1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Rick Warren
  4. Episodes
  5. Rick Warren - We Are Members of God's Family
Rick Warren

Rick Warren - We Are Members of God's Family

November 23, 2025 | 27:29

Rick Warren - We Are Members of God's Family
Pastor Rick shares biblical truth and practical tools for living the full life God desires for everyone.
#Family #BodyofChrist #Jesus #Church #Unity #Community #Relationships #SpiritualGrowth #SpiritualFoundation #RickWarren

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Rick Warren | Rick Warren - We Are Members of God's Family | November 23, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.317
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:01.785 --> 00:00:11.361
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:11.494 --> 00:00:16.933
  • Pastor rick warren: we're in part three of a series
  • 00:00:21.071 --> 00:00:22.405
  • That we started a couple of weeks ago on
  • 00:00:22.405 --> 00:00:24.174
  • What does it mean to really follow jesus, and we're looking
  • 00:00:24.174 --> 00:00:27.243
  • At words that describe what it means to be a follower.
  • 00:00:27.243 --> 00:00:31.681
  • The first word we looked at is the word disciple.
  • 00:00:31.681 --> 00:00:34.818
  • If you missed that message, i want you to go online and listen
  • 00:00:34.818 --> 00:00:37.687
  • To it.
  • 00:00:37.687 --> 00:00:39.055
  • It is a very important message on the five definitions of what
  • 00:00:39.055 --> 00:00:42.692
  • It means to be a disciple of jesus christ.
  • 00:00:42.692 --> 00:00:46.362
  • Then last week we looked at another word that defines what
  • 00:00:46.362 --> 00:00:48.731
  • It means to be a follower, the word ambassador.
  • 00:00:48.731 --> 00:00:51.434
  • The bible says we are ambassadors for christ.
  • 00:00:51.434 --> 00:00:54.504
  • The third word that i want us to look at this weekend is the word
  • 00:00:54.504 --> 00:00:58.241
  • Member, the word member.
  • 00:00:58.241 --> 00:01:00.510
  • The bible says that to be a follower of christ means to be a
  • 00:01:00.510 --> 00:01:05.448
  • Member of his family and a member of his body.
  • 00:01:05.448 --> 00:01:11.087
  • Following jesus is far more than just believing.
  • 00:01:11.087 --> 00:01:15.358
  • It's not enough just to believe in jesus.
  • 00:01:15.358 --> 00:01:18.161
  • The bible says we're not just believers, we're belongers.
  • 00:01:18.161 --> 00:01:22.499
  • We are to belong in the family of god which is called
  • 00:01:22.499 --> 00:01:26.703
  • The church.
  • 00:01:26.703 --> 00:01:28.037
  • And once we belong, then we become.
  • 00:01:28.037 --> 00:01:30.473
  • So we believe, then we belong, and then we become all that god
  • 00:01:30.473 --> 00:01:34.844
  • Wants for us to be in the first place.
  • 00:01:34.844 --> 00:01:37.614
  • Now, the bible says this.
  • 00:01:37.614 --> 00:01:38.948
  • There on your outline, romans chapter 12, verse 5.
  • 00:01:38.948 --> 00:01:41.484
  • Let's read it aloud together.
  • 00:01:41.484 --> 00:01:43.253
  • "in christ, we who are many form one body, and each member
  • 00:01:43.253 --> 00:01:48.925
  • Belongs to all the others."
  • 00:01:48.925 --> 00:01:51.060
  • Now, circle the word belong.
  • 00:01:51.060 --> 00:01:52.729
  • The bible says that if you're a follower of jesus you don't just
  • 00:01:52.729 --> 00:01:55.598
  • Belong to god, you don't just belong to jesus.
  • 00:01:55.598 --> 00:01:59.102
  • You belong to me, and i belong to you, and we belong to each
  • 00:01:59.102 --> 00:02:02.939
  • Other, and you belong to every other believer.
  • 00:02:02.939 --> 00:02:06.876
  • You're in the family now.
  • 00:02:06.876 --> 00:02:08.845
  • You're in god's family.
  • 00:02:08.845 --> 00:02:10.613
  • Now, it's interesting that in the bible two of the
  • 00:02:10.613 --> 00:02:13.917
  • Descriptions of the church are the church is a body and the
  • 00:02:13.917 --> 00:02:16.853
  • Church is a family.
  • 00:02:16.853 --> 00:02:18.755
  • The church is the body of christ and the church is the family of
  • 00:02:18.755 --> 00:02:21.824
  • God, and in both of those cases membership means something.
  • 00:02:21.824 --> 00:02:27.330
  • In fact, the word--english word member that we use for
  • 00:02:27.330 --> 00:02:30.066
  • Membership actually comes from the bible, and the word
  • 00:02:30.066 --> 00:02:34.671
  • Membership has far more to do with life than simply like
  • 00:02:34.671 --> 00:02:38.708
  • A--you know, wear a hat or secret signal or say the
  • 00:02:38.708 --> 00:02:41.311
  • Password or handshake.
  • 00:02:41.311 --> 00:02:42.845
  • Membership means far more than just put your name on a roll.
  • 00:02:42.845 --> 00:02:45.815
  • It means you're vitally connected.
  • 00:02:45.815 --> 00:02:48.384
  • The bible says your hand is a member of your body.
  • 00:02:48.384 --> 00:02:51.654
  • If it's disconnected, it shrivels and die.
  • 00:02:51.654 --> 00:02:54.390
  • The bible says your ears are members of your body.
  • 00:02:54.390 --> 00:02:57.460
  • They're members.
  • 00:02:57.460 --> 00:02:58.795
  • If you cut off your ears, they're worthless.
  • 00:02:58.795 --> 00:03:01.064
  • They have no value at all if they're detached from the body.
  • 00:03:01.064 --> 00:03:04.834
  • If you cut off your legs, your knees, your feet--they are
  • 00:03:04.834 --> 00:03:08.071
  • Members of your body.
  • 00:03:08.071 --> 00:03:10.173
  • If you cut it off--a disconnected foot is worthless.
  • 00:03:10.173 --> 00:03:13.610
  • It has no value.
  • 00:03:13.610 --> 00:03:14.978
  • It shrivels and die.
  • 00:03:14.978 --> 00:03:16.346
  • You will shrivel and die spiritually if you're not
  • 00:03:16.346 --> 00:03:19.882
  • Connected to the body of christ.
  • 00:03:19.882 --> 00:03:22.485
  • And in the same way you're a part of a family, and the bible
  • 00:03:22.485 --> 00:03:25.455
  • Says that we have family responsibilities to each other.
  • 00:03:25.455 --> 00:03:29.225
  • In fact, look at the next verse there on your outline.
  • 00:03:29.225 --> 00:03:31.794
  • The bible says in galatians chapter 6, "let us do good to
  • 00:03:31.794 --> 00:03:35.365
  • All people, especially those who belong in the family
  • 00:03:35.365 --> 00:03:40.169
  • Of believers."
