Have you given any thought to what it really means to be a Christian? Who or what is a Christian? There are those who will say, “I belong to Friendship Baptist Church, or San Rafael Catholic Church or First United Methodist Church, so I am a Christian.” It is possible that you are a Christian and a member of one of the aforementioned churches, however, membership alone does not make you a Christian. What then is a Christian? A Christian is a born-again believer, who is a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) A Christian is one that has a personal, intimate relationship with God through His son. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27).  Again, hear Jesus: “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:29, 30)  A Christian is one that enjoys eternal security. While believers can expect to suffer on earth, Satan cannot harm their souls or take away their eternal life with God. A Christian lives a love centered life. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:7, 8) Here is the acid test of our love for Him.  Obedience, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” (John 14:21)

Be blessed as you walk in Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Of the Acts of the Holy Spirit (through the Apostles) is a deep well of Biblical doctrine and this pastor does recommend that we drink from it often. The Acts covers the establishment of the church that the Lord Jesus had said, “upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18c).  In the book of Acts we find the early church on full display. We can find its historical presentation, and the modern church will do well to learn from its precepts. Consider, the early church began with the infusion of the Holy Spirit. A shortcoming of the church of 2023 is its failure to adhere to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Hear the word of the Lord: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit:  and the Spirit against the flesh and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” (Gal. 5:16, 17) Also, consider the sense of community in the early church: “And all that believed were together and had all things common;” (Acts 2:44). This is consistent with Psalm 133:1: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Harmony is important because (1) it makes the church a positive example to the world and helps draw others to the Lord; (2) it helps us cooperate as a body of believers as God meant us to do. And then, the book of Acts instructs us in church polity, i.e. church government. “And by the hands of the of the apostles were many sign and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in the in Solomon’s porch.  And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) (Acts 5:12-14)

Let me invite you to drink deeply from the well of doctrine, which is the Acts of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Well, dear people, here we are again, time for “March Gladness.”  That’s right, “gladness” rather than “March Madness.” With all respect to the many basketball fans, this pastor’s preference is gladness over madness.  Gladness is really inward joy.  The joy that comes from knowing and trusting God.  Outward joy or happiness, comes as a result of pleasant circumstances, like when your favorite team is winning.  Inward joy or gladness is steady as long as we trust in God; happiness, is unpredictable.  Inward joy (gladness) defeats discouragement; happiness covers it up.  Inward joy is lasting; happiness is temporary.  Hear what the Psalmist has to say about gladness: “Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in time that their corn and wine increased.”  (Psalm 4:7).  The Living God is the source of our gladness.  Irrespective of what happens in life, whether my team wins or not, gladness is the lot the believer.  Praise God!  “Thou hast  turned for me my mourning into dancing:  thou hast put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness;  To the end that my glory may sing praises to thee, and not be silent, O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever” (Psalm 30:11-12)  And so, dear ones, for  this pastor it is “March Gladness.”  Some people work reluctantly, complaining as they go. Others cheerfully give their best all of the time.  Believers are faithful and they serve with gladness.  The word of God tells  us to “Serve the Lord with gladness:  “Come before His presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).  “March gladness”  continues.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

There is an undeniable truth that the pastor has ascertained fifty-four years in ministry, forty-nine of them serving as the pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. That spiritual truth is the revelation of the “Is-ness of God.” Hear the Psalmist: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)  There have been medical challenges and character defaming, among the many attacks of the evil one however, our God is faithful. Whatever happens in this life, God is our refuge even in the face of total destruction. He is not merely a temporary retreat: oh, no, he is our eternal refuge and will provide strength in any circumstance. Those times when men will rise up against you, we must remember that “God is greater than man.” (Job 33:12b) You can always call upon Him because: “Gracious is the Lord, and righteousness; yea, our God is merciful.” (Psalm 116:5)  Our Heavenly Father is worthy of our praise and worship. Worship is a thankful response to a good and gracious God. The Divine Creator and sustainer of the universe is our God. Know this dear ones: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Thank God for the “Is-ness” of God. His perpetual presence has been a guiding force for this pastor. “For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrew 12:29)

Finally, dear members, “This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare onto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)  Amen and Amen.

Pastor J. Amos Jone

As with our annual banquet, the recent trip to College Station allows the world to see the church outside of the building. We know that the people constitute the Church of the Living God. For you who made the trip, thank you for being the face of Friendship. When our behavior reflects the Christ who lives in us, we are then, the instrumentality of God. We are, as the Apostle Paul tells his young son in the ministry, Timothy, “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1Tim. 4:12). So dear ones, while you were enjoying an outing that was both informational and educational, you were also involved in the work of the church. A big “God bless you” and our appreciation goes out to Sisters Deanne Hodge, Melinda Morgan, Paula Upchurch, Rosa Morrow, the members of the Black History Academy, and to all of the volunteers that contributed to a great event. And then there was an excellent “soul food” dinner on last Sunday. We recognize the following brothers for a job well done: Clifford Fields. Rev. Eric Boyd, Deacon Thomas Barnett, Deacon Alvin Smith, and Don Quinn. And a special thanks to Sister Marita Smith for your extreme service. Thank you, for a job well done. To the members of Friendship Baptist Church, thank you for living out principles contained in Psalm 133.

Be blessed as we walk in him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones