FAMOUSyouthGROUP*

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Famous Fast: Day 6

Galatians 3:26-28 NLT

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

I like to shop for clothes, in a abnormal way.

Let me tell you what I mean…

If you’ve ever been out shopping with me at the mall, I get kinda weird when I follow my friends to women’s clothing stores. Sadly, if you’ve been with me, you can attest to this. It’s not that I get uncomfortable when it comes to shopping around women’s clothes. On the contrary, I become enamored with them. I start looking at styles and fashions, rate clothing, and even, on occasion, make up outfit combinations of my own (not to wear, of course, because that would be silly). It drives my friends and my youth up the wall!

*Ahem*

Anyway, that’s what I do and I oddly enjoy it. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do men’s styles, too. But what I like about this little game of dress-up is the fact that, depending on the outfit and the person it is for, you can create a totally different person. Clothes can do that, did you know? One shirt can make you look old, fat and saggy, while another can make you young, vibrant, and skinny. Other clothes can make you look metro and classy, while even others can depict you as casual, calm, and carefree. And, did you also know that there are some styles and sizes of clothing that were not made for you and other style that were?

You clothes can, literally, define who you are, at least on the outside. But, what about the inside?

Galatians tell us that we have put on Christ, like we put on clothes. Now these clothes are a lot more magical than some ordinary outfit at Forever XXI. They are so awesome that they can change your lineage, your anointing, and even your birthright! When you put on Christ, it totally changes you.

But, sometimes, we get distracted by other outfits we see. We’ll look through the window of other stores and think those outfits are made for us. “I think I’ll try distractions on, they look nice. Or maybe a pair of doubt and regret? How ‘bout picking up some busyness while I’m here. And, hey, looks like sin is on sale - maybe this is a good time to try that out, too.” But, as we try them on, it’s clear that those clothes were not made for us. They make us slow, ugly, and dirty. And, we go through this while, all this time, we have the best outfit collecting dust on the shelf - the relationship we have with Christ.

You know another time we put on good clothes - a date. We dress to impress, it seems, when we go on dates. But, can I venture to say, that on a VERY good date, we’re not dressing to impress per se, but we dress to BE IMPRESSED. If that date is good - if he’s handsome and a gentleman, or if shes stunning and beautiful - we’re dressed to be blessed. That is what putting on Christ is - BEING DRESSED TO BE BLESSED.

As we continue this fast, let’s start putting on God again while taking off the things that don’t look good on us. And, let’s get ready to be blessed by God while he changes everything we are as he clothes us in His glory.

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6 days into the fast - more than 1/8th done. I’m very proud of all you guys!! Keep it up and be expectant of God’s favor and blessings in the next few weeks!

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Famous Fast: Day 5

“When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” - Psalm 118:5-6

Rescue.

A man is drowning in the middle of the ocean. His body slowly drops into the abyss of the sea. His lungs struggle for the last bit of air at his head is engulfed in the heavy waters. As his mouth surges out of the sea for one last time, he cries, “Help! Save me! I need”…RESCUE

What is it about desperation that draws into what we really need the most? Why do we wait until the very last moment to cry out for relief instead of asking for it before things get bad? Simply put, we think we can handle it on our own; that’s why we wait. And, wait we do until help and relief comes.

Now, I don’t want to necessarily put the guilt trip on you for waiting all this time to seek God in such a desperate way through this fast. If anything, I’d be guilty of waiting, too. But, you know, we finally did cry out for help, knowing that we would not last another day this year until the Lord was with us to help us, encourage us, be with us…RESCUE US. And the best part is, God promises to rescue us! When we’re hard pressed, in need of relief, He’s right there with us to rescue us from our situations. Like a lifeguard at sea, He’s there to take us back to safety if we’ve traveled too far from shore. He will deliver us and bring us to safe harbors. And, He will always be there.