  • 00:03:40.169 --> 00:03:42.405
  • Now, notice it says we're to do good to everybody.
  • 00:03:42.405 --> 00:03:44.741
  • You can't mistreat anybody.
  • 00:03:44.741 --> 00:03:46.376
  • You can't hate anybody.
  • 00:03:46.376 --> 00:03:47.944
  • You can't show disrespect for anybody, not being a follower
  • 00:03:47.944 --> 00:03:51.214
  • Of jesus.
  • 00:03:51.214 --> 00:03:52.548
  • The bible says as a follower of jesus i am commanded to love
  • 00:03:52.548 --> 00:03:56.052
  • Everyone, to respect everyone, and to be kind and loving to
  • 00:03:56.052 --> 00:04:01.557
  • All people.
  • 00:04:01.557 --> 00:04:02.959
  • Regardless of who they are, what they believe, their lifestyle,
  • 00:04:02.959 --> 00:04:05.662
  • What they do to me, i am to return love for them.
  • 00:04:05.662 --> 00:04:08.765
  • "so let us do good to all people," but he says,
  • 00:04:08.765 --> 00:04:12.035
  • "especially those who belong to the family of believers."
  • 00:04:12.035 --> 00:04:15.271
  • Now, again, circle the word "belong."
  • 00:04:15.271 --> 00:04:16.673
  • In both cases, you belong; you belong as a member of the body
  • 00:04:16.673 --> 00:04:20.276
  • Of christ, and you belong as a member of the the family of god.
  • 00:04:20.276 --> 00:04:24.781
  • Now, this is a very different understanding of a church than
  • 00:04:24.781 --> 00:04:27.850
  • Most people have.
  • 00:04:27.850 --> 00:04:29.218
  • If you ask most people, "what do you think of when you
  • 00:04:29.218 --> 00:04:31.354
  • Say church?"
  • 00:04:31.354 --> 00:04:32.689
  • They think of a building, a building or they think of it as
  • 00:04:32.689 --> 00:04:37.627
  • An event, and church is something you see on a corner or
  • 00:04:37.627 --> 00:04:41.998
  • Church is something you go to to attend.
  • 00:04:41.998 --> 00:04:45.401
  • The bible says that's not a church at all.
  • 00:04:45.401 --> 00:04:47.136
  • Church is neither an event nor a building.
  • 00:04:47.136 --> 00:04:50.006
  • Church is a relationship.
  • 00:04:50.006 --> 00:04:52.108
  • It is a family.
  • 00:04:52.108 --> 00:04:53.643
  • It is the family of god.
  • 00:04:53.643 --> 00:04:55.011
  • In fact, it's gonna outlast your physical family.
  • 00:04:55.011 --> 00:04:57.447
  • In fact, it's going to outlast everything on earth.
  • 00:04:57.447 --> 00:04:59.849
  • The bible says god created the entire world because he
  • 00:04:59.849 --> 00:05:02.552
  • Wanted--and the universe 'cause he wanted a family, and that
  • 00:05:02.552 --> 00:05:06.255
  • Family is the only thing that lasts.
  • 00:05:06.255 --> 00:05:07.623
  • One day there isn't gonna be an ibm, a microsoft, a hewlett
  • 00:05:07.623 --> 00:05:11.327
  • Packard, a dell computer, or anything else.
  • 00:05:11.327 --> 00:05:13.396
  • There aren't gonna be any businesses.
  • 00:05:13.396 --> 00:05:14.864
  • One day there isn't gonna be any nations.
  • 00:05:14.864 --> 00:05:16.299
  • There won't be a russia, america, china, but there will
  • 00:05:16.299 --> 00:05:19.902
  • Be a family of god because it's gonna last forever.
  • 00:05:19.902 --> 00:05:22.138
  • It's the only thing on earth that has permanent value,
  • 00:05:22.138 --> 00:05:25.641
  • God's family.
  • 00:05:25.641 --> 00:05:26.976
  • Now, the bible tells us that you cannot be a follower of christ
  • 00:05:26.976 --> 00:05:32.949
  • Unless you're part of being tied in to a church family.
  • 00:05:32.949 --> 00:05:37.086
  • I mean, i hear people all the time say, "well, i love jesus.
  • 00:05:37.086 --> 00:05:39.188
  • I just don't wanna be a part of any church."
  • 00:05:39.188 --> 00:05:40.923
  • Then you don't really love jesus.
  • 00:05:40.923 --> 00:05:42.759
  • Let me just be real honest.
  • 00:05:42.759 --> 00:05:44.093
  • You don't love him because the body of christ is his church.
  • 00:05:44.093 --> 00:05:49.365
  • You can't say, "i love jesus, but i hate your body," or, "i
  • 00:05:49.365 --> 00:05:51.534
  • Love jesus, but i hate your bride," or, "i love jesus, but i
  • 00:05:51.534 --> 00:05:54.070
  • Hate your family."
  • 00:05:54.070 --> 00:05:55.405
  • No. no.
  • 00:05:55.405 --> 00:05:56.739
  • It's all together.
  • 00:05:56.739 --> 00:05:58.574
  • It's like trying to say, "i wanna be--i wanna play football
  • 00:05:58.574 --> 00:06:02.478
  • In the nfl, but i don't wanna be a part of any particular team."
  • 00:06:02.478 --> 00:06:06.449
  • Sorry, ain't gonna happen.
  • 00:06:06.449 --> 00:06:08.885
  • You can't do it.
  • 00:06:08.885 --> 00:06:10.219
  • It's impossible.
  • 00:06:10.219 --> 00:06:11.554
  • You cannot play in the nfl without being a part of a
  • 00:06:11.554 --> 00:06:13.756
  • Specific team.
  • 00:06:13.756 --> 00:06:15.291
  • It's like saying, "i wanna be in the united states army, but i
  • 00:06:15.291 --> 00:06:17.894
  • Don't wanna be connected to any specific platoon."
  • 00:06:17.894 --> 00:06:21.130
  • Sorry, it ain't gonna happen.
  • 00:06:21.130 --> 00:06:23.633
  • You can't do it.
  • 00:06:23.633 --> 00:06:24.967
  • You have to be tied to a specific platoon in the army.
  • 00:06:24.967 --> 00:06:28.404
  • It's like saying, "i wanna play the tuba but not be a part of
  • 00:06:28.404 --> 00:06:30.573
  • An orchestra."
  • 00:06:30.573 --> 00:06:31.908
  • Well, good luck.
  • 00:06:31.908 --> 00:06:33.276
  • Not many people like to hear a tuba or tu--solos.
  • 00:06:33.276 --> 00:06:36.946
  • You sound a whole lot better when you're playing with a bunch
  • 00:06:36.946 --> 00:06:40.216
  • Of other people, a whole lot better.
  • 00:06:40.216 --> 00:06:43.286
  • Just as a bee needs a hive, you need a church family.
  • 00:06:43.286 --> 00:06:48.224
  • It's like an explorer needs a base camp.
