October 10, 2021

I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).  From time to time the phrase “reasonable service” is used but not in the context of its usage in Romans 12:1.  In this text, clearly the Apostle is speaking to personal responsibility.  We are to dedicate the totality of our being to God as a living sacrifice, which is holy and well pleasing to God.  The Amplified Bible says this is your rational (logical and intelligent) act of worship.  So, reasonable service, as it is used here is our spiritual worship of the Sovereign God who has saved us by the renewing of our minds.  Reasonable services, as the term is commonly used, is found in Eccl 9:10, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whtither thou goest.”  Webster defines reasonable as: able to reason; using or showing reason, or sound judgement; not extreme.  In our kingdom work, we must do the best we can, for as long as we can, whenever we can, because there will come a time when we can’t.  Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4).

Please know this, dear ones, reasonable service does not mean equal service.  May I repeat, “Whatsoever your hand findeth to do, do it with your might.

*Reasonable service: “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Fear before Him, all the earth.” (Ps. 96:9)

*Reasonable service: “and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Col. (3:23)

Rev. J. Amos Jones

September 19, 2021

ROM THE PASTOR’S DESK September 19, 2021 On today we celebrate eighty-one years of God’s faithfulness.  In the year of 1940, an itinerant preacher, some farmers and domestics, were led by God to establish a church in the Four Corners community.  From a very humble beginning, through some very turbulent times, God has been faithful.  Hear the word of the Lord: “Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase” (Job 8:7).  There have been some difficult days, but through them all Friendship Church has prevailed.  The wise man, Solomon, tells us: “if thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10).  Adversity can be useful.  It shows you who you really are, what kind of character you have developed.  We thank God for His perpetual presence.  This Pastor has been blessed to build on the faithful works of those who have gone before us.  To God be the glory for what has been done, what we are doing now, and what shall be done.  

Dear ones, I do indeed believe that our best years are before us.  Our Heavenly Father has a purpose for us being here at this time and at this place.  He has a program and we are His instrumentality.  This Pastor believes that we will go away from this eighty-first Church Anniversary with the words of Jesus ringing in our hearts:  “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day:  The night cometh when no man can work.” (John 9:4)  Terre are souls to be saved, backsliders to be reclaimed, weak Christian’s to be made strong, songs to be sung, and sermons to be preached.  Need I remind you, “Now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6; 25).

Pastor J. Amos Jones  

Members: If you are 65 or older, sign up for the FMBC Annual Barbara Dillard Senior Luncheon! The Luncheon will be held on September 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

Due to COVID restrictions the luncheon will be held in the safe, controlled environment of the FMBC Denver Mill Fellowship Hall. The event will appropriately socially distanced. Mask are required and vaccinations are recommended.

Join the Friendship family of Seniors for good food, catered by an award winning, local celebrity chef, good fun and fellowhsip, along with a few surprises, prizes and a little mystery thrown in!

Remember, you must be 65 or older! See you at the luncheon.

https://fannersoftheflame.org/2021/08/09/5489/