The Fear of the Lord
by Pastor Marie
…but I Call You Friend
by Pastor Roy
- John 3:16
- John 15:9-17(TPT)
- “Friends” – Aramaic – FAMILY
- “Servants” (Greek – Doulos) – “Slaves” – We Serve but are not Servants because we serve willingly
- 1 Corinthians 12: 27 – “Body of Christ.”
- Revelation 19:7-9, 21:2, Isaiah 54:5 – Bride of Christ
A True Friend:
- Has a bond of affection
- Takes time to BE with us
- A benefactor, a backer, a supporter, a defender, and champion
- Trusts us
- Understands us and even when they do not – still tries to
- Is there for us when they can be but also sets boundaries
- An ally in a struggle or cause
- Stands up for you when others try to hurt you – physically or emotionally
- Forgives you no matter what you do
- Tells you when you are being stupid but does not make you feel stupid
- Does not care if you are ugly or boring and never thinks about it
– Essay by C. Raymond Beran – “What Is A Friend?”