Saddleback Church Weekend Messages

This weekend we opened our new series called Closer by looking at one of the biggest barriers that keeps us from feeling close to God. All of us want a real relationship with him, yet Jesus teaches that unforgiveness can quietly block our hearts in ways we may not realize. Through the story of the unforgiving servant, we were reminded that God has already forgiven a debt we could never repay, and that releasing others is part of the freedom he wants for us. Forgiveness is not pretending the hurt never happened. It is choosing to let go, trusting God with the pain, and stepping into the kind of life where nothing stands between us and him. As we move into this Christmas season, we’re invited to receive God’s forgiveness in a fresh way and extend it to others so that we can grow closer to his heart.

This weekend was a powerful reminder that God calls us to dream big, to dream his dreams, and to step out in bold faith. As a church, we celebrated all that God has already done through Dream Now, from lives changed to ministries growing and new campuses taking shape. And we believe he’s only getting started. Together, we’re stepping into what’s next by faithfully responding to his call, trusting that as we give, serve, and pray from now through the end of the year, God will continue to do more than we could ever imagine. Learn more or get involved at saddleback.com/dreamnow

Have you ever wondered if God really has a plan for your life, and how to figure out what it is? This weekend, Pastor Kurt Johnston reminded us that God absolutely has a unique purpose and plan for each of us. God’s will begins with relationship. His will for everyone is that we would know Him, respond to His love, and enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. But beyond that, He also has a specific plan for each of our lives. So how do we discover it? Pastor Kurt taught that understanding God’s will is not about unlocking a secret. It is about growing closer to Him. The more time we spend in prayer, reading Scripture, and walking daily with God, the more clearly we begin to hear His voice and recognize His direction. God’s will is not always revealed all at once. It is something we discover step by step as we follow Him. When we seek God daily, He gives us peace, clarity, and wisdom for each decision along the way.

As Christians, how do we respond to a world full of division and conflict? How can we stay rooted in our faith while living in a constantly changing culture? In the second week of our series Hey God!, Pastor Andy Wood reminded us that if we want to know how to live, we must first know who, or what, we follow. Whether we realize it or not, we’re all being shaped by something. We can choose to follow Jesus and build our lives on the firm foundation of God’s Word, or let the world shape us instead. Who we become starts with what we follow. Pastor Andy challenged us to ask two key questions: Who am I following? and Who am I aiming to please? We can’t live to please both people and God. Living for God’s approval brings peace, purpose, and strength to stand firm in truth. Jesus modeled both grace and truth—loving people deeply while never compromising what was right. To follow him means being willing to stand apart from the world and reflect his love, truth, and compassion in all we do.

Pastor Andy Wood kicks off an exciting new series, Hey God!, with a powerful message teaching us how we can tune in to hear God’s voice. In the busyness of our lives today, it’s hard to believe that the same God who spoke to Moses, Jesus, and Paul still speaks to us. But we often forget that God does want to speak to us and he wants us to listen. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and we can hear his voice and calling in our lives when we learn how to be still and listen. In this message, Pastor Andy shares the story of God speaking to the prophet Samuel, calling him to step into his great purpose as a leader of Israel. Through our study of 1 Samuel, we witnessed how God called Samuel and were reminded that God answers those who seek him with all their heart. We hope this message inspires you to seek God’s voice in your life and leads you to a deeper relationship with him.

Pastor Stacie Wood, a visionary leader dedicated to her congregation, wraps up the 'Fight For Your Family' series with profound insights on biblical family roles. She emphasizes the unique callings for singles, urging them to focus on their devotion to God. Husbands are encouraged to lead with love, while wives are empowered to uplift their families. Parents are reminded to reclaim their spiritual authority and guide their children, who are taught the importance of honoring their parents. Stacie encourages listeners towards repentance and embracing their God-given roles.

Discover the divine design for family as the message highlights God's intended roles for men and women. Explore the beauty of marriage, defined as a sacred covenant, and understand how living by biblical truths promotes order and unity in homes. With practical advice tailored to various life stages, listeners learn to replace societal lies with God's wisdom. Personal testimonies of transformation showcase the power of restoration and hope, encouraging everyone to embrace God's plan for their families.

In a heartfelt discussion about family challenges, the host emphasizes the importance of perseverance when times get tough. Through inspiring metaphors like the Half Dome hike, listeners learn the value of preparation and intentional planning. Exploring Galatians, key principles of sowing and reaping outline how our actions shape family dynamics. The episode also offers practical tools for setting a family vision and defining core values. With a humorous touch, the host encourages seeking mentors and setting rhythms for spiritual growth, reminding everyone to commit to their family journeys.

Discover how to realign your family around God, as Pastor Andy explores the importance of prioritizing Him at the center of our lives. Learn practical rhythms to start your day with God, and why identifying your family's guiding principles is crucial. Hear inspiring testimonies of transformation, including how surrendering to God can heal relationships. Andy challenges listeners to evaluate what blocks their connection with God and encourages a powerful act of faith by nailing it to the cross as a declaration of commitment.

Discover how your home can become a hub of spiritual growth and transformation. Pastor Andy Wood challenges families to engage with God’s plan and build strong foundations despite adversity. Explore the importance of teaching faith daily and the hope of redemption in broken homes. Nehemiah’s story offers wisdom on facing opposition through prayer and action. Learn practical parenting tips and the significance of community support in strengthening family ties. It's time to rise and protect what matters most!