In order to have a friend it begins with each of us being a good friend. The book of Proverbs has much to say about friendship and this message explores some of the principles found in order to be a better friend.

The Proverbs warn us about how easy it is to fall into unwise decisions and even sin because of the pressure we feel to follow and be accepted by other people. We all need to answer the question, "who are you following?" (Proverbs 1:10-19)

Solomon tells us that a reputation of integrity is one

of wisdom's highest prizes and he gives us some

practical guidelines for living with integrity. (Proverbs 22:1; Proverbs 19:1; Proverbs 27:21; Proverbs 27:2; Proverbs 10:9; Proverbs 10:7)

As sure as the compass needle points north, our life

flows from our heart. That is why Solomon tells us,

above all else to guard our heart. If you and I want

to experience God and his wisdom we must learn to

live from the inside-out. (Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 3:5,6; Proverbs 23:26)

Are you tired of shallowness in your Christian life? A

shallow faith? Shallow Worship? Shallow living? The

Proverbs challenge us to pursue wisdom and a

deeper relationship with God. The question is, How

badly do you want it? (Proverbs 1:1-7; 2:1-11)

Individual members of the Church today must

effectively communicate the gospel in our

generation, just like the church of the first century.

Are you compelled to get the gospel out? (Acts 11:19-21)

When you study the book of Acts, you realize that

everything Jesus wanted his disciples to get, they

go! And they reached their generation with the

Gospel. Jesus wants us to reach ours the same way. (Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:41-47)

These were ordinary people in a receptive crevice

of history who were shaped into Christ's image and

lived forceful lives and reached their generation

with the Gospel. We have the same message,

mission and motivation. And this is our crevice of

history! (Acts 1:1-11)

Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ we not

only have tremendous freedom but also

transforming power! (John 10:18; Colossians 2:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4, 8, 11-14; Acts 4:33)

Our world says that in order to be somebody you

need to push yourself forward and make it happen

for yourself. But Jesus said that in order to be great

in His kingdom you have to be last and a servant to

all. We have to descend into greatness. (Mark 9:33-37)