Though, in thinking about this, I’m reminded of song we’ve been singing recently, “Oh, How He Loves.” In the song, David Crowder depicts God’s love as a hurricane. I thought about why we would consider a gracious and loving God to have love so treacherous and harsh. I was then reminded of the story of Elijah and God’s appearance to Him in 1 Kings 19. Heavy winds, earthquakes, and fires were not the presence of God, but a still, small voice was where he resided. So, why bring all the calamity and disaster when the still small voice would do? I would venture to suggest that we’re not listening when God softly talks to us.

Sometimes it takes hurricanes in our lives to quiet us enough to hear God’s still, small voice.

So let me say that even though it would have been nice to seek Him earlier, it’s ok for us to finally draw to God so closely. If it took hurricanes, then, God, BRING THE HURRICANE so we can cry aloud, in the midst of the storm… BE MY RESCUE!!! __________________________________

Famous, keep at it as you continue the fast this week. Remember to take time to do devotions (one-to-one times with just you and God) as well as be ministers to the people around you. Although you shouldn’t advertise that you’re fasting, don’t be shy to tell people the blessed time you’re going through and the breakthroughs in your relationship with Him you’re starting to experience.

I’d like to add that if you have any testimonies, prayer requests, or even (dare I say) devotions and insights of your own you’d like to share with the rest of Famous, let me know by messaging me on Facebook, with the subject “Famous Fast AddOns.” Thanks!! And Blessings!!!

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Famous Fast: Day 4

Hebrews 12:1 NLT

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Thought I might try something new this time. I know you guys must be starting to feel the itch of not having your regular fix of media. Maybe some of you are starting to realize just how much media we really put into our lives each day. Well, here’s a few things that, I hope will cheer you up!

First, I encourage all of you to keep going. If its starting to get hard, GREAT! That means its working! You’re starting to realize something new and different - a life of freedom. And, if you faltered, don’t fret! Just dust yourself off, pick yourself up, and keep going! Trust me, it’s going to be worth it.

Second, know that you have people all around you to encourage you to keep going. The book of Hebrews calls them a ”great cloud of witnesses.” Think of it like a stadium of fans - hundreds, even thousands, of believers who came before you - waiting just to cheer you on. You also have a cheering section in our group, who are only a phone call, text message, or facebook post away from lifting you up when you’re feeling down.

Lastly, the whole idea of this fast is to take us away from secular media and fill those times with things that bring us closer to God. ”Like what?” you may ask. Well, depending on your conviction, you can delve into Christian media, like worship music and audio podcasts. You can listen to Christian radio, online podcasts, Christian TV stations, and much more. Also, I know that in my previous fasts, I had the chance to write songs, poetry (though, I’m definitely not an expert in either field), and play music on my guitar. And, lest we forget, you shoukd also spend this newfound free time in one-to-one devotion and prayer with God, Himself.

So, be strengthened! Be encouraged! And, be ready, ‘cause things are just starting to get interesting!

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For those of you wanting other inlets of Christian media, I thought you might like a few of these links that offer great encouragement, devotion, music, and teaching to help replace the other media we’re fasting from.

http://www.air1.com/ - Air 1: The Positive Alternative Christian Rock Station

http://edyoung.com/ - Ed Young, Pastor of Fellowship Church in Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX.

http://www.oasisla.org/ - Oasis Church LA

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/ - Online Magazine and Podcast

http://mosaic.org/ - Mosaic Church with Pastor Edwin McManus

Podcasts

Here’s a list of Podcasts I listen to:

-Faith Community Church Audio Podcast

-Hillsong Church - Brian Houston

-Ed Young Television

-Harvest Church With Greg Laurie

-Mosaic Podcast - Great podcast teaching for the artist mindset

There’s a lot more out there! Not to mention the great things you might be inspired to make, compose, and create during your times with God. Keep at it, you guys! And reach out with all you got to touch His heart!

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2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16!!!

