Jesus said, Ye are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.

 As I read this statement by Christ, I can't help but think the love that he must have felt towards his followers. I am sure Jesus felt privileged to serve His Heavenly Father with the men and women who left lands and houses and even families in order to follow him. Love is a very powerful unifying force. I can't help but think about how that in my time within NTCC that I have always felt a warmth & love that is seldom found anywhere else.

 Rev. Woodlee has testified many times how that other ministers he has known from other churches have often commented how that they could see a closeness and love within our church that is not always found in other church groups.

 Not only is there closeness among the ministers but a true love among the Pastors and the church members. I can remember when I was young in my faith and due to the military I moved a couple of times. I had the privilege of being with 6 different Pastors. All of which I still consider the closest of friends. We laughed and cried together. Prayed and Rejoiced with one another.

 I can remember many of the fellowship meetings that we attended. After driving 3-5 hours it was always exciting to worship and then eat with the saints that attended the other churches. Friends that we still have today, after many years that have gone by.

 Then when I went to the Bible Seminary there was a sincere love that was displayed by the Faculty. Many times we ate dinner at their house or fellowshipped over a hot dog. True friends.

 Now as a Pastor, I endeavor to show the same love that has been displayed to me. In fact the other night, my daughter was having her birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese, and as some of the families begin to drive up I couldn't help but stop and thank God for the precious friends that God has given me and for real friends that love me and I love them. It did not matter if I was a Pastor and they are a member, for we are all servants of Christ.

The words of Jesus never were more clear, as I began to look back at my life that night. Truly, God has filled my life with many friends.

 Jesus said, Ye are my friends...