  • 00:06:48.224 --> 00:06:50.593
  • It's like a sailor needs a ship.
  • 00:06:50.593 --> 00:06:52.995
  • You cannot be what god wants you to be--you cannot follow jesus,
  • 00:06:52.995 --> 00:06:58.334
  • You cannot follow jesus without being connected to his family;
  • 00:06:58.334 --> 00:07:01.471
  • And the bible calls this membership, being a member.
  • 00:07:01.471 --> 00:07:04.574
  • In fact, if you say, "well, i believe in jesus, but i don't
  • 00:07:04.574 --> 00:07:07.677
  • Belong," then there's a word for you.
  • 00:07:07.677 --> 00:07:09.378
  • You're a spiritual orphan.
  • 00:07:09.378 --> 00:07:11.547
  • You don't have a family.
  • 00:07:11.547 --> 00:07:12.882
  • You are a spiritual orphan.
  • 00:07:12.882 --> 00:07:15.751
  • Now, once a year, the constitution of the united
  • 00:07:15.751 --> 00:07:18.754
  • States requires that the president of the united states
  • 00:07:18.754 --> 00:07:22.391
  • Give a report to the nation called the state of the union.
  • 00:07:22.391 --> 00:07:26.229
  • Here at saddleback church we've had a similar tradition for 30
  • 00:07:26.229 --> 00:07:29.165
  • Years, that every year in the month that the president gives a
  • 00:07:29.165 --> 00:07:32.468
  • State of the union message i give what we call a state of the
  • 00:07:32.468 --> 00:07:36.305
  • Church message in which we take a different section of
  • 00:07:36.305 --> 00:07:40.910
  • Saddleback church, a different part of our strategy, and i
  • 00:07:40.910 --> 00:07:44.213
  • Explain it to everybody in detail.
  • 00:07:44.213 --> 00:07:46.115
  • It's kind of an inside scoop.
  • 00:07:46.115 --> 00:07:47.984
  • We only do it once a year, but i wanna do that this morning where
  • 00:07:47.984 --> 00:07:51.387
  • I explain to you why we believe in small groups and how they are
  • 00:07:51.387 --> 00:07:56.325
  • Designed to help you develop to your spiritual maturity.
  • 00:07:56.325 --> 00:08:00.296
  • There are about 10,000, quote, mega churches in the
  • 00:08:00.296 --> 00:08:03.633
  • United states.
  • 00:08:03.633 --> 00:08:05.001
  • A mega church is any church that has over 2,000 people coming on
  • 00:08:05.001 --> 00:08:08.304
  • A weekly basis.
  • 00:08:08.304 --> 00:08:09.672
  • There are now about 10,000 of those in america.
  • 00:08:09.672 --> 00:08:12.041
  • There are probably 5 or 6 churches about the size of
  • 00:08:12.041 --> 00:08:15.077
  • Saddleback that run over 20,000 in attendance on a
  • 00:08:15.077 --> 00:08:19.081
  • Typical weekend.
  • 00:08:19.081 --> 00:08:20.416
  • The media typically treats churches like this as
  • 00:08:20.416 --> 00:08:23.419
  • Saying--these mega churches as if they're some new phenomena,
  • 00:08:23.419 --> 00:08:26.756
  • Like they're some modern result of marketing or something
  • 00:08:26.756 --> 00:08:30.660
  • Like that.
  • 00:08:30.660 --> 00:08:31.994
  • Well, it just shows a lack of knowledge of history because
  • 00:08:31.994 --> 00:08:35.765
  • Christianity has a 2,000-year history of extremely
  • 00:08:35.765 --> 00:08:39.936
  • Large churches.
  • 00:08:39.936 --> 00:08:41.437
  • Dating all the way back to 2,000 years ago, the very first church
  • 00:08:41.437 --> 00:08:45.341
  • That started in jerusalem, the very first church was five times
  • 00:08:45.341 --> 00:08:49.512
  • The size of saddleback church.
  • 00:08:49.512 --> 00:08:52.081
  • Most people don't know that, but--the idea of a mega church
  • 00:08:52.081 --> 00:08:55.418
  • Is not a new idea.
  • 00:08:55.418 --> 00:08:57.386
  • It was--jerusalem was an enormous church.
  • 00:08:57.386 --> 00:09:00.656
  • And before we look at the strategy, i want you to just see
  • 00:09:00.656 --> 00:09:03.492
  • This to notice the growth because the bible is very
  • 00:09:03.492 --> 00:09:06.362
  • Specific about it.
  • 00:09:06.362 --> 00:09:07.697
  • Now, the book that tells us the history of the church is called
  • 00:09:07.697 --> 00:09:11.233
  • The book of acts.
  • 00:09:11.233 --> 00:09:12.635
  • It's the acts of the apostles, and it's actually the acts of
  • 00:09:12.635 --> 00:09:15.404
  • The early church; and it was written by luke, the same guy
  • 00:09:15.404 --> 00:09:19.275
  • Who wrote the gospel of luke.
  • 00:09:19.275 --> 00:09:21.210
  • Luke was a doctor, a physical doctor, a medical doctor; and in
  • 00:09:21.210 --> 00:09:25.781
  • Acts he gives us a running progress report of the growth of
  • 00:09:25.781 --> 00:09:33.990
  • Saddleback church.
  • 00:09:33.990 --> 00:09:35.324
  • He tells--he--of the jerusalem church.
  • 00:09:35.324 --> 00:09:37.660
  • He tells--yeah, i wish.
  • 00:09:37.660 --> 00:09:40.796
  • We're actually acts chapter 29, so--but acts records the
  • 00:09:40.796 --> 00:09:46.068
  • Exponential growth of the church, and he gives us very
  • 00:09:46.068 --> 00:09:49.905
  • Detailed progress reports.
  • 00:09:49.905 --> 00:09:51.440
  • So let me just quickly take you on a little survey here through
  • 00:09:51.440 --> 00:09:53.909
  • The book of acts.
  • 00:09:53.909 --> 00:09:55.277
  • When jesus christ died and then rose again, he told his
  • 00:09:55.277 --> 00:09:59.582
  • Followers, "i want you to wait here in jerusalem until i send
  • 00:09:59.582 --> 00:10:03.586
  • My spirit, and that will be the beginning of the church."
  • 00:10:03.586 --> 00:10:06.455
  • And he goes back to heaven, and the bible tells us in acts
  • 00:10:06.455 --> 00:10:09.325
  • Chapter 1, verse 15 that there were about 120 believers.
  • 00:10:09.325 --> 00:10:14.230
  • You can see that there on your outline.
  • 00:10:14.230 --> 00:10:15.564
  • One hundred and twenty believers were meeting, waiting in the
  • 00:10:15.564 --> 00:10:18.267
  • Upper room for god to send his spirit before pentecost.
  • 00:10:18.267 --> 00:10:23.005
  • Then in acts chapter 2, we have the story of the first day of
  • 00:10:23.005 --> 00:10:27.009
  • The church.
