Are you a friend of Jesus? That questions makes it all seem too colloquial...too informal...doesn't it? How could we ever be "familiar" enough with Jesus to be His "friend"? I have great friends, and though they have done many incredible things for me, they could never do what Jesus did.

A better translation of the word "friend" in John 15 would be the word "beloved." The relationship that JESUS has established with US is so much more than just "friends." We are the "beloved" of Jesus. He is the One who has LAID DOWN HIS LIFE for His "beloved."

And since we ARE His beloved, He wants to give us all His good gifts. How could one of your friends ever give you a gift if you didn't show up to his or her party? Every Sunday Jesus puts on a festival, invites you, and lavishes you with gifts designed for His "beloved"...which is what you are!

Pray for Mt. Calvary, that all members would realize and recognize that, by virtue of the cross, we are Jesus' "beloved"! Bring others to Jesus' Sunday festival at Mt. Calvary, where they will learn that they are the "beloved" of the Lord! Tell others about the Savior who loves...unconditionally!