During this study we finish up our examination of the practical side of friendship by talking about things to avoid. Then we turn our attention to Christ, the true friend.

Text: Psalm 20 | Speaker: Zach Simmons

In this lesson we focus on wisdom for and practical ways to pursue and strengthen Friendship.

Text: Luke 24:36-53 | Speaker: Levi Bakerink | Description: Luke wraps up his gospel with this special meeting as Jesus appears to his disciples. He talks with them, eats with them, then opens the Scriptures again to them that they would believe everything written about him. Then, he leaves them in power as he ascends into heaven. From this passage, we see the proof, purpose, and power of the resurrection, and that changes everything.

In this lesson we outline the story of redemptive history using friendship as a lens, focusing especially on the connection between friendship and the covenant of grace.

Text: Luke 24:13-25 | Speaker: Levi Bakerink

Text: Luke 24:1-12 | Speaker: Levi Bakerink | Description: Because of sin we all seek after life in all the wrong places. We try to find purpose in fleeting pleasures and identity in worthless idols. Like the women as they approached the tomb on that glorious Sunday morning, we also are trying to find the living among the dead. But the tomb is empty. In his resurrection, Christ defeated death and now gives life to the lifeless. Join us for Easter as we see in Luke's gospel that true life is found in Christ alone.

Text: Nehemiah 13:1-31 | Speaker: Levi Bakerink | Description: The walls are rebuilt, the covenant is renewed, and the people gathered for worship and revival. What a perfect ending to the story. But that's not the end of Nehemiah. In the final chapter we see that the reforms Nehemiah has put into place have not stuck. The people once again profane the temple, neglect the sabbath, and intermarry with pagan foreigners. Tired and dejected, Nehemiah nevertheless keeps fighting for reform, praying again and again that God would remember him. So we conclude our study with this somber yet hopeful lesson, that reform efforts can fail, but God is always faithful.

If God is really my friend, why don't I experience His presence in a more definite, satisfying way? We begin answering this question with Kierkegaard as our guide.