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Godly Friendship: A Priceless Commodity

Article by David F. Maas

Abraham is called the friend of God several times, highlighting the profound value of such a bond. This designation underscores the importance of friendship as a divine principle, established by God Almighty who set in motion the laws that bind one person to another. As God formed friendships with human beings, Abraham's relationship with Him exemplifies the depth and trust inherent in true companionship, reflecting the laws of attraction and mutual support that God has instituted.

Thank You For Being A Friend

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

True friendship is not just a casual relationship, but a deep commitment of trust, enabling the sharing of our deepest thoughts without fear of betrayal.

Abraham (Part Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Abraham, known as the friend of God, holds a unique and significant place in spiritual history. Historically, he emerged from a sophisticated society and made a considerable impact wherever he went, noted as a mathematician, scientist, astronomer, public speaker, intelligent and balanced personality, teacher of truth, originator of a fine culture, prince, ruler, military leader, founder of nations, and father of the faithful. Biblically, his role as the father of the faithful is paramount, marking him as a landmark in the spiritual history of the world. Chosen by God to represent Him as a type of the Father, Abraham's natural abilities, combined with God's Spirit and his yieldedness through faith, enabled mighty spiritual works through him. Isaiah 41:8 refers to him as God's friend, and James 2:23 affirms this title, noting that Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. This distinction as God's friend is unique, as no other biblical character is directly called such, highlighting a relationship of affection and favor where God, in the highest position, acknowledges Abraham as His companion. God's love and promises extend to Abraham's descendants not because of their merit, but due to His friendship with Abraham, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:7-9. This friendship results in material and spiritual benefits for his progeny, including the heritage of the Word of God through the Israelite people, as emphasized in Genesis 18:18-19, where God chooses not to hide His plans from Abraham, knowing he will command his household to keep the way of the Lord. Abraham's role as the father of a new spiritual race is not dependent on physical descent but on faith, as stated in Galatians 3:29, where those in Christ are considered Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. Romans 9:6-9 further clarifies that the children of the promise, not of the flesh, are counted as his seed, exemplified by Isaac's miraculous birth, symbolizing that God's call enables individuals to become children of Abraham through divine intervention. The importance of Abraham lies in his example of faith and submission to God's word, as highlighted in John 8:37-40, where Jesus challenges those claiming descent from Abraham to do his works. To claim Abraham as a spiritual ancestor requires reproducing his spirit of faith and trust in God, producing the works of Abraham, as noted in II Corinthians 5:17, where being in Christ means becoming a new creation, rejecting former ways. Abraham's life of faith, detailed extensively in thirteen and a half chapters of the Bible, began with God's call in Genesis 12:1-4 to leave his country and family for a land God would show him, promising to make him a great nation and bless all families of the earth through him. His faith rested on the character and power of God who declared, "I will," leading to separation from his world, as seen in his departure from Haran at seventy-five years old. Despite challenges and delays, such as dwelling in Haran until his father Terah's death as mentioned in Acts 7:2-4 and Genesis 11:31-32, Abraham's journey reflects a struggle to leave his roots, yet he obeyed God's call. His life was marked by constant movement and instability, living in tents as a stranger and pilgrim, always reminded of having no settled place, as described in Hebrews 11:8-10 and 11:13-16, waiting for a city whose builder and maker is God. Abraham's relationship with God, more cherished than land or reward, is central to his title as God's friend, as seen in Acts 7:4-8, where despite having no inheritance to set his foot on, he valued the covenant and personal connection with God above all. This relationship, built on trust and communication, motivated his willingness to live by faith, submit to God, and separate from the world, setting a pattern for his spiritual descendants to follow.

Friendship Within the Church

Sermon by Mark Schindler

We will be judged on our responsiveness to each other and our subsequent friendship with our brethren, one that goes through the grave for all eternity.

Abraham (Part Nine)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

God helps us to overcome our problems in an unraveling process, sometimes taking us back through the consequences of the bad habits we have accumulated.

Abraham (Part Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

We learn from Abraham's experience to trust God even when we have incomplete information. When we attempt to take the expedient way out, we will run into trouble.

You Are My Friends!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

While it is common on Facebook to defriend/unfriend, Christ's love for His people is a friending with the condition that godly fruit is produced.

Abraham (Part Twelve)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Based on his long friendship with God, Abraham could systematically calculate the reliability of God's promises even in the lack of visual evidence.

The Providence of God (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

A spiritual Israelite undergoes a metamorphosis in which his own self-centered will is broken so that God's creative work can be completed within him.

Friends

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

God's people should not waste their time on entertainments dedicated to spreading Satan's lies, but rather turn their attention to pure and wholesome things.

King of Peace: Meal with His Friends

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Abraham, known as the Friend of God, exemplifies a journey of faith and obedience that aligns with the solemn memorial of the Passover. His life, marked by significant encounters with the divine, reflects the deep relationship we are called to have with the King of Peace. In Isaiah 41:8, God refers to Abraham as His friend, highlighting the intimate bond formed through Abraham's faithfulness. This connection is further emphasized in Galatians 3:26-29, where those who belong to Christ are declared Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise, uniting all in faith as sons of God through Christ Jesus. Abraham's actions demonstrate the essence of being a friend of God. In James 2:21-23, his willingness to offer Isaac on the altar showcases faith made perfect through works, fulfilling the Scripture that accounted his belief in God as righteousness, thus earning him the title of Friend of God. His early reliance on physical strength, seen in Genesis 14:16-20 when he rescued Lot, transforms after sharing a peace meal of bread and wine with Melchizedek, the King of Salem and priest of God Most High, who blesses him and acknowledges God's deliverance of his enemies. This meal symbolizes a shift toward dependence on divine strength, as affirmed in Genesis 15:1, where God declares Himself Abraham's shield and exceedingly great reward. In Genesis 18:1-10, Abraham's humility and outgoing concern are evident as he serves a meal to divine visitors, mirroring the service Christ later commands of His friends. God's trust in Abraham is clear in Genesis 18:17-19, where He chooses not to hide His plans, knowing Abraham will command his household to keep the way of the Lord in righteousness and justice. Finally, in Genesis 22:8-12, Abraham's ultimate act of faith in preparing to sacrifice Isaac, trusting God to provide, solidifies his role as a friend who obeys without withholding, reflecting the sacrificial love and unity central to the Passover memorial we are called to keep with the King of Peace.

God's Holy Days - Our Shared Vision Of Hope

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

From Passover to Pentecost to Trumpets to Atonement to the Feast of Tabernacles, these days should solidify our vision of he Father, Jesus, and one another.

Leadership and Covenants (Part Seventeen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Because the world is under the sway of the wicked one, if mankind were left to its own choices, the world would revert to the condition before the Flood.

Right Out of the Gate

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

God has called many to be the bride, but only a relative few have been chosen. We have the honor of having God as our friend just as much as Abraham.

Teaching the Good News of the Promise

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

We must teach God's ways to our offspring, orienting them to the way of give rather than get, admonishing them to purify themselves from the ways of the world.

Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Abraham embodied living by faith. Through perpetually living in a tent, he demonstrated his complete trust and reliance upon God.

Faith (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

At the time of the end, sin will be so pervasive and so compelling that our only resource for enduring its influence will be our relationship with God.