  • 00:10:27.009 --> 00:10:28.344
  • It's called the day of pentecost, and it says on that
  • 00:10:28.344 --> 00:10:30.913
  • Day peter preached and 3,000 people were added to the church
  • 00:10:30.913 --> 00:10:35.885
  • That day.
  • 00:10:35.885 --> 00:10:37.219
  • The very first day of the church, 3,000 people, it says,
  • 00:10:37.219 --> 00:10:38.754
  • Were baptized and added to the church.
  • 00:10:38.754 --> 00:10:40.923
  • So they were a mega church on the first day.
  • 00:10:40.923 --> 00:10:43.826
  • I would say you're not really a new testament church till you
  • 00:10:43.826 --> 00:10:46.028
  • Have at least 3,000 people because that's what they had on
  • 00:10:46.028 --> 00:10:49.899
  • The very first day of their church.
  • 00:10:49.899 --> 00:10:52.334
  • Then down in verse 47 in acts chapter 2, as we go through the
  • 00:10:52.334 --> 00:10:56.005
  • Book it says the lord added daily, circle daily, those who
  • 00:10:56.005 --> 00:11:00.376
  • Were being saved.
  • 00:11:00.376 --> 00:11:01.711
  • So the church is growing on a daily basis.
  • 00:11:01.711 --> 00:11:03.312
  • Now, how many days in a year?
  • 00:11:03.312 --> 00:11:06.282
  • Three hundred and sixty-five, which means at least
  • 00:11:06.282 --> 00:11:08.751
  • 365 people are being added to this church
  • 00:11:08.751 --> 00:11:11.787
  • At a minimum every year.
  • 00:11:11.787 --> 00:11:13.522
  • At least 365 people.
  • 00:11:13.522 --> 00:11:15.257
  • So it's growing at least that much.
  • 00:11:15.257 --> 00:11:17.259
  • Every single day people are being added to the church.
  • 00:11:17.259 --> 00:11:20.196
  • Now, by the time we get to acts chapter 4, it says that in the
  • 00:11:20.196 --> 00:11:23.232
  • Church at jerusalem, jerusalem community church, more and more
  • 00:11:23.232 --> 00:11:26.702
  • People believe--no, it says the number of men grew to 5,000.
  • 00:11:26.702 --> 00:11:31.540
  • Now, notice that says men.
  • 00:11:31.540 --> 00:11:34.009
  • Everywhere you've got 5,000 men, how many women and children have
  • 00:11:34.009 --> 00:11:37.046
  • You got?
  • 00:11:37.046 --> 00:11:38.714
  • At least 10 or 15,000.
  • 00:11:38.714 --> 00:11:41.117
  • So by this time, by acts chapter 4 the jerusalem church is
  • 00:11:41.117 --> 00:11:44.653
  • Already at 20,000 people.
  • 00:11:44.653 --> 00:11:46.889
  • That's about the size of saddleback on a weekend.
  • 00:11:46.889 --> 00:11:49.425
  • So by chapter 4 they've already got 20,000 people coming to the
  • 00:11:49.425 --> 00:11:53.129
  • Church at jerusalem.
  • 00:11:53.129 --> 00:11:54.463
  • Then you get to acts chapter 5, and it says more and
  • 00:11:54.463 --> 00:11:57.566
  • More--excuse me.
  • 00:11:57.566 --> 00:11:58.901
  • Acts 4, the number of men grew.
  • 00:11:58.901 --> 00:12:00.636
  • Then acts 5, more and more believed and a multitude
  • 00:12:00.636 --> 00:12:03.472
  • Was added.
  • 00:12:03.472 --> 00:12:04.840
  • Now there are so many people they're not even
  • 00:12:04.840 --> 00:12:06.175
  • Counting anymore.
  • 00:12:06.175 --> 00:12:07.543
  • It says the multitude was added.
  • 00:12:07.543 --> 00:12:08.878
  • It's just an innumerous amount.
  • 00:12:08.878 --> 00:12:11.213
  • Then you get to acts chapter 5:28 and the critics come to
  • 00:12:11.213 --> 00:12:16.318
  • Peter and john, who are leaders of the jerusalem church, and
  • 00:12:16.318 --> 00:12:20.256
  • They say, "you have filled jerusalem with your teaching."
  • 00:12:20.256 --> 00:12:24.860
  • Well, yeah, i guess so because this church is growing and it's
  • 00:12:24.860 --> 00:12:28.297
  • Exploding and everybody is hearing the news, and this mega
  • 00:12:28.297 --> 00:12:32.401
  • Church is having a mega impact on a mega city.
  • 00:12:32.401 --> 00:12:36.539
  • Then in acts chapter 6, it says the number of disciples
  • 00:12:36.539 --> 00:12:41.777
  • Rapidly multiplied.
  • 00:12:41.777 --> 00:12:43.579
  • Notice we've moved from addition: the added daily,
  • 00:12:43.579 --> 00:12:46.248
  • 3,000 added.
  • 00:12:46.248 --> 00:12:47.583
  • Now we're going to multiplication, and they are
  • 00:12:47.583 --> 00:12:49.819
  • Rapidly multiplying.
  • 00:12:49.819 --> 00:12:51.387
  • This is what's called exponential growth.
  • 00:12:51.387 --> 00:12:53.589
  • The church is growing so fast they can't even keep up with it.
  • 00:12:53.589 --> 00:12:57.359
  • This is god's will for the church.
  • 00:12:57.359 --> 00:12:58.994
  • God wants his church to grow, and god wants his church to
  • 00:12:58.994 --> 00:13:02.198
  • Grow fast.
  • 00:13:02.198 --> 00:13:03.666
  • The number of disciples rapidly multiplied.
  • 00:13:03.666 --> 00:13:06.602
  • That's new testament growth.
  • 00:13:06.602 --> 00:13:08.370
  • In verse 7 it says the number of believers increased rapidly.
  • 00:13:08.370 --> 00:13:13.042
  • Again, rapid exponential growth.
  • 00:13:13.042 --> 00:13:15.444
  • Now, i could take you through the whole book of acts, but let
  • 00:13:15.444 --> 00:13:18.247
  • Me take you over to acts chapter 21.
  • 00:13:18.247 --> 00:13:20.583
  • Acts 21 is approximately 25 years after the church has
  • 00:13:20.583 --> 00:13:25.421
  • Started in jerusalem.
  • 00:13:25.421 --> 00:13:27.189
  • How many people have they grown to in 25 years?
  • 00:13:27.189 --> 00:13:29.124
  • Saddleback's gonna be 30 years old on april 4th.
  • 00:13:29.124 --> 00:13:33.028
  • The jerusalem church--in 25 years later, paul comes back to
  • 00:13:33.028 --> 00:13:36.999
  • Jerusalem and he is told, notice, tens of thousands have
  • 00:13:36.999 --> 00:13:42.004
  • Become believers.
  • 00:13:42.004 --> 00:13:43.572
  • Tens--it literally is tens of tens of tens of thousands.
