Is there ever a legitimate reason to cut someone out of your life, especially if they’ve been a long-time friend? In this episode we examine what the Bible says about when it’s appropriate to step back from a relationship with a friend and provide two essential paradigms for ensuring that you’re doing it with the right motives.

Ever had to forgive someone for something significant? Hear a story of difficult forgiveness from Lucas, learn biblical foundations for forgiving others when they hurt you, and a simple (but not easy) process for following Jesus’ command to forgive in this episode of Hey Friend.

You’re a Christian. Should you drink alcohol with your friends? Throughout church history this question has been answered in a variety of ways, and in this episode we discuss the bigger “up-stream” questions that need to be answered about what God’s purpose for those who are followers of Jesus are, how the Bible functions, and more before being able to accurately, biblically answer how Christians should relate to alcohol and if you should have a drink with your friends this Friday night.

We’ve spent 30+ weeks talking about friendship. In this episode we go back to the beginning and ask the big question - does friendship even matter? Hint: it definitely does.

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You can’t have true friendship without the Gospel as the foundation. The Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, stated that without Christ we cannot know God or our brother.

In this episode we break down how the Gospel reshapes friendship, making it possible for us to acknowledge our brokenness, discover restoration, go deeper in relationships, and honors each person's uniqueness.

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Preparing to switch jobs and cities? Just moved for college? If so, this episode is for you. We walk through several simple, practical tips to help you start meeting people and making friends in that new location.

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Did you know that your pastor probably struggles with loneliness? In this episode we interview Randy Hahne, pastor of Harvest Valley Church and talk about what he’s observed as he’s worked on their denomination’s executive board, the needs of every pastor and ministry leader to slow down and make real friends, and how you as a part of a church can be one of those real friends.

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “All you need is Jesus.” But what if that idea is actually unbiblical? In this episode, we challenge the notion that spiritual maturity means you can go through life with just Jesus and no one else.

We dig into:

• The misconception that true believers don’t need friends or community.

• How the Bible shows us that God never intended for us to be alone.

• Why even Jesus, the most spiritually mature person ever, sought out deep friendships.

• The powerful example of the first Christians in Acts, who were deeply connected with one another.

• How your friendships play a crucial role in your spiritual growth and walk with God.

We’re created in God’s image, and that means we’re made for relationships. Spiritual maturity isn’t about increasing independence but growing in connection with those around us.

Should Jesus be your best friend? Absolutely. Should He be your only friend? Absolutely not.

Whether you realize it or not, Jesus is the best friend you could ever have. Our goal is to give you a taste of just how good of a friend He is.

What We Cover:

• Many Christians live like they’re working hard to be good with God’s help, but forget that Jesus already proved His commitment by dying for us.

• Jesus knows us better than anyone else and still hasn’t ditched us.

• He longs to be with us, works for our good, and will never abandon us.

• The question is: Jesus is already your best friend—will you be His?

Key Points:

• How can we be friends with God? Jesus became human so we could relate directly with Him.

• Servants and friends: If we love Jesus, serving Him is a natural response.

• Not feeling that friendship? We discuss evaluating what you believe and examining your heart.

Final Encouragement:

Jesus is knocking at the door, waiting to be let in. Will you admit Him?