First Baptist Church of Midway - FBC E-Blast

FBC E-Blast

January 18, 2016

Jesus Our Intimate Friend - Matthew 26

Iâ€™ve counseled plenty of folks who argue that they are not worthy of God's love. Of all the passages I could point to that describe the Lord's devotion, today's is the one I think best showcases the unqualified friendship He offers His followers.

As Jesus was praying in the garden of Gethsemane on the night before His crucifixion, Judas Iscariot approached him with a band of men. The betrayer stepped forward and kissed the Lordâ€™s cheek. And what was Jesusâ€™ response? According to another disciple, Matthew, He called the man "Friend" (Matthew 26:50).

Judas expected Jesus to establish His kingdom on earth and drive the Romans out of Israel - anyone who could calm a storm at sea could easily remove an oppressive government! But Judas's interest in Jesus was more personal and political than spiritual. In fact, John reported that his fellow disciple stole from the money box (12:6). Today the man's name is synonymous with those who betray others for personal gain.

In spite of Judas' greed, blind ambition, and betrayal, Jesus never stopped loving him; He still used the word "friend" to address the one-time disciple. The Lord does not place conditions on His love or reject people who fail to meet certain standards. He simply cares for us as we are.

People cannot earn Jesus Christ's love and friendship. He takes the initiative, reaches out, and draws into fellowship those who are willing. We are not worthy, but we are privileged to live in His love anyway. In the Lord, we find a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Current Sermon Series
We've been studying In The Beginning..., how this world began. We covered the topics of God, Creation, the fall of Satan, the fall of mankind, and the promise of redemption. Join us as we continue this series, as we cover the first 11 chapters in Genesis. Lord willing, we will look at Cain and Abel, Generations of Adam, Noah, and other topics.

Last Week:
When Noah and his family got off the ark, sin also came off the ark. Noah and his family were sinners, and as they propagated, they brought more sinners into the world. We covered the pollution of the world as well as polarization of people.
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.

Next Week:
We continue our series by looking into chapter 10 of Genesis, History in the New World.

Upcoming Events

January 20 - Annual Business Meeting at the church at 7 PM

January 23 - Soup Cook-off & Bake-Off at the church at 5 PM. Everyone is welcome to come and bring some food!

January 31 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering following AM Worship Service

February 5 - Church-wide Bowling more details to come

February 7 - Carry-In Fellowship Dinner Following AM Worship Service

February 14 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM

210 Front Street
Midway, PA 15060
www.fbcmidway.com
(724) 796-3381

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