A bright light and an overwhelming Savior had just taken his eyesight, his spiritual foundation, and his emotional health. It may not seem like a big deal to us, but you can bet Saul never forgot the day a man called him Brother for the first time. Filed Under: Being Like Jesus Christ Tagged With: love, mercy, True Friendship, understanding. Flashback now to the day when this same man lay crumpled in the dirt on the outskirts of Damascus. If you are really a friend of Jesus, then you will obey Him. The joys of a deeper relationship with the Lord are ours to claim. After meeting the disciples, Saul took some time off. “You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. He had no idea then that God had placed next to him the one man the church had already nicknamed "The Encourager" (Acts 4:36). One is God’s friend when he 1) Loves God with all his heart, soul, and mind, 2) Does what God wants him to do simply because God has asked us to do it, 3) Tells others about what a great friend … Personal: How have I been hurt when someone didn’t keep a confidence? We offer 30,000+ outlines and 10,000+ free sermon illustrations from top Christian pastors and communicators. We help you and fellow Christians authentically love God and others. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. Give yourselves regular checkups…” 2 Cor. 4:15 (GN), “An honest answer is a sign of true friendship.” Pr. I was having real problems with the issue of friendship, I use to think, I was not compatible. True friends share the joys and the sorrows, the ups and the downs of life. 4:2 (NCV), “When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Despite its constant presence, death – and thus appreciation for life – is not something we comprehend naturally. We can choose to serve God even though the godless world is all around us. To be the best friend we must remember to think about what our friends might need. That family is the church of the living God, the support and foundation of the truth.” 1 Tim. I. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Col. 3:13 (NLT), “Never hold grudges. 2. After a few days, the truth seemed obvious. B) Jesus’ critics despised and avoided sinful people. They started churches together, they grew missionaries together, and they even stayed together in the midst of disagreement. Maybe you attended class together. So if He says, "Don't stone her," then He violates Moses. Friends of Jesus love one another just as He loved us (John 15:12-13, 17). They're showing a rerun of my favorite television show tonight.". They say the old guy made it back to town five minutes ahead of the boy! In Jesus' name we pray. This is a blessing to me because sometimes you can feel so lonely at church. … Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. True friends talk about things of substance and importance. Saul never got over the friends he found in Ananias and Barnabas. Personal: What encourages me to be open and what holds me back in my friendships? A faithful friend says not simply kind words, but the right words at the right time. 7. They find a way to be there. Sermons Children’s Sermons Hymn Lists. Personal: Where could I use the most support in my spiritual growth? I had no more desire for the favor of men than for pebbles. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. After all, that's what friends are for. You are the church, and Lifeway is here to serve you with biblical resources for everything life brings your way. The first form of that power he discovered was the power of faithful friends. The second name Saul had was Brother Saul. “Speak the truth in a spirit of love.” Eph. Childrens Sermons Series: HANNAH FOUND THE RIGHT “FRIENDS” FOR SAMUEL (This childrens sermon is based on 1 Samuel 1-2. "It's Satan and the Lord dividing souls at the cemetery!". Whenever we come to a well-known passage of scripture like we have in Acts 9, we might even know the story too well. We’re not in a … James 2:23 ESV / 36 helpful votes. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! 6:2 (NLT), “We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak to carry their burdens.” Rom 15:1 (GN)), “Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith.” Jude 1:22 (Mes), “A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” Job 6:14 (NIV), Rate your Friendships on Sympathy: (Weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (Strong). He'll pick you up when you are down. James chapter 4. What was the second name Saul had in Scripture? Imagine sitting in darkness for three days without food, drink, or encouragement and suddenly receiving a kind word. Please see below for details. “…clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…” 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV), “Live in harmony with each other. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And he was adamant that I share them with you this morning. Even when you’ve fallen—or agree with … As the Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in my love. Philippians 2:1-13 Friendship. i. Let’s turn in our Bibles tonight for our time of study in God’s Word to James chapter 4. Not talking about engaging in illegalities or sin, just everyday life. While other kids were out playing ball, going shopping and doing homework, Michelle's friend was doing what friends do best. In time, the church wondered what had happened to the passionate convert named Saul. Sermon: The Power of a Faithful Friend - Acts 9. He jumped back on his bike and rode off, desperately looking for a friend. “I want us to help each other with the faith we have. ", The man said, "Beat it, kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk?" True friends expose sin in us that keeps us from God. Would he even be allowed to live? How did they do it? * This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that He was. It was dusk, and another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. IV. Friends are dear to us. I knew only to breathe out my desire for a perfect conformity to Him in all things. Topical Sermons Power Point Show . Paul is the third name Saul had in Scripture. In prosperity our friends know us but in adversity, we know our friends. If you are not obeying Him, then you have no right to claim that you are His friend. It is about long-lasting love and devotion. Subscribe to our e-newsletter and learn to live a Christ-transformed life. There's an entire sermon in that, but for now this simple truth will do: Ananias was willing to become a friend to an enemy, despite his fear. In half a dozen places in Scripture, Jesus said, " Love your enemies." Personal: Who do I need to show more love and respect to with my friends? Sermons Children’s Sermons Hymn Lists. Ananias almost certainly had a family and a set of faithful friends. That's all. In this sermon I hope to encourage you from Hebrews 4:14-16 that Jesus is exactly the friend we need. I've been changed by those words, and you have, too. 1. I had no more desire for the favor of men than for pebbles. Dear Jesus, you said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Somewhere, perhaps today, a person near you needs a faithful friend. Posted on August 4, 2013. Let us pray. He or she says, "I can't help you. Take the log out of your own eye first, and then you will be able to see and take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matt. By becoming those faithful friends, they were about to change the world. A friend will be with you, even if he or she must go to great trouble or expense to do so. In Capernaum, he would have met men and women who had been healed by Jesus. 