The Essence of Friendship with Jesus
- Pastor Tommy reflects on the concept of friendship, noting the difference between acquaintances and true friends.
- Many people have acquaintances but few genuine friends.
- He recalls Arthur McMillan’s statement: “I consider you my friend, but my best friend is Jesus.”
- Pastor Tommy emphasizes that friendship with Jesus is a constant challenge, pushing one to become more like Him.
- Friendship with Jesus challenges individuals to become less like themselves and more like Him.
Qualities of Jesus as a Friend
- Jesus Talks to Me
- Unlike casual friends, Jesus communicates regularly, even when Pastor Tommy isn’t actively seeking Him.
- His voice dispels darkness and changes perspective.
- Pastor Tommy references Exodus 33, where God spoke to Moses as a man speaks to his friend.
- God’s voice brings life and reveals the need for salvation, unlike the condemnation from the enemy.
- There is no confusion in the voice of God.
- God has shared eternal truth.
- The Holy Spirit speaks the Word of God into the soul, rescuing with that Word.
- Jesus Loves Me
- A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).
- God’s love is unconditional, even when one is unlovable.
- 1 John 4:10: God loved us and sent His Son as propitiation for our sins.
- Jesus proved His love by laying down His life for His friends (John 15:13).
- If Jesus didn’t love you for even a second, you would know it.
- Jesus Protects Me
- Jesus protects from worldly fears and the enemy’s snares (Luke 12:4).
- He is always present, like a brother who sticks close.
- He puts a hedge and wall of love around.
- Jesus Corrects Me
- Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6).
- Correction and chastening are signs of God’s love (Hebrews 12:6).
- A true friend will point out when you are going down the wrong path.
- The Holy Ghost arrested Pastor Tommy’s soul and revealed the reality of hell.
- Jesus offers a better way and salvation.
- Jesus Died for Me
- Jesus left heaven and became flesh to pay the penalty for sin.
- A search was made in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and only Jesus was found worthy to go.
- The angel announced the birth of a Savior in Bethlehem.
- Jesus was born to die and become the greatest friend.
Story of a New Friend at the Airport
- Pastor Tommy shares an anecdote about meeting a man at the airport who wanted to be his friend.
- The man was outgoing, calling multiple people to share that he made a new friend.
- He asked Pastor Tommy to play Uno and wanted to text him regularly.
- Pastor Tommy reflects that God was sharing something with him about a person that didn’t have another motive, he just wanted to be my friend.
How to Know Jesus as a Friend
- Believe in Him
- Faith and trust are essential.
- Abraham was called the friend of God because he believed God (James 2:23).
- John 3:16: Believe in Jesus to have everlasting life.
- Obey Him
- Jesus said, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14).
- Trust and obey.
