On today as we celebrate the work of the Sunday School, this is an excellent time to examine the work of the Sunday School.  By definition, we glean that the Sunday School is part of the teaching ministry of the church.  We are commanded of the Lord to “teach all nations” (make disciples of) and to “teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (disciple the disciples) Matthew 28:20.

 The Sunday School is the ideal vehicle for the presentation of the commands of Jesus, whereby His learners may “observe to do.”  The Sunday School is structured in age appropriate classes to assure His Word is understood.  Contrary to what we’ve been told about, “knowledge is power,” the reality is, “knowledge gives an understanding,”  which produces “trust,” which translates into “faith.”  As the people of God, we walk by faith, not by sight.  Through the Sunday School’s teachings, we are given the spiritual tools to fight the good fight of faith.  The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please him:  for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

 The Bible is the basic handbook of the Sunday School and it presents to us our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  His virgin birth.  His sinless life, His vicarious death and His bodily resurrection.  Ephesians 4:12 tells us that God has given gifts, particularly pastors and teachers, “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry.”  We praise God for the excellent teachers He has given to the FMBC Sunday School.  Let me say this about our teachers, they clearly understand the nature of the teaching function, namely, providing guidance and assistance in the learning experience.  Paul continues in Ephesians 4:13:  “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect (mature) man, unto (reaching) the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”  WOW!  That is what the Sunday School is about.  That we may “observe to do.”

 If you are not now coming to Sunday School, consider this your personal invitation.  We are looking forward to seeing YOU in Sunday School.   

Pastor J. Amos Jones

An arrogant, self-absorbed, young-man came to an old sage with an intriguing question.   You see, it was the intent of the young man to embarrass the old man who was known for his wisdom.  The young man came to the old sage and said:  “Old man, the bird I have in my hand, is it alive, or is it dead?”  The young man had said to himself:  “If the old sage says the bird is alive, I will immediately crush it and it is a dead bird and if he says the bird is dead, I will open my hand and allow the bird to fly to freedom.”  The old sage answered with the wisdom that only comes from God:  “Young man, the life of the bird is in your hand.  You control whether the bird is alive or if it is dead.”

 Dear Ones, if I may draw from that story, much of our lives are in our hands.  In Genesis 1:26, we are told that:  “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over  the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”   Our Heavenly Father has given us dominion, the right to rule and to reign with Him.  Let us understand that “we have been raised up together, and made to sit together in heavenly places; in Christ Jesus.”

 Be blessed as you walk in the awesomeness of almighty God.

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

This is a very special day for the Friendship family.  On today, we celebrate Deacons and Trustees Affirmation Day.  Although in reference to this day, “celebrate” is a misnomer.  A better rendering of the essence of this day is assertion and individual validation.  On today, our deacons are standing up and stating publically:  “I am a deacon as defined by the Bible, God’s holy word.”  Deacons are appointed church officers, ordained by the apostles (Acts 6:1-6), they are named with the Bishops/Elders (Philippians 1:1), and their qualifications are found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.  What our Deacons are affirming today is, THEY ARE DEACONS.  They are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Conversely, the membership is stating publically:  “We bless God and honor your leadership.”  The Word of God says:  For those who perform well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and also gain much confidence and freedom and boldness in the faith which is [founded on and centers] in Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 3:13 Amplified Bible).

 The Trustees are certainly included in Colossians 3:23:  “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.”  The Trustees are affirming their stewardship, a trust granted for profitable use, of spiritual things based on gifts bestowed upon His people.  The Trustees are stating publically that they too are servants of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Again the membership is stating:  “We bless God and honor your leadership.”

 Deacons and Trustees Affirmation Day, a day when Friendship corporately affirms our being true yoke fellows, laboring in His vineyard.  And the best is yet to come!

 Deacons and Trustees, be blessed as you work for Him.

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

As we have indicated, it is this Pastor’s prayer that in the year of 2017, all of the members of FMBC will adopt a spiritual attitude of “ALL IN.”  An attitude of totally, irrevocably, without a doubt, committed to the things of God.  “ALL IN” is living the new life in Christ.  It is “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by Him”  (Colossians 3:17), and “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23). 

 When we are “ALL IN”, we recognize our calling and who it is that does the calling.  Irrespective of ones calling, there is total commitment.  We have many at Friendship who are “ALL IN”, however let me showcase two persons who are the embodiment, the personification of “ALL IN”.  Sisters Karen Foster and Lillie Metters.  Although Sister Foster has experienced some health challenges, they have not deterred her from her duties as part of the kitchen crew.  Sister Foster 

is ALL IN.  On New Year’s morning after Watching Meeting services, Sister Metters took “ALL IN” to the superlative degree.  The building was occupied until after 2:00AM.  That notwithstanding, Sister Metters came in and cleaned the building and had it ready for Sunday School at 9:30AM.  Praise the Lord for “ALL IN.”  “Can I have that kind of commitment?”  you ask.  Yes you can! 

 Hear the Word of God.  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  (Philippians 4:13)  Jesus says:  “I am the vine, ye are the branches:  He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:  for without Me, ye can do nothing.”  (John 15:5)

 With Christ and the right attitude, we are “ALL IN.”

 Pastor J. Amos Jones