1. Getting on One Accord: Friendships & Church
Rev. Christopher J. Respass
Summer 2012

2. Pastor Wright’s Clarion Call (1 John 3:11-15)
11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

3. Getting on One Accord: Friendship & Church
Have you ever found difficulty trying to exist on the same page with some of your “friends”? Is the local church the easiest place to make a true connection? What are some hindrances to unity in friendships/relationships? the local church?

4. Getting on One Accord: Friendships
What is a friend?
A. Biblical Example: David & Jonathan
1. 1 Samuel 18: 1-5,
2. 1 Samuel 20:12-17
B. How would you describe a friend?
(See, Prov. 17:17, Prov. 18:24).
How do you get on one accord with your “friendships?

5. Getting on One Accord: Friendships
1. Differentiate between Friends, Peers and Acquaintances. a) Friend: Sticks closer than a brother, there is an emotive connection, cares for you at least as much as they care for themselves, loyal.

6. Getting on One Accord: Friendships
b) Peer: There is some common interest, but usually unifying factor is the group, not the individual. There is little emotive connection; to the extent there is, it’s usually centered around the group. Their concern for you arises out of their concern for the group. Their loyalty is first to the group and then (perhaps) to the individual.

7. Getting on One Accord: Friendships
c) Acquaintance: This is “the crowd.” No commitment to you or the group. No emotive connection at all. Their loyalty is to themselves and their interests.

8. Getting on One Accord: Friendships
Many people fail to get on “one accord” within their “friendships” because they misclassify those with whom they associate. 1. When you expect an acquaintance to be a friend, you’re setting yourself up for a let down. 2. When you are striving for one goal, and your “friend” isn’t or doesn’t respect it, you will rarely be on one accord.

9. Getting on One Accord: Friendships
2. Set Healthy Boundaries
a) 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”
b) Amos 3:3 “Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?”
Can you recall a time when your failure to set healthy boundaries ended in disaster?

10. Getting on One Accord: Friendships
3. Live Peaceably with Everyone (Rom. 12:18)
a) Everyone will not become your friends.
b) Everyone is not at the same spiritual point that you are. (Note: Everyone may not be as “unspiritual” as you are).
c) You can still be cordial, nice and respectful.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:18

11. Getting on One Accord: Church
A Relentless Pursuit of Jesus
a) Strong Desire for Jesus (Psalm 42:1-2)
b) Willingness to Work (cf., Matt. 7:21-23)
Personal Commitment to Love One Another
Honor the Command (John 15:12)
Set the Standard (Romans 12:10)
Pure Heart (1 Peter 1:22-23)

12. Getting on One Accord: Church
3. Self-Reflection and Introspection a) Honest & objective (Isaiah 6:5) b) What is my heart like? (Genesis 4:9) c) Humble & Sincere (Psalm 139:23-24) d) Am I a hypocrite? (Matthew 7:1-5)

13. Getting on One Accord: Church
4. Ownership of the ministry mission/vision a) Absence of a clear sense of corporate purpose creates personal restlessness (Prov. 29:18). b) Embracing God’s vision for the congregation gives a personal sense of purpose and ignites ministry passion (Hab. 2:2-3).

14. Getting on One Accord: Church
c) One’s inability (or unwillingness) to embrace the ministry vision/mission/direction may give rise to a schism and could be an indicator that one’s season is ending (or has ended).

15. Getting on One Accord: Friendship & Church
Questions