New Life Church of Siloam Springs, Arkansas

A Friend - Better than A Brother

I include this in the Foundations Series because friendships are foundational to the success of our lives.

I. Understanding the Meaning and Value of a Friend

* Most are surface deep, not soul deep.
* A great friendship can add so much value, be foundational to your life.

II. When the Foundation Depends on One Friend

A. Sometimes the foundation of our lives may come down to a single, cornerstone...a friendship.
B. Family has its place...community has its place...academia...etc. But there is nothing like having a friend.
C. Jesus is the best of all friends!
D. Do not be duped into thinking everone who says they are your friend really are. Be wise.

III. The War of Attrition:
Some friends walk away, some pass away, some turn away, and some are there to stay!

Six Bonds of a True Friends:


1. Bond of Time
2. Bond of Trust
3. Bond of Treasure
4. Bond of Tears
5. Bond of Testing - Pro 27:17, Pro 27:5-6
6. Bond of Triumph

Jesus Tested Peter
1. Will you go away also - Test of time:
2. Come to me - Test of trust
3. Will you love me more - Test of treasure
4. Tell the disciples and Peter - Test of tears
5. Get behind me Satan - Test of testing
6. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom - Test of triumph

Jesus, Our Forever Best Friend
1. He passes the test of time - He is eternal
2. He passes the trust test - You can depend on Him
3. He passes the test of treasure - You are worth more than the sparrows..
4. He passes the test of testing - In our worst...He gives us His best.
5. He passes the tears test - He weeps with us, he collects our tears.
6. He passes the triumph test - When His bride wins...He wins. One day He will be the first to celebrate our entrance to heaven!

Let me say thank you for being a friend.

May we all endeavor to befriend someone who needs us, and to appreciate those who are abiding friends.

Most of all, let's praise Jesus for being our best friend!