Hey Friends!

The church is friendship. Friends serving the Lord together. Brothers
and sisters who actually love and are committed to each other through
thick and thin. New Testament Christianity isn't about loosely held
relationships. As we read through these verses, join me in asking the
Lord to make us friends like we see modeled here.




FIND REAL FRIENDSHIP
Teamwork Can Change My Life (part 11)

You whom I love and long for,
my joy and crown
Philippians 4:1 NIV


THREE KEYS TO REAL FRIENDSHIPS


* SHOW SOME EMOTION

1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and
crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
Philippians 4:1 NIV

You have a special place in my heart. ,,,God knows how much I love you
and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:7-8 NLT

Show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each
other deeply with all your heart.       1 Peter 1:22 NLT

I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.      Philemon 1:12 NIV

You have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.
                       2 Corinthians 7:3 NIV


* CARE ENOUGH TO HELP

2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other
in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women
who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with
Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book
of life.        Philippians 4:2-3 NIV

For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with
many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love
for you.                        2 Corinthians 2:4 NIV


* BUILD FROM A BASE OF JOY AND PEACE

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your
gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:4-7 NIV

"My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not
what I want. You, what do you want?"    Matthew 26:39 Msg

This peace will control the way you think and feel.     Philippians 4:7
CEV


It's wonderful what happens
when Christ displaces worry
at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:7 Msg



God has put us together as Ridgewood to:
Get Out the Good News
Gladly Glorify God
Grow More and More Godly
Give Our Gifts Generously
Gain Genuine Grace-Filled Friendships