“A Friend of God”

John 15:9-17

Introduction-5 levels of understanding God…

1)       God-you understand that there is a Higher Power-a creator (Genesis 1; Romans 1:18-20)

2)      Jesus-you come to the truth that Jesus is indeed God in the flesh (Peter’s Confession-Matthew 16:13-20)

3)      Savior-you accept the truth that Christ is the only way to God (John 14:6) and you receive Christ into your life (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9-10)

4)      Lord-you surrender your entire life over to Christ (Romans 12:1-2).

5)      Friend-you begin to have a growing, intimate, and personal daily relationship with Jesus Christ (John 15:14-15).

Message-What does it mean to be a friend of God? James 2:23 states, “And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”And he was called the friend of God.”  The 11 apostles were also called friends in John 15:14.

A friend of God…

1.      Enjoys a love relationship with God (9-10)

2.      Experiences an abundance of joy (11)

3.      Embraces a life of love (12-13)

4.      Encounters God as Friend (14-17)

Conclusion-At what level do you know God?  Would you like to take your life to the next level?