Friend Of God
Many reduce the gospel to just a way to get into heaven. But the heart of the gospel is reconciliation—being brought back into relationship with God.
July 20, 2025
The Gospel Is More Than a Ticket to Heaven
Many reduce the gospel to just a way to get into heaven. But the heart of the gospel is reconciliation—being brought back into relationship with God.
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ…” – 2 Corinthians 5:18
Just like a wedding isn’t the end of a love story but the beginning, reconciliation with God is just the start of a deeper journey—a friendship with God.
Depth with God Is Your Decision
You can go knee-deep, waist-deep, or fully immersed in your relationship with God. And the depth isn’t determined by God—it’s determined by you. God is already ready and waiting.
He doesn’t force intimacy; He invites us. The question is: How deep do you want to go?
The Power of a Reference Point
Without the right reference, you may think your relationship with God is deep when it’s actually surface-level. Like Solomon, who “loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father” – 1 Kings 3:3, we need godly examples who challenge us, stretch us, and call us deeper.
If everyone around you is at the same spiritual level, you won’t grow. Seek people whose walk with God provokes you to go deeper.
Love Makes Sacrifice Easy
“Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings.” – 1 Kings 3:4
That wasn’t a one-time gesture—it was his norm. Why? Because love makes giving easy. When you love deeply, sacrifice doesn’t feel like a loss. When your heart is already burning with love, even placing your Isaac on the altar won’t hurt—it will feel like worship.
Friendship with God Requires Surrender
We often use faith to get things—houses, jobs, cars—but how often do we use faith to go deeper in our relationship with Jesus?
God asked Abraham for the very thing He had given him—his son. Abraham didn’t hesitate.
“By faith, Abraham, when tested, offered up Isaac…” – Hebrews 11:17
True love gives.
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness—and he was called a friend of God.” – James 2:23
Friendship with God isn’t sentimental—it’s sacrificial.
From Lordship to Intimacy
Many Christians are comfortable calling Jesus “teacher,” but few allow Him to be “Lord.” When Martha publicly called Jesus “Lord” but privately referred to Him as “teacher,” it revealed her heart posture.
In contrast, Mary fell at His feet – John 11:32. That’s the posture of Lordship—humility, surrender, and awe.
Friendship with Jesus is not eye-level—it’s knee-level. It starts by honoring Him as Lord in every decision, both big and small.
God Shares Secrets with Friends
“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him.” – Psalm 25:14
God desires friends to whom He can reveal secrets—not just about personal futures, but about nations, generations, and His heart. But He only shares with those who are surrendered.
What’s Holding You Back?
The idols of our generation may not be carved images but distractions like money, status, relationships, or digital addiction.
God may not ask for your gold—but He might ask for your “watch,” your Isaac, your bank account, your sense of control. Will you give it?
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
This doesn’t mean He fulfills your wishlist. It means He rewrites your desires with His.
A Call to Realignment
Have you been doing spiritual activities out of habit rather than love?
The Father is calling you to recommit—not because He wants more from you, but because He wants more of you. Not your service, but your heart. Not your offerings, but your affection.
“We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
When you’re convinced of His love, nothing is too precious to surrender.
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