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Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Fanners of the Flame
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It is this Pastor’s prayer that “Each One Reach Out to One (or more)” will become more than a new initiative.
Yes, a new initiative, manifested by a burning passion for the lost. A commitment to the Great Commission. Our task is to explain as best as we can how God has provided for our redemption and justification. But first, we must begin with the fact that the world, all mankind, is guilty before God. “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God” (Romans 3:10-11).
The wicked, the lost are not seeking God, however, God is seeking them. Dear Ones, you are the instrumentality whereby God seeks out the lost. “And all things of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation (2nd Corinthians 5:18-19). The amplified version of that passage, ending with: “the ministry of reconciliation” states it this way “that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him.” Each One Reach Out to One (or more).
Dear people of God, you are the personal representatives of Christ, and God is making His appeal through you.
Behold, now is the day of salvation!
Pastor J. Amos Jones
In the fourth chapter of the book of Genesis, there is an exposition of the actions of Cain. His actions reflect what is now characterized as “The Cain Syndrome.” The dynamics of this condition presents a dangerous phenomena in the Church of the Living God.
“Syndrome” is defined as: “A number of symptoms occurring together and characterizing a specific condition. The condition of Cain’s heart was clearly revealed by his anger at God’s refusal to receive his offering. His worship parallels that of countless numbers of Church members of today, merely having “a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (II Timothy 3:5).
A worship that is void of any genuineness or reality. Had Cain’s offering been presented in the right spirit, there would have been no “wroth” when Jehovah refused to accept it, but rather a humble desire to know God’s will. The central truth gathered from Genesis four is that God is to be worshipped. He is to be worshipped through sacrifice, and He is to be worshipped by meas of a sacrifice which is appropriated by faith.
Hear the Apostle Paul: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1).
The person of God is to “present.” This is volitional surrender to the perfect will of God, even when you do not know God’s perfect will for your life; it is an act of faith. The Holy Writ says Cain “brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.” Please take not, Cain acknowledged the existence of God, but he prepared to worship Him after his own fashion.
First, Cain’s offering was a bloodless one, “without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22)
Second, Cain’s offering consisted of the fruit of his toil, it was the product of his own labors. In a word, it was the works of his own hands.
Third, he brought of “the fruit of the ground,” thus ignoring the Divine sentence in Genesis 3:17, “Cursed is the ground.” “The Cain Syndrome” illustrates that unless the darkened understanding of man (mankind) be illuminated by the Word and the enmity of the carnal mind be subdued, the human heart rebels against the things of God.
Be blessed as you are transformed by the renewing of your mind, whereby you demonstrate that good, and acceptable, and perfect, Will of God.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
An Open Letter to our Graduates
Dear Graduate:
CONGRATULATIONS! You have achieved a significant milestone in your life. How proud we at FMBC are of you. This, of course, is the first step in the marvelous and wonderful, yet challenging, journey called LIFE.
You have demonstrated the over-coming spirit that is necessary to accomplish whatever you choose to do or to be. With that in mind, I need not have to remind you of the importance of making wise choices. Early-on, you were taught the necessity of making wise choices in life, knowing that there are consequences for our actions.
This is an exciting time for you and for your parents. As you prepare for the next phase in life, set your sights high. Dare to dream big dreams. For you know that you can do all things through Christ who gives you over-coming, absolute achieving power.
And now dear ones, in whatever endeavor you choose:
“The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen”
In His Service.
Musings with the Pastor.
The Friendship family joins with the John Williams’ family in mourning the loss of our dear brother, John Williams. Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Christian Brother and Servant of the Most High God. What a dear brother John was and how this Pastor will always remember him fondly for his service to the Kingdom.
Brother John was the personification of working without publicity. John was an animated choir member. Whether marching into the sanctuary or singing in the choir stand, John made his presence known. He understood the concept of Psalm 100:1-2: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before His presence with singing.”
To Sister Jamelia Williams and the children, and to the entire Williams family, we extend our condolences and our prayers.
MOTHER’S DAY
Whether she is called: Mother, Mama, Mom, Ma, Mommy or Dear, on today we celebrate our mothers and the Divine Institution of Motherhood. Ordained and blessed by God: (Galatians 4:4) “But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, make of a woman, made under the law.” How we praise God for Godly mothers.
To all the Mothers, thank you for who you are and for all that you do.
Have a blessed “M O T H E R’ S D A Y.”
Pastor J. Amos Jones