  • 00:13:43.572 --> 00:13:48.210
  • The word there in greek is the word myrios.
  • 00:13:48.210 --> 00:13:52.248
  • Myrios literally means tens and tens of thousands.
  • 00:13:52.248 --> 00:13:55.651
  • We get the word myriad from it.
  • 00:13:55.651 --> 00:13:58.120
  • You know what myriad means?
  • 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:59.855
  • Too numerous to count.
  • 00:13:59.855 --> 00:14:02.791
  • The church was so big they couldn't even count them all.
  • 00:14:02.791 --> 00:14:06.228
  • Bible scholars believe that by this year, the 25th year, the
  • 00:14:06.228 --> 00:14:11.600
  • Jerusalem church had grown to over 100,000 members.
  • 00:14:11.600 --> 00:14:16.005
  • You say, "well, how big was the city of jerusalem?"
  • 00:14:16.005 --> 00:14:18.474
  • Well, archaeologists tell us that jerusalem was a city of
  • 00:14:18.474 --> 00:14:21.510
  • About 200,000 people.
  • 00:14:21.510 --> 00:14:23.612
  • So you have a city of 200,000 people and 100,000 members of
  • 00:14:23.612 --> 00:14:27.883
  • One church.
  • 00:14:27.883 --> 00:14:29.618
  • That's what you call church growth.
  • 00:14:29.618 --> 00:14:31.153
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:14:32.154 --> 00:14:38.761
  • Announcer: you know, this christmas, you can enjoy the
  • 00:14:38.827 --> 00:14:41.463
  • Beauty of god's word with a
  • 00:14:41.463 --> 00:14:43.165
  • Brand-new set of 52 stunning
  • 00:14:43.165 --> 00:14:45.467
  • Scripture cards, each featuring
  • 00:14:45.467 --> 00:14:47.503
  • Verses about the birth of christ
  • 00:14:47.503 --> 00:14:49.571
  • And adorned with
  • 00:14:49.571 --> 00:14:51.040
  • Elegant christmas artwork.
  • 00:14:51.040 --> 00:14:52.775
  • These are perfect for memorizing scripture,
  • 00:14:52.775 --> 00:14:55.144
  • Tucking into gifts,
  • 00:14:55.144 --> 00:14:56.845
  • Or placing on your holiday table.
  • 00:14:56.845 --> 00:14:59.415
  • These cards are a simple way to bring meaning to the season and
  • 00:14:59.415 --> 00:15:03.152
  • Share god's love with those around you.
  • 00:15:03.152 --> 00:15:05.654
  • So whether you're starting a new tradition or looking for a
  • 00:15:05.654 --> 00:15:09.458
  • Unique way to share the gospel with friends and family, well,
  • 00:15:09.458 --> 00:15:13.295
  • These cards are a perfect fit.
  • 00:15:13.295 --> 00:15:15.764
  • Today, when you give a gift to
  • 00:15:15.831 --> 00:15:17.366
  • Help "daily hope" take the
  • 00:15:17.366 --> 00:15:19.268
  • Certain hope of jesus to people
  • 00:15:19.268 --> 00:15:21.103
  • Worldwide, be sure to request
  • 00:15:21.103 --> 00:15:23.405
  • This very special collection
  • 00:15:23.405 --> 00:15:25.474
  • Of christmas scripture cards.
  • 00:15:25.474 --> 00:15:27.509
  • It's our way of saying thanks
  • 00:15:27.509 --> 00:15:29.278
  • For supporting "daily hope."
  • 00:15:29.278 --> 00:15:33.148
  • Pastor rick: the church at jerusalem grew to 100,000 people
  • 00:15:33.215 --> 00:15:36.452
  • In about 25 years.
  • 00:15:36.452 --> 00:15:37.853
  • Where in the world did they put all those people?
  • 00:15:37.853 --> 00:15:40.456
  • I mean, you think we got a parking problem.
  • 00:15:40.456 --> 00:15:43.225
  • Think about 100,000 people trying to get together for one
  • 00:15:43.225 --> 00:15:46.462
  • Church service every week and then going out.
  • 00:15:46.462 --> 00:15:49.832
  • Well, the bible tells us the strategy that they used, and
  • 00:15:49.832 --> 00:15:53.802
  • It's very important for you to know the strategy of the
  • 00:15:53.802 --> 00:15:55.938
  • Jerusalem church 'cause it's the exact same one we've used here
  • 00:15:55.938 --> 00:15:58.540
  • At saddleback for 30 years.
  • 00:15:58.540 --> 00:16:00.809
  • It's there on your outline.
  • 00:16:00.809 --> 00:16:02.177
  • The bible tells us in one simple sentence the church strategy
  • 00:16:02.177 --> 00:16:05.447
  • At jerusalem.
  • 00:16:05.447 --> 00:16:06.815
  • Acts chapter 5, verse 42, "(they met)
  • 00:16:06.815 --> 00:16:10.152
  • Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house."
  • 00:16:10.152 --> 00:16:15.958
  • Now, i want you to circle temple courts and circle house to house
  • 00:16:15.958 --> 00:16:20.129
  • Because these are the two different structures of a
  • 00:16:20.129 --> 00:16:23.732
  • Biblical church: temple courts and house to house.
  • 00:16:23.732 --> 00:16:28.137
  • What are we talking about here?
  • 00:16:28.137 --> 00:16:29.571
  • Well, you might write this down.
  • 00:16:29.571 --> 00:16:30.973
  • It's large group worship, and it's small group fellowship.
  • 00:16:30.973 --> 00:16:37.312
  • Large group worship, and small group fellowship.
  • 00:16:37.312 --> 00:16:42.818
  • First, it says they met in the temple courts.
  • 00:16:42.818 --> 00:16:46.455
  • Now, i want you to--this is--maybe seem picky, but i need
  • 00:16:46.455 --> 00:16:48.957
  • To explain it to you.
  • 00:16:48.957 --> 00:16:50.325
  • Circle the s on courts.
  • 00:16:50.325 --> 00:16:51.994
  • Notice it's plural.
  • 00:16:51.994 --> 00:16:53.495
  • They didn't meet at the temple court.
  • 00:16:53.495 --> 00:16:55.764
  • They met at the temple courts.
  • 00:16:55.764 --> 00:16:57.599
  • What does that mean?
  • 00:16:57.599 --> 00:16:58.967
  • One church meeting in many locations.
  • 00:16:58.967 --> 00:17:02.237
  • Now, notice it doesn't say that the jerusalem church met in
  • 00:17:02.237 --> 00:17:05.040
  • The temple.
  • 00:17:05.040 --> 00:17:06.408
  • They didn't.
  • 00:17:06.408 --> 00:17:07.743
  • They did not meet in the temple.
  • 00:17:07.743 --> 00:17:09.244
  • It said they met in the temple courts, which are around
  • 00:17:09.244 --> 00:17:12.214
  • The temple.
  • 00:17:12.214 --> 00:17:13.582
  • Why didn't they meet in the temple?
