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 Recompense”:  “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 6:38)

 Let me ask you, what is your “investment value”?  Are you receiving “spiritual dividends” into your Kingdom account?

Pastor J. Amos Jones

On this afternoon, we travel to Lufkin, Texas, located in beautiful Angelina County, tucked away in the piney woods of deep east Texas. 

 One of the joys of fellow-shipping with Elder Earl Whitaker and the dear members of New Life Church (formerly Church of the Living God, Culverhouse) in addition to the Spirit filled services, is to breathe in the beauty of the country.  One can enjoy the wonders of God’s creation.  He can be as the Psalmist in Psalm 104, who sees the creation as the radiant and stately robe with which the invisible Creator has clothed Himself to display His glory.  “Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever.  Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment:  The waters stood above the mountains.  Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.  He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.  They give drink to every beast of the field:  The wild asses quench their thirst.  By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.  He watereth the hills from His chambers:  The earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.  He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man.  That He may bring forth food out of the earth” (Psalm 104:5, 6, 9 – 14).

 Enjoy the beauty of His creation as we travel to Lufkin.

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

 Dear Ones,

 Tuesday, November 4, 2014, is ‘Election Day’.  It is absolutely essential that every member of the Body of Christ that is eligible to vote 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”. 

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).

James Kennedy 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 they should vote intelligently.
• They must take the time to do the necessary research.

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

 Remember, voting is a Christian mandate.

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

Musings with the Pastor.  On this afternoon at approximately 1:45PM, there will be a very informative Financial Seminar held in the Denver Miller Fellowship Hall.  This pastor urges all that can to attend this seminar.   The scripture reminds us that “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”  (Hosea 4:6a). 

 It is true my friends, “Money Matters”.  Did you know that less than ten percent of the membership of FMBC attend either the Sunday School and/or Evening Worship?  Dear Ones, that is a number that we can’t be proud of.  What is so disturbing about members not attending Sunday School or Evening Worship, is that they are missing a marvelous opportunity for Christian growth.  We are admonished to “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”  (2 Peter 3:18a).

 Sunday School begins at 9:30AM and Evening Worship at 7:00PM.  It is our desire that those who are not availing themselves of these opportunities for growth will give them serious consideration for there is something in them for all of us. 

 “Son’s Night” is an alternative to Halloween.  As Christians, we do not celebrate witches, ghosts or goblins.  Every day is a day that the Lord has made, we will celebrate Him.

 Lastly, on the second Sunday in November, we will make our annual trek to the beautiful, timber country of Angelina County.  The Church of the Living God, Culverhouse is now ‘New Life Church, Inc.’  On that day, services will be advanced one hour to accommodate our trip to Lufkin.  The bus will depart from FMBC at 12:45PM.

 Be blessed as we continue in Him.

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

Musings with the Pastor.  On this afternoon at approximately 1:45PM, there will be a very informative Financial Seminar held in the Denver Miller Fellowship Hall.  This pastor urges all that can to attend this seminar.   The scripture reminds us that “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”  (Hosea 4:6a). 

 It is true my friends, “Money Matters”.  Did you know that less than ten percent of the membership of FMBC attend either the Sunday School and/or Evening Worship?  Dear Ones, that is a number that we can’t be proud of.  What is so disturbing about members not attending Sunday School or Evening Worship, is that they are missing a marvelous opportunity for Christian growth.  We are admonished to “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”  (2 Peter 3:18a).

 Sunday School begins at 9:30AM and Evening Worship at 7:00PM.  It is our desire that those who are not availing themselves of these opportunities for growth will give them serious consideration for there is something in them for all of us. 

 “Son’s Night” is an alternative to Halloween.  As Christians, we do not celebrate witches, ghosts or goblins.  Every day is a day that the Lord has made, we will celebrate Him.

 Lastly, on the second Sunday in November, we will make our annual trek to the beautiful, timber country of Angelina County.  The Church of the Living God, Culverhouse is now ‘New Life Church, Inc.’  On that day, services will be advanced one hour to accommodate our trip to Lufkin.  The bus will depart from FMBC at 12:45PM.

 Be blessed as we continue in Him.

  Pastor J. Amos Jones