During February as we reflect on Black History, there are parallels in Jewish history as presented in the book of Esther that are captivating to this Pastor.  In the intricacy of it’s plot and the beautiful drama, Esther shows how Divine Providence overrules all things and all people.    Even in a distant country, God’s people are always in His hands.  The book of Esther reminds us that the fate of the Jewish people was not in the hands of their enemies, but of Almighty God.  The Jews placed their trust in the God who would raise up an “Esther” that would “come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.”

In the ugliness of slavery, the testimony of man’s inhumanity to man, that non-biblical concept of man having dominion over another man, even there was His providence in the midst of His people.  It is amazing how through the study of Scripture, people of African descent, the descendants of Ham, have been shown to be a tremendously important component of the human race.  For the Jews, there was Esther, and African-Americans, there has been Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman.  History reveals that many great persons of all races, classes and gender have been martyred for the cause of Freedom.  Freedom is not free!  In the book of Esther, there is the inexorable working of divine judgement.  Haman was eventually hanged on his own gallows.

Dear Ones, let me share three requisites from the Word of God:

• And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  (John 8:32)
• If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.  (John 8:36)
• And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  (Galatians 6:9)

Be blessed as we continue in Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

During February as we reflect on Black History, there are parallels in Jewish history as presented in the book of Esther that are captivating to this Pastor.  In the intricacy of it’s plot and the beautiful drama, Esther shows how Divine Providence overrules all things and all people.    Even in a distant country, God’s people are always in His hands.  The book of Esther reminds us that the fate of the Jewish people was not in the hands of their enemies, but of Almighty God.  The Jews placed their trust in the God who would raise up an “Esther” that would “come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.”

In the ugliness of slavery, the testimony of man’s inhumanity to man, that non-biblical concept of man having dominion over another man, even there was His providence in the midst of His people.  It is amazing how through the study of Scripture, people of African descent, the descendants of Ham, have been shown to be a tremendously important component of the human race.  For the Jews, there was Esther, and African-Americans, there has been Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman.  History reveals that many great persons of all races, classes and gender have been martyred for the cause of Freedom.  Freedom is not free!  In the book of Esther, there is the inexorable working of divine judgement.  Haman was eventually hanged on his own gallows.

Dear Ones, let me share three requisites from the Word of God:

• And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  (John 8:32)
• If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.  (John 8:36)
• And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  (Galatians 6:9)

Be blessed as we continue in Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

To our newest members, welcome to the Friendship family.  To our visitors who have chosen to worship with the Friendship family, thank you for sharing our worship experience.  New members and/or visitors, you are indeed a blessing to us and we appreciate the opportunity to minister to each of you.  You will find that here at Friendship, we are traditional in the things of God as we are taught in II Thessalonians 2:15:  “Therefore, brethren, standfast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or by epistle.”  We believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God.  We know that no prophecy is of private interpretation, for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of men:  but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.  (II Peter 1:20-21)

We recognize that the Bible is God’s message to man (mankind).  The theme of this message is the same in both the Old and New Testaments, the redemption of man.  The Old Testament tells about the origin of man’s sin and the preparation God made for the solution of this problem through His own Son the Messiah.  The New Testament describes the fulfillment of God’s redemption plan.  The two Testaments form two volumes of one work.  The first is incomplete without the second, and the second cannot be fully understood without the first.  Together, they are God’s revelation to man of the provision He has made for His salvation.

Here at Friendship, we still hold the Bible as our basic handbook.  Having stated that, we are traditional in the things of God, unashamedly, I will admit that we are an innovative Church family.  We have taken a cue from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Our Lord has mightily affected society in its organized state.  It is our desire to bring about positive change in the four-corners area.  The Lord has taught the world the dignity of human life, the worth of the soul, the preciousness of personality.  Because of this, the status of women has improved (They are ministers of the Gospel here), children are recognized as a primary responsibility for the lavishing of love and care (we have an awesome, active, age-appropriate Children’s Church).  Human life, when weak or aged or disadvantaged, is not regarded as forfeiting a right to a place in society, but rather is entitled to help; (Your Benevolent Offering is at work, Hallelujah!)  Again, let me welcome you to Friendship.

Be blessed as we follow Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Child-like:  belonging or suitable to a child-like or characteristic of a child;  To be child-like is a requirement for entrance into the Kingdom of God.  Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God, as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  (Mark 10:15

Jesus, the Son of the Living God, the One who came to usher in the Kingdom of God, emphasized child-likeness as a requisite for Kingdom dwellers.  That having been said, please take note that child-like and childish are both applied to persons of any age in referring to characteristics or qualities considered typical of a child.  Child-like suggest those favorable qualities of a child such as innocence, guilelessness, trustfulness, teachable and childish, the unfavorable, as immaturity, foolishness, insolent, impatient and immodest.   The Apostle Peter tells us that the child-like Christian will experience spiritual growth because of his/her receptivity to the nurturing by the infallible Word of God.  (1 Peter 2:2)

The Kingdom of heaven belongs to persons who are child-like in disposition.  The little child learns to obey confidingly and simply.  Jesus does not say that children are in the Kingdom of God because they are children.  He makes the child the model for those who seek entrance into the Kingdom of God, not the adult the model for the child.  In Luke 18, Jesus teaches His over-ambitious disciples a lesson concerning who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.  And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, verify I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

Dear ones, be great, biblically, in the Kingdom of God.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

This is a very special day for the Friendship family.  On today, we celebrate Deacons and Trustees Affirmation Day.  Although in reference to this day, “celebrate” is a misnomer.  A better rendering of the essence of this day is assertion and individual validation. 

On today, our deacons are standing up and stating publicly:  “I am a deacon as defined by the Bible, God’s holy word.”  Deacons are appointed Church Officers, ordained by the apostles (Acts 6:1-6), they are named with the Bishops/Elders (Philippians 1:1), and their qualifications are found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.  What our Deacons are affirming today is, THEY ARE DEACONS.  They are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Conversely, the membership is stating publicly:  “we bless God and honor your leadership.”

The Word of God says:  For those who perform well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and also gain much confidence and freedom and boldness in the faith which is [founded on an centers] in Christ Jesus.  (1 Timothy 3:13 Amplified Bible)

The Trustees are certainly included in Colossians 3:23:  “Whatever may be our task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.”  The trustees are affirming their stewardship, a trust granted for profitable use, of Spiritual things based on gifts bestowed upon His people.  The trustees are stating publicly that they too are servants of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Again the membership is stating:  “We bless God and honor your leadership.”

Deacons and Trustees Affirmation Day, a day when Friendship corporately affirms our being true yoke-fellows, laboring in His vineyard.  And the best is yet to come!

Deacons and Trustees, be blessed as you work for Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones