of ministry." going to make it a place of ministry." going to make it a place of ministry." And for 22 years, that's been our goal And for 22 years, that's been our goal And for 22 years, that's been our goal everywhere we live. It's like, God, we everywhere we live. It's like, God, we everywhere we live. It's like, God, we want to worship you in this space, and want to worship you in this space, and want to worship you in this space, and we want to see you use our home as a we want to see you use our home as a we want to see you use our home as a place that you can minister to people place that you can minister to people place that you can minister to people through our lives, our neighbors, those through our lives, our neighbors, those through our lives, our neighbors, those in need. And so the question we can in need. And so the question we can in need. And so the question we can wrestle through is how could you be more wrestle through is how could you be more wrestle through is how could you be more intentional with your meals and with intentional with your meals and with intentional with your meals and with your table? And there's a power in this. your table? And there's a power in this. your table? And there's a power in this. Like what if you went home today after Like what if you went home today after Like what if you went home today after church and that table that's in your church and that table that's in your church and that table that's in your house, you were to look at that table house, you were to look at that table house, you were to look at that table and say, "God, I dedicate this table for and say, "God, I dedicate this table for and say, "God, I dedicate this table for ministry to you. And I pray that you ministry to you. And I pray that you ministry to you. And I pray that you would bless every conversation with would bless every conversation with would bless every conversation with kids, with friends, with neighbors, and kids, with friends, with neighbors, and kids, with friends, with neighbors, and that you would use what you've already that you would use what you've already that you would use what you've already given to me to make a difference in the given to me to make a difference in the given to me to make a difference in the lives of those around me. See, Jesus lives of those around me. See, Jesus lives of those around me. See, Jesus gives us this beautiful example of gives us this beautiful example of gives us this beautiful example of taking what was already a normal routine taking what was already a normal routine taking what was already a normal routine and using it for ministry. And at the and using it for ministry. And at the and using it for ministry. And at the same time, the goal would be that as we same time, the goal would be that as we same time, the goal would be that as we look at the ministry of Jesus, we can look at the ministry of Jesus, we can look at the ministry of Jesus, we can say, I can do this. like you can say, I can do this. like you can say, I can do this. like you can actually have a meal with another person actually have a meal with another person actually have a meal with another person and be a friend to them. See, Jesus and be a friend to them. See, Jesus and be a friend to them. See, Jesus didn't begin with Levi by inviting him didn't begin with Levi by inviting him didn't begin with Levi by inviting him to a meeting. Jesus started by inviting to a meeting. Jesus started by inviting to a meeting. Jesus started by inviting him to a meal. And that's the him to a meal. And that's the him to a meal. And that's the invitation. Neighboring starts over food invitation. Neighboring starts over food invitation. Neighboring starts over food and homes. And many of you have done

and homes. And many of you have done and homes. And many of you have done that. In fact, I want you to hear today that. In fact, I want you to hear today that. In fact, I want you to hear today a great example, a testimony, a story of a great example, a testimony, a story of a great example, a testimony, a story of a family who's a part of Saddleback. a family who's a part of Saddleback. a family who's a part of Saddleback. Lana's going to come and share her story Lana's going to come and share her story Lana's going to come and share her story of how she's lived this out. Will y'all of how she's lived this out. Will y'all of how she's lived this out. Will y'all welcome Lana as she comes to share. Hi everyone. So grateful to be here. I Hi everyone. So grateful to be here. I grew up thinking that everyone's house grew up thinking that everyone's house grew up thinking that everyone's house was like ours. A place where the door was like ours. A place where the door was like ours. A place where the door was never really shut. The table was was never really shut. The table was was never really shut. The table was always full. And you never knew who always full. And you never knew who always full. And you never knew who would be sleeping over next. My parents would be sleeping over next. My parents would be sleeping over next. My parents had this gift of opening our home had this gift of opening our home had this gift of opening our home sometimes for months on end as a halfway sometimes for months on end as a halfway sometimes for months on end as a halfway house and that shaped me. I grew up house and that shaped me. I grew up house and that shaped me. I grew up believing this is just how life is. This believing this is just how life is. This believing this is just how life is. This is what you do with the home. My husband is what you do with the home. My husband is what you do with the home. My husband experienced this growing up too, but in experienced this growing up too, but in experienced this growing up too, but in a different way. He and his siblings a different way. He and his siblings a different way. He and his siblings were often woken up in the middle of the were often woken up in the middle of the were often woken up in the middle of the night to give their room to surprise night to give their room to surprise night to give their room to surprise guests.

