Kingdom And Chaos - Finding A Faithful Friend

Kingdom and Chaos

Finding a Faithful Friend

February 17, 2018

There are three relational dimensions woven into our journey as Christ followers.

1. God’s relationship to us.

2. Our relationship to God.

3. Our relationships with one another.

• The church was formed by the Holy Spirit as an alternative community of people living in relationships with one another.

43% of Americans say they lack companionship and meaning in their relationships.

1 in 5 Americans rarely if ever feel close to others.

Then, why are people so lonely and isolated, even in crowds of people?

1. We’ve been hurt or betrayed, so we protect ourselves.

2. We’re too busy to invest in friendships.

(Military) – Moving every three years

3. We’re introverted and bashful.

4. We don’t know how to be a friend.

1 Samuel 14:1, 6-7 NIV

“One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, "Come, let's go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side." But he did not tell his father 6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." 7 "Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."

Friends believe in our mission.

Pam and I have great friends – show picture of Robert and others praying for us at NLC

Jesus needed friends who believed in him!!

John 6:66-69 NIV

“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

1 Samuel 14:13-15 NIV

“Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. 14 In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre. 15 Then panic struck the whole army — those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties — and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God.”

Friends multiply our strength.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 NIV

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Romans 12 – the Gift of Encouragement – This word also means “To come alongside me.”

Encouragement puts courage into us.

Without encouragement, most of us would quit.

The Table:

John 15:13, 15 NIV

“Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

• He shows us what we’ve really been longing for: Him!

• He becomes the friend that’s closer than any brother.