By definition, a habit is an act repeated so often by an individual that it has become automatic with him/her. A pattern of action that is acquired and has become so automatic that it is difficult to control. So, let’s discuss breaking bad habits.

To break bad habits, we must first of all rely on the Holy Spirit’s power. As with dealing with Satan, we must submit ourselves to God. We know that greater is He that is within us than he that is in the world. Habits are acts emanating from the soul realm or the flesh. Hear the word of the Lord: “…Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16). Thus, being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God’ word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and His promptings. In  Colossians 3:5-17, we are given some help in “behavior modification” i.e.: breaking bad habits. In verse eight, Paul’s words to “put off” these sins can also be translated, “Lay aside the old self and put on the new.” This action was not so mystical but practical and moral. Many bad habits are self-destructive; hence the apostle says in verse five “Mortify therefore your members…” What he means is we should consider ourselves dead and unresponsive to bad habits. Here is a quick test to determine if this is a bad habit: Does what we say or do glorify God and/or honor man? If not, perhaps we should not say or do it.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

In Luke 19, Jesus tells the parable of the king’s ten servants. In the parable a certain nobleman delivered unto each of his servants an amount of money with these instructions: “Occupy till I come.” In the parable there is an account of three of the servants. Two of the servants invested the king’s money and got a good return on their investments.  One other of the servants held on to his master’s money and got no return on what he was given. The king was very hard on this man who had failed to get an increase on the money.  At this point, dear readers, some of you are asking, “Where are you going with this story?” As we go into a new year we are to “Occupy till He come.”  We have been given excellent resources to build and expand God’s Kingdom. Jesus expects us to use these talents for the expansion of the Kingdom. We must be found working for the Master. 

Take a lesson from Jesus as He speaks in John 9:4: “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” 2024 is a year for being more effective in our witness.  “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:  and ye shall be witnesses unto me…(Acts 1:8)

Dear ones,  it is our time, we are occupying until He returns.   Be blessed as you serve.

Pastor J Amos Jones

There are many, this Pastor included, that will characterize Friendship Baptist Church as a “good church.” The question then begs to be asked, what is a good church? There are those who will say facetiously, “Friendship gives a lot of money away in helping people pay rent, pay light bills,” etc., which then makes us a “good church” to the recipient of those funds. While Friendship does have a helpful benevolent program, that is a superficial answer.  What makes a “good church” is a profound question whose answer lies in the pages of the Holy writ.

 A good church is one where there is agape love. Love that is vertical and love that is horizontal. Love for God and love for His creation. 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” (Mt. 22:37). Christians should live in perfect harmony. Paul calls it “perfectness” in Col. 3:14. This does not eliminate all differences in opinion, but loving Christians will work together despite their differences.

 A “good church” is one where there is unity. It is possible to believe in Christ, work hard for His Kingdom, and yet have broken relationships with others who are committed to the same cause. Example, Euodias and Syntyche, members of the Philippian church, (Phil. 4:2). These two women had been workers for Christ in the church.  Their broken relationship was no small matter because many had become believers through their efforts.

A “good church” is one where sound doctrine is taught and preached. Paul says, “…the gospel… is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” (Romans 1:16). To Titus, Paul says “speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).  I submit that FMBC is a loving, unified church where sound doctrine is taught and preached.

Pastor J Amos Jones

New year, new you. It is the desire of this Pastor that none of you will buy into this meaningless phrase. If you are a born-again Christian, who is positionally in the Lord Jesus Christ, you ARE new. “Therefore if any man (person) be in Christ, he (or she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17) Christians are brand new on the inside. Year after year we enjoy the new life given to us by the Holy Spirit. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated – we are new creations! What then, should be the position of the believer as we enter into a new year? Hear the Apostle Paul: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11) New year, stronger you.

Dear Ones, be strong in the new year 2024. Please note, the admonition is “be strong.” Which tells us we can do it. David approached his “be strong” this way: “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word” (Ps. 119:28). According unto thy word!

To be strong in 2024, appropriate God’s word into your life and rest in Him. The Lord, Jehovah, tells us in Zechariah 10:12: “And I will strengthen them (His people) in the Lord; and they shall walk up and down in His name, saith at the Lord.” Three words for 2024:

• Word one: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Ps. 119:11)
• Word two: “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my
  counsellors. (Ps. 119: 24)
• Word three : “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Ps. 119:105)

Happy New Year!
Pastor J Amos Jones

It is interesting how the gospel writers  in the books of  John and Luke speak to the advent of Jesus unto this people planet. John tells us that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1). “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) John’s description shows clearly that he is speaking of Jesus, the creator of the universe, the ultimate revelation of God, the living picture of God’s holiness, the one by whom “all things consist”. (Colossians 1:17) John shows Jesus as fully human and fully God. Although Jesus took upon Himself full humanity and lived as a man, He never ceased to be the eternal God who has always existed, the creator and sustainer of all things, and the source of eternal life. Luke goes into great detail in pointing out the circumstances of the birth of Jesus. “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2: 4-7 ) In a summary fashion: “When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” (Galatians 4:4)

Merry Christmas!

Pastor J. Amos Jones