guests. guests. Watching my parents and hearing my Watching my parents and hearing my Watching my parents and hearing my husband's own stories taught me so much husband's own stories taught me so much husband's own stories taught me so much about God's heart. I learned and I keep about God's heart. I learned and I keep about God's heart. I learned and I keep learning that everything we have really learning that everything we have really learning that everything we have really belongs to God anyway. Just like when we belongs to God anyway. Just like when we belongs to God anyway. Just like when we tithe and give a portion of what he has tithe and give a portion of what he has tithe and give a portion of what he has given back to us, what he has given us given back to us, what he has given us given back to us, what he has given us back to him, excuse me. Opening our back to him, excuse me. Opening our back to him, excuse me. Opening our homes and giving our time, effort, and homes and giving our time, effort, and homes and giving our time, effort, and our resources to prepare a space for our resources to prepare a space for our resources to prepare a space for others is a way of giving back to him. others is a way of giving back to him. others is a way of giving back to him. It's an act of love. And it reminds me It's an act of love. And it reminds me It's an act of love. And it reminds me of that agape love that Pastor Andy was of that agape love that Pastor Andy was of that agape love that Pastor Andy was talking about last week. And the talking about last week. And the talking about last week. And the surprising thing is when you say yes to surprising thing is when you say yes to surprising thing is when you say yes to inviting people in, you often end up inviting people in, you often end up inviting people in, you often end up feeling more blessed than the people you feeling more blessed than the people you feeling more blessed than the people you welcomed. So, fast forward a little bit welcomed. So, fast forward a little bit welcomed. So, fast forward a little bit to getting married, moving to Orange to getting married, moving to Orange to getting married, moving to Orange County, and by God's grace, buying our County, and by God's grace, buying our County, and by God's grace, buying our own home. As we were looking for homes, own home. As we were looking for homes, own home. As we were looking for homes, we always prayed. Lord, whatever home we always prayed. Lord, whatever home we always prayed. Lord, whatever home you give us, let us use it for your you give us, let us use it for your you give us, let us use it for your glory. Let it be a place where our doors glory. Let it be a place where our doors glory. Let it be a place where our doors are always open and people feel your are always open and people feel your are always open and people feel your love when they walk in. And we meant it.

love when they walk in. And we meant it. love when they walk in. And we meant it. For us, hospitality isn't just something For us, hospitality isn't just something For us, hospitality isn't just something we do occasionally. It's part of our we do occasionally. It's part of our we do occasionally. It's part of our family's DNA. If you ask me what I like family's DNA. If you ask me what I like family's DNA. If you ask me what I like to do for fun, one of my answers is have to do for fun, one of my answers is have to do for fun, one of my answers is have people over. That's my happy place. And people over. That's my happy place. And people over. That's my happy place. And it's not just one of my ministries, it's it's not just one of my ministries, it's it's not just one of my ministries, it's our family's ministry. We have a our family's ministry. We have a our family's ministry. We have a ministry at church. My boys and I serve ministry at church. My boys and I serve ministry at church. My boys and I serve in SK and my husband is in ministry, but in SK and my husband is in ministry, but in SK and my husband is in ministry, but we also love ministering in our home. we also love ministering in our home. we also love ministering in our home. It's something that draws us closer as a It's something that draws us closer as a It's something that draws us closer as a family, giving us a shared purpose. family, giving us a shared purpose. family, giving us a shared purpose. Something special happens when we're Something special happens when we're Something special happens when we're serving others together and especially serving others together and especially serving others together and especially as a blended family. This shared as a blended family. This shared as a blended family. This shared ministry has been such a gift in uniting ministry has been such a gift in uniting ministry has been such a gift in uniting us because our boys are part of it too. us because our boys are part of it too. us because our boys are part of it too. Setting tables, cleaning, even cooking Setting tables, cleaning, even cooking Setting tables, cleaning, even cooking sometimes. I tell them all the time, sometimes. I tell them all the time, sometimes. I tell them all the time, "Your future wives are really going to "Your future wives are really going to "Your future wives are really going to thank me for this." thank me for this." thank me for this." They usually roll their eyes, but deep They usually roll their eyes, but deep They usually roll their eyes, but deep down I know they're enjoying welcoming down I know they're enjoying welcoming down I know they're enjoying welcoming people people people and making them feel like they're at and making them feel like they're at and making them feel like they're at home, especially when they earn video home, especially when they earn video home, especially when they earn video game time. Because the digital fast is game time. Because the digital fast is game time. Because the digital fast is real in our house. Seriously.

