It is easier to build strong children than it is to repair broken men.  This vision statement adopted for the Youth Church is a recognizable reality, but it is also a Biblical Principle.

 The Word of God commands children to:  “Honor thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee”  (Deu.  5:16).

 Moreover, children are commanded to listen to what parents teach.  “Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old”  (Prov. 23:22).  As children treat their parents with honor, due obedience and courtesy, they are more teachable.  Children are a precious gift from God.  “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Ps. 127:3).  We know that God can only give good gifts.  A good child brings joy to the father and has been promised long life.  As parents realize that children are a gift from the Lord, there is also the realization that in matters of discipline and instructions, that too should come from the Lord.  Children are never an impediment, a hindrance to living the “good life”.  Jesus tells us most emphatically not to despise children for they have a “heaven connection”

(Matt. 18:10).

 On this Children’s Annual Day, let us recommit to Godly discipline and Godly instructions for our children.  Teach your children about the Lord and His way.  “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.  And ye shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deu. 11:18-19).

 Two things about discipline:

 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul (Proverbs 29:17).

• The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame (Proverbs 29:15).

 This Pastor is very proud of, and grateful to God, for both our children and their parents.  (Remember, the Word works, if you work the Word).

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

There is an awesome truth recorded in Philippians 4:17 that many very easily pass right by it.  Paul uses commercial language to describe “giving and receiving” (credit and debit) between the Philippians and himself. 

 During Paul’s second missionary journey, the Philippian Christians contributed to his ministry with gifts, in fact, Paul says they were the only contributors.  For a period of time, the Philippians had not contributed, not because they were lacking in concern, but they lacked opportunity. 

 At the time of this writing (the book of Philippians), Paul is in prison and has received a gift from the Philippian Christians.  Paul is genuinely appreciative for the gifts but is not ultimately dependent on them.   Their gifts involves them (the Philippians) in Paul’s troubles.  (A person’s gift to the Lord involves them in Kingdom work).  Paul says to the Philippian Christians; “You gave and gave”.  Please watch this:  The “investment value” of the Philippians’ gift is not primarily what Paul received, but the “Spiritual dividends” they received.

 To the Corinthian Christians, Paul says “God loveth a cheerful giver”(II Cor 9:7[b]).  We do not “give to get”, however, there is the “Godly Recompence”:  “Give, and it shall be given unto you:  good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.  For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again”.  (Luke 6:8).

 Let me ask you, what is your “investment value”?  Are you receiving “Spiritual dividends” into your Kingdom Account?  Are you glad to receive them?

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

Amos was a layman, a shepherd and dresser of fig-trees.  His home was in Tekoa, about 12 miles south of Jerusalem, on the edge of the Judean desert.  But God sent him as His prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel.  His home base was the religious center of Bethel, when Jeroboam I had set up a calf-image when the nation had first split into two rival kingdoms.

 Amos lived during the reign of Jeroboam II (793-753 B.C.), Israel’s waning moments of prosperity and influence.  But beneath the affluence, the nation was rotten.  Amos was sent to speak out against the social and religious corruption and warn of God’s impending judgement.  But the people (then as now), turned a deaf ear.  And the King’s Chaplain told him to get back to Judah!  (Then as now, people do not always want to hear what God has to say.)

Thirty years after Jeroboam’s death, the Assyrians destroyed Samaria and took the people into exile.  Israel ceased to exist.  But the prophet has a word for any nation  (America included) in Israel’s condition.  Put his descriptions in 21^st – century dress and they still strike home.  The other prophets make it plain that Israel’s basic sin was in turning away from God to worship idols.

 Now hear this America: 

 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.  (Psalm 33:12).

Amos emphasized the moral and social decline of Israel as a result of her turning from Almighty God.  They have grown hard and callous in their dealings with others; young and old make use of temple prostitutes; and they have gagged God’s spokesmen.  None will escape God’s punishment.  Israel has broken the covenant-agreement with God and must suffer punishment.  It is simple cause and effect (it is still cause and effect).  Israel’s offences are many (the formula “For three…for four’ indicates an indefinite number).  Our Father is plenteous of Mercy, therefore, He says, “For thus saith the Lord unto the children of Israel, seek ye me, and ye shall live”  (Amos 5:4).  And this means, not yet more sacrifices at the nation’s corrupt sanctuaries, but reformed living – a return to God’s standards of justice and right conduct in public as well as private life.

 So let it be!

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

Dear Graduate:

 CONGRATULATIONS!  You have achieved a significant milestone in your life.  How proud we at FMBC are of you.  This, of course, is the first step in the marvelous and wonderful, yet challenging, journey called LIFE.

 You have demonstrated the over-coming spirit that is necessary to accomplish whatever you choose to do or to be.  With that in mind, I need not have to remind you of the importance of making wise choices.  Early-on, you were taught the necessity of making wise choices in life, knowing that there are consequences for our actions.

  This is an exciting time for you and for your parents.  As you prepare for the next phase in life, set your sights high.  Dare to dream big dreams.  For you know that you can do all things through Christ who gives you over-coming, absolute achieving power.

 And now dear ones, in whatever endeavor you choose:

 “The Lord bless you, and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.  Amen”

 In His Service.

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

Dear Graduate:

 CONGRATULATIONS!  You have achieved a significant milestone in your life.  How proud we at FMBC are of you.  This, of course, is the first step in the marvelous and wonderful, yet challenging,  journey called LIFE.

 You have demonstrated the over-coming spirit that is necessary to accomplish whatever you choose to do or to be.  With that in mind, I need not have to remind you of the importance of making wise choices.  Early-on, you were taught the necessity of making wise choices in life, knowing that there are consequences for our actions.

This is an exciting time for you and for your parents.  As you prepare for the next phase in life, set your sights high.  Dare to dream big dreams.  For you know that you can do all things through Christ who gives you over-coming, absolute achieving power.

 And now dear ones, in whatever endeavor you choose: “The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.  Amen”

 In His Service.

 Pastor J. Amos Jones