FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK   March 6, 2022

Here we are March, 2022, welcome to “March Gladness”. For those not familiar with the term, “March Gladness” came about as a play on words of a sporting series that is played out during the month of March. While some people are satisfied with “March Madness”, this Pastor would rather meditate on “March Gladness”.  What are you glad about?

This Pastor is glad about the authentic worship here at F.M.B.C. During the early reign of Hezekiah king of Judah, there was a mighty revival in the land. In the first month of his of reign, Hezekiah opened the doors of the House of the Lord and gave instructions to the priests and the Levites to “sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the House of the Lord God of your father’s.” II Chronicles 29: 20-36 gives an account of the restoration of temple worship. What an awesome scene of worship. Hear the word of the Lord: “And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshipped. Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the Lord with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped” (vs. 29-30). “And they sang praises with gladness.”

This Pastor is glad about a church that serves the Lord with gladness. In a summary fashion, the word of God says: “And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly” (II Chr 29:36). Let March Gladness continue.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

From day one in these waning hours of Black History Month, 2022, there is a fact that is self-evident. The descendants of slavery, the most horrific act of man’s inhumanity to man, are not just survivors of the USA’s great sin, we are overcomers! Yes, it’s true, people of color survived slavery and all of its ugliness. Slavery spawn the racism that is so prevalent in our society today. However, in spite of all the negative experiences borne out of slavery, we are overcomers. Hear what the word of God says: “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:14).

As a people, we are strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might (Eph. 6:10). God is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and he is also the God of Lutisha, and the God of Mattie Pearl, and the God of Amos. For the descendants of Ham, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. God is in the midst of her; She shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The Lord of host is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. (Psalm 46:1-3, 5, 7)

Let us continue.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

February 20, 2022

We praise and thank God for spirit -filled, Holy Ghost inspired women, who are a blessing to the and in the Kingdom of God.  Women have always contributed significantly to the furtherance of the cause of Christ.  The New Testament is rich in examples of Godly women used mightily by the Lord in the early church. The same can be said of the Old Testament as well.  What a blessing women are and have always been! 

In first century, Jewish culture, women were usually treated as second-class citizens with few of the rights men had.  But Jesus crossed those barriers and treated all people with equal respect.  Jesus raised women from degradation and servitude to fellowship and service. The women of Friendship Baptist Church, from 1973, when the Pastor was called, until this present day, are caring, working, warm, and loving women who love the Lord and His church.  Thank God the women of Friendship have appropriated the provisions of John 13:34-35, to themselves: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”  To the women of Friendship, thank you for your service and for your love that is demonstrated in deed and in truth.

Let us continue.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

During February as we reflect on Black History, there are parallels in Jewish history as presented in the book of Esther that are captivating to this Pastor. In the intricacy of its plot and the beautiful drama, Esther shows how Divine Providence overrules all things and all people. Even in a distant country, God’s people are always in His hands.  The book of Esther reminds us that the fate of the Jewish people was not in the hands of their enemies, but of Almighty God. The Jews placed their trust in the God who would raise up an “Esther” that would “come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.”  In the ugliness of slavery, the testimony of man’s inhumanity to man, that nonbiblical concept of man having dominion over another man, even there was His Providence in the midst of His people.

It is amazing how through the study of scripture, people of African descent, the descendants of Ham, have been shown to be a tremendously important component of the human race. For the Jews, there was Esther, and for African Americans, there has been Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. History reveals that many great persons of all races, classes, and gender have been martyred for the cause of freedom. Freedom is not free! In the book of Esther, there is the inexorable working of God in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of a nation. Even when it looks as if the world is in the hands of evil men, God is still in control, providing protection and deliverance for those who are His. Black History is American history.

Be blessed as we celebrate Him in Black History.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Eccl. 3:1) The wise man, Solomon, shares with us a very important lesson for life. Here it is: There is a right time for everything. We know that God has a plan for all people.  Timing is important. All of the experiences of life that are outlined in verses one through eight are certain at some time in life. What we must learn is how to accept and appreciate God’s perfect timing.

Our God is omniscient, He is all knowing. He is aware of our every human experience. He is aware of this horrific pandemic, the toxic political climate, and the systemic racism that is so prevalent of this time. During such times we may face many problems that seem to contradict God’s plan.  These problems should not be a barrier to believing that “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) God works out all things for our good. This, dear people, does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn it around for our long range good. Our God, who sits outside of time, orchestrates time. To not understand this can result in despair, depression, or moving ahead without His advice or consent. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.

Dear ones, know that this time will pass. God is in control.  God’s moral compass is pointing toward righteousness. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal.  6: 9)

Be blessed as we fulfill our time.

Pastor J. Amos Jones