Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join James, a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life's biggest questions and helps us find God's solutions to life's struggles. Learn the power of living by God's grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
Embrace Your Identity: You Are Christ's Beloved Friend! (John 15:15)
Discover the transformative power of friendship with Jesus as we explore how He redefines His bond with us from servants to cherished friends. Imagine a relationship where trust, openness, and unconditional love are the foundations—this episode of Lessons for Life invites you to experience just that. Through a thoughtful examination of John 15:15, we delve into the profound implications of being called a friend of Christ and how this new identity can deeply enrich your life. Gain insights into how this friendship is not earned through worthiness but is a gift rooted in Christ's unmerited love for us.
Join James Long Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor, as he shares three impactful ways to embrace your identity as Christ's friend. Learn how to cultivate intimacy with God through prayer and scripture, reflect on Christ's enduring love, and engage in open, vulnerable communication with trusted friends. This episode not only guides you towards a deeper connection with God but also encourages you to extend Christ's love and grace to those around you. Tune in to embrace the incredible gift of friendship with Jesus and be inspired to lead a life filled with peace, hope, and joy.
ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
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Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast
In a world filled with fleeting relationships, the promise of a true friendship is a treasure. We often long for a deep connection that provides support, understanding and companionship. Jesus offers us a remarkable friendship, one that transforms our identity and enriches our lives. This truth encourages us to explore the profound reality of being called friends of Christ. Well, hello everyone. My name is James Long Jr.
Speaker 1:I'm a pastor, counselor and university professor. Welcome to Lessons for Life, where I help people whose pain from their past or their present is influencing their perspective on life Through teaching them about a person, the Lord Jesus Christ, principles and promises from God's Word, and giving them a pathway for change. My goal is to guide you towards peace, hope and joy. In today's session, we will be exploring how God's truth can transform our lives and how we can experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in the person and work of Christ alone. The passage of Scripture that we will be looking at today is found in John, chapter 15, verse 15. It says no longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing, but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. Here's the devotional thought In John, chapter 15, verse 15,.
Speaker 1:Jesus transitions his relationship with his disciples from a mere servant to cherished friends. This shift signifies a profound transformation in our relationship with Christ. Unlike servants, who operate under the command without understanding, friends are privy to deeper revelations and intentions. He desires not only to save us, but also to share his heart and mind with us, inviting us into a relationship characterized by trust and openness. The concept of being his friend, a friend of Christ, carries immense significance in our lives. Just as Abraham was recognized as a friend of God, so we too are also called to that same intimate relationship through Jesus Christ, by faith. This friendship is not based on our performance or worthiness. Rather, it is rooted in Christ's love for us, which is unmerited and unconditional. Jesus loves us with the same intensity as he loves his Father, reflecting a relationship that transcends mere duty or obligation. This friendship invites us to a life of abiding in his love, reflecting his character and sharing his message with the world. It calls us to be vulnerable, to confide in him with our deepest thoughts and our struggles, knowing that he understands us completely. As we cultivate this friendship, we are empowered to extend grace and to love those around us, embodying the very essence of Christ's love, bringing it home.
Speaker 1:Here are three ways that we can embrace our identity as Christ's friends. First, cultivate intimacy with God. Spend time in prayer and in the scriptures, seeking to know Christ more intimately. Share your thoughts and fears with Him and allow your relationship to grow. Number two reflect on Christ's love.
Speaker 1:As you experience Christ's friendship, seek opportunities to extend that same love and grace to others. Be a source of encouragement and support, embodying the qualities of a true friend. Number three engage in open communication. Just as Jesus shares his heart with us, practice vulnerability in your relationships. Share your struggles and your joys with trust your friends and allow them to do the same with you. Well, let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for this incredible gift that you've given us in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for the friendship that we have in your Son. Help us to embrace this identity and to live in the fullness of this relationship. Teach me to cultivate intimacy with you, reflecting your love to others, and engage in open communication. May my life be a testimony to your friendship that we share. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen. Well, thank you for being with me today.
Speaker 1:If you found this lesson helpful. I encourage you to explore more resources and support on my website, jameslongjrorg. That's jameslongjrorg. There you can also join our Lessons for Life, monthly membership or our online group coaching program, where you will find powerful coaching videos, a supportive community and step-by-step guidance for lasting transformation. Remember, true change is possible when you walk in God-step guidance for lasting transformation. Remember, true change is possible when you walk in God's grace and for His glory. Until next time, may you find peace, hope and joy in Jesus alone. Blessings everyone.
