Finding Friendship in Jesus

Proverbs 18:24 and the Definition of a Friend Proverbs 18:24 states: “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” A friend is defined as a person who knows you well and is fond of you. This definition is applied to Jesus Christ. Personal Testimony of Meeting Jesus A personal experience at Hearst Chapel Baptist Church is shared. The Locust Ridge boys sang “What’s Your Testimony?” This was the moment of meeting Jesus and changing life. Encounter During a Marital Conflict A story about going to lunch with a cousin during his divorce is recounted. There was an initial desire to find scripture to “burn her up.” Driving to the lunch, the message received was to tell the cousin’s wife “I love you, and Jesus loves you.” Despite this act, the cousin’s wife still wants nothing to do with him. Qualities of a Friend (Jesus) Close Acquaintance: Someone who walks and talks with you. Someone who leads through life. On Your Side: Helps through everything. Knows exactly what you need. Supporter: A story about announcing the call to preach and going to Little Cove Baptist Church is shared. Only had $20, needed gas money. The Lord told him to put the $20 in the offering. After the service, received a check and someone paid back $150 they owed. This was seen as God supplying needs. Sympathizer: Especially during times of loss. Personal anecdote about his “Papa” (grandfather) who was a best friend. Talked every day and prayed together. His Papa’s passing was made easier knowing he was with Jesus. His mom said he had a smile on his face and said Jesus is with me. Helpful: Provides help even when you don’t know what you need. Alive: A living savior. Improves Quality of Life: Offers unconditional love. Shares a story about preaching at both grandfathers’ funerals, emphasizing love for them and knowing they are in a better place. Being Friendless and Finding Friendship in Jesus Describes being friendless before finding Jesus. Salvation is not complicated; it’s about trusting in Jesus. Shares experience helping teenagers get saved by simply asking Jesus for salvation and believing He did it. John 15:13-15 – Greater Love and Friendship with Jesus John 15:13 states: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus laid down his life out of unconditional love. John 15:14 states: “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:15 states: “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” Jesus calls us friends and shares what He has learned from the Father. Reference to John 14: “Let not your heart be troubled…” Jesus is preparing a place and will come again. Importance of Knowing Jesus A pastor friend in Kentucky said that if people could glimpse hell, they would run to the altar. Emphasizes the need to get closer to Jesus. Jesus offers free will to choose to serve Him. Jesus is the best friend to have.