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Famous Fast Day 3

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”” - 1 Peter 1:15-16 Woa! Holiness! It’s a heavy concept, not necessarily because it seems like an impossible task - to “be holy - but because most of us really don’t know what holiness means, at least practically. Yet, God calls us to be “holy.” Simply put (and, I do mean simple) holiness means being “set apart.” You’re probably think by now, “Well, what in the world does being ‘set apart’ mean, Kuya Paul?” Well, I’m glad you asked! *awkward peace sign in a japanese anime pose* Have you ever had something that was so special to you that you treated it differently? I did! it was my old car, Aiko. Oh, I loved Aiko. 1984 Toyota Celica GT, midnight blue. It was probably the only girl picture I ever had in my wallet - no joke, which is, actually, kinda sad. But, I loved her. And, I treated her differently and more carefully than all my other things. I cleaned her more often, I waxed her. I spent numerous hours with her even until late at night (by now, you must be glad I’m still talking about a car). And, I set her apart beyond all my other things. Though I didn’t have another car, even if I did, I would have treated Aiko the best because she was special. She was set apart. As Christian, we are called to be set apart from the rest of the things around us. John 8:23 days that Jesus was “not of this world.” He was set apart and, if we are to be like Him, we, too, are not of this world. That means we don’t act the same way the world acts. We don’t think the same way this world thinks. My goodness! Even our own fast shows that we are setting ourselves APART from media; from the talking heads on TV telling us how they think we should act. NO! We are not of this world but of the Kingdom of God! We are called to greater things, a greater love, and a greater passion for our Lord! So, let us leave behind the things that hinder us and the sins that may entangle us and RUN, set apart for God! Be Holy!! _________________________________ Remember, guys, to pray 2:16pm every afternoon! Wherever you are, pray on 2:16pm for your brothers and sisters in Christ, for the church, for you family, your schools, and the nation. BASICALLY, PRAY. 2:16pm! Remember! 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16 2:16! ‘MEMBER, KAY!?!?

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Famous Fast Day 2

Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

The Lord of the Rings movie had an interesting character called Gollum. He had a morbid and unwavering desire for the Ring of power that nothing else mattered - not food, shelter, clothing (which was kinda disgusting), and friends. All he wanted was the Ring.

What about us? Everyone on this fast is keeping away from media. But, then, what are we pursuing. In any fast, one gives up time in one aspect of his life to pursue, passionately, another aspect to show that very aspect how important it is. We give up media to pursue God - but how passionately ate we pursuing Him. Is He more important than our food, shelter, clothes, and friends? Are we unwaveringly pursuing our God and really showing Him how important He is?

Luke 14:26 says, ”If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” Ok, let’s get real here. I don’t mean that you have to really hate yourself or your family to follow God. However, your passion for the Lord should be so strong and so unstoppable that the love you have for your loved ones - yes, even yourself - should look like hate in comparision.

”What! You want to go to church instead of watching a movie? You want to pray instead of go out an play basketball? Did I do something wrong?”

”No. But I just want to love God and show Him just how much I love Him. He’s my precious.”

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Keep it up, you guys. We have a long way to go but He’s worth it!

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Famous Youth Fast Day 1

Hey everyone! It’s Kuya Paul here! For all you Famous peeps out there, our youth group is doing a 40 day media fast to welcome God in this New year. So, for the fast, I’ll be putting in some daily devo’s to help guide your times of prayer and fasting in the next 40 days!

I decided to get our daily verses from www.Biblegateway.com.

Our verse for today is Amos 5:14-15 “Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.”

Amos writes his sermon in the light of the fallen morality of Israel. They were seeking wealth and riches at the expense of their own people and had strayed so far away from God. So, Amos warns the people of Israel that the Day of the Lord would be coming for them, which meant judgment and condemnation, if they didn’t turn from their sins.

In light of this verse, maybe we need to check our own hearts and seek God more passionately to change the wrongness that may have followed us in the past year. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says that, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” God is calling us to humble ourselves by turning from wickedness and the wrongdoings we practice against our brothers and sisters.

Is there somewhere in your life that needs to turn back to God? A place where evil resides? Then let’s all turn back to God so the we may all live!!!
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I hope everyone’s doing well on the fast so far! I’m excited - really I am - to see what God’s going to do in the next 40 days!! Also, if you weren’t at youth this Friday, we start the fast today, so don’t fret if you didn’t know. We encourage all of you to join us, but of course, you’re not obligated =). For all my other facebook peeps, please pray for my youth at the church and the incredible change they will be going through this year!!