real in our house. Seriously. real in our house. Seriously. And yes, I've been known to take a And yes, I've been known to take a And yes, I've been known to take a vacation day not to go to the beach, but vacation day not to go to the beach, but vacation day not to go to the beach, but to vacuum under the couch before guests to vacuum under the couch before guests to vacuum under the couch before guests arrive, cook, and pray. It's kind of arrive, cook, and pray. It's kind of arrive, cook, and pray. It's kind of like my version of a getaway with my like my version of a getaway with my like my version of a getaway with my husband cooking by my side. Don't get me husband cooking by my side. Don't get me husband cooking by my side. Don't get me wrong, though. It's not always easy. wrong, though. It's not always easy. wrong, though. It's not always easy. We'll sometimes prepare for days to make We'll sometimes prepare for days to make We'll sometimes prepare for days to make things happen. With our full work things happen. With our full work things happen. With our full work schedules and busy lives, it takes schedules and busy lives, it takes schedules and busy lives, it takes planning and occasionally rolling planning and occasionally rolling planning and occasionally rolling baklava after midnight. But it's always baklava after midnight. But it's always baklava after midnight. But it's always more than worth it. Honestly, we'd more than worth it. Honestly, we'd more than worth it. Honestly, we'd rather be doing this than watching TV. rather be doing this than watching TV. rather be doing this than watching TV. And just so we're clear, we don't wake And just so we're clear, we don't wake And just so we're clear, we don't wake up every day like bursting with energy, up every day like bursting with energy, up every day like bursting with energy, ready to clean the house and cook for a ready to clean the house and cook for a ready to clean the house and cook for a crowd. There are moments when we're crowd. There are moments when we're crowd. There are moments when we're tired and it's hard. But we found those tired and it's hard. But we found those tired and it's hard. But we found those are often the times when God does his are often the times when God does his are often the times when God does his deepest work in us and in others. And deepest work in us and in others. And deepest work in us and in others. And here's the thing, it's never just about here's the thing, it's never just about here's the thing, it's never just about the food. We pray before people come, the food. We pray before people come, the food. We pray before people come, asking God's spirit to fill our home. We asking God's spirit to fill our home. We asking God's spirit to fill our home. We want people to feel like they're want people to feel like they're want people to feel like they're receiving a giant hug from God the receiving a giant hug from God the receiving a giant hug from God the moment they step into our home. A place moment they step into our home. A place moment they step into our home. A place where people don't just feel welcomed, where people don't just feel welcomed, where people don't just feel welcomed, they feel loved. Our table has been a they feel loved. Our table has been a they feel loved. Our table has been a place for those walking through loss, place for those walking through loss, place for those walking through loss, friends wrestling with big decisions, friends wrestling with big decisions, friends wrestling with big decisions, and people who just needed to know they and people who just needed to know they and people who just needed to know they weren't alone.

weren't alone. weren't alone. We've seen God move in really unique We've seen God move in really unique We've seen God move in really unique ways. Every time guests leave, my ways. Every time guests leave, my ways. Every time guests leave, my husband and I look at each other and husband and I look at each other and husband and I look at each other and say, "That was so great. Who should we say, "That was so great. Who should we say, "That was so great. Who should we invite next?" And the thing is, we're invite next?" And the thing is, we're invite next?" And the thing is, we're used to having people over that we serve used to having people over that we serve used to having people over that we serve with, our friends and our family. That's with, our friends and our family. That's with, our friends and our family. That's our comfort zone. But after Pastor our comfort zone. But after Pastor our comfort zone. But after Pastor Andy's message last week, Andy's message last week, Andy's message last week, it really put something on our hearts. it really put something on our hearts. it really put something on our hearts. We felt a tug to do the same with our We felt a tug to do the same with our We felt a tug to do the same with our neighbors. I'm honestly a little neighbors. I'm honestly a little neighbors. I'm honestly a little nervous. They might think we're weird or nervous. They might think we're weird or nervous. They might think we're weird or even say no, but we're taking a step of even say no, but we're taking a step of even say no, but we're taking a step of faith. It's new territory for us. And faith. It's new territory for us. And faith. It's new territory for us. And while there's some fear, there's also an while there's some fear, there's also an while there's some fear, there's also an expectant hope. Because I do know this, expectant hope. Because I do know this, expectant hope. Because I do know this, God will always do more than we could God will always do more than we could God will always do more than we could ask or imagine when we open our doors. ask or imagine when we open our doors. ask or imagine when we open our doors. So, you can pray for us as we take this So, you can pray for us as we take this So, you can pray for us as we take this challenge. and I'll be praying for you, challenge. and I'll be praying for you, challenge. and I'll be praying for you, too. That we'll each follow Jesus's call too. That we'll each follow Jesus's call too. That we'll each follow Jesus's call to love our neighbors as ourselves. God to love our neighbors as ourselves. God to love our neighbors as ourselves. God bless you all.

