Beech Tree News Network

--I have a friend who is interested in my spiritual welfare and has been even at times when I have not been.

--I have a friend who wants the best for me, even at times when I do not want what is best for me.

--I have a friend who loves me and has loved me at times when I was his enemy.

--I have a friend who will forgive me of my sins when I repent and return to him. He does this consistently.

--I have a friend who does not fail and who can comfort and help me when no one else cares for me.

Who is my friend? My friend is the Lord Jesus Christ. How do I know He is my friend? I know this because He said to the apostles (and by application to me), “You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant, does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” (Jn. 15:14-15). He loves me, and I love Him (I Jn. 4:19; Jn. 14:15).

He did not begin to love when I first loved God. Instead, God first loving me is a beautiful and humbling truth. “God commendeth his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). We learn this truth in many other passages (I Jn. 4:10, 19; Jn. 3:16; Eph. 2:4-5; Titus 2:3-5). He did not demand that I first do something to be found “worthy” of love. Instead, because God loved me, He sent His Son into the world. This Son, because He loved me, died on the cross as a sacrifice for my sins (I Jn. 2:2; I Tim. 2:6; Matt. 20:28; Jn. 1:29)!

Therefore, for those who belong to Christ, having submitted to the Lord’s plan for salvation (Acts 2:38) and continuing in His word (Jn. 8:31; Rev. 2:10b), we have a friend that will never fail. We have an “Advocate” who is always on our side (I Jn. 2:1). We have a “High Priest” who “always lives to make intercession” for us (Heb. 3:1, 7:25-28). We have a “Mediator” between us and God (I Tim. 2:5). Yes, we have Someone who truly cares for us when the world turns its back on us!

Do you know my friend? Is He your friend? If not, why not? Make Him your friend by following the Lord’s plan of salvation (Mk. 16:16). Then, live for Him all of your life (I Cor. 15:58). You’ll be blessed by having such a friend!

-- You are invited to visit the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167