The month of October was Pastor’s Appreciation Month and what a warm and loving response this Pastor received from the members of F.M.B.C. The outpouring of love and caring concern was absolutely awesome. Without a doubt, Friendship has the most loving, the most caring, and the most generous members of any church, anywhere on this people planet. How you live out the words of Jesus: “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 loved one to another.” (John 13: 34, 35).

Dear members, you have shown the Jesus kind of love in your interactions, not just with this Pastor, but with all believers. Out of your love has come a fulfillment of 1Thes. 5:12,13: “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves”. We know this truth is self-evident, we love you unconditionally with a Pastor’s heart, based on the love of Jesus for all of us. Thank you for your generosity, your many encouraging words and deeds, and your caring spirit. Thank you for hearing and acting upon what Jesus says in John 13:20 (AMP). “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the one who receives and welcomes whomever I send receives Me; and the one who receives Me receives Him who sent Me [in that same way].”

Be blessed as you continue in Him,

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Dear Ones, I need not remind you that the mission is evangelism.  After having made that assertion, this Pastor does feel the need to direct your attention to the definitive statement of our Lord Jesus concerning His purpose: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).  Our Lord came to this people planet on a mission, and as a result of His mission, salvation has come to this house.  Very often we are so busy with “church work” that our attention is diverted from “the mission” and we lose focus. All of the ministries here at Friendship are important, however, evangelism is most important.

We have been given a mandate by Jesus, Himself to go to make Disciples, to disciple the Disciples, and to know that His perpetual presence is with us.  Here is how He said it: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matt 28:19,20).  The wise man tells us in Proverbs 18:30b ”he that winneth souls is wise.”

Why is it important to lead people to Christ? Because we are walking in obedience while it offers others eternal life.  Moreover, it is a source of joy in heaven (Luke15).  Think about it, my brother and sisters, your action here in the earth realm causes a reaction in heaven.  Be blessed as you witness for Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

October 24, 2021

We thank Almighty God that entrance into the Kingdom is open to “whosoever.”   There is no gender, racial or age bias. The membership rules of the Kingdom of Heaven are quite clear- entrance is by God’s grace alone.  In the parable of the “workers paid equally” found in Matthew 20:1-16, God is the householder and believers are the laborers. This parable is especially for those who feel superior because of heritage or favored position, for those who feel superior because they have spent so much time with Christ, and importantly, for new believers as reassurance of God’s grace.  This is a strong statement concerning the most recently baptized members.  The parable is not about rewards but about salvation.  It is a marvelous teaching about GRACE (capitalized for effect), God’s generosity.

We are grateful to the Lord for the children received into the Kingdom.  Jesus said, “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein” (Mark 10:14b).   It is true, we do not have to understand all the mysteries of the universe but by faith, with childlike simplicity, we receive Jesus as our personal Savior, and we live for Him.  Age is not a deterrent in service for the Master.  Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, came to Joshua in Gilgal, “I am eighty-five years old, and I am as strong this day as I was forty-five years, now give me the land God promised me then.”  And Joshua blessed him and gave him Hebron for an inheritance.  God is faithful Kingdom-dwellers, now let’s be faithful to Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

October 17, 2021

On Sunday, October 10, 2021 Friendship Missionary Church would normally have celebrated Usher’s Annual Day.  As you know these are not “normal” times. We are in the midst of a pandemic and some of our activities have been restricted.  That notwithstanding, our love, our gratitude and our appreciation, certainly has not been restricted.  The Friendship family owes a debt of gratitude to President Craig Miller and all of the committed members of the FMBC Usher Board.

The Psalmist says in 84:10 NLT: A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.”  What a perfect depiction of the members of the Usher Board.  Ushers, we thank the Lord for your total commitment to the task that He has given you and for your selfless dedication and devotion to the church. Jesus says in John 13:35: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”  “Love one to another”, Ushers, that’s you!  “Love one to another”, that’s why you serve so well and give so well. “Love one to another” is why you are first-class in what you do.  Verse 35 is the result of what Jesus said in verse 34: A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”  Ushers, thank you for being loving examples of Jesus’ love.

Lastly, usher we appreciate that every Sunday you are on your posts with a Colossians 3:23 dedication.  Be blessed as you continue in Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

October 3, 2021

“And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18)  What an intriguing question.  We know there is not anyone that is “good” enough to inherit eternal life.  “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good?  none is good, save one, that is God.” (Luke 18:19).  (In the instant case the ruler was right in calling Jesus good, because He truly is God.)  The truth is, man is not good enough to inherit eternal life.  Could it be then that man is righteous enough to inherit eternal life?  The ruler’s response to Jesus was he had kept all of the commandments from his youth.  Isaiah reminds us that: “… we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;” (Is. 64:6a).  The man’s wealth had placed him in a comfortable place.  He had power and prestige and the thought of giving it all up was more than he could fathom.  How many, I wonder, are allowing “stuff” to come between us and God?  With Jesus you have maximum security.  The way the question is posed, it seems as if he is asking what work he can do to assure eternal life.  Salvation cannot be earned; it is God’s gift.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  It is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them: (Eph 2:8-10). What must we do to inherit eternal life?  “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)

Rev. J. Amos Jones