bless you all. bless you all. >> Thank you. >> The beauty of a model is that it helps >> The beauty of a model is that it helps us see I can do that as well. And my us see I can do that as well. And my us see I can do that as well. And my prayer for you today for our whole prayer for you today for our whole prayer for you today for our whole church family is just looking at Jesus church family is just looking at Jesus church family is just looking at Jesus example and the example of others that example and the example of others that example and the example of others that we would be inspired that this would we would be inspired that this would we would be inspired that this would become the cadence of our life to invite become the cadence of our life to invite become the cadence of our life to invite people into our lives to see what God people into our lives to see what God people into our lives to see what God could do. The same way that Jesus showed could do. The same way that Jesus showed could do. The same way that Jesus showed up and changed Matthew's life, God can up and changed Matthew's life, God can up and changed Matthew's life, God can do that through our lives as well. And I do that through our lives as well. And I do that through our lives as well. And I want to finish with a very important want to finish with a very important want to finish with a very important part of this passage that's so important part of this passage that's so important part of this passage that's so important is Jesus is speaking and the religious is Jesus is speaking and the religious is Jesus is speaking and the religious leaders come. They ask him, you know, leaders come. They ask him, you know, leaders come. They ask him, you know, like why why are you spending time with like why why are you spending time with like why why are you spending time with all of these people whose lives are all of these people whose lives are all of these people whose lives are broken? And Jesus makes a statement. He broken? And Jesus makes a statement. He broken? And Jesus makes a statement. He says,"It's not the healthy who need a says,"It's not the healthy who need a says,"It's not the healthy who need a doctor, it's the sick. I did not come to doctor, it's the sick. I did not come to doctor, it's the sick. I did not come to save the righteous, but I came for save the righteous, but I came for save the righteous, but I came for sinners." And this is the message, sinners." And this is the message, sinners." And this is the message, friends, of the gospel. This is the friends, of the gospel. This is the friends, of the gospel. This is the message of Jesus, that he came for the message of Jesus, that he came for the message of Jesus, that he came for the brokenness of our world. He came to brokenness of our world. He came to brokenness of our world. He came to extend the heart of God to all of extend the heart of God to all of extend the heart of God to all of humanity. that everybody who's hurting, humanity. that everybody who's hurting, humanity. that everybody who's hurting, everybody who's lost, everyone who's everybody who's lost, everyone who's everybody who's lost, everyone who's confused, that all of that he would take confused, that all of that he would take confused, that all of that he would take to a cross all of our sin and nail it to a cross all of our sin and nail it to a cross all of our sin and nail it there so that we could be forgiven, so there so that we could be forgiven, so there so that we could be forgiven, so that we can be holy and righteous before that we can be holy and righteous before that we can be holy and righteous before God. And Jesus serves not just as a God. And Jesus serves not just as a God. And Jesus serves not just as a model. Jesus serves as the savior. Jesus model. Jesus serves as the savior. Jesus model. Jesus serves as the savior. Jesus serves as the only one that can go to a serves as the only one that can go to a serves as the only one that can go to a cross for us. And his love does

cross for us. And his love does cross for us. And his love does something so unique that the religious something so unique that the religious something so unique that the religious leaders of his day didn't do. See, his leaders of his day didn't do. See, his leaders of his day didn't do. See, his love came with compassion. And that's love came with compassion. And that's love came with compassion. And that's the final principle. It's the principle the final principle. It's the principle the final principle. It's the principle of compassion that in Jesus' heart would of compassion that in Jesus' heart would of compassion that in Jesus' heart would motivate him, his heart for the world to motivate him, his heart for the world to motivate him, his heart for the world to bring him to a place to lift the burden bring him to a place to lift the burden bring him to a place to lift the burden of sin. And what love does is it lifts of sin. And what love does is it lifts of sin. And what love does is it lifts burdens. The religious leaders stacked burdens. The religious leaders stacked burdens. The religious leaders stacked weight. They gave rules. They gave weight. They gave rules. They gave weight. They gave rules. They gave obligation. They gave all of