The Brand of a True Friend

Lifted Youth Group- Thursday night service
preacher: Minister Keia Perry-Farr


-"Brand" -> a particular characteristic that identifies something placed forever in memory; distinctive; distinguished from common qualities. [definition in terms os friendship] 


--> Basically, "true" friends are hard to find! 
Q: what brand of friend are you?  
       --> Mark 2:3- 12
              - you need to be committed as a friend. See the need(s) of your firends. Press as a friend! P.U.S.H [pray until something happens] Don't take no for an answer!


- "fellowship" -> the brand of a true friend
     --> Acts 2:42-45 Impossible to have a good, coherent friendship without fellowship. 
                     -Friends pray with friends (*prayer helps to answer problems)
                     -dying to self, living for Christ and spreading the gospel all over! 


3 traits that brand true friendship: care, joy, transparent love


in our friendships, we should do all of the following: 
1) exercise Godly character 
2) share the same heart [2 Cor. 6:14] 
3) give friends time + attention b/c you have to help your friends meet their needs to the best of you ability 
4) be honest
5) protect your friends 
            --> Acts 5:32-35 [ foundation scripture for the night] Protecting is not always about fighting. You can protect your friend's character; integrity; protect them from going down the wrong path, etc. 
6) give Godly advice to encourage your friends
7) challenge one another to be better by pointing them in the right direction
            --> Proverbs 27:17 You should be sharper with your friends! Every time you are with them, you should grow! 


*Keep each other accountable! Pray and read the word with them! Last but not least, disciple one another! 
     - to disciple means to teach; to prepare for survival. In essence, you are teaching your friends how to survive! [b/c we're at spiritual warfare! Equip them with knowledge!] 


Friends help friends hold on to their salvation.