Scripture: Genesis 18-19
“A loyal friend laughs at your jokes when they’re not so good, and sympathizes with your problems when they’re not so bad.” – Arnold Glasgow
“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” – Unknown
“One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
“A friend is one who warns you.” – Old Jewish Proverb
This morning in our Origins series from Genesis the book of Beginnings, we will see why Abraham was called a friend of God and how his nephew Lot suffered great loss because he chose to be a friend of the world.
Abraham’s faith in God saved him and he was called a friend of God according to James 2:23.
Are you a friend of God or a friend of the world?
You have two choices in life: to go your way or to go God’s way.
The Gospel
Fortunately, God sent Jesus His Son into the world to save sinners, just as saved Lot in Sodom.
In Matthew 9, Jesus said I came to save sinners, not those who think they are righteous already.
Our God is merciful and offers salvation by His loving grace alone. There is nothing we can do to earn it. Accept God’s free gift of salvation today. Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9. Come talk to me after the service if you want to know more.
Believers
If you are already a believer, are you more comfortable with the world than with Christians?
Romans 12:2 tells us not be conformed or shaped by the world, but instead to be transformed by God to know His will – what is good, acceptable, and perfect. Our minds are renewed by reading His Word on regular basis. Start tomorrow with a chapter. Don’t try to read the whole Bible. Read a portion and ask God to show you what applies to you and your life.
Who are your closest friends? Are they encouraging your walk with God, or are they pulling you away from Him? Jesus was a friend of sinners, but only to show them love and salvation. Believers are called to holy and separate from the world.
Are you quick to jump up and serve God with all your heart? Giving your best to Him and doing the most you can (like Abraham)? Or do you do only what is easy or convenient to look good and just get by (like Lot)?
God calls us to live for Him and love and serve His family, the church. If you don’t know where to serve or where you can use your gifts and talents, talk to one of the deacons or talk to me.
When someone looks back at my life, as James looked at Abraham, I want them to say He was a friend of God. Don’t you?
