Friend Day Bulletin Guide

SERMON NOTES

Welcome to this special Friend Sunday service. Our church is excited about the opportunity to celebrate friendships today. We would like to come alongside you and your friends and share with you what the Bible says about this important topic. We believe that God has hardwired every one of us for relationships; therefore, friends are an important part of our lives, and having a supporting group of friends can make life’s challenges easier.

If you’re a visitor, we’re glad you’ve come to our church, and we welcome you into our community! We look forward to getting to know you better and want you to know we’re committed to equipping and supporting you as we learn how to live together in community and develop authentic friendships.

This Friend Sunday Next Step Bulletin Guide includes a sermon-notes page, small group or individual study questions, six daily devotionals, and a tear-off Connection Card that will help you connect to our church and take the next step in your spiritual growth.

Together we are going to discover that God wants us to live life connected.

We’re also going to discover the various kinds of friendships God wants us to have that can help carry us through life’s trials, celebrate life’s joys, and make life’s journey more meaningful. Our prayer is that this Friend Sunday service will help you create, deepen, and even mend friendships and discover that Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother! So let’s get started ...

Copyright © 2012 by Outreach, Inc., Vista CA 92081 All rights reserved. Written by Heather Schnese All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

FRIEND SUNDAY

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SERMON NOTES

Welcome to this special Friend Sunday service. Our church is excited about the opportunity to celebrate friendships today. We would like to come alongside you and your friends and share with you what the Bible says about this important topic. We believe that God has hardwired every one of us for relationships; therefore, friends are an important part of our lives, and having a supporting group of friends can make life’s challenges easier.

If you’re a visitor, we’re glad you’ve come to our church, and we welcome you into our community! We look forward to getting to know you better and want you to know we’re committed to equipping and supporting you as we learn how to live together in community and develop authentic friendships.

This Friend Sunday Next Step Bulletin Guide includes a sermon-notes page, small group or individual study questions, six daily devotionals, and a tear-off Connection Card that will help you connect to our church and take the next step in your spiritual growth.

Together we are going to discover that God wants us to live life connected.

We’re also going to discover the various kinds of friendships God wants us to have that can help carry us through life’s trials, celebrate life’s joys, and make life’s journey more meaningful. Our prayer is that this Friend Sunday service will help you create, deepen, and even mend friendships and discover that Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother! So let’s get started ...

Copyright © 2012 by Outreach, Inc., Vista CA 92081 All rights reserved. Written by Heather Schnese All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

FRIEND SUNDAY

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SMALL GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL STUDY QUESTIONS Read the following Scripture passages, then answer the study questions. Discuss with others too if this guide is being used in a group or with friends. Pray that God would use this time to help you become a better friend and live life connected in community.

Read John 13:34–35.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples shortly before His death on the cross. What does the passage tell us about loving others? Does Jesus merely suggest loving others?

Read Acts 2:42–47.

The book of Acts tells the story of the early church, giving us insight into how the first Christians lived in community. List the activities that the early Christians did together.

What are some of the qualities and characteristics of real friendship and community found in this passage? How does that differ from what you see in the Facebook- and text-driven society we live in today?

According to verse 34, how are we to love our friends? What are some of the characteristics of Jesus’ love for us?

What does verse 35 say will happen if we love our friends like Christ loves us?

Can you recall a time when a particular friendship was strengthened because you loved like Christ? What did you do, and what happened?

What are some characteristics you value and want to develop in your friendships and relationships?

Can you recall a time when an important relationship suffered or was broken because of selfishness or lack of love? What did you do, and what happened?

Read verses 42 and 45 again. What spiritual activities could you devote more time to with your friends? In what ways could you and your friends serve and help others?

In what ways have you experienced Christ’s love for you recently? How can you demonstrate that same kind of love to your friends, family, and coworkers during the next week?

What does verse 47 say God did as these believers lived in biblical community?

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NEXT STEP GUIDE

FRIEND SUNDAY

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SMALL GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL STUDY QUESTIONS Read the following Scripture passages, then answer the study questions. Discuss with others too if this guide is being used in a group or with friends. Pray that God would use this time to help you become a better friend and live life connected in community.

Read John 13:34–35.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples shortly before His death on the cross. What does the passage tell us about loving others? Does Jesus merely suggest loving others?

Read Acts 2:42–47.

The book of Acts tells the story of the early church, giving us insight into how the first Christians lived in community. List the activities that the early Christians did together.

What are some of the qualities and characteristics of real friendship and community found in this passage? How does that differ from what you see in the Facebook- and text-driven society we live in today?

According to verse 34, how are we to love our friends? What are some of the characteristics of Jesus’ love for us?

What does verse 35 say will happen if we love our friends like Christ loves us?

Can you recall a time when a particular friendship was strengthened because you loved like Christ? What did you do, and what happened?

What are some characteristics you value and want to develop in your friendships and relationships?

Can you recall a time when an important relationship suffered or was broken because of selfishness or lack of love? What did you do, and what happened?