these obligation. They gave all of these obligation. They gave all of these things that you had to do to earn your things that you had to do to earn your things that you had to do to earn your way to God. But God in Jesus came to us way to God. But God in Jesus came to us way to God. But God in Jesus came to us to lift the burden of sin so that we to lift the burden of sin so that we to lift the burden of sin so that we could be forgiven. So that we could live could be forgiven. So that we could live could be forgiven. So that we could live with peace. So that we could be free. with peace. So that we could be free. with peace. So that we could be free. And the invitation is to receive that And the invitation is to receive that And the invitation is to receive that gift and then for that gift to overflow gift and then for that gift to overflow gift and then for that gift to overflow from our lives into the lives of others. from our lives into the lives of others. from our lives into the lives of others. That we would be the kind of people that That we would be the kind of people that That we would be the kind of people that show up and we would be the kind of show up and we would be the kind of show up and we would be the kind of people that repurpose routine. But we people that repurpose routine. But we people that repurpose routine. But we would also be the kind of people that would also be the kind of people that would also be the kind of people that lift burdens and point people to Jesus. lift burdens and point people to Jesus. lift burdens and point people to Jesus. See, the good news is when we point See, the good news is when we point See, the good news is when we point people to Jesus, we're not pointing people to Jesus, we're not pointing people to Jesus, we're not pointing people to meetings and obligations. We people to meetings and obligations. We people to meetings and obligations. We are pointing people to a person. We're are pointing people to a person. We're are pointing people to a person. We're pointing people to the risen savior who pointing people to the risen savior who pointing people to the risen savior who has conquered the grave, who is ruling has conquered the grave, who is ruling has conquered the grave, who is ruling and reigning as the high king of heaven and reigning as the high king of heaven and reigning as the high king of heaven and wants a relationship with every and wants a relationship with every and wants a relationship with every single person on the face of the planet.

single person on the face of the planet. single person on the face of the planet. That's the invitation that we get to be That's the invitation that we get to be That's the invitation that we get to be those kinds of people. those kinds of people. those kinds of people. And as we conclude our time together And as we conclude our time together And as we conclude our time together today, there are some of you that maybe today, there are some of you that maybe today, there are some of you that maybe God is stirring in you more and you're God is stirring in you more and you're God is stirring in you more and you're like, "Yes, I want to respond." I I like, "Yes, I want to respond." I I like, "Yes, I want to respond." I I would like to make it so simple. I'm would like to make it so simple. I'm would like to make it so simple. I'm going to give you a very simple going to give you a very simple going to give you a very simple challenge. Last week it was to write challenge. Last week it was to write challenge. Last week it was to write down the names of people to pray for down the names of people to pray for down the names of people to pray for them. This week, the very simple them. This week, the very simple them. This week, the very simple challenge is to bring somebody into our challenge is to bring somebody into our challenge is to bring somebody into our homes. is to say, "I'm going to have a homes. is to say, "I'm going to have a homes. is to say, "I'm going to have a meal with somebody who's a neighbor meal with somebody who's a neighbor meal with somebody who's a neighbor sometime in the next couple of weeks." sometime in the next couple of weeks." sometime in the next couple of weeks." It's going to come on the screen. It's It's going to come on the screen. It's It's going to come on the screen. It's to make a decision. I'm I'm simply going to make a decision. I'm I'm simply going to make a decision. I'm I'm simply going to schedule or plan a meal with someone to schedule or plan a meal with someone to schedule or plan a meal with someone in the next week. So, plan to h have a in the next week. So, plan to h have a in the next week. So, plan to h have a time. I want to make sure I got my words time. I want to make sure I got my words time. I want to make sure I got my words right. Sorry. Plan a time to have a meal right. Sorry. Plan a time to have a meal right. Sorry. Plan a time to have a meal with a neighbor in the coming week. So, with a neighbor in the coming week. So, with a neighbor in the coming week. So, that's the step. And I want to invite that's the step. And I want to invite that's the step. And I want to invite you to take that step. And that's the you to take that step. And that's the you to take that step. And that's the