  • 00:17:13.582 --> 00:17:14.917
  • Two reasons.
  • 00:17:14.917 --> 00:17:16.285
  • Number one, it wouldn't hold everybody.
  • 00:17:16.285 --> 00:17:17.619
  • The temple certainly wouldn't hold 100,000 people.
  • 00:17:17.619 --> 00:17:20.556
  • But number two, they were forbidden to go into the temple.
  • 00:17:20.556 --> 00:17:24.126
  • Jewish law kept people out of the temple.
  • 00:17:24.126 --> 00:17:28.430
  • In other words, people couldn't just go into the temple.
  • 00:17:28.430 --> 00:17:31.533
  • Only the priest could go into the inner court, and nobody
  • 00:17:31.533 --> 00:17:35.571
  • Could go into the holy of holies except the priest once a year on
  • 00:17:35.571 --> 00:17:39.241
  • The day of atonement.
  • 00:17:39.241 --> 00:17:40.576
  • So the temple wasn't like we build today church or
  • 00:17:40.576 --> 00:17:43.312
  • Auditoriums where everybody gets together and sings "kumbaya."
  • 00:17:43.312 --> 00:17:46.748
  • Nobody went in the temple.
  • 00:17:46.748 --> 00:17:48.917
  • They went up to the temple, and the priest went in the temple.
  • 00:17:48.917 --> 00:17:52.354
  • So they didn't meet in the temple 'cause they weren't
  • 00:17:52.354 --> 00:17:54.289
  • Allowed to it and it wouldn't have held them anyway if they
  • 00:17:54.289 --> 00:17:56.225
  • Could; but they met in the temple courts, and all around
  • 00:17:56.225 --> 00:17:59.361
  • This temple were these courtyards outside.
  • 00:17:59.361 --> 00:18:03.232
  • Now, i've been to jerusalem.
  • 00:18:03.232 --> 00:18:04.733
  • And if you've ever seen solomon's temple and the courts
  • 00:18:04.733 --> 00:18:07.703
  • And the remains of it, it's very obvious that the temple courts
  • 00:18:07.703 --> 00:18:11.740
  • Could have held maybe 50,000 people easily.
  • 00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:15.210
  • And so if they had two services on a weekend, they could easily
  • 00:18:15.210 --> 00:18:19.781
  • Have 100,000 people at service because in those days you didn't
  • 00:18:19.781 --> 00:18:23.652
  • Sit to worship.
  • 00:18:23.652 --> 00:18:25.020
  • You stood through the worship.
  • 00:18:25.020 --> 00:18:27.256
  • And so they could have 50,000 people in temple courts, but
  • 00:18:27.256 --> 00:18:30.492
  • Notice they didn't try to all meet in the same court.
  • 00:18:30.492 --> 00:18:33.896
  • Here's a giant church meeting in many different locations.
  • 00:18:33.896 --> 00:18:38.700
  • Now, why do we believe in small groups?
  • 00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:42.371
  • The reason we do it is because jesus told us to do it, and it's
  • 00:18:42.371 --> 00:18:47.409
  • A biblical model.
  • 00:18:47.409 --> 00:18:48.777
  • When jesus started his ministry--public ministry, he
  • 00:18:48.777 --> 00:18:52.247
  • Was 30 years old.
  • 00:18:52.247 --> 00:18:54.683
  • The first thing jesus did was he was baptized as an adult.
  • 00:18:54.683 --> 00:18:59.821
  • If you haven't been baptized as your personal confession of
  • 00:18:59.821 --> 00:19:02.891
  • Faith because of your decision, you need to be baptized.
  • 00:19:02.891 --> 00:19:06.695
  • Now, jesus was dedicated as a baby.
  • 00:19:06.695 --> 00:19:09.064
  • Did that invalidate his dedication?
  • 00:19:09.064 --> 00:19:11.233
  • No.
  • 00:19:11.233 --> 00:19:12.568
  • But at 30 years of age, he went down the jordan river and john
  • 00:19:12.568 --> 00:19:14.436
  • The baptist baptized him.
  • 00:19:14.436 --> 00:19:15.938
  • There's a difference between a baptism of confirmation, which
  • 00:19:15.938 --> 00:19:19.675
  • Was your parents' commitment--yeah.
  • 00:19:19.675 --> 00:19:21.810
  • I mean, you had nothing to do with it.
  • 00:19:21.810 --> 00:19:23.178
  • I don't even remember that.
  • 00:19:23.178 --> 00:19:25.480
  • But there's the baptism of confession, which is your
  • 00:19:25.480 --> 00:19:28.083
  • Decision as an adult.
  • 00:19:28.083 --> 00:19:29.451
  • And we baptize people as adults in this church.
  • 00:19:29.451 --> 00:19:32.054
  • Why? because jesus set the model.
  • 00:19:32.054 --> 00:19:34.823
  • And if he did it, we're gonna do it his way.
  • 00:19:34.823 --> 00:19:37.893
  • Evidently, his dedication as a baby was not enough.
  • 00:19:37.893 --> 00:19:41.430
  • He was taken to the temple at day 7 and dedicated by his
  • 00:19:41.430 --> 00:19:45.133
  • Parents, but when he got 30 years of age he said, "now this
  • 00:19:45.133 --> 00:19:48.537
  • Is my decision.
  • 00:19:48.537 --> 00:19:49.871
  • It's now my faith."
  • 00:19:49.871 --> 00:19:51.240
  • If you haven't been baptized, you need to be baptized the way
  • 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:53.275
  • Jesus was.
  • 00:19:53.275 --> 00:19:54.643
  • Then the second thing jesus did is he started a small group.
  • 00:19:54.643 --> 00:19:59.681
  • He went out and he gathered 12 guys and he said, "you're gonna
  • 00:19:59.681 --> 00:20:03.785
  • Be my small group."
  • 00:20:03.785 --> 00:20:05.320
  • And for the next 3 years he traveled with his small group.
  • 00:20:05.320 --> 00:20:09.691
  • Even jesus needed a small group, and he was perfect.
  • 00:20:09.691 --> 00:20:15.063
  • You need one even more than he does to make it in life.
  • 00:20:15.063 --> 00:20:19.668
  • Now, there are four advantages of a small group.
  • 00:20:19.668 --> 00:20:22.871
  • Would you write these down?
  • 00:20:22.871 --> 00:20:24.239
  • Number one, small groups are relational.
  • 00:20:24.239 --> 00:20:27.609
  • Small groups are relational.
  • 00:20:27.609 --> 00:20:30.045
  • Now, why is that important?
  • 00:20:30.045 --> 00:20:31.747
  • Because life is all about learning how to love, and you
  • 00:20:31.747 --> 00:20:35.117
  • Can't love unless you build relationships.
  • 00:20:35.117 --> 00:20:38.353
  • You have to learn to love, and you can't--small groups are the
  • 00:20:38.353 --> 00:20:41.657
  • Laboratory for learning relational skills.
