In the sermon, “He Came, He Saw, and He Conquered,” let’s examine what Nehemiah saw. When Nehemiah came to Jerusalem from the palace in Shushan, he saw a defenseless city in a deplorable condition. Moreover, he saw a disorganized group of people who were dejected, desolate, and in despair. Out of Nehemiah’s experience comes the question, “What do you see?” With only, a cursory look, we can see hurting people. Lost souls in need of a Savior. They are the sheep of Mark 6:34: “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.”

Dear Ones, when you see the lost, are you moved with compassion? Do you see yourself as God’s instrumentality? We are ambassadors for Christ. “The Lord…is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9d). A more in-depth look will reveal that many Christians are living beneath where Christ has ordained for them. Jesus says he has come that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly. The abundant life is richer and fuller. Life in Jesus is lived on a higher plane because of His overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. What do you see? There are many, praise God, who are living the abundant life. They know they are saved and sanctified, and heaven bound. Listen at Saint Paul: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Phil. 4:11)

Dear ones what do you see?

Pastor J. Amos Jones

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

The Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, October 15th at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. and service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Does it appear to you, as it does to me, that the political climate has evolved into a “win at any cost”? It certainly has given me pause when I observe what is happening in today’s politics. What I find most disturbing is the position taken by those who identify as “Christian Conservatives.”  Example: They are embracing a candidate for U.S. Senate whose moral failures are evident to anyone who cares to look, beyond the rhetoric. Hear the word of God: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). “But let judgment rundown as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24). (Out of the mouth of two or more witnesses.) When our desire for power exceeds moral uprightness, we have a problem. Politicians are the servants of the people. Again, hear the word of the Lord: “Shall one who hates justice [and is an enemy of right] govern? And will you condemn Him who is just and mighty?” (Job 34:17 AMP)

Dear ones, look for candidates who understand the concept of righteousness. There are those who might have a wealth of Bible knowledge and life experiences, make sure their conclusions are consistent with all of God’s word, not just parts of it.  “Win at any cost,” not God’s way. Be blessed as you prepare for the midterm elections.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

We are now thirty-seven days until mid-term election day. As your Pastor, I implore you to vote. I need not tell you how importantly it is for each of us to vote. I will remind you that voting is not only a right, it is an imperative. A tremendously high price has been paid for us to have the right and privilege to vote. This Pastor will never suggest to you who you should vote, however, I will ask you to vote. Take this time between now and early voting to do some research on the candidates, then vote for the best qualified person. Please, please, do not take the mid-term election lightly. Vote in every election. Let your voice be heard. Jesus said in Matt. 22:21: “Rendered therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” Amendment XV, Section 1 states: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition or servitude. (The Constitution of the United States of America). The truth is there are those who are attempting to deny many citizens the right to vote. Do not let them! Do your duty, vote in the upcoming election, and in every election. Exercise your right as a citizen.

Be Blessed.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

September 18, 2022

For eighty-two years the ministry of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has sat on a table of love, supported by three legs; 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 eyeservice, 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 1Timothy 1:17, so spake of God’s love for Friendship for these eighty-two 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 eighty-two years of service, and that that service honors God, for we are His workmanship.

Be Blessed

Pastor J. Amos Jones