we can be the lord's kinsmen and near friends (acts 10:24)
Introduction:
1. In this chapter we read about the first Gentiles being converted to Christianity. 2. (vs.5-6) Cornelius was instructed to send for Simon Peter. 3. While Cornelius waited for Peter he "called together his kinsmen [relatives] and near friends." 4. According to vs.48, these people were baptized, and they became "the Lord's kinsmen and near friends" (Galatians 3:27-29). 5. In our lesson we are covering passages that teach us how "we can be the Lord's kinsmen and near friends." 6. Let us begin by examining several verses that teach us how . . . Discussion: I. WE CAN BE THE LORD'S NEAR FRIENDS
A. The Bible shows that true friends are a special blessing. 1. (Proverbs 17:17) "A friend loveth at all times." 2. (Proverbs 18:24) "There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." B. During His ministry Jesus had a number of friends. 1. We learn from Luke 8:1-3 that a number of women "ministered unto him of their substance." 2. According to John 11, Jesus was very close to Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. 3. In John 15:15 Jesus stated that the apostles were His friends. 4. These people, and many more, were blessed because they were the Lord's friends. C. In John 15:13-14, Jesus showed us how we can be His friends. 1. (vs.13) Jesus touched on just how much He loves His friends. a. As a friend, He loves at all times (John 13:1). b. As a friend, He sticks closer than a brother (Hebrews 13:5). 2. (vs.14) Jesus identified His friends as those who do what He commands. a. He wants us to love Him at all times. b. He wants us to stick closer to Him than a brother. D. Perhaps these verses will help us appreciate some statements made about Abraham in James 2:21-23. E. Let us turn our attention to verses that teach us how . . . II. WE CAN BE THE LORD'S KINSMEN [RELATIVES]
A. Jesus came from a special family. 1. (Matthew 1) His genealogy is traced through Joseph to Abraham. 2. (Luke 3) His genealogy is traced through Mary to Adam. 3. His immediate family members are listed in Mark 6:3. B. On an earlier occasion, when the Lord's family members wanted to see Him, He identified the members of His spiritual family (Mark 3:31-35). C. Vs.35 shows us that the Lord's spiritual relatives are those who do God's will. Conclusion:
1. We appreciate our friends, and we appreciate our families. 2. The Bible teaches us how we can be the Lord's friends and relatives. 3. His friends and His relatives are those who do His will.