  • 00:20:41.657 --> 00:20:43.759
  • They're the laboratory for learning how to love.
  • 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:46.261
  • You can't have a conversation with a crowd.
  • 00:20:46.261 --> 00:20:50.132
  • I mean, you can't have a co--we can't have a conversation
  • 00:20:50.132 --> 00:20:52.267
  • Right now.
  • 00:20:52.267 --> 00:20:53.602
  • You're just listening.
  • 00:20:53.602 --> 00:20:54.970
  • This is called sit still while i instill.
  • 00:20:54.970 --> 00:20:58.440
  • It's one-way conversation, and you can't say, "hey, rick,
  • 00:20:58.440 --> 00:21:02.010
  • What about?
  • 00:21:02.010 --> 00:21:03.378
  • And did this mean?
  • 00:21:03.378 --> 00:21:04.713
  • And what about that?"
  • 00:21:04.713 --> 00:21:06.081
  • But in a small group you can ask questions.
  • 00:21:06.081 --> 00:21:07.416
  • In a small group you can pray specifically for each other.
  • 00:21:07.416 --> 00:21:10.218
  • In a small group you can get support, you can share, and you
  • 00:21:10.218 --> 00:21:14.523
  • Can build relationships in a way that you can't do it in
  • 00:21:14.523 --> 00:21:18.727
  • Other ways.
  • 00:21:18.727 --> 00:21:20.095
  • See, one of the problems of our culture today is that we live
  • 00:21:20.095 --> 00:21:23.598
  • Among strangers, and people aren't learning relational
  • 00:21:23.598 --> 00:21:28.103
  • Skills anymore.
  • 00:21:28.103 --> 00:21:29.971
  • They're not very good at relationships today.
  • 00:21:29.971 --> 00:21:31.973
  • Why?
  • 00:21:31.973 --> 00:21:33.342
  • Because we don't have porches.
  • 00:21:33.342 --> 00:21:34.710
  • People don't sit outside and talk to their neighbors.
  • 00:21:34.710 --> 00:21:36.912
  • You know one of the worst things that created a nation
  • 00:21:36.912 --> 00:21:40.982
  • Of strangers?
  • 00:21:40.982 --> 00:21:42.317
  • Electric garage doors.
  • 00:21:42.317 --> 00:21:45.787
  • Because you can click the electric garage door, get in
  • 00:21:45.787 --> 00:21:47.756
  • Your car, drive out, go to work.
  • 00:21:47.756 --> 00:21:49.991
  • When you come home, click the electric garage door, go on in,
  • 00:21:49.991 --> 00:21:53.095
  • And close it.
  • 00:21:53.095 --> 00:21:54.429
  • You don't ever have to meet your neighbors, and my guess is you
  • 00:21:54.429 --> 00:21:56.832
  • Probably live on a street that you don't know people who've
  • 00:21:56.832 --> 00:21:59.301
  • Lived there for years.
  • 00:21:59.301 --> 00:22:01.536
  • And one of the reasons why we're not very good at relational
  • 00:22:01.536 --> 00:22:04.139
  • Skills is we don't have a laboratory to learn them, and
  • 00:22:04.139 --> 00:22:07.442
  • The evidence of that is the divorce rate in america.
  • 00:22:07.442 --> 00:22:09.845
  • People get married and because they don't have relational
  • 00:22:09.845 --> 00:22:13.048
  • Skills they don't know how to solve their problems, they don't
  • 00:22:13.048 --> 00:22:15.650
  • Know how to solve their conflict and the relationship dissolves.
  • 00:22:15.650 --> 00:22:19.388
  • If jesus said the most important thing in life is learning how to
  • 00:22:19.388 --> 00:22:23.191
  • Love, and he did--it's called the great commandment.
  • 00:22:23.191 --> 00:22:25.494
  • Love god with all your heart.
  • 00:22:25.494 --> 00:22:26.862
  • Love your neighbor as yourself.
  • 00:22:26.862 --> 00:22:28.196
  • Then the most important thing for you to do is to learn
  • 00:22:28.196 --> 00:22:30.332
  • Relational skills.
  • 00:22:30.332 --> 00:22:33.101
  • Loving god, loving other people; and you do that--you can't do
  • 00:22:33.101 --> 00:22:36.772
  • That with a crowd.
  • 00:22:36.772 --> 00:22:38.507
  • Now, you don't have to know everybody in a church for it to
  • 00:22:38.507 --> 00:22:40.909
  • Be your church, but you do have to know somebody.
  • 00:22:40.909 --> 00:22:45.080
  • You don't know everybody on your row right now.
  • 00:22:45.080 --> 00:22:47.582
  • That's okay.
  • 00:22:47.582 --> 00:22:48.917
  • But you do have to know somebody, two, three, four
  • 00:22:48.917 --> 00:22:52.387
  • People who that--when you get sick they know you're sick, when
  • 00:22:52.387 --> 00:22:55.557
  • You get laid off they know you're laid off, when you get--when you're in the hospital they know you're in the
  • 00:22:55.557 --> 00:22:58.026
  • Hospital, when you need a babysitter they know you need
  • 00:23:00.429 --> 00:23:03.231
  • A babysitter.
  • 00:23:03.231 --> 00:23:04.599
  • And somebody knows your needs and they help you, they show up
  • 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:08.570
  • When you need them.
  • 00:23:08.570 --> 00:23:10.439
  • You don't need 100 friends in life, but you do need 3 or 4
  • 00:23:10.439 --> 00:23:13.775
  • Really good ones.
  • 00:23:13.775 --> 00:23:15.377
  • And small groups are a great way to help people learn groups.
  • 00:23:15.377 --> 00:23:18.680
  • See, a lot of churches, all they have is public worship.
  • 00:23:18.680 --> 00:23:21.683
  • They don't have the house to house and as a result there's no
  • 00:23:21.683 --> 00:23:24.386
  • Way for people to really get to know each other 'cause you don't
  • 00:23:24.386 --> 00:23:26.788
  • Get to know each other at worship.
  • 00:23:26.788 --> 00:23:28.557
  • All you get to know is the back of the head of the person in
  • 00:23:28.557 --> 00:23:30.725
  • Front of you.
  • 00:23:30.725 --> 00:23:32.360
  • You might like it or you might not, but the truth is that's not
  • 00:23:32.360 --> 00:23:36.531
  • A very deep relationship.
  • 00:23:36.531 --> 00:23:39.034
  • So small groups are relational, and that's why we do it.
  • 00:23:39.034 --> 00:23:43.138
  • The bible says life's all about love.
  • 00:23:43.138 --> 00:23:44.639
  • Number two, small groups are flexible, and the value of that
  • 00:23:44.639 --> 00:23:49.277
  • Is they're not like a worship service and it's the same time
  • 00:23:49.277 --> 00:23:51.947
  • Every week.
  • 00:23:51.947 --> 00:23:53.315
  • You can change the time.
  • 00:23:53.315 --> 00:23:54.649
  • You can change the location.