4:10 (NLT), “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Heb. If you answer God's call to be that friend, it might be you who changes the world. “…clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…”. A faithful friend knows how to hold someone when he or she is hurting, how to communicate love with touch, even restore confidence with a special grip. He would have seen the light in their eyes as they told the stories of what had happened on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Let's go inside, and see if we can see the Devil himself!". All was dark, and all remained dark. Be a Friend of God . When you are really struggling and a friend asks you how you are … Prov. associating [being friends] with such sinful people, even eating with them. In Luke, Jesus said, "Do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. More than likely, he was looking for a friend. What wonderful power Saul discovered in Damascus! THANK YOU. Every time he was ready to hold out his hand in friendship, he grasped nothing but air. 12:16 (NLT), “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6b (NIV), “Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love.” Eph. A source of good counsel - Pr 27:9 2. This was a great article. And you will accomplish your mission!". 3. 7:3 (GN), “He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.” Pr. It was a struggle for me at first, but it is now becoming easier. As one who was really hurt growing up by “Church People” I have been so blessed to find a church where the people truly try to live like what Jesus told us to be like. 15:31 (NIV), Rate your Friendships on Humility/Acceptance: (Weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (Strong). So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. 6. In short, Barnabas was the kind of friend Saul needed, for Saul needed a man to stay with him. 4:29 (NIV), “Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone.” 1 Th. May we share it with our friends so that they might also know the happiness that Jesus brings. Philippians 2:1-13 Friendship. Jesus was Lord! Our text gives us the answer. iii. Jesus, because He is a friend… He would meet them all, these men who had walked with Jesus. How have I benefited when someone spoke the truth to me? You will never leave each other. It causes hard feelings and comes between friends.” Pr. (Acts 9:27-28). How simple a solution for Paul's problem. Placing his hands on Saul . Proverbs 27:9 (This morning we are going to look at one of the greatest friendships recorded in the Bible, the friendship between David and Jonathan, King Saul's son. He lived in Damascus, kept up with the news, and knew a terrorist named Saul was on the loose. 12:18 (GN), “Never use harsh wordswhen you correct an older man, but talk to him as if he were your father. (Acts 11:25-26). Jesus is the friend we need because he is the Right Person with the Right Past in the Right Place. A faithful friend stands with you, stands up for you, and doesn't waver in his support. ... It’s good to have friends and to be a good friend. 2:22 (LB), Rate your Friendships on Frequency: (Weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (Strong). Jesus said, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you" . “Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it.” Rom. True friendship is one mind in two bodies. Remember friend's birthdays and anniversaries. Many of them were with you in the routine of life. 12:10b (NLT), Rate your Friendships on Mutuality: (Weak) 1-2-3-4-5 (Strong). All along the way, for more than 120 miles, Saul would have met people who had been changed by Jesus. What a beautiful example Barnabas was. Excel in showing respect for each other.” Rom. God was so precious that the world with all its enjoyments seemed infinitely vile. Though frightened, Ananias obeyed and became the first friend Saul found in his new family of faith.Second, Barnabas became Saul's advocate and friend in Jerusalem. He'd sit down with Bartholomew, Andrew, and Simon the Zealot, and have dinner with Thomas. Every time he got close to tracking someone down, he found an empty house. i. Instead, let us encourage one another…” Heb. God was so precious that the world with all its enjoyments seemed infinitely vile. Just around the bend he met an old, scowling man who hobbled along with a cane. Five Marks of Christian FriendshipLink 1. What a great gift Ananias gave when he came to see Saul for the first time. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. “In Christ we who are many form one Body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Rom. ... It’s good to have friends and to be a good friend. Due to inclement weather, shipping will be delayed 3-4 days. I came across this piece of material on a day I was really thinking about true Christian friendship and was building a message for my congregation in church. When the boy insisted, though, the man hobbled to the cemetery. The men he came with would have been frightened at what happened on the road, and they could get no explanation from Saul. At times the legs don't support, and a healthy heart nearly breaks. Imagine if you were in real need and you called on your best friend. First, true friends of Jesus will obey Him. * Indicated Required Field See our Privacy Policy. The disciples were hiding from Saul. In 1967, Stu Webber was in the U.S. Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. What a Ranger-type buddy to have! Keep in touch by phone. Saul must have been physically spent when he neared Damascus. FALSE FRIENDS SAY WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO HEAR A. Be a loyal, faithful friend. On the other hand, if He says, "Stone her,"...then He's gonna lose His reputation as a friend of sinners. 12:26a (GN), “Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down.” Rom. 1:12 (NCV), “Keep each other on your toes so sin doesn’t slow down your reflexes.” Heb. Ananias shared the truth with Saul in a very gentle way and baptized him. Once you’ve done that, then you can consider these characteristics of Jesus’ friends and seek to grow in them. Link Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the... 3. 3. Friendship is about being together and sharing. Become need sensitive 5. Some people are desperately looking for friendship. LUKE 7:34; LUKE 15:1-2 “FRIEND OF SINNERS” A) Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach.
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