Cultivating a Friendship with God

Scripture

John 15:15 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.

Introduction

Greetings. Today let us uncover the profound teachings of Jesus and the theme of intimate relationship with God, particularly through passages like Luke 11:5 and John 15:15. These scriptures encourage us to envision our relationship with God not merely as servants to a master, but as close friends. This concept is ground-breaking, it transforms the dynamic from one of distant worship to one of personal and reciprocal intimacy.

Consider Abraham, often referred to as "God's friend" (James 2:23). His interaction with God regarding Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:16-33) serves as a striking example of what this friendship can entail. Abraham did not merely receive God’s plans as a passive observer; rather, he engaged actively, interceding for the cities with boldness and compassion. This story isn't just about the privilege of foreknowledge but highlights the responsibility that comes with it. Abraham used the divine insights shared with him to advocate, to plead for mercy, and to understand deeper the heart of God. His actions illustrate the transformative power of divine friendship, it empowers us to influence outcomes and enact change through informed, fervent prayer.

Engaging with God through Communication and Revelation

In fostering a friendship with God, our communication must be transparent and heartfelt. As Jesus suggests, this relationship is akin to that of friends who share secrets. When God shares His divine insights with us, it’s an invitation into His deeper counsels. Like Abraham, receiving such revelations should prompt us not only to contemplation but to action.

Let's draw an analogy with a lighthouse keeper and the sea. The keeper, stationed at his post, receives signals and warnings about the maritime conditions. These insights are not just for his own safety but are crucial for guiding ships to harbor. Similarly, as friends of God, the revelations we receive are to guide our prayers and actions, serving as beacons that can lead others to safety and salvation.

The Impact of Divine Friendship on Prayer

When we truly grasp the nature of our relationship with God as a friendship, our prayer life is transformed. We no longer speak to God from a place of formality or out of obligation; we speak as one would with a close friend, with openness and expectation of understanding. This dynamic enriches our prayers, endowing them with authority and purpose. We see this exemplified in the life of Moses, who spoke to God "face to face, as one speaks to a friend" (Exodus 33:11). Moses’ prayers were powerful and effective, shaping the destiny of a nation.

Expanding Our Influence

The essence of being God's friend is not confined to personal edification. It extends to our families, our communities, and beyond. This collaborative partnership and friendship with God calls us to use our insights to better the world. Just as salt enhances flavor and preserves food, and light dispels darkness, our prayers and actions, informed by divine revelations, are meant to bring healing, preservation, and enlightenment to a world in need.

Let us then approach God with the openness and trust of a friend, eager to share in His secrets, ready to respond with wisdom and courage. Let us pray with the understanding that our intercessions can guide and protect, transform and heal. In cultivating a friendship with God, we step into our role as stewards of His revelations, agents of His grace, and bearers of His light to all corners of the earth.

Conclusion

In the fullness of His grace, God extends to us an invitation unparalleled: to be His friends, co-laborers in His divine mission. This friendship is not passive; it is active, dynamic, and life-changing. It is an invitation to walk alongside the Creator of the universe, to share in His thoughts, to bear His heart, and to participate in His divine acts. This relationship offers us the unique ability to commune with God in a way that transforms not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. As we align our hearts with His purpose, our prayers become powerful instruments of change, guided by His wisdom and fueled by His love.

Imagine the impact we can have when we truly engage with God as Abraham did; how our intercession can bring light into the darkest places, hope to the desolate, and love to the unloved. Let us not shy away from this calling. Let us draw near to God, with the assurance that He is drawing near to us, ready to reveal His secrets, ready to empower us for every good work.

Invitation to Fellowship

If you yearn to deepen your relationship with God and discover the fullness of what it means to be His friend, we warmly invite you to join us. Come, be part of a community that seeks to live out the reality of divine friendship every day. Our doors are open to all who seek to grow in faith, to understand more deeply the heart of God, and to make a difference in the world through prayer and action.

Join us this Sunday at AFM in Canada – Hamilton Assembly, where we gather not just as believers, but as friends of God, eager to learn His ways, share His love and grow in our spirit. Even if you are taking your first steps towards faith or you are seeking a deeper communion with your Creator, you are very welcome here. Please come, let us seek His face together, let us share in the joy and the strength that comes from being in His presence. Let today be the day you choose to step closer, to accept the outstretched hand of God, and to embark on the most rewarding journey of friendship with Him.

We look forward to welcoming you into our family. The door is open for you.

Senior Pastor

Leo T Mukumba