invitation very simply for us to move invitation very simply for us to move invitation very simply for us to move forward with those relationships and forward with those relationships and forward with those relationships and say, "Could I bring somebody in my home? say, "Could I bring somebody in my home? say, "Could I bring somebody in my home? Could I go to their home? Could we go Could I go to their home? Could we go Could I go to their home? Could we go out for a meal together and watch what out for a meal together and watch what out for a meal together and watch what God does as a result?" See, Levi started God does as a result?" See, Levi started God does as a result?" See, Levi started at a tax collector's booth, but with the at a tax collector's booth, but with the at a tax collector's booth, but with the grace of Jesus, was radically grace of Jesus, was radically grace of Jesus, was radically transformed to become one of the early transformed to become one of the early transformed to become one of the early followers of his, write the book of followers of his, write the book of followers of his, write the book of Matthew, become an apostle that Jesus Matthew, become an apostle that Jesus Matthew, become an apostle that Jesus would use to reach the nations. But would use to reach the nations. But would use to reach the nations. But reaching the nations started with Jesus reaching the nations started with Jesus reaching the nations started with Jesus in a neighborhood reaching Levi and then in a neighborhood reaching Levi and then in a neighborhood reaching Levi and then changing his life. And that's what changing his life. And that's what changing his life. And that's what happens through us. It starts in our happens through us. It starts in our happens through us. It starts in our neighborhoods with our yes to Jesus and neighborhoods with our yes to Jesus and neighborhoods with our yes to Jesus and watching him move through us. We can do

watching him move through us. We can do watching him move through us. We can do it this week. A very simple step. But it this week. A very simple step. But it this week. A very simple step. But some of you as you're listening, you're some of you as you're listening, you're some of you as you're listening, you're not there. like you're you're here and not there. like you're you're here and not there. like you're you're here and when you hear this phrase that says that when you hear this phrase that says that when you hear this phrase that says that Jesus came not for the healthy but for Jesus came not for the healthy but for Jesus came not for the healthy but for the sick, you're like, "There's some the sick, you're like, "There's some the sick, you're like, "There's some things in my life that are broken and I things in my life that are broken and I things in my life that are broken and I recognize my life is not where I want it recognize my life is not where I want it recognize my life is not where I want it to be." Like there are things that you to be." Like there are things that you to be." Like there are things that you carry. Maybe there are worries. Maybe carry. Maybe there are worries. Maybe carry. Maybe there are worries. Maybe some of you, if you're honest with some of you, if you're honest with some of you, if you're honest with yourself, you feel so far from God. yourself, you feel so far from God. yourself, you feel so far from God. Maybe you're sitting in the middle of a Maybe you're sitting in the middle of a Maybe you're sitting in the middle of a church service at Irvine North or you're church service at Irvine North or you're church service at Irvine North or you're in in Anaheim and you're there, but in in Anaheim and you're there, but in in Anaheim and you're there, but you're so far from God today and the you're so far from God today and the you're so far from God today and the invitation is that God came near so that invitation is that God came near so that invitation is that God came near so that you could know him and respond to his you could know him and respond to his you could know him and respond to his grace and come close as a result of the grace and come close as a result of the grace and come close as a result of the cross. Colossians 1 19 speaks of this cross. Colossians 1 19 speaks of this cross. Colossians 1 19 speaks of this and listen to what the Apostle Paul and listen to what the Apostle Paul and listen to what the Apostle Paul writes. He says, "For in him all the writes. He says, "For in him all the writes. He says, "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell." fullness of God was pleased to dwell." fullness of God was pleased to dwell." speaking of Jesus and through him to speaking of Jesus and through him to speaking of Jesus and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether reconcile to himself all things whether reconcile to himself all things whether on earth or in heaven by making peace on earth or in heaven by making peace on earth or in heaven by making peace through the blood of Christ. What that through the blood of Christ. What that through the blood of Christ. What that means is that Jesus went to a cross to means is that Jesus went to a cross to means is that Jesus went to a cross to restore relationship between us and God.

