December 6, 2020

What are you thankful for and about?  For many the answer is quite predictable.  We are thankful for life, health, and for the many blessings our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us.  We are thankful to Him for our salvation, for our relationship with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ.  We thank Him for our spouses, our children, grandchildren, etc.  Those answers are obvious.  The more probing question is are we thankful when things are not so pleasant?

The Psalmist gives us the answer:  “I will bless the Lord at all times:  His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).  In good times and in times that are not so good, we know that God is working a work in our lives.  In times of adversity our character is being developed and our faith strengthened.  In the down times of life, God demonstrates His awesomeness.   Hear the Apostle James: “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.  For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything” (James 1:2-4 NLT).  Dear Ones, for this I give Him thanks.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

 

---

November 29, 2020

The MISSION is EVANGELISM!  In the simplicity of this mission statement stands the purpose of the church.  How easy it is in the modern church to lose focus on the primary and to spend an inordinate amount of time in the periphery.  With the many programs, activities, social functions, ministries, prevalent in the modern church, too often there is not a passion for the lost.  We, in the church, expend a tremendous amount of energy doing “things”.  We are a busy people, as well as we should be.  However, we must focus on the mission.  Please understand Dear Ones, programs and ministries are important and needful, but the mission is most important.

The mission of Christ is stated in Luke 19:10: “For the son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost”.  What a significant statement the compassionate Savior made about Himself.  Jesus uses as a title for Himself “Son of Man” which in His own thought stood for divine Messiah-ship and human solidarity.  As divine Messiah, He was able to save; and as Son of Mankind, He could be a sympathetic Savior who Himself was tempted in all points like as we, but without sin.  He “came” to this people planet with a mission to do the will of His Father who sent Him.

Know this, Dear Ones, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but in longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).  Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.  We have now been empowered to be witnesses unto Him.  God’s gospel has not reached its final destination if someone in your family, your workplace, your school, at the gym, or in your community hasn’t heard about Jesus Christ.  On this fifth Sunday, let us do a mission check-up.  Do we have a passion for the lost?  Are we effective in our witness?  Do we see the Mission as evangelism? Friendship, the task is now ours.  Let us continue…

Pastor J. Amos Jones

November 22, 2020

In the United States and Canada, a day is set aside each year as Thanksgiving Day. On this day the people give thanks with feasting, football and prayer for the blessings they may have received duringthe year. The first Thanksgiving days were harvest festivals, or days for thanking God for plentiful crops. Although we ae no longer primarily an agrarian nation, as peopld of God we understand the Biblical concept of Thanksgiving.

• Lastly, as people of God Offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving. I (a child of God) will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 116:17)

Worship and thanksgiving.  Do you see it?  Every day is Thanksgiving Day.  To the only wise God our Savior be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. A-men.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

November 15, 2020

“To every thing 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 thru 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 ever human experience.  He is aware of this horrific pandemic, the toxic political climate, and the systemic racism that is so prevalent at this time.  During such times we may face many problems that seem to contradict God’s plans, 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 every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the 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

November 8, 2020

When one considers the results of the 2020 election (or the lack of), what should be the position of the believer? May I suggest the following:

Position number one:  Remain prayerful.
1Thessalonians 5:17:  Pray without ceasing.
Luke 18:1: And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.
James 5:16(b): The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Position number two: Focus your prayer.
Amos 5:24: But let judgement (justice) run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

In conclusion:
2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Dear ones, the faithful God is still in control. Be blessed as we walk by faith.

Pastor J. Amos Jones