Sermon Series: The Apprentice Message #1

First Love Church April 7, 2013

God, Bumper Stickers, and You

James 2:23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. He was even called the friend of God. Col 1:13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,

3. Supernatural Power Matt 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go . . .

John 17:3 And this is the way to have eternal lifeto know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. To Ponder: What would friendship with God look like in your life?

3 Dimensions of Friendship with God

1. New Life Within Acts 5:31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 2. Progressive Transformation 2 Cor 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Peter 1:4-11 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the worlds corruption caused by human desires. 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to Gods promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and selfcontrol with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. 10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Life Group Questions 1. What stood out to you in the message? 2. Christians arent perfect, just forgiven~ Agree or disagree? 3. Do you really believe that substantial transformation is possible for YOU? 4. Read Genesis 15. What characteristics do you see in how Abraham and God related to each other? In what way were they friends? 5. What would friendship with God look like in your life?