Being God's Friend

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Does God have friends? Yes! To be called a friend of God is a great honor, but it is not just reserved for saints like Abraham or Moses. In this inspiring book, Spurgeon reveals God's complete love and commitment toward you, and how you can become His true and intimate friend through being devoted to Him and His ways.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Christian Living, Faith, Nonfiction

188 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian, John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues, Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861, the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.

Reviews

[Alex Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
-John 14:15

Spurgeon speaks of the joy that we can have in obedience to God’s word - an obedience that leads to us even being called God’s friend as Abraham was (James 2:23) and that as believers we will not see death (John 8:51) for Christ has tasted death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9). For us to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Two memorable quotes:

“Refine me from the dross of rebellion, and let the furnace be as fierce as You will.”

“How can you be His friend if you will not allow His rule? It is vain to boast that you trust His Cross if you do not reverence His crown.”

[Annie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that speaks so clearly about the importance of obedience and love for Jesus in being his friend, everyone should read!

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, to be a friend of God! Spurgeon speaks truly when he says that he pities those who are not friends of God, for those who know him and obey his sayings will never see death. Believers are not overcome by fear of death, for there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus, but unbelievers have no such comfort.

Throughout this book, Spurgeon outlines what it means to be God's friend, beginning with a chapter on faith and obedience. He argues, like James, that true faith will produce the fruit of obedience. If we really love God, we will keep his commandments. He goes on to say that all we do must be in accord with God's word; anything contrary to that is contrary to our Christian walk. As believers, we are to obey all His commandments, not as a constraint, but because we love him. "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Not just those that come easily and are pleasant, but also those that are uncomfortable and difficult; not just in the good times, but in the times when we're down, when life is hard, when we feel overwhelmed and overwrought. Even then, and perhaps especially then, we must obey him in love and faith.

Spurgeon ends this remarkable book with "keep His commandments, and He will keep you from seeing death!"

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reminders of God's covenant with us and what it means to not simply know God, but for Him to consider us as His friends. With Facebook Changing what "Friend" brings to mind when we think of the word, we have reduced the term to something little more than a glorified acquaintance. But the biblical definition of friend is one who loves (Proverbs 17:17), one who helps in distressing times (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10), and one who lays down his life (John 15:13). This is what the God of the universe has done for His creation. Spurgeon reminds us of this fact in ways only he can and helps us see that just as God is called our friend, so we are called friends of God - and this means that everything that applied to Him also applies to us; including laying our life down for His sake. That is true friendship. And that is what will differentiate between His friends and His enemies.

[Andy]

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[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Spurgeons writing

[Mahlangu · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book filled with hardcore truth from the ancient holy script. It contains piercing truths that are sure to get to your heart.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good doctrine. Hard to hang with this one.

[Ceana Laubinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really really good! Repeated a lot of points though!