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

Matthew 5-7 is called the “Sermon on the Mount” because Jesus gave it on a hillside near Capernaum. It is the “Magna Charta” of Christianity. In it Jesus proclaimed His attitude toward the Law and His expectations for those who will be Kingdom-dwellers. In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus teaches about retaliation, and in Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus teaches about loving enemies. To many Jews of Jesus’ day: “That ye resists not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” these statements were offensive. Any Messiah who would turn the other cheek was not the military leader they wanted to lead a revolt against Rome.

Many today find it offensive to suggest that our political leaders could learn much from the Sermon on the Mount. They are impressed with those that they perceive to be strong political leaders that are bombastic, bullies, narcissistic, and exudes a “macho” confidence. Jesus tells us: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” What a radical response to injustice and the end result is “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?”

Dear ones, in this very toxic political climate, even if the political leaders do not learn from the Sermon on the Mount, we certainly must. Jesus says in verse 48: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Not sinless perfection, but perfect in character, in holiness, in maturity, and in love. We can be perfect if our behavior is appropriate for our maturity level-PERFECT.

 Be blessed and be perfect,

Pastor  J. Amos Jones

Deacons and Trustees Affirmation Day  On today we, the corporate body of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, celebrate the men who have taken on a laborious task and as such have declared their willingness to serve the Body of Christ, The Church. The essence of this day is a matter of spiritual self-actualization. Men who are real about the title they wear. The reality is, they are who they profess to be. We are celebrating men who understand the qualifications of the diaconate (servant) and are publicly affirming that they possessed those qualifications. There is a spiritual assertion that these are men of integrity and are well respected. These are men who realize who they are working for. Their ultimate commitment is to Him. As members of the body of Christ, we appreciate the commitment to the Lord and His Kingdom that our Deacons and Trustees have made, and we praise God for them. On this day as the Deacons and Trustees assert their Servanthood, let the membership respect the leadership that is found in their Servanthood.

May the Lord Jesus Christ, and God, the Father, comfort your hearts Brethren, and establish you in every good word and work.

Be blessed as you walk in Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones