Dear Ones,

 Tuesday, November 3, 2015, is Election Day. It is absolutely essential that every member of the Body of Christ that is eligible to vote make every effort to do so.

Voting is not just a civic function, it is much more than that. Voting is a Kingdom responsibility. Jesus said we should “render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Voting is every citizen’s privilege and responsibility, however, for the Kingdom dweller voting is a mandate and a responsibility. (You do realize that here in the earth realm, God’s work must truly be our own).

Dr. James Kennedy, former Pastor of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, was asked, “Should Christians involve themselves in the dirty business of politics, voting and all that stuff?” Dr. Kennedy answered facetiously; “No, let the murderers, robbers, and rapists control the political agenda”. This Pastor would not presume to tell you WHO to vote for, however, may I suggest HOW you should vote. Christians, first of all, should vote prayerfully and intelligently. They must take the time to do the necessary research.

Many of you have voted during the early voting, and that is great, however, for those who have not voted, please do your Christian duty and fulfill your Christian responsibility. Remember, voting is a Christian mandate.

Be blessed as you walk in Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

 

Dear Ones, simply put, the Bible is the basic handbook for the church. We have commentaries, manuals, etc., that can be very helpful in the study of the Bible, however, they are study aids that in no way replace the Bible. The Bible is a love-letter from God to humanity. It is the revelation of the mind of God with salvation as its end. Here are some rules for reading the Bible.

 

• Put yourself, as it were, in the times, places and circumstances of the sacred writers.

 

• Ascertain, as far as it is possible, the plain, literal and primary meaning of scripture. Exercise sound common sense. A right use of reason will supersede much criticism, and prove a valuable substitute for it.

 

• Seek the literal before the spiritual meaning.

 

• Carefully consider the context before you draw a conclusion from a separate passage.

 

• The true spiritual sense of a passage is that which is to be most highly esteemed.

 

• Avoid ingenious conceits and far-fetched interpretations.

 

• Always distinguish between plain and figurative language.

 

• Never press a metaphor too far.

 

• Compare spiritual things with spiritual. Never be weary of referring to what are called parallel passages; that is, to illustrate passages; for scripture is the best interpreter of scripture.

 

• Explain what is difficult by what is plain and easy.

 

• When words and phrases are of doubtful meaning consider them well.

 

• Negatives are often put for a strong affirmation of the contrary as “not guiltless” i.e., exceedingly guilty and “shall not be moved” i.e., shall be firmly established.

Stay in the Word!

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Musings with the Pastor. It is with great joy and a sense of heartfelt appreciation that we welcome to this people planet, JULIUS MICHAEL FOSTER, born to Karen and Jason Foster. Congratulations to the Foster family, and to Julius:

 “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make His face shine upon thee,

And be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee

And give the peace”.

 A big “God bless you” goes out to President Craig Miller and to all the members of FMBC Usher Board. Great anniversary, great program and the ushers are great people. Thank you for your great service.

 Every year at this time, this Pastor gets a hankering for a pleasant bus ride, to be able to observe the scenic beauty of East Texas, to breathe the clean, clear air of Angelina County, and to be able to fellowship with our dear friend, Elder Earl Whitaker and the New Life Church of Lufkin. We are now twenty-one days before the trip. It is this Pastor’s desire that you share his excitement and anticipation. Remember, on November 8, all services will be advanced one hour. Sunday School will begin at 8:30am and Morning Worship will begin at 10:00am.

 Be encouraged as you walk in Him.

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10).

 How that speaks to, and of, the Ushers at Friendship. The humility and dedication of our ushers is truly the personification of a servant of the most high God.

Ushers are people who work without publicity. There is no egotism in the one who would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of his/her God, than share in the life of those who do not honor the God of the universe. No one will stand and applaud the ushers as they go about their duties, however, the ushers are assured of the following: “For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [Present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly”.

To Trustee James Craig Miller and to the members of the Usher Board, this Church thanks you for your faithful service and your commitment to an orderly worship experience.

May the Lord continue to bless you as you serve this Church and your God.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

 

It is the intent that here at FMBC, we will minister to the whole person. There are ministries, programs, services that holistically serve spirit, soul and body. And we think that that approach is tremendously important. That notwithstanding, we do not lose sight of the core mission of the Church, EVANGELISM. Jesus said in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost”. This is the key verse in Luke’s Gospel, the Son of Man is come to seek and to save!

 An important summary of Jesus’ purpose – to bring salvation, meaning eternal life, and the kingdom of God. Then this is the task of the entire church, in all ages, to carry out the Great Commission. Praise God for seventy-five years Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has embraced the ministry of evangelism. How well Paul says it: “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; Now then we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 18, 20 [a])

 During this time of celebration and thanksgiving, stay focused. “For he that winneth souls is wise”.

 Continue in your witness. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything, give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not preaching. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. (Thank you Saint Paul)

 Pastor J. Amos Jones