  • 00:23:54.649 --> 00:23:56.351
  • Small groups can meet any time.
  • 00:23:56.351 --> 00:23:57.886
  • They can meet anywhere.
  • 00:23:57.886 --> 00:23:59.321
  • They can be readjusted.
  • 00:23:59.321 --> 00:24:01.289
  • You know, the small group that i'm in right now i've been in 5
  • 00:24:01.289 --> 00:24:04.826
  • Or 6 years this--the one i'm in--currently in right now, and
  • 00:24:04.826 --> 00:24:09.631
  • A lot of times we all can't meet on the same day.
  • 00:24:09.631 --> 00:24:11.533
  • It was like, "well, we can't meet our normal tuesday."
  • 00:24:11.533 --> 00:24:14.302
  • Okay.
  • 00:24:14.302 --> 00:24:15.637
  • Well, we get on the email or we get through phone or text
  • 00:24:15.637 --> 00:24:17.873
  • Message, "could you meet on thursday?"
  • 00:24:17.873 --> 00:24:19.207
  • Some times it, like, takes 10 or 12 messages till everybody goes,
  • 00:24:19.207 --> 00:24:21.843
  • "yeah, we could all do on that one."
  • 00:24:21.843 --> 00:24:23.712
  • And we change where we're gonna meet.
  • 00:24:23.712 --> 00:24:25.413
  • We don't meet at the same house every week.
  • 00:24:25.413 --> 00:24:27.048
  • We rotate. sometimes it's our house.
  • 00:24:27.048 --> 00:24:29.117
  • Sometimes it's somebody else's house.
  • 00:24:29.117 --> 00:24:30.685
  • We've met at restaurants.
  • 00:24:30.685 --> 00:24:32.020
  • We've met at disneyland.
  • 00:24:32.020 --> 00:24:33.588
  • We've met outside.
  • 00:24:33.588 --> 00:24:35.857
  • We even had an all-nighter one time and like--it was like
  • 00:24:35.857 --> 00:24:39.094
  • A--you know, an overnighter, and the result is you
  • 00:24:39.094 --> 00:24:44.566
  • Build relationships.
  • 00:24:44.566 --> 00:24:46.201
  • Small groups are flexible so they can meet any time
  • 00:24:46.201 --> 00:24:48.870
  • Or anywhere.
  • 00:24:48.870 --> 00:24:50.205
  • You don't have to meet in church to have a small group.
  • 00:24:50.205 --> 00:24:53.742
  • The bible says this.
  • 00:24:53.742 --> 00:24:55.110
  • Jesus said in matthew 18:20, "for where two or three come
  • 00:24:55.110 --> 00:25:00.015
  • Together in my name--" that's called a small group, folks.
  • 00:25:00.015 --> 00:25:02.884
  • "where two or three come together in my name, there am i
  • 00:25:02.884 --> 00:25:06.721
  • With them."
  • 00:25:06.721 --> 00:25:08.089
  • There is a presence of god in a small group that doesn't show up
  • 00:25:08.089 --> 00:25:11.293
  • In ways in other ways.
  • 00:25:11.293 --> 00:25:13.862
  • And so you just get two or three people together and there--jesus
  • 00:25:13.862 --> 00:25:16.598
  • Says, "i will be with you in that moment."
  • 00:25:16.598 --> 00:25:19.634
  • They're flexible.
  • 00:25:19.634 --> 00:25:21.002
  • Number three, small groups are expandable.
  • 00:25:21.002 --> 00:25:23.705
  • Jesus said we must care, so we keep reaching out.
  • 00:25:23.705 --> 00:25:27.309
  • How do we do it?
  • 00:25:27.309 --> 00:25:28.643
  • Through small groups. they're relational.
  • 00:25:28.643 --> 00:25:29.978
  • They're flexible. they're expandable.
  • 00:25:29.978 --> 00:25:31.413
  • Number four, they're economical. they're economical.
  • 00:25:31.413 --> 00:25:34.015
  • What do i mean by that?
  • 00:25:34.015 --> 00:25:35.417
  • I mean, we don't have to pay for them.
  • 00:25:35.417 --> 00:25:36.952
  • There's no overhead for the church.
  • 00:25:36.952 --> 00:25:39.454
  • We believe that saddleback church is not a building.
  • 00:25:39.454 --> 00:25:43.091
  • It's people.
  • 00:25:43.091 --> 00:25:44.426
  • And we are far more interested in building people than we are
  • 00:25:44.426 --> 00:25:47.796
  • In building buildings.
  • 00:25:47.796 --> 00:25:49.631
  • We believe that buildings are tools, not monuments.
  • 00:25:49.631 --> 00:25:53.602
  • They're just tools for ministry.
  • 00:25:53.602 --> 00:25:55.170
  • You don't build them as monuments.
  • 00:25:55.170 --> 00:25:56.638
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:25:57.906 --> 00:26:04.279
  • Announcer: you know, this christmas, you can enjoy the
  • 00:26:04.346 --> 00:26:07.015
  • Beauty of god's word with a
  • 00:26:07.015 --> 00:26:08.783
  • Brand-new set of 52 stunning
  • 00:26:08.783 --> 00:26:10.885
  • Scripture cards, each featuring
  • 00:26:10.885 --> 00:26:12.954
  • Verses about the birth of christ
  • 00:26:12.954 --> 00:26:14.990
  • And adorned with
  • 00:26:14.990 --> 00:26:16.358
  • Elegant christmas artwork.
  • 00:26:16.358 --> 00:26:17.959
  • These are perfect for memorizing scripture,
  • 00:26:17.959 --> 00:26:20.695
  • Tucking into gifts,
  • 00:26:20.695 --> 00:26:22.364
  • Or placing on your holiday table.
  • 00:26:22.364 --> 00:26:24.799
  • These cards are a simple way to bring meaning to the season and
  • 00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:28.837
  • Share god's love with those around you.
  • 00:26:28.837 --> 00:26:31.272
  • So whether you're starting a new tradition or looking for a
  • 00:26:31.272 --> 00:26:35.043
  • Unique way to share the gospel with friends and family, well,
  • 00:26:35.043 --> 00:26:38.813
  • These cards are a perfect fit.
  • 00:26:38.813 --> 00:26:41.216
  • Today, when you give a gift to
  • 00:26:41.216 --> 00:26:42.751
  • Help "daily hope" take the
  • 00:26:42.751 --> 00:26:44.552
  • Certain hope of jesus to people
  • 00:26:44.552 --> 00:26:46.621
  • Worldwide, be sure to request
  • 00:26:46.621 --> 00:26:48.957
  • This very special collection
  • 00:26:48.957 --> 00:26:51.092
  • Of christmas scripture cards.
  • 00:26:51.092 --> 00:26:53.228
  • It's our way of saying thanks
  • 00:26:53.228 --> 00:26:54.729
  • For supporting "daily hope."
  • 00:26:54.729 --> 00:26:57.465
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:00.802 --> 00:27:00.802