Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

Jesus has friends. Are you one of them? He gives us a test concerning who his friends are.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. John 15:14

Jesus Christ speaks very favorably concerning doing his will or commandments. He tells us he will count us as his friend if we do whatever he says. It seems like there would be a rush to know and to keep his commandments!

Yet it seems most believers feel negatively towards keeping Christ commands. According to the Jesus John fellowshipped with he held people in esteem who would keep his commandments.

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

I guess it depends on what you think his commands are. I don't think that the Bible is meant to be a rule book, I think it is a history of man's quest for a relationship with God, and is recorded to lead us to Jesus and the infilling of His Spirit.

So mostly his commands to me, are about not letting my frustration show to my 2 year old when she doesn't want to go to bed. Or biting back a sarcastic retort when my husband (who is constantly sleep deprived and jet lagged) gets snarky. Or smiling kindly to my boss when he says something utterly ridiculous.

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

I suggest you start finding out what his commands are. If you want his friendship he has told us what he wants us to do. Amen? Nothing is better than being his friend!

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

This is a pretty broad statement. My perspective is that most believers are striving to do what they know to be right, and we don't all agree on what comprises "right." Yes, there are some looking for easy, breezy Christianity and they create their own, self-serving religion, but I don't feel those people make up the majority.

I also like what my pastor says: "It doesn't matter where you are on the road; it matters what direction you're facing." We can be a little too quick to think that everyone needs to be at the same level of progress that we are. Let people mature in Christ at their own pace. There were "commandments" that I struggled with when I was younger. Those same issues seem easy now, and now I struggle with different ones. There are also things that I saw as optional when I was younger, that I now realize are very, very important. Likewise, there are things that in my youth I thought were SO very important, and in reality, they weren't the "weightier" matters at all.

I do like this video by Craig Groeschel, based on his book, The Christian Atheist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_QtYIlntOA

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

The last thing Jesus commanded his apostles was to go and teach his commandments.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo , I am with you alway , even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matt. 28:19-20

It seems that this should be something there would be a zeal to do. Should we assume everyone has many years to actually start being obedient? Maybe Christ is urgent about people walking in his ways?

Should it be considered normal and right for Christians to have a zeal to teach Christ's words? Should it be normal on the other hand for people who say they are a disciple to NOT have a hunger to know the truth and walk in it?

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

Respectfully, I would submit that just as we on the outside can really never knows what goes on in someone else's marriage. (regardless of what it looks on the outside).

So too I would suggest that it is impossible for us to truly judge the relationship that someone else might have with Jesus.

"Fruit! Fruit!" I hear you say. But honestly, that's not always the best indicator. (wolf in sheep's clothing and all that).

And Abi made a good point because, see, my daughter is constantly rebelling! Not only that but she often laughs at her own disobedience! Sometimes she even gets mad and slaps me right in the face! And yet, we have a great relationship and I would normally describe her as a very sweet and happy girl. Because, see, she's two, and is just learning.

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

I had my cousin born in a christian family and like your daughter he grew up rebelling his parents authority and always had his way. He knew his scriptures; he had a way of keeping the mom happy though. In august 2011 he was shot and killed by cops in attempted robbery. But well, its now a common believe that "Once saved always saved" so i guess he's "kicking dust" on the streets of glory :fireplace

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

Um...you did read the last part where she said she was referring to a 2-year-old, right?

I don't think there's any comparison between a toddler's immaturity and the criminal behavior of a teenager. With proper teaching, discipline and patience, the toddler's behavior will be appropriately modified and matured.

Who said anything about once saved always saved? However, we DO have a very long-suffering, patient, loving God. Good thing, or none of us would have a chance of "kicking dust" on the streets of glory.

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

Amen.

Summary List Of The Commandments Of Jesus

I. The Universal Moral Law

A. The Law Of Love
"First, love God your Creator more than anything
else. Then, love all other people the same as you
love yourself."

B. The Ten Commandments
1. "Do not put anything ahead of God your Creator."
2. "Do not make or worship idols."
3. "Do not take the name of God in vain."
4. "Take one day of complete rest each week, in honor of God."
5. "Honor your father and your mother."
6. "Do not commit murder."
7. "Do not commit adultery."
8. "Do not steal."
9. "Do not tell lies against anyone."
10. "Do not covet other people's possessions."

