Jesus has declared that Christians are the salt of the earth.  On last week, we heard Jesus underscore the reality that salt has the power to make a difference.  We have the power to make a difference.  The Lord expects us to make a difference.  He has strategically positioned us in the world that the world might be better.  We said on last week that in the ancient world, salt was used to flavor, preserve, and purify.  We then examined salt as a flavor enhancer.  Salt adds zest and brings taste to what would otherwise be bland and disappointing.  Christians are not negative, grumpy, stagnated or difficult.  Nay, to the contrary, Christians are confident, optimistic, having a joyous nature because of our position and privileges in Christ (And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus [Eph. 2:6:6, 7]).  May I remind you that to be effective, we must “get out of the shaker.”  Salt is only effective when it engages it’s surroundings.  Salt left in the shaker is of no use.  This present day drift towards decadence can only be checked by the presence of followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Where there are Christians, there is a better citizenry.  Jesus tells us that we are to “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God, the things that are God’s”  (Matt. 22:21 b).  The Christian influence will help to improve public policy and will be a consistent voice speaking out about morality and justice.  This, of course, is no surprise Christians vote and encourage others to do so!  A Christian’s work ethic is guided by his relationship with the Lord.

Dear ones, prove all things; hold fast that which is good and “get out of the shaker”.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Jesus, the Master Teacher, tells us in Matthew 5:13, that we, as Christians, are the salt of the earth. What a profound statement, but then to that Jesus poses a rhetorical question: “but if the salt have lost his savor (strength), wherewith shall it be salted”? Jesus underscores the reality that salt has the power to make a difference. Dear Ones, the Lord has strategically positioned us in the world to make a difference. In the ancient world, salt was used to flavor, preserve, and purify. As a flavor enhancer, salt adds zest and brings taste to what would otherwise be bland and disappointing. The overall climate of our nation is one of fear. The economy, the mortgage melt-down, the bank bailouts, unemployment, and this and that, all give cause for concern, however, we know in whom we have believed. As Christians, we are confident and optimistic that during these dark times: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isaiah 9:2). To the Christian I say, “get out of the shaker.” Salt is only effective when it engages it’s surroundings. Salt left in the shaker is of no use. During these dark times, this should be the finest hour for the Church of the Living God. We know that our God, Jehovah-Jireh, is our source. The Lord will provide! Because of all we have in Jesus, our lives are rich and free. We are as Christians, not negative, not stagnated, not embroiled, in the fear and worry of the times, but rather confident in the Creator of the universe that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us.

Beloved, as salt, please “get out of the shaker”!

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Reflections. What an awesome, spirit-filled, day we had on last Sunday. The Youth Choir under the leadership of Sister Marnita Bishop truly blessed our hearts. They are a blessing on many levels. First of all, children occupy a special place with the Lord, “in heaven the angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10 b). It is a blessing to have so many young people actively involved in the church. And boy, can they sing! It is a real joy to hear (and see) them sing, as it is to hear the Teen Choir. Suffice it to say the song service was a blessing to the soul. The Gospel is still the power of God unto salvation and Elder Leo Wright preached a powerful sermon. Thank God for the Gospel. A big “God bless you” to all the women for all that they do to expand the Kingdom of our Lord. What a great Women’s Day celebration we had. Wonderful program, great preaching and spirited singing and great food prepared by Deacon Glen Beal and a band of caring men. Ladies, we thank the Lord for you and your many contributions to the Kingdom of our Lord. Reflections: Just as they theme of the Book of Esther is God’s Providential Care, please know that Friendship shares in His Providential Care. On a very cold Saturday morning several weeks ago, Deacons, Gary Morrow, Bruce Smith, Glen Beal, and Nelson Morgan, Trustee, D. Holmes and Brother Rod Robinson, did yeoman’s work in preparing for the lights on the parking lot. The Lord strategically places people where His will can be accomplished in the earth realm. Praise God for His divine directions. Be blessed as we continue.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Thank God for the many wonderful members of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church who are contributing significantly to Black History, or better still, “Kingdom History.” In the years to come when historians reflect upon the Friendship of the first decade of two thousand, what a testament to the awesomeness of God exhibited through the lives of His people. Consider the many young lives that are impacted in so many positive ways as a result of the Godly teachings of Sister Suntera Scott. And then there is the poise and the art of presentation that is poured into our young people by Sister Marnita Bishop and the musician staff. The fantastic, the fabulous, the talented, the terrific, the Friendship Flame Dancers are a joy to behold. What a great job Sister Rebecca does with these young people. Rebecca is indeed a choreographer extraordinaire. “But Jesus said suffer (permit) little children, and forbid them not; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” The young people of today are the world leaders of tomorrow, shaping and defining the years to come. Moreover, they demonstrate entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. What a contribution! Additionally, there is the great work done by the brothers of the church to enhance the facility. What a commitment to Christ and to His Kingdom these brothers have demonstrated. History will show that His Kingdom was expanded as a result of the efforts of so many of you. There is Deacon Beal and the Sunday School staff and teachers who contribute to the edifying of the body of Christ. The Season’s Ministry, the Senior Mission, the Pastoral Ministry, are all leaving a rich legacy of service to the Kingdom. Hear what the Word says about these committed persons: “the hand of the diligent maketh rich” (Proverbs 10:4b).

Pastor J. Amos Jones