Fellow Saints,

Paul tells us in this 2nd Epistle to his son (Timothy) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; (intimidation) but of power, (in our Christ) and of love, (that is shared abroad in our heart) and of a sound mind. (Having the mind of our Lord Jesus Christ!!!). 2 Timothy 1:7
Saints we are facing some challenging times but let us hold fast to our profession and our faith, for God who is faithful, promised to never leave us alone. We know we are living in some fearful times but remember we have God that is fearless. For fear is of the evil one. (He) THE LORD has given us boldness in Him. Always remember, take heart, and be encouraged and never discouraged for the Lord our God is with thee. Choose to stay encouraged in the Christ we serve.

Saints also always remember when life presents its problems, and you know it will, you can always take it to the Lord Jesus in prayer!

Rev. Adrian Lara

Fellow Saints,

In John 16:33, Jesus tells us that we will have tribulation but that we should be of good cheer for HE, Jesus, has overcome.  HE also reminds us in 1 John 4:4 that: Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: (the evil one) because greater is he that is in you, (Jesus!!!) than he that is in the world (Satan). Always remember to take the greater one with you! Remember when life presents its problems, and you know it will, you can always take it to The Lord  Jesus in prayer.

Rev. Adrian Lara

From the Pastor’s Desk (October 27, 2019 repost)

“Let the main thing be the main thing.”

Dear Ones, that statement is more than a convenient platitude, it really speaks to a salient principle.  Our Lord teaches us in Matthew 6:33:  “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

We are commanded of the Lord to first and most importantly seek His Kingdom and His righteousness.  The Kingdom of God is the “Main Thing.”  This is a message that has gotten lost in many of our Churches today (unfortunately) Friendship is included in this assessment).  Let me ask you these questions. 

1. What is really important to you? 
2. Do you aim at having the attitude and character of God?
3. Do you strive to do things God’s way? 
4. Do you allow people, objects, goals, selfish desires to compete for priority?

A key verse from the Book of Luke gives us a Kingdom perspective:  (Luke 19:10)  “For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  That, my Brothers and Sisters is the MISSION statement of the Church, and it is the “Main Thing.”  Acts 17:18-21 tells us of certain philosophers of the Epicureans and of the Stoicks which met at the Arceopagus (Mars Hill) for the express purpose in (“…nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.” ) No new thing folks, the main thing is an old thing, and, paradoxically, it is as new as this morning’s Chronicle.  The Kingdom of God, where the will of God is manifest in the earth realm.  The Kingdom of God is where we turn to God first for help, for conflict resolution, to fill your thoughts with His desires (the Lord is not willing that any should perish), to serve and obey Him in everything.

Dear Ones, Let the main thing be the MAIN THING.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK (August 19, 2019 repost)

What are you thankful for and about?  For many the answer is quite predictable.  We are thankful for life, health, and for the many blessings our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us.  We are thankful to Him for our salvation, for our relationship with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ.  We thank Him for our spouses, our children, grandchildren, etc.  Those answers are obvious.  The more probing question is are we thankful when things are not so pleasant?  The Psalmist gives us the answer:  “I will bless the Lord at all times:  His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  (Psalm 34:1)

In good times and in times that are not so good, we know that God is working a work in our lives.  In times of adversity our character is being developed and our faith strengthened.  In the down times of life, God demonstrates His awesomeness.  Hear the Apostle James:  “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.  For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”  (James 1:2-4 NLT)

Dear Ones, for this I give Him thanks.  Be blessed.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK (September 17, 2023 repost)

For years the Ministry of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has set on a table of love, supported by three legs of service, honor, and representation. We are commanded of the Lord to have both horizontal and vertical love. Hear the words of Jesus: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matt. 22:37-39) Love has been the fuel for our journey, and the glue that has kept us together. We are, and have always been, proud to be servants of the most High God. The Apostle Paul states it so well in Col. 3-22, 23: “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservices, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Again, Paul says: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11) To honor, is to esteem, or regard highly. Our God is worthy of honor, glory and majesty, dominion and power are His. The doxology given by Paul in 1 Timothy 1:17, so speaks of God’s love for Friendship for all these years, therefore we must join him: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Amen, so let it be.

Since 1940, when Friendship was organized and had worship services in a Brush-Arbor on Boss Gaston Road, God has been faithful! He has brought us “all the way.” Truly, if it had not been for the Lord who was on our side, the enemy would have destroyed us.  We recognize that we represent the Triune God in a sinful world, we are ambassadors for Christ. We praise God for our years of service, and that that service honors God, for we are His workmanship.

Be blessed.                

Pastor J. Amos Jones