WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT FIRST FRUIT FASTING FELLOWSHIP JULY 2024 EDITION –
Day 1
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Introductory Teaching
Theme: The Great Friend from Heaven
Topic: JESUS, THE FRIEND INDEED
Texts: Jn.1:9-11, 5:1-7; Lk.24:13-32
INTRODUCTION:
Welcome to the 7
th month of First Fruit Fasting Fellowship, which promises to be very great (Cons. Lev. 23:24, 34, 40, 41, Ezra 3:4-6a, Neh. 8:1-2, 14, 7:73, Zech. 8:19). One of the most notorious problems facing human
Beings are ignorant. It has caused many to lose what they shouldn’t, suffer
deprivations of their inheritance, engage in unforeseen tragedies, and lack amid plenty. (Gen.21:14-17; Hos.4:6). But the Almighty would have His people get informed, for therein lies prosperity (Pro.24:4)
Tonight, the Holy Spirit is set to open our eyes as we consider Jesus as our Great Friend from heaven. We shall briefly show what a friend is, and then see who is a friend indeed.
- WHO IS A FRIEND?
A friend is a person who is not related but is liked and known very well by another, or a person other than a family member or spouse whose company one enjoys and toward whom one feels affection (1 Sam. 17:55-58; 18:1-4; 19:1-6; 20:4,9-18). Here, we have a man (Jonathan) who is not related to David but has affection for him. Both became well-known to each other, and David was kindly treated. However, there are limits to what ordinary friends can do.
- JESUS, A FRIEND INDEED
Having seen what a friend is from our definition and how Jonathan was a good friend to David, for us to properly appreciate the fact that Jesus is a friend indeed, we shall consider the following things that He did for mankind, seeing that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
- Just as it is common with men, Jonathan made friends with David because of the good qualities he saw in David, and the fact that the hand of the Lord was upon him. But he couldn’t help him as much as dying for him! While Jesus loves, seeks and even died for men while they were living in wickedness. (Matt.11:28-30; 9:9-11; Rom.5:6-8; Jn.15:13-15).
- Even though Jonathan loved David as a good friend but there were many things he couldn’t do for him because of his human limitations; but Jesus has no limitation that is why He cures men and cast out evil spirits from men (Matt.15:29-31; Lk.8:2; Jn.11:1-5, 32-44; Acts 10:38).
- Jesus delivered us from the wrath and gave us abundant life (1Thess.1:10; Jn.17:2; 10:10; 1Jn.5:11-12).
- Jesus relinquished His glorious majesty and honour above in order to come and die for us (Phil.2:5-10).
- He accepted to become poor though originally very rich so that through His poverty we might become rich, i.e. people who were made poor originally because of sin and the curse of the law (2Cor.8:9; Gal.3:13-14; Rom. 3:23, 8:32).
- He died for us that we may live and be at peace with God (2Cor.5:14-15; Col.1:12-14, 19-21).
- The fact that He had gone into heaven, settled at the right hand of God making intercession for us (Heb.7:25; 4:13-16; Rom.8:34).
THE IMPLICATION
The implication is that Jesus is not only a great Friend from heaven but a Friend among friends. It also means that those who have not made Him a friend should immediately do so, seeing the manner of friend He is. Those who have any need in their lives should call upon Him, even the need of salvation, guidance and knowledge (Jn.15:15; Matt.11:25-29).
Remember, those that fail to make Him a Friend will regret in eternity. (Jn. 15:13-14, Heb. 2:2-3)
Let’s rise up for prayers.
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