Saddleback Church Weekend Messages

We all want our lives to tell a better story, and with God’s help, that is possible. In the Stories of Christmas series, Pastor Andy walks through three questions that shape the direction of our lives: What do you want, why does it matter, and how will you respond? Our desires influence what we notice, our expectations shape how we see God at work, and our choices move us toward the future we hope for. We are invited to let God reshape our desires, lift our perspective, and live with renewed anticipation. Instead of settling or drifting, we can lean in, pay attention, and take a step toward the story God is writing in our lives.

When we choose gratitude, God opens our eyes to his goodness and draws our hearts toward him, while entitlement closes us off from the grace he’s already pouring into our lives. This weekend, Pastor Buddy wrapped up our Closer series by reminding us that gratitude is often the first step toward a deeper, more trusting relationship with God. We grow in gratitude by paying attention to the ways he cares for us and choosing to thank him throughout our day. And as this rhythm takes root in our lives, our faith grows, our joy deepens, and we begin to experience God’s presence with a clearer, more hopeful heart.

Dive into the deep topics of homesickness and spiritual distance from God. Discover how drawing near invites divine closeness and why surrender is the key to overcoming barriers. The monkey trap metaphor illustrates how clinging to the wrong things can lead to spiritual entrapment. Hear the compelling story of the rich young ruler and the challenge of true discipleship. Explore reflection questions that spark personal growth, and understand that surrender is a lifelong journey with eternal rewards.

What keeps us from feeling close to God? In the Closer series, we look at one of the biggest barriers: unforgiveness. While we all want a real relationship with Him, Jesus shows that unforgiveness can quietly block our hearts in ways we do not always recognize. Through the story of the unforgiving servant, we are reminded that God has already forgiven a debt we could never repay, and that extending forgiveness is part of the freedom He invites us into. Forgiveness is not pretending the hurt did not happen. It is choosing to release it, trusting God with the pain, and stepping into a life where nothing stands between us and Him. As we receive God’s forgiveness and extend it to others, we begin to experience a deeper closeness with Him.

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.