Walking Together

During our Sabbath message this week, Eean Johnson-Schaar taught on the topic of friendship and what it means to have true friendships as believers. He posed the question of whether or not we need to agree all of the time and if we need to see eye to eye and hand in hand in order to walk together. Together, we examined two different relationships in the Bible.

First we examined David and Jonathan's friendship, found in 1 Samuel. They both had their own stories of Yahweh's help, and even thought they came from very different families they still became bound in close friendship. Jonathan was committed to help David, even against his own father. When Jonathan died, David found and cared for his son, Mephibosheth. Great love, great commitment, and great risk make for a great friendship!

Then we looked at a very different type of friendship, Paul and Peter. Such was their friendship that most people today regard them almost as rivals. They both had different backgrounds and different introductions to The Way, but they both believed in the power of faith and salvation by grace.

Both Peter and Paul had their own dark pasts. Peter denied the Messiah, and Paul started out persecuting the people in The Way. ( Galatians 2:11) Despite this, they both grew the body of believers and agreed in being saved through grace. ( Acts 15:7-11, Ephesians 2:8-9)

Their relationship was defined by their unity and roles in the church. (Galatians 2:9) Paul understood that separation of body parts did not mean separation of the body ( 1 Corinthians 12:12). Peter understood that Paul did have wisdom and knowledge from Yahshua ( 2 Peter 3:14-18). Their friendship did not mean disagreements, but a fierce and mutual respect for each other and a love of Yeshua and those that they led.

In our walk with Yahshua, we maintain friendships with our fellow believers, and even though we do not always agree with each other, we are united in the desire to further the Kingdom of Yahweh. We desire to live at peace with each other and to be there when we are needed. We are called to carry each others burdens, and when you find friends that bring you closer to Yahweh, those are the friendships that carry you through the struggles in this world.

If you are in need of a church home, we welcome you to join us with open arms. We meet every Saturday at 2pm for Sabbath Service.