This is Kuya Paul saying “Whatcha!!!”

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JOINT FELLOWSHIP IS CONFIRMED!!!

NOVEMBER 20

JOINT FELLOWSHIP WITH NEW HOPE EAGLES

LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED A RIDE

nak.

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JOINT FELLOWSHIP / YOUTH CONVENTION

first off, we will be attending a youth convention in anaheim on the 27th, 28th, and 29th, and we NEED TO KNOW if you are going!

currently, we are raising funds so that everyone could attend the event- we need to raise at least a grand over the span of two weeks. if we are unable to reach this, the church will cover the rest.

so please HELP US OUT! we will be selling soda, and other baked goods this sunday, and we’ll be implementing any other means of acquiring funds… but once again, if you can, help fund our trip to the convention!

also… it isn’t confirmed yet, but expect a JOINT FELLOWSHIP on November 20, with NEW HOPE EAGLES in Long Beach. if you can attend, and if you NEED A RIDE, please contact any one of the kuyas or atehs immediately.

that’s all i got. peace, fools.

nak.

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why is it so important to share the gospel?!

The Importance of Sharing Christ with Others.

I Peter 3:15

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

What does it mean to be a Christian?
1. What does it mean to be a Christian?
  1. I Peter 2:21 - “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
    1. It means that we follow Christ. Not simply “believe” in Him, not simply following the traditions of “church,” it’s not “churchianity,” it’s not simply a set of ideals, it’s not a political view… Being a true Christian means that you follow Christ. Following the teachings of Christ and His commandments, with your life. It’s not all about simply “going” to church, and it is certainly not just a lame little “Dear God I know I have sinned please come into my life” prayer and “bam” you’re in heaven.
    2. Being a true Christian means that you live your life for Him. You give everything. Including your body.
  2. Romans 12:1 - “therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.”
  3. So in a nutshell, what does it mean to be a Christian? It means we are followers of Christ, surrendering everything to Him.
2. What do we have that others don’t have?
  1. There are so many different ways we can answer this question. Eternal life, security, peace… But underlying all of these great things that come with the free gift of knowing God… Is the fact that… We HAVE GOD. Do you know who God is? Do know how how big He is? Do you know what he is capable of? We have God. And you could come up with your own conclusions on what we have that others don’t have.
  2. So now we know what it means to be a Christian, and we now know that we have God on our side…
3. Why do we need to share Christ with the nations? Is it really important?
  1. Matthew 28:10 - “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
  2. Mark 16:15 - “And he said unit them, ‘go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”
  3. If you recall, one of the purposes to our existence is to share Christ with the nations. Everything we do on this planet should go back to our purpose. There really isn’t much to say except for the fact that we need to share Christ with the world because no one else will.

Why it so important that we share Christ?
1. What is the significance of sharing? Here’s a few small examples.
  1. Let’s say your blonde friend goes to school one day and you notice that she’s extremely late to class. You ask her why she’s so late and she says “It was extremely traffic on and off the freeway and I was stuck in a jam for a few hours.” But you very well know she lives in a residential area literally down the street from your school. It would be common sense to share with her the information that she’s extremely dense, right? Okay… Bad example.
  2. Medicine analogy: Let’s say you’re a brilliant world renowned doctor who found this miracle treatment that can cure any disease. Now tell me, how much is such a thing worth? Priceless, right? Now answer me this. How significant would it be if you never shared it with anyone. It would be as if it never existed. Worthless.
  3. When you truly love someone… Whether in a friendly or even a romantic way, sharing, is another form to show someone you truly love and care about them. What did we talk about last week? Last week, we talked about friendship and why it’s so important in the Christian life. Does anyone recall what a good friend is? Someone who will keep you accountable, be honest and faithful, to help you in your time of need, someone who would lay their life down for you… There is something we didn’t mention last week… And that’s sharing. The reason why it was never mentioned last week, is because in a true relationship, sharing becomes so passive and natural, that we do it almost “instinctively.” Can you picture a true relationship in which two people don’t share with each other? It’s very hard to picture.
  4. The bottom line is, even in our daily lives, sharing is instrumental in showing your love for somebody else.
  5. Now lets talk about what Christ did on the cross. Christ shared salvation with everyone in the world He created. But answer me this… Did He have to?

