FRIENDFLUENCE

Pastor Dennis Clanton

Woodland Church

Sunday, October 1, 2023

 

(Matthew 5:14–16, Message) “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you?I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

 

 

1. KEEP IN TOUCH.

 

(Philippians 1:3, NLT) “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

 

Ideas:

  • Use Christmas Cards as prayer cards.
  • When a friend gets married.
  • When a friend’s baby is born.
  • When a friend is sick.
  • When a friend is promoted.
  • When a friend posts about their family or life on social media.
  • When a friend needs help.

 

 

2. Keep Praying.

 

(Philippians 1:4, NLT) “Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy,

 

 

Praying for your non-Christian friends

 

(Luke 10:5, 8–9, NLT) “Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house. … If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.

 

a. Speak peace to them.

  • Blessing opens the door to friendship.

 

b. Fellowship with them.

  • Fellowship establishes trust.

 

 

c. Take care of their needs.

  • Prayer addresses their felt needs.

 

d. Share the good news.

  • When we intercede for our neighbors the Kingdom of God comes near to them.

 

 

3. Keep Encouraging.

 

(Philippians 1:6, NLT) “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

 

 

Three Ways Jesus Encouraged

a. Serve

b. Listen

c. Love

 

 

4. Keep Shining.

 

(Philippians2:14–15, NIV) “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

 

 

GROWTHWORK

1. What did you hear?

2. What do you think?

3. What will you do?

 

Email my notes