Are we friends with our Pastor? Are we really a friend of God? Can we be? Is this a helpful way to think and to speak.
Scripture says, ‘while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God’ (Romans 5:10). God the Son, Jesus, said to some who barely understood what he was on about, ‘I do not call you servants any longer …but I have called you friends’ (John 15:15). Centuries ago, Abraham was called the friend of God (James 2:23) Jesus was criticised for being ‘a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ (Matthew 11:19).
In the PDF file that follows—called PSG1992—the third study takes a close look at the biblical theme of friendship with God, and so with one another.
It is a friendship that is known and enjoyed, within the security of a gracious, covenant bond. Jesus extended his friendship to others—and revelation came bursting upon some, as by faith they came to meet the God of all grace, the Holy One, …their King, Creator, Father and…friend.
There are other good studies in this file, but I am drawing attention to ‘The Pastoral Power of Friendship’, the third ‘essay’ in the file:
PSG1992 <—- Free PDF Download
It is a good, fortifying read. I trust you also may appreciate it.