restore relationship between us and God. restore relationship between us and God. And as he came, Jesus in his death was And as he came, Jesus in his death was And as he came, Jesus in his death was not simply coming to condemn the world, not simply coming to condemn the world, not simply coming to condemn the world, but he was coming to bring salvation to but he was coming to bring salvation to but he was coming to bring salvation to the world. One of the verses that we're the world. One of the verses that we're the world. One of the verses that we're familiar with is John 3:16 that says, familiar with is John 3:16 that says, familiar with is John 3:16 that says, "For God so loved the world that he gave "For God so loved the world that he gave "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whosoever would his only son that whosoever would his only son that whosoever would believe in him shall not perish but have believe in him shall not perish but have believe in him shall not perish but have eternal everlasting life." And then eternal everlasting life." And then eternal everlasting life." And then listen to this next phrase. It says, listen to this next phrase. It says, listen to this next phrase. It says, "For the son of man did not come into "For the son of man did not come into "For the son of man did not come into the world to condemn the world, but so the world to condemn the world, but so the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through that the world might be saved through that the world might be saved through him." So the invitation is one with arms him." So the invitation is one with arms him." So the invitation is one with arms stretched wide. It's a it's a hospitable stretched wide. It's a it's a hospitable stretched wide. It's a it's a hospitable God with an open heart with open arms God with an open heart with open arms God with an open heart with open arms for us as human beings to come home to for us as human beings to come home to for us as human beings to come home to God and to receive his gift of God and to receive his gift of God and to receive his gift of salvation. So today your heart can be salvation. So today your heart can be salvation. So today your heart can be restored to God. You can have peace with restored to God. You can have peace with restored to God. You can have peace with God because of what Jesus did on a cross God because of what Jesus did on a cross God because of what Jesus did on a cross and his resurrection. Today can be the and his resurrection. Today can be the and his resurrection. Today can be the day of your salvation that you open up day of your salvation that you open up day of your salvation that you open up your heart, that you turn your life over your heart, that you turn your life over your heart, that you turn your life over to Jesus and you receive his love into to Jesus and you receive his love into to Jesus and you receive his love into your heart. I want to invite you to do your heart. I want to invite you to do your heart. I want to invite you to do that right now today. You can respond to that right now today. You can respond to that right now today. You can respond to the spirit of God as he's stirring in the spirit of God as he's stirring in the spirit of God as he's stirring in you. And I'd like to invite you at all you. And I'd like to invite you at all you. And I'd like to invite you at all our all of our campuses to close your our all of our campuses to close your our all of our campuses to close your eyes for this moment as we respond to eyes for this moment as we respond to eyes for this moment as we respond to the grace of God. If you're here today the grace of God. If you're here today the grace of God. If you're here today and you're listening to my voice and and you're listening to my voice and and you're listening to my voice and you're like, I'm empty on the inside.

you're like, I'm empty on the inside. you're like, I'm empty on the inside. I'm broken. I'm hurting. There's an area I'm broken. I'm hurting. There's an area I'm broken. I'm hurting. There's an area of my life that I just can't get under of my life that I just can't get under of my life that I just can't get under control. I'm the person that needs a control. I'm the person that needs a control. I'm the person that needs a doctor. King Jesus, Dr. Jesus is here doctor. King Jesus, Dr. Jesus is here doctor. King Jesus, Dr. Jesus is here today in our midst inviting you to turn today in our midst inviting you to turn today in our midst inviting you to turn to him to receive the help that he can to him to receive the help that he can to him to receive the help that he can give to you. And you can turn to him give to you. And you can turn to him give to you. And you can turn to him right now in this moment. And you can right now in this moment. And you can right now in this moment. And you can pray a very simple prayer that goes like pray a very simple prayer that goes like pray a very simple prayer that goes like this to begin a relationship with him. this to begin a relationship with him. this to begin a relationship with him. Just say, "Dear Jesus, Just say, "Dear Jesus, Just say, "Dear Jesus, I believe that you died on a cross for I believe that you died on a cross for I believe that you died on a cross for my sins. my sins. my sins. I believe that you rose again from the I believe that you rose again from the I believe that you rose again from the dead. and I want to turn my heart over dead. and I want to turn my heart over dead. and I want to turn my heart over to you today. I thank you for new life. to you today. I thank you for new life. to you today. I thank you for new life. I pray that you would strengthen me so I pray that you would strengthen me so I pray that you would strengthen me so that I can live for you all of my days. that I can live for you all of my days. that I can live for you all of my days. Now, with nobody looking around, some of Now, with nobody looking around, some of Now, with nobody looking around, some of you today, you made that decision to you today, you made that decision to you today, you made that decision to follow Jesus. And I want to invite you follow Jesus. And I want to invite you follow Jesus. And I want to invite you in just a moment to let us know that you in just a moment to let us know that you in just a moment to let us know that you made that decision to say, "Today, I put made that decision to say, "Today, I put made that decision to say, "Today, I put my trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of my trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of my trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins." In fact, I'm going to count to my sins." In fact, I'm going to count to my sins." In fact, I'm going to count to three. And if there's anybody at any of three. And if there's anybody at any of three. And if there's anybody at any of our campuses as you heard Jesus our campuses as you heard Jesus our campuses as you heard Jesus invitation, you prayed that prayer invitation, you prayed that prayer invitation, you prayed that prayer responded, I want to invite you just to responded, I want to invite you just to responded, I want to invite you just to slip your hand up and just say, "Today, slip your hand up and just say, "Today, slip your hand up and just say, "Today, I'm receiving the gift of salvation on a I'm receiving the gift of salvation on a I'm receiving the gift of salvation on a count of three." 1 2 3. Just slip them count of three." 1 2 3. Just slip them count of three." 1 2 3. Just slip them up all across our campuses. We thank up all across our campuses. We thank up all across our campuses. We thank you. See you over here on the right.