1. Why is it so important to share the gospel?
  1. Does anyone know what the word “Gospel” means? Gospel literally means, “good news.” Do you keep good news to yourself?
  2. Mark 16:15 - “And he said unto them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”
    1. The bible puts it very bluntly- go and preach the good news. This implies that its common sense to now keep good news to yourself.
  3. Matthew 24:14 - “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world and then the end will come.”
    1. Here’s an interesting verse. According to this verse, once the whole world has been preached the gospel, then Christ will come again. Interesting, eh?
  4. So these random verses are great, but let’s come down to earth a little bit.
    1. Please describe to me, how much of an impact Christians have on this planet today. Let’s evaluate our performance.
    2. Now compare this to that of the world’s gospel: hollywood, fashion, material things, fame, respect, money… Who has the bigger influence?
    3. Why is it that with a single text, you could jam pack a nightclub, but it takes like 30 texts to get 5 people in youth group?
    4. Why is it so hard to share the gospel?
    5. Think about the modern churches in America. I always say this, but a lot of you guys don’t understand how freaking easy we have it here in America with our given rights to say whatever we want at any time and any place. In our country, it is legal to talk of and believe in God. In other countries, it is illegal. So tell me why is it that God has more influence in third world countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, or countries in Africa- where they have nothing at all, yet God’s name is slowly being removed in the country where the Christians who inhabit it- have everything. Have you ever experienced what it’s like to starve? Do you know what it’s like to not have a place to live? Do you know how to a basic life without our material luxuries? Do you know life outside World of Warcraft? I certainly don’t.
    6. My point is, generally speaking, a good chunk of the Christian population in the United States is failing miserably when it comes to sharing the gospel with others. What statement does it make about us? Remember earlier when we were talking about friendship, how sharing is a form of loving one other? If we aren’t sharing the love of Christ with people around us, we are not LOVING them as we are called to. We are not being the “true friend” God is calling us to be. And not only are we not being true friends, but we are doing the exact opposite of sharing the gospel with the people around us- we are CONDEMNING people around us by not speaking up!!
    7. Why are we so afraid to speak of God?
2. The cost of sharing the gospel
  1. I believe a lot of “God believing” Christians out there, don’t share the Gospel simply because… They’re to comfortable. They’re content with their cars, and their homes, and their jobs… You know, they want God to return, but not so much, you know? They’re content with their lives, and they are NOT DESPERATE ENOUGH. Compare these kinds of people who radical Christians in 3rd world countries who don’t have ANYTHING. DESPERATION comes out of extreme discomfort. And here in America, there is too much comfort. Therefore, the Gospel isn’t being spread.
  2. Another reason why I believe people don’t share the Gospel is because… They’re too afraid to tarnish their social status. They’re too scared to look undesirable, or unpopular, or uncool. You’ve all seen high school movies, right? Is there ever a movie where the most popular girl is on fire for God? No, she’s always putting people down. What if she was a God believer- do you think she’d stand up for what she would believe in at the expense of losing her popularity? Highly unlikely. Fame and power is addicting. And sometimes, we would compromise our beliefs to maintain them.
  3. But you guys, you need to understand that this generation is a generation that listens. Here’s an example.
    1. In a big lecture hall, or a big classroom of quiet people… Is it easy to hear two people having a disruptive conversation? Yes, very easy. All it takes is one person to break the silence. All it takes is one person to challenge the norm.
    2. You see, Christianity isn’t easy. Sharing the Gospel isn’t an easy thing. We are called to live radical lifestyles for God- giving everything back to Him. Look at the radical activists who stood up against the norm: MLK, Rosa Parks, Ghandi, Jesus Christ… It takes one person to stand up and say to the world, “This is the truth.” But quiet frankly, it may cost us our very lives. But that’s the risk you’re taking in being a Christian. And to be honest, if you’re not down to sacrifice your life for Christ, and lay down your life for God, you’re being lukewarm. And the bible says that its far worse to be in the middle- a lukewarm Christian- than it is to never have been down for God at all.
3. SHARE THE GOSPEL
  1. So guys, share the good news with your friends. Tell the world what you have. Good news is something that should never be kept to yourself.
    1. Share the gospel through your words, through your actions, through the example you set through your lifestyle…
    2. I challenge you to not be another mediocre Christian living a comfortable lifestyle. I challenge you to break free from the identity the world has given you. I challenge you to be more passionate and radical for Christ…
    3. So SHARE THE GOSPEL with the world. Make disciples out of all the nations. Because just as Christ shared his saving grace to you… You must do the same and share it to others.

