Reading: John 15:12-17

Devotional: Jesus invites us into a profound friendship with Him, one that goes beyond mere servanthood. This friendship is rooted in love and obedience. As you read today's passage, reflect on what it means to be called a friend of God. How does this change your perspective on your relationship with Him? Consider how you can cultivate this friendship through acts of love and obedience in your daily life. Remember, true friendship with God isn't about perfection, but about a heart that seeks to know and please Him.

Reading: John 4:19-24

Devotional: Jesus teaches that true worship goes beyond a specific place or ritual - it's about connecting with God in spirit and truth. As you meditate on this passage, consider how you can make your entire life an act of worship. What areas of your life might you be holding back from God? How can you invite His presence into every aspect of your day? Challenge yourself to see each moment as an opportunity for worship, creating "altars everywhere" in your daily routines and interactions.

Reading: Galatians 5:22-26

Devotional: Jesus chose us to bear fruit that will last. This fruit is not just about our accomplishments, but about the character we develop as we walk closely with Him. As you read about the fruit of the Spirit, take time to evaluate your own life. Which of these qualities do you see growing in yourself? Which ones need more nurturing? Ask God to help you cultivate these fruits, remembering that they are a natural outcome of a close relationship with Him, not something we can produce on our own.

Reading: Revelation 2:2-4

Devotional: Today's reading reminds us of the importance of maintaining our "first love" even as we labor for the Lord. It's easy to get caught up in doing things for God and forget about our relationship with Him. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you ever found yourself working hard for God but feeling distant from Him? How can you ensure that your service flows from a place of love and intimacy with God? Take time today to simply be in God's presence, rekindling that first love.

Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Devotional: Peter reminds us that we are chosen by God for a purpose. This echoes Jesus' words in John 15:16 - we didn't choose Him, He chose us. As you read today's passage, let the truth of your identity in Christ sink in. You are chosen, royal, holy, and God's special possession. How does this knowledge change the way you see yourself and your purpose in life? Reflect on how you can live out this identity in your daily interactions, declaring God's praises through your words and actions.

This discussion guide is based on Pastor DJ's sermon "Let's Be Friends" from the series "Altars Everywhere." The focus is on understanding true worship, the nature of friendship with God, and how our relationship with Him impacts our service and purpose.  We encourage you to continue the discussion with a few friends within your HOW Church Community.  

Opening Prayer: Ask a volunteer to open the session in prayer, inviting God's presence and guidance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Worship is not just an action, but a reflection of who we are.
2. True worship is about connecting our spirit with God's Spirit, not tied to a specific location.
3. God intends for us to walk with Him, not just work for Him.
4. Labor and love are both important in our relationship with God; one cannot substitute the other.
5. Being a friend of God is about becoming, while serving is about doing. True service flows from friendship.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to you that worship is more about "who you are" than "what you do"? How can we cultivate a lifestyle of worship?
2. The sermon mentions that all relationships are consequential. How have you experienced this in your own life, both with people and with God?
3. Discuss the difference between being a servant and being a friend of God. Why is this distinction important?
4. How does understanding God's love for us impact our ability to love others and obey His commands?
5. The sermon states, "Labor can never be a substitute for love." How can we ensure we're maintaining both in our relationship with God?
6. What does it mean to you that God has chosen and appointed you to bear fruit? How does this impact your sense of purpose?
7. How can we cultivate a deeper friendship with God while still maintaining a servant's heart?

Practical Applications:

1. Daily Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day this week reflecting on your relationship with God. Are you relating to Him more as a servant or a friend? Journal your thoughts and prayers.
2. Love in Action: Choose one way to practically demonstrate God's love to someone in your life this week, inspired by Jesus' example of sacrificial love.
3. Obedience Challenge: Identify one area where God is calling you to obey Him. Take a step of obedience, viewing it as an act of friendship rather than mere duty.
4. Fruit Inventory: Reflect on the "fruit" in your life. What evidence of God's work do you see? Where would you like to see more growth?
5. Prayer Practice: In your prayer time, practice talking to God as a friend. Share your thoughts, fears, and dreams openly with Him.
6. Service Reflection: Consider your areas of service (in church, community, etc.). How can you approach these tasks with a "friend of God" mindset rather than just a "servant" mindset?

Closing Prayer: Lord, thank you for calling us friends. Help us to understand the depth of this relationship and to respond with love, obedience, and a willingness to bear fruit for Your kingdom. May our worship be a reflection of who we are in You, and may our service flow from our friendship with You. Amen.