you. See you over here on the right. you. See you over here on the right. Anybody else back there? Other campuses, Anybody else back there? Other campuses, Anybody else back there? Other campuses, people raising their hands. God, we people raising their hands. God, we people raising their hands. God, we thank you for salvation. We thank you thank you for salvation. We thank you thank you for salvation. We thank you for the gift of eternal life that comes for the gift of eternal life that comes for the gift of eternal life that comes in you. We pray these things in Jesus in you. We pray these things in Jesus in you. We pray these things in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. And I will build my name. Amen. Amen. And I will build my name. Amen. Amen. And I will build my life life life upon your love. It is a firm foundation. upon your love. It is a firm foundation. upon your love. It is a firm foundation. And I will put my trust in you, oh Lord. And I will put my trust in you, oh Lord. And I will put my trust in you, oh Lord. And I will And I will And I will I will say I will build my life upon I will say I will build my life upon I will say I will build my life upon your love. It is my first salvation. your love. It is my first salvation. your love. It is my first salvation. I will put my trust in you alone I will put my trust in you alone I will put my trust in you alone and I will and I will and I will holy say holy.

holy say holy. holy say holy. There is no one like you. There is none There is no one like you. There is none There is no one like you. There is none beside you. Open up my eyes beside you. Open up my eyes beside you. Open up my eyes and show me. Show me who you are and and show me. Show me who you are and and show me. Show me who you are and fill me with your heart and lead me in fill me with your heart and lead me in fill me with your heart and lead me in love to your I will build my life. I love to your I will build my life. I love to your I will build my life. I will build my life upon will build my life upon will build my life upon your love. It is Watch Watch you alone you alone you alone and I will not be sh. and I will not be sh. and I will not be sh. [Music] [Music] [Music] Thank you so much again for joining us Thank you so much again for joining us Thank you so much again for joining us for service this week. If you prayed for service this week. If you prayed for service this week. If you prayed that prayer with Pastor Andy for the that prayer with Pastor Andy for the that prayer with Pastor Andy for the first time and you decided to follow first time and you decided to follow first time and you decided to follow Jesus, we would love to know about it so Jesus, we would love to know about it so Jesus, we would love to know about it so we can be celebrating with you and we can be celebrating with you and we can be celebrating with you and praying for you. So, you can let us know praying for you. So, you can let us know praying for you. So, you can let us know by hitting the link in the description by hitting the link in the description by hitting the link in the description or by going to the Saddleback app and or by going to the Saddleback app and or by going to the Saddleback app and hitting the follow Jesus button. In hitting the follow Jesus button. In hitting the follow Jesus button. In addition, if you want prayer for addition, if you want prayer for addition, if you want prayer for anything or if you're looking to take a anything or if you're looking to take a anything or if you're looking to take a next step in your faith, you can also next step in your faith, you can also next step in your faith, you can also let us know in the Saddleback app and we let us know in the Saddleback app and we let us know in the Saddleback app and we would love to walk alongside you in would love to walk alongside you in would love to walk alongside you in that. And finally, if you're looking for

that. And finally, if you're looking for that. And finally, if you're looking for more ideas on how to be a good neighbor, more ideas on how to be a good neighbor, more ideas on how to be a good neighbor, we have a be a good neighbor guide that we have a be a good neighbor guide that we have a be a good neighbor guide that you can find in the for you section you can find in the for you section you can find in the for you section under the app. You can download this and under the app. You can download this and under the app. You can download this and put this into practice this week with put this into practice this week with put this into practice this week with your neighbors. Well, Saddleback family, your neighbors. Well, Saddleback family, your neighbors. Well, Saddleback family, I'm so grateful that you decided to I'm so grateful that you decided to I'm so grateful that you decided to spend time with us this week. I hope you spend time with us this week. I hope you spend time with us this week. I hope you have a great week coming up ahead and we have a great week coming up ahead and we have a great week coming up ahead and we hope to see you back here next week.