First Notes: The Fire of Friendship

Dear First Baptist Family,

A man named Andrew needed money and asked his boss for help. His boss decided to test Andrew’s determination and gave him a challenge. If Andrew spent all night on top of a nearby mountain, he would receive a great reward. If he failed, however, he would have to work for free for a period of time. 

When Andrew left the shop and looked at the nearby mountain, he saw snow covering the peaks and felt an icy wind blowing. He became afraid, knowing he could die on the mountain. So he decided to ask his best friend if he thought he was crazy to accept the test. 

After thinking about the matter, his friend answered, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you. Tonight, when you’re sitting on top of the mountain, look straight ahead. I’ll be on the top of the mountain opposite, where I’ll keep a fire burning all night for you. Look at the fire and think of our friendship. That will keep you warm. You’ll make it through the night, and afterward, I’ll ask you for something in return.” 

Andrew stayed on the mountain all night, encouraged by the fire on the distant mountain. He went down the mountain, got the money, and then went to his friend’s house. “You said you wanted some sort of payment in return,” Andrew said.

“Yes,” said the best friend. “But it isn’t money. Promise me that if ever a cold wind blows through my life, you will light the fire of friendship for me.” (This story is from Paulo Coelho's book Aleph). 

True friendship is rare on earth, but it can help us get through the darkest of nights. True friendship can warm our hearts and light our path. Just knowing that you have one close friend or a handful of them can be the difference between surviving and thriving. 

Jesus’ mission was one where strangers become friends who become family. That’s why we celebrated Friends and Family Sunday yesterday. It was a wonderful time of worship and fellowship, and I want to give a big shoutout to Julie Wheeler and the Community Council for organizing such a strong event, plus the Outreach Council for helping to spread the word. 

I also applaud all who brought a friend or family member, as well as those who tried to have someone present but it didn’t work out. Our church is becoming more and more “a culture of invitation” where we bring friends and family members to experience the love of God in some way through our church. 

Jesus said there was no greater love than for someone to lay down their life for a friend. That is a powerful teaching worth pondering. While finding a true friend can often happen without much effort, sustaining that friendship always takes intentionality. Time, support, communication, and sacrifice all play into true friendship. Laying down one’s life for a friend is the gold standard of Jesus’ measurement of real love. 

So what could you do today to make sure your friends know you love them and you’re there for them? Are you a friend that can be trusted? Do you value your friendships enough to do what you must to keep the fire going?

I look forward to continuing the sermon series Better Together this Sunday with a message from John 15:12-17. Jesus calls us friends and commands us to love one another as He has loved us. 

You don’t have to wait until next year’s Friends and Family Sunday to invite someone to our church. Bring a friend or family member with you next week!

I love being part of our church and being a witness to all God is doing. Thank you for who you are and for loving me and my family. I hope you feel the love for us, too.

With love,

Pastor Brent McDougal

P.S. Jen and I would love for you to come to our home this Sunday, October 4th, for an open house. We love to welcome people every Fall to our home for relaxation and relationship building. The time is from 3pm-5pm (feel free to come by anytime during those hours), and our address is 806 Sam Houston School Rd., Maryville, 37804.