The Vine & The Branches

Friendship Community Church

The Vine & The Branches

September 25, 2022

Have you ever missed the obvious when you couldn't figure out why some electrical device wasn't working? Chances are, each of us has had at least one silly moment like that in our lives, when we searched high and low for the answer to why the alarm clock, light, vacuum, or drill wasn't working only to eventually realize that we simply didn't have it plugged in to a power source. Unless it remains plugged into the source, the device cannot work. In the same way, Christians are commanded to remain in Christ, for He is the Source for all that we need and it is only through Him that we can bear the expected fruit. If we're not remaining plugged in, we simply won't work the way we're supposed to work. This week at Friendship, our elder Tim Ellis will be bringing a message called "The Vine and the Branches", referring to Jesus and His followers in Scripture. Those attending the church retreat will get a similar message from multiple speakers. Wherever you may be this weekend, join with your brothers and sisters in worship and urge one another to remain in Christ throughout all circumstances.

Don't Covet, Be Happy

September 18, 2022 • Pastor Logan Ames

In my home, there are somewhere between 947 and 17,685 different toys for my two precious daughters to utilize. Obviously, I'm having fun with a number I don't actually know and haven't counted, but it's a lot of toys. Yet, what continues to amaze me is how often both girls want the same exact toy at the same exact moment. Generally, this phenomenon is preceded by neither child caring one bit about any of the toys. But as soon as one of them begins to use and enjoy a scooter, markers, a toy car, or a favorite stuffed animal, the other immediately wants it and will spare absolutely no tantrum to get it. If you're laughing right now, it's because you've had children, and you totally get it. Our goal is to teach our children not only the value of sharing, but more importantly the benefit of being content with what you have instead of comparing it to what your neighbor has. This week at Friendship, we'll talk about the 10th commandment which deals with the problem of covetousness. It's a sin that we've all clearly battled since we were young children, but God's desire is for us to be content in what He has given us, and what He has done for us. Join us as we are reminded about true happiness and joy in Him!

Taming the Tongue

September 11, 2022 • Pastor Logan Ames

When I was a child, I learned about an animated Disney character who has been around since just about all of you were young. His name is Pinocchio and he was mostly known for his long nose, which grew anytime he told a lie. Aside from the fact that having a long nose like that would certainly be a nuisance anytime you try to walk or move through tight spaces (Could you imagine trying to turn a steering wheel or look closely through a window?), the biggest reason not to be like Pinocchio is the fact that your sin is on display for all to see. On one hand, the fact that you cannot hide the consequences of your sin would be terrifying. But on the other hand, that's a good thing and a great deterrent. This week at Friendship, we address the challenge of "Taming the Tongue" as we cover Commandment #9 which deals with bearing false witness against our neighbor. Remember, while we don't have a growing nose or anything else which may identify our sinful choices to others, we worship a God who knows, sees, and HEARS all things. He knows when you've told that lie, started that rumor, or spread that gossip. Join us this weekend for a necessary reminder of the power of speech, both in sin and in righteousness.

It's Not Yours

September 4, 2022 • Pastor Logan Ames

We've probably all had the reaction depicted in the attached picture. This was true in a literal sense growing up if your parents had a stash of cookies and you had the constant temptation of knowing they are there but the rules say you can't have one. It weighed on your mind and your appetite until you finally worked up the courage to boldly go where no one in your house had gone before - stealing from the cookie jar. If you were successful, it was thrilling. If you were caught with your hand in the cookie jar, it was embarrassing. And the worst part was you didn't even get to keep the cookie! Of course, it was a good lesson, so that as you matured, you wouldn't continue the act of stealing and end up with way worse consequences than embarrassment. This week at Friendship, we'll look at the eighth commandment regarding the sin of stealing and we'll consider the ways in which we are all susceptible to this sin. Ultimately, even when it seems legal and appropriate, in God's eyes, it's stealing when "It's Not Yours". Join us this week as we focus on making sure we are not, figuratively speaking, getting caught with our hands in the cookie jar!