Encouraging Words From Pastor Chuck Brannon…

Friendship Gone Too Far?

Too friendly or not friendly enough?

Greetings in Christ's name. Sunday was a wonderful day at Gateway, being Friendship Day. God's Word shines megawatts of much needed light on how to be friends with God and with one another - we really got into it. You may order the Friendship CD if you wish. Exodus 33:11 reports that Moses would meet with God at a private place and time and God would "speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with a friend." Then in Hebrews 11:24ff, Scripture says that "By faith Moses… refused to be known as the son of Pharoah's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather that enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward… he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible."

It's obvious - Moses must have been a great friend of God and God must have been a great friend of his for him to go that far in mutual friendship. How far is too far to go with God? Check out the verbs in this account: Refused, chose, enjoy, regarded, looking ahead, persevered, saw. Mull this passage and these verbs over in your heart and mind, then answer this telling "friendship check-up" question: Am I going far enough in my friendship with God?

The song title says, What A Friend We Have In Jesus. Today's question, however, is what kind of friend does Jesus have in us?

Be my guest Sunday, March 7th, at 10am Worship as we begin a four-week spiritual trek: Journey With Jesus To Jerusalem. Scripture says, "…When the time had come… He stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem." What motivated Him? What will happen if you take the journey with Him? Let's go together.

Grace and Peace in His name, Chuck

P.S.: Share your friendship thoughts? Let me hear from you. I have a "peace plan" pamphlet if you'd like one.