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friendship.

The importance of friendship
1. Ephesians 4:13 - “Until we all reach unity and faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
  1. We recently just finished a six week series covering the purpose of our existence according to the bible. But before I get any further, let me ask you a question: What is your purpose on this planet?
  2. The purpose of our existence can be summed up in roughly six steps: To grow in Christ’s knowledge, to reach unity in faith, to correctly handle the truth, to be mature in Christ, to die to sin, and to share Christ’s love with the nations.
2. Today, we will be talking a particular aspect one of our purposes of life- which is reaching unity in faith. But today, I would like to focus on something very specific in this part of our purpose: friendship.
  1. Would you agree that when God commands us to “reach unity in faith,” he’s also saying that the body of Christ should be friends with one another?
  2. Today we will be talking about what friendship is, and what it is intended to be, according to the bible.
  3. Not only that, but today, we will be taking a “journey” in our bible, and today I want you to teach you how easy it is to find your answer in bible- through practice and application. We are going to use our bibles a lot today, so bust em out.

Let’s talk!
1. What is friendship? What does it mean to be a friend to someone?
  1. Now lets reason with something. Say you had a best friend. You’ve been friends ever since you were cute little chromosomes, and have been friends forever. You would do absolutely anything for this friend, and your friend would do the same. Now may I position a question: what if your best friend influences you to sin?
  2. What about gangs? In most cases, gang members would stand and die for their cause no matter it may be. Gangs are tightly knitted communities, bonded by criminal acts- yet ask yourself: is the friendship among gang members true friendship? (True friendship being the friendship defined in the bible)
  3. Say your close friends pressure you to be involved with something you don’t want to do, but the only reason you’re doing it, is because you want to be a true friend, and not let your “friends” down by not doing it. Is this true friendship?
  4. These are examples of a false friendship.

False friendship according to the bible
1. We are going to take a journey in our bibles. A journey of friendship. Lets all hold hands. Brace yourselves.
2. What is a bad friendship?
  1. I Corinthians 15:33 - “Do not be misled: ‘bad company corrupts good character.’”
  2. Proverbs 13:20 - “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”
    1. Black and white. The bible is telling you to be careful with who you associate yourself with. To put it very bluntly, an aspect that should be avoided when you’re selecting friends, is to be careful of people who will cause you to sin. People who will cause you to sin, according to the bible, are characteristics of false friendships.
  3. Proverbs 22:24 - “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered.
    1. It says very plainly, that we should not make friends with people who get angry very easily. Why do you think?
  4. Proverbs 12:26 - “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
    1. The way of the wicked leads friends astray. Be careful in your selection of friends- and be wary of the influence false friends have on you.
  5. So what if you already have friends that cause you to sin? What if you already have friends that are easy become angry? The answer to this question… Will be answered later.
  6. So we’ve gone over what a false friendship is. But what is a true friendship according to the bible’s standard?

