One of the rare commodities in this world is true and lasting friendship. Even in the Church of God, real friendship seems to be the exception, rather than the rule. Could it be that we have overlooked some important principles regulating friendship? True friendship does not just happen. And, if we have true friends, we need to apply certain laws to guarantee that our friendship lasts. The most important friendship that anyone could acquire, is our friendship with God. What an awesome privilege it is to be called a friend of God. Christ said that we are His friends, if we do whatever He commands us.

Our view and our involvement in the Church of God are important. But the Church of God is not just important to us individually. The Church is important to others among whom are: God; Jesus Christ; the members; you; our families; the world; and the Kingdom of God.

After the death of Moses, as the people prepared to enter into the land of promise, God encouraged Joshua against the emotion of discouragement, realizing how easy we human beings can lose confidence and begin to doubt our own resolve. There are steps we can take to ensure we keep a positive eye on the calling which we each have received of the Father.

True Christians have been persecuted at all times. Many have suffered for God and His Way of Life. In fact, persecution for righteousness sake is a sign that we are pleasing God, and that we are counted worthy for the kingdom of God. More persecution and a future martyrdom are prophesied, culminating in the “Great Tribulation.” If we are counted worthy, we can be spared from that future persecution of the Laodicea era of the Church. We are warned to watch, so that the hour of trial does not come upon us unexpectedly.

As has happened throughout Biblical history, periods of harmony and cooperativeness have been supplanted with argumentative and quarrelsome changes. In light of today’s society and the recent circumstances in the Church of God, it is important for Christians to understand and to avoid this contentious spirit. This sermon examines the origin of the self-willed approach through Satan. In addition, other examples of the influence of a contentious spirit are given along with the stark consequences of this rebellious attitude.

This world is fast approaching the time when Christ will return to this earth to establish His Kingdom. The question for you and me is – when He comes, will we be counted “worthy” to be considered one of the “elect” who will have qualified to rule with Him in His Kingdom?

Does God show us how we can prevent falling away from Him and the truth? Are there, on the other hand, certain steps one has to make before one actually does fall away? We can draw seven principles from the first chapter of the book of Romans, describing the steps one needs to make to fall away from God. In that chapter, Paul addresses people who once knew God and His truth, but who neglected to glorify Him as God and to give Him thanks. As a consequence, they became futile in their thoughts, until their foolish hearts were darkened. They exchanged the truth into a lie and did not like to retain God in their knowledge. Finally, they became haters of God, despising God and everything He stands for. It is impossible to renew a person to repentance who had been converted, but who has become once again a hater of God.

Beyond the historical references of the House of Israel and the House of Judah, Biblical prophecy shows that both modern Israel and modern Judah are destined to once again undergo national captivity. At the return of Jesus Christ, the people of these nations will be gathered together to return to the land of Israel the second time. Particular emphasis is drawn on the reason why God will once again punish the rebellion of His people.

In spite of the fact we are told that we will face trials test and even tribulation we must not get discouraged by all this. God and Christ have promised in the Bible not to try us more than what we can endure. There will be a way of escape in a trial and that we would never be forsaken in trials. Our hope is in the resurrection and God is interested in the final outcome of us being in His family so trials is the lost of this Christian walk.