2. We have been friends since _______________. Do we have qualifications for friends? Never insults for sport Present no matter what Time/space mean nothing Always truthful Nevertheless, James is demanding that God exceeds this and all friends!

3. James 2:23…we learn that Abraham was the “friend of God.” Thankfully, we find this is not an exclusive arrangement (James 4:4). As a matter of fact, the best friend I have ever had in this world need never to have been (James 4:6). Now, do we qualify to be the friends of God?

4. Again, we are powerfully challenged by James. Are we submissive to his will? Romans 12:2…such is a painful process, coming only after great failure(s). Submission is the offspring of resistance. The nature of that resistance is constancy against a dog. God wants “successful” friends.

5. God does not act on our behalf in spite of us / apart from us. God expects active exchange, regardless of the past. Such blessing! Remember the prodigal’s father? Remember the penitent prodigal son? Total “renovation” / total cleansing (Psalm 24:1- 5). No divided loyalties are in God’s friends.

6. In any spiritual pursuit, the devastation of sin is great and must not be casually regarded. Our friendship with God is often undermined in that our sin does not break us. Sin must have no more hold, no more sway, no more pleasure in our lives. Who was devastated more than Lot, David, Peter, and the like? What was their final place in Judgment?

7. Humility: Singularly the most difficult aspect of the character of the friend of God. Humility is a distinctive choice to live IN GOD whether in private or in public. Humility is the consistent choice of comparing ourselves to God’s will alone. Only he can and will exalt us, call us his friend. Are we his friend? A challenge by James.

8. From the beginning of the Scriptures until their end, all good things are in God. So it is with everything in life: think of your favorite food, best coat, or most comfortable shoes. Nothing would be without him. Consider Psalms 19:1-3. It is true. Nowhere on the earth do any look beyond the earth and not speak of the wonders.

14. Psalms 8:3-9…The same question crossed David’s mind and he had a conviction about it. Isaiah 45:12 / 48:12-13. Think about the deepest love you have ever felt. From where did that come? What is the limit to its depth? Think of the last time you laughed so hard you completely overlooked the excruciating pain it caused you physically…how so?

15. Has it been hard at times to fulfill the command of Mark 12:30? What has gotten in the way, like those city lights and that ocean depth (Romans 1:20 / Psalm 46:8- 11)? His commands are not burdensome, his love without end, his wonders and power to great to ever find the end. Don’t rationalize him away. Notice him.

16. Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11:28-30.Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11:28-30. Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31 Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31 Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10