Message: “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” from Pastor Joe

What a Friend We have in Jesus Memory Verse: Mark 12:30 Scripture: >John 15:13  Romans 5:10; Proverbs 3:32; James 4:8, Mark 12:30; Isaiah 8: 17 A. Definition of Friend a. Webster's definition - 1 a : one attached to another by affection or esteem b : ACQUAINTANCE 2 a : one that is not hostile b : one that is of the same nation, party, or group 3 : one that favors or promotes something (as a charity) 4 : a favored companion b. Biblical definition- John 15:13 ( READ) c. There is a denomination in America who calls themselves Friends ( Quakers) accept nothing from the Gov and takes care of their own. Becoming best friends with God Abraham was a friend of God- James 2:23 Christ died to create new relationship of man to God- Romans 5:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18 Christ calls man a friend John 15:15 God wants man to have a real relationship with him- Jeremiah 9:24 To have a true relationship we must talk to God constantly- 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 Developing our friendship with God We are as close to God as we choose- James 4:8 Be honest with God when we talk to him Abraham negotiated with God for Sodom Moses negotiated with God for the Children of Israel Job complained to God We must obey God to develop a real friendship John 15: 14 Obeying God is through love not fear -John 15: 9-11 B. Friend vs Brother a. Importance of friend versus brother i. Proverbs 17:17 (Read) ii. Proverbs 18:24 ( Read) b. True friendship i. Proverbs 19: 4 -6   wealth makes friends—Friends abandon the poor ii. Luke 5: 18 -20- lowering of man down through the roof so that Christ could heal him Bill Withers Lean on me, when you're not strong And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on For it won't be long 'Til I'm gonna need Somebody to lean on. C. True friends exalt each other and are not jealous of each others success a. John 3: 27 -29 ( READ) b. David and Jonathan- 1 Samuel 18: 1 -4 ( Tell story) D. True friends do not take advantage of the friendship and are humble a. Luke 14: 8 -11 ( Read) b. Friends step back so that others can step up E. True friends do not expect something in return a. Luke 14: 12 -14 ( Read) b. Unconditional friendship Dionne Warwick Keep smiling, keep shining Knowing you can always count on me, for sure That's what friends are for In good times, in bad times I'll be on your side forever more Oh, that's what friends are for F. Friend of Christ a. James 2:23 ( Abraham) b. John 15:15 ( READ) G. Christ ultimate demonstration of his friendship for us a. John 15:13 b. Friendship equates to love John 3:16 H. How do we demonstrate our friendship Must understand that God loves us and that we can trust God- Psalm 145:9, Psalm 139:3, Matthew 10:30 a. Our goal should be to please God- 2 Corinthians 5:9; Psalm 14:2 POEM I'll Always Be There In times of trouble, In times of need, If you are feeling SAD, You can count on me. I will give you a wink, Until you smile, give you a hug, And stand by your side. I'll be there for you till the end, I'll always and forever, be your friend Points to Ponder God wants to be my best friend- John 15:15 We are as close to God as we choose- James 4:8 The heart of worship is surrender- Romans 6:13

Scripture References: Proverbs 3:3, Romans 5:10, John 15:13, Mark 12:3, James 4:8

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From Series: "Sunday Service"

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