Read verses 42 and 45 again. What spiritual activities could you devote more time to with your friends? In what ways could you and your friends serve and help others?

In what ways have you experienced Christ’s love for you recently? How can you demonstrate that same kind of love to your friends, family, and coworkers during the next week?

What does verse 47 say God did as these believers lived in biblical community?

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NEXT STEP GUIDE

FRIEND SUNDAY

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CONNECTION CARD

DAILY DEVOTIONALS Monday Jesus, Our Best Friend

Wednesday

Read Proverbs 18:24. In this verse the friend who will stick “closer than a brother” is Jesus. In fact, the Bible tells us that He laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13)! Your friendship with Him is by far the most important friendship you can have! And the stronger your friendship with Jesus is, the stronger your earthly friendships will tend to be.

So how do we befriend Jesus? First, John 1:12 says we have to believe in Him and receive Him into our lives. Second, in Matthew 11:28–29 Jesus says He wants us to come to Him with our troubles so He can give us rest. He also will teach us how to be gentle and lowly in heart, which will in turn help us be better friends. Third, Jesus tells us in John 15:14–17 that we are considered His friends if we follow His command, which is to love each other (also see John 13:34).

Thank Jesus for being your loving friend and commit to bringing your troubles to Him and loving others like He loves you!

Read Proverbs 12:26. You’ve heard the phrase “You are what you eat.” Well, you may also be who you hang out with! The Bible lets us know that the company we choose is incredibly important. Our friends can be positive or negative influences on us, and we’re warned, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33)!

What kind of friends should we seek? First Samuel 18–20 gives us suggestions through the story of best friends Jonathan and David. They were “one in spirit” and exemplify two crucial traits of good friends. First, good friends sacrifice.

Even though Jonathan was the king’s son, and therefore the expected military leader and heir to the throne, he knew David would someday become king instead of him and selflessly gave David his clothing and military gear (1 Samuel 18:4) as a sign of their friendship. Second, good friends are loyal. When the king threatened to kill David, Jonathan rebuked the king—his own father!—to stand up for David (1 Samuel 19:4).

 Becoming a Christian  Getting Baptized  Becoming a Church Member  Spiritual Growth  Small Groups  Children’s Ministry  Youth Ministry  Women’s Ministry  Evangelism/Outreach Ministry  Places I can Serve  Baby/Child Dedication  Other _____________________________  Please Have a Staff Member Contact Me.

Friends Support

Read Exodus 17:8–13. Joshua went to battle against the Amalekites, and Moses stood on top of a hill with the staff of God in his hands. When Moses raised the staff, Joshua’s army began winning, but when Moses lowered his staff, they began losing. Moses’ hands, however, grew very tired. So Moses’ brother Aaron and his friend Hur “held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset” (Exodus 17:12). Joshua ultimately defeated the Amalekites.

Aaron and Hur didn’t hold Moses’ staff for him. Rather they held his hands up so he could continue holding the staff. In this way, true friends support and encourage each other when things become difficult. In fact, Proverbs 17:17 suggests that in times of trouble, friendships can grow strong: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

Read and memorize Hebrews 10:24–25. Pray that God would help you to be an encouraging friend.

Thursday

Tuesday Choose Good Company

I would like more information about:

Share a Prayer Request: ____________________________________________

Friends Pray

____________________________________________

Read Acts 2:42. In the book of Acts, we read the story of the first community of Christians and see that prayer was an important part of their lives. Acts 1:14 says, “They all joined together constantly in prayer.” They prayed together for discernment when important decisions needed to be made (Acts 1:24); in fact, they prayed together all the time, during times of joy and trouble. When Paul and John were released from prison, the Christians “raised their voices together in prayer to God” (Acts 4:24). What was the result? “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31).

____________________________________________

Powerful things happen when we bow our heads together and seek the Lord.

Psalm 34:15, 17 encourages us: “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; … The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

____________________________________________

Pray with a friend this week and experience the power of prayer.

________________________________

____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ________________________________

 My prayer request is confidential.

Share a Praise: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

Pray for sacrificing, loyal friends like Jonathan and David. Also pray that you will be a sacrificing, loyal friend to others.

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NEXT STEP GUIDE

FRIEND SUNDAY

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CONNECTION CARD

DAILY DEVOTIONALS Monday Jesus, Our Best Friend

Wednesday

Read Proverbs 18:24. In this verse the friend who will stick “closer than a brother” is Jesus. In fact, the Bible tells us that He laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13)! Your friendship with Him is by far the most important friendship you can have! And the stronger your friendship with Jesus is, the stronger your earthly friendships will tend to be.

So how do we befriend Jesus? First, John 1:12 says we have to believe in Him and receive Him into our lives. Second, in Matthew 11:28–29 Jesus says He wants us to come to Him with our troubles so He can give us rest. He also will teach us how to be gentle and lowly in heart, which will in turn help us be better friends. Third, Jesus tells us in John 15:14–17 that we are considered His friends if we follow His command, which is to love each other (also see John 13:34).