C. The Golden Rule
"Treat Others As You Would Like To Be Treated."

II. The Other Commandments Of Jesus
1. "FORGIVE EVERYBODY OF ALL THEIR OFFENSES AGAINST YOU."
(Forgive, and be forgiven.)
2. "YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN."
3. "ABIDE IN ME, AND LET ME ABIDE IN YOU."
4. "LET PEOPLE SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS." (Do not hide your light
under a basket.)
5. "END DISPUTES QUICKLY."
6. "WHATEVER CAUSES YOU TO SIN, GET RID OF IT."
7. "DO NOT SWEAR OATHS AT ALL."
8. "DO NOT RETURN OFFENSE FOR OFFENSE." (Turn the other cheek.)
9. "GIVE WHAT PEOPLE ASK OF YOU, AND GIVE MORE THAN IS REQUIRED."
(Go the extra mile.)
10. "LOVE YOUR ENEMIES AND THOSE WHO WORK AGAINST YOU."
11. "GIVE TO THE POOR TO PLEASE GOD, NOT TO GAIN APPROVAL
FROM OTHER PEOPLE."
12. "PRAY PRIVATELY AND SIMPLY, NOT TO IMPRESS OTHER PEOPLE."
13. "MAKE YOUR PRAYERS BE LIKE THE LORD'S PRAYER."
14. "WHEN YOU FAST, DO IT SECRETLY, NOT FOR SHOW."
15. "STORE UP YOUR TREASURES IN HEAVEN, NOT ON EARTH."
16. "DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR MATERIAL NEEDS."
17. "DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE."
18. "MAKE GOD YOUR HIGHEST PRIORITY, AND HE WILL TAKE CARE OF
ALL YOUR NEEDS."
19. "DO NOT JUDGE OTHER PEOPLE." (Judge not, lest ye be judged.)
20. "DO NOT GIVE HOLY THINGS TO DOGS OR CAST YOUR PEARLS
BEFORE SWINE."
21. "ASK GOD FOR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO HAVE." (Seek, and ye shall
find.)
22. "FEED THE HUNGRY, CLOTHE THE NAKED, SHELTER THE HOMELESS,
COMFORT THOSE IN DISTRESS."
23. "FOLLOW THE NARROW PATH TO LIFE." (Enter by the narrow gate.)
24. "BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS."
25. "EXERCISE POWER OVER UNCLEAN SPIRITS."
26. "LOVE LITTLE CHILDREN, DO NOT DESPISE THEM."
27. "DO NOT TAKE THE TITLES 'MASTER' OR 'FATHER' FOR YOURSELF."
28. "RESOLVE DISPUTES IN AN ORDERLY WAY, LIKE THIS . . . "
29. "DO NOT OPPOSE OTHER BELIEVERS IN CHRIST WHO ARE NOT IN YOUR GROUP."
30. "HAVE TOTAL FAITH IN GOD FOR EVERYTHING."
31. "BE LIKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN." (Go, and do likewise.)
32. "LOVE OTHER PEOPLE AS I HAVE LOVED YOU"
33. "EAT BREAD AND DRINK WINE IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME."
34. "WASH ONE ANOTHER'S FEET."
35. "BE MERCIFUL."
36. "GO AND TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM."
37. "KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS."
38. "BE PREPARED FOR YOUR MASTER TO RETURN."

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

Thank you, I was kind of freaked out for a moment that he thought that my daughters "terrible two's" were going to turn her into a teenage hoodlum.

I always tease my Atheist husband about OSAS. He makes facetious comments about being hell bound, and I tell him that since he was raised Baptist, and did the Sinner's prayer thing, and they believe in OSAS, that they got him covered. :nod

Anyway, about the whole Spiritual Maturity thing, this might be a good place to share this:

http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com...5&postcount=74

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

Yes! Jesus loves me and I love Him! :)

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

Yes, I'm a friend to Jesus and He's a friend to me.

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

:thumbsup

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

Yep, I have a friend in Jesus!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gixANklQ48I

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

I'm sorry but I can't consider Jesus a "friend". I've never shot darts or played pool or joked around with him -that I'm aware of anyways. "We" never went to a sports bar and ordered two servings of a dozen XXX hot wings and challenged each other to see who could finish first or just plain finish period. I never listened to Jesus as he told me about a break up with his girlfriend (although for the record HE has listened to ME do it). I think the point I'm trying to make is pretty obvious.

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

Shocking, I tell ya, shocking!

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

Your point is well taken. You are not a friend of Jesus.

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

The point is is that He's my King. Not my friend. Now Jesus the man would have had a MUCH different relationship with those he physically hung out with. Very akin to friendship in the classic sense of the word.

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

I hope it turns out that way. Yet a major problem with todays thinking in religious circles is that believers actually have the idea its all up to them!You have stated that right now you are "unfruitful" but hope that at a later season you will flourish.

Jesus does not just leave it up to us to presume that way.

1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away : and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing . 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered ; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned . John 15:1-6

Jesus says if we ARE bearing fruit he will prune us so we can bear more. But if we are unfruitful he takes us away.

See what I mean? We should not assume WE are in control of the salvation process.

I do not say this to offend you at all. My agenda is that every one know the truth. The way you are seeing it is like most modern believers do. We will get around to fruit bearing later. Gods love has been presented as "unconditional" so he can get in the back seat and be patient and wait for us till we are ready.

This teaching has done great damage to souls.

Note how in this parable it is not up to the person but rather to Jesus if a man/woman gets more time to grow and how much.

6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon , and found none. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold , these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down ; why cumbereth it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down . Luke 13:6-9

The scary part is this tree/person was given one more year. But the person did not know that. They may have thought that when it was more convienant for them then they would take up the cross, deny self, and follow him.

But no. We are not sovereign over our relationship with him. HE IS. If he says its over if they aren't bearing fruit this year it will be over. See what Im saying?

Now is the day of salvation!

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

NOT ONLY that but this as well -

4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

If we abide in him, we WILL bear fruit.

I think, tho, too many aren't aware of what biblical 'fruit' is, in this context...

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

Jesus wants us to be friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth : but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. John 15:14

When taking the whole counsel of God on one level we are to be friends with him in a loving relationship. On another level we are servants to do his will.

Note that all Christians are to be FRIENDS with Jesus.

Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name. 3 John 1:14

Re: Are You Friends With Jesus?
 

In the end time, that last generation of remnant Christians will be marked by their adherence to the commandments of Jesus.

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Rev. 14:12

These will not be looking at Jesus commandments as legalism or bondage. They will realize they are the essence of him. They cannot be separated.