1. What is a true friendship?
  1. Proverbs 27:17 - “As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens another.”
    1. According to the bible, friendship is characterized as accountability, and building each other up spiritually.
    2. When a friend sins, it takes a true Christian friend to correct and redirect their path- although sometimes it may hurt. It’s a lot easier to be tolerant of the mistakes friends make, but it is better to allow them to hurt and be correct in the name of God than allow them to continue their lives of reckless pleasure, and make them pay the price with eternal suffering.
    3. Lets talk about “iron sharpening iron.” I’m going to assume that no one here is a master blacksmith… But when you envision someone sharpening a sword, for example. What do you envision? How much strength and precision is required to forge and sharpen a weapon? Is it simple? No. My point is, like sharpening a sword, it takes a lot hard work; it is not easy to “sharpen” your friends in Christ.
    4. But back to my previous point, in other words, the bible tells us to be brutally honest with our friends:
  2. Proverbs 27:6 - “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiples kisses.”
    1. This verse characterizes a true friend as someone who will be honest with you- even if it hurts. Flattery is nice, but sometimes it distracts you from the truth.
    2. Would a true friend allow you to continue to sin and destroy yourself? No. Once again, the expense of hurting your friend only for a little while, is nothing compared to the cost that will have to be paid if your friend is never corrected.
    3. It is our responsibly to lead others to Christ. It is our responsibility to show them the way- sometimes, it may hurt to redirect our friends out of love- therefore, it is our responsibility to show them “tough love.” Because sometimes, nobody else will show them.
    4. Let me show you an example: Have you ever gotten the slipper, or the belt, or the newspaper, or the coat hanger to the butt whenever you made a mistake as a child?
    5. This verse also explains that true friends are faithful.
    6. So faithful, they will help you up whenever you fall:
  3. Ecclesiastes 4:10 - “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
    1. This is very self explanatory.
  4. Proverbs 17:17 - “A friend loves at all times…”
    1. How often does a friend love? When you get into an argument with your friend, do you stop loving them? When your friend has done something bad to you… Do you stop loving them? When you catch your best friend with your boyfriend or girlfriend do you… No, just playing. My point is, a true friend loves at all times. The bible doesn’t say “A friend loves at all times, except when thine best friend stealeth your significant other.” Negative.
  5. John 15:13 - “Greater love has no one than this, than he lay down his life for his friends.”,
  6. 1 John 3:16 - “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
    1. According to the bible, the true definition, and ultimate form of friendship is- is the friendship bonded by a love that is great enough to lay his life down for his friends.
    2. I want you to understand the significance of this. When God calls us to reach unity in faith, and develop friendships with each other, he’s not talking about being casual acquaintances. The friendships he wants us to develop within the body of Christ are expected to be so intense, and strong, and so full of love, even to the extent of dying for each other, as Christ did for us.
  7. Now keep in mind… We’ve just gone over what a true friend is. A true friend is accountable, a true friend is honest, a true friend will always help you when you fall, a true friend will love you at all times, and a true friend will even die for you. But I’m going to tie these verses into my ultimate point.
  8. Proverbs 18:24 NKJ - “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
    1. The point I’m trying to make is this. The information that you’ve acquired tonight- what a good or bad friend is- should not solely be used to filter out your selection of friends. Don’t look at someone and go “Oop, he or she doesn’t pass the short temper test, so I’m not gonna be friends with this person.” No. Do not misinterpret. And do not get the impression that we should avoid bad friends or bad people. But on the contrary, we need to be an example of what a true friend is according to God’s standard.
    2. Referring to the question I stated earlier… what if you already have friends that cause you to sin? What if you already have friends that are easy become angry? The answer… Is not to abandon them. But instead, show them through your actions… What a true friend is.
    3. The lesson today is not about judging others and avoiding bad friends- but I want you all to learn, that we are the salt and light of the world. We are called to be the example for this generation. Therefore, we are called to be what a true friend should be.
    4. So take what you’ve learned today… And apply it to yourself and your own life. Be a true friend to not just your acquaintances and your family, but everyone around you. Both good and bad people. To snobby rich people on Rodeo Drive to the homeless man on skid row. To the gangster who wants to kill you, to your brothers and sisters in church. Be accountable to them. Be honest to them. Help them in their times of need. Love them at all times. And love them to the point where you would even lay your life down for them.
    5. A man that has friends must first show himself friendly. So share God’s love with your friends by being a good friend.

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