Thank Jesus for being your loving friend and commit to bringing your troubles to Him and loving others like He loves you!

Read Proverbs 12:26. You’ve heard the phrase “You are what you eat.” Well, you may also be who you hang out with! The Bible lets us know that the company we choose is incredibly important. Our friends can be positive or negative influences on us, and we’re warned, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33)!

What kind of friends should we seek? First Samuel 18–20 gives us suggestions through the story of best friends Jonathan and David. They were “one in spirit” and exemplify two crucial traits of good friends. First, good friends sacrifice.

Even though Jonathan was the king’s son, and therefore the expected military leader and heir to the throne, he knew David would someday become king instead of him and selflessly gave David his clothing and military gear (1 Samuel 18:4) as a sign of their friendship. Second, good friends are loyal. When the king threatened to kill David, Jonathan rebuked the king—his own father!—to stand up for David (1 Samuel 19:4).

 Becoming a Christian  Getting Baptized  Becoming a Church Member  Spiritual Growth  Small Groups  Children’s Ministry  Youth Ministry  Women’s Ministry  Evangelism/Outreach Ministry  Places I can Serve  Baby/Child Dedication  Other _____________________________  Please Have a Staff Member Contact Me.

Friends Support

Read Exodus 17:8–13. Joshua went to battle against the Amalekites, and Moses stood on top of a hill with the staff of God in his hands. When Moses raised the staff, Joshua’s army began winning, but when Moses lowered his staff, they began losing. Moses’ hands, however, grew very tired. So Moses’ brother Aaron and his friend Hur “held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset” (Exodus 17:12). Joshua ultimately defeated the Amalekites.

Aaron and Hur didn’t hold Moses’ staff for him. Rather they held his hands up so he could continue holding the staff. In this way, true friends support and encourage each other when things become difficult. In fact, Proverbs 17:17 suggests that in times of trouble, friendships can grow strong: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

Read and memorize Hebrews 10:24–25. Pray that God would help you to be an encouraging friend.

Thursday

Tuesday Choose Good Company

I would like more information about:

Share a Prayer Request: ____________________________________________

Friends Pray

____________________________________________

Read Acts 2:42. In the book of Acts, we read the story of the first community of Christians and see that prayer was an important part of their lives. Acts 1:14 says, “They all joined together constantly in prayer.” They prayed together for discernment when important decisions needed to be made (Acts 1:24); in fact, they prayed together all the time, during times of joy and trouble. When Paul and John were released from prison, the Christians “raised their voices together in prayer to God” (Acts 4:24). What was the result? “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31).

____________________________________________

Powerful things happen when we bow our heads together and seek the Lord.

Psalm 34:15, 17 encourages us: “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; … The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

____________________________________________

Pray with a friend this week and experience the power of prayer.

________________________________

____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ________________________________

 My prayer request is confidential.

Share a Praise: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

Pray for sacrificing, loyal friends like Jonathan and David. Also pray that you will be a sacrificing, loyal friend to others.

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NEXT STEP GUIDE

FRIEND SUNDAY

7

CONNECTION CARD

Friday Mentoring Friends

Please Print

Date: ________________________________ Name: ______________________________ Address: _____________________________ City, State Zip:_________________________ Phone: (

DAILY DEVOTIONALS

) ______ - __________

E-mail: _______________________________  Please update my info.

Please indicate:  Regular-attender  Visitor  Out of town visitor

Please circle your current age group and school grades of any children Adults: 18–23 24–29 30-39 40–49 50–69 70+ Children: 0–3 yrs. 4–5 yrs. K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 College  Male  Female  Single  Married  Single Parent  Widowed

I made a decision today to:  Receive Christ as my Savior  Recommit my life to Christ

We all need friends who are also mentors, who counsel us and help us make the big decisions in our lives, who listen to our ideas, help guide us, and call us out in love when we’re wrong. David had that kind of mentor in Nathan. In 2 Samuel 7, we read that Nathan counseled David and then gave him encouraging words from God. Nathan also advised David in spiritual and military matters. Then, in 2 Samuel 11, when David had an affair with Bathsheba, Nathan spoke truth to David, reprimanding him.

We all need a mentor friend who will wisely counsel and encourage us in our spiritual journey and who will speak the truth in love to us when we need it.

Do you have a mentoring friend? If so, make it a point this week to thank him or her. If you don’t, ask God to send someone like that into your life. Also pray that God would send someone whom you can mentor.

Saturday Friends Serve Read Ecclesiastes 4:9–12. In the book of Acts, we see the early Christians together taking care of those around them: “They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need” (Acts 2:45). “From time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need” (Acts 4:34–35).

You may not always be able to help others financially; however, there are many ways to make a difference. And we know there’s strength in numbers: “Two are better than one. … A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). Not only does God want to use you to help others, He also wants to use you and your friends together to help change the world. You can serve those around you in more numerous and meaningful ways together than you ever could on your own.

Imagine a community in which everyone was taken care of, and then commit to serving others with a friend or a group of friends.