I. THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY AFFORDED MAN:
A. Who would you select as a friend if you had a choice?
1. T.V. personalities
2. Wealthy businessmen
3. President of a large bank
4. Owner of a 30 foot yacht
B. You can have a friend greater than these-GOD!
C. God seeks opportunity to enjoy His creation-MAN.
' 1 God came to visit Adam and Eve after they sinned. Genesis 3.8
2. Abraham, "the friend of God". James 2:23
D. Christ claimed friends.
1. Publicans and sinners, Matthew 11:19
2. By bringing man back to God. II Corinthians 5:17-21
E. One-Sided friendship, poalmi
1. Often man does not befriend God even though God wants him. Psalms
2. Jesus held out to the end for his friend, Judas. Matthew 26:50

II. WHAT IS A FRIEND OF GOD?
A. One who knows God personally.
B. A friend of God is interested in the things of God. I John 2.15 James 4.4
C. A friend of God enjoys God's fellowship.
1. Prayer is our communication with Him.
2. Today we enjoy His friendship by:
A. Prayer Hebrews 4:16
B. Christian Fellowship Matthew 18:19-20
D. A friend of God is loyal to the cause of Christ.
1. After 90 years of age Abraham was still faithfal to God without the
fulfillment of the promised son. Hebrews
2. Faithful enough to be willing to kill his son. Genesis 22.1-14, Hebrews
11:17-19
3. God wants loyalty from friends today. Matthew 10:37

III. HOW TO BECOME A FRIEND OF GOD.
A. By faith:
1. Abraham's way. James 2:23
2. Must be our way. Hebrews 11:6
3. Recognize ourselves as sinners. Romans 3:23 Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
B. By obedience: John 15:14
1. Obedience is our duty. Luke 17:10
2. Believers are to be baptized into Christ. Romans 6:3-4
C. Through fellowship:
1. Friends stick closer than brothers. Proverbs 18:24
2. As our closest friend we will stick to Christ.
3. Acts 2:42