Healer and Shepherd

Friendship Community Church

Healer and Shepherd

June 20, 2021 • Pastor Logan Ames

Have you ever prayed for healing or direction and felt like the prayer wasn't answered? God doesn't ignore us, but sometimes His answer is not what we want. The Apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to take away his "thorn in the flesh", as he writes in 2 Corinthians 12. But the Lord chose not to remove it, and instead urged Paul to trust in His grace which would be sufficient to help him overcome. Many believers today are in need of healing, whether it be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. They look for quick fixes in other things, but TRUE healing that is complete and eternal, rather than temporary and disappearing, comes through Jesus. In the same way, many believers are struggling with direction in life, desperately in need of someone to guide them and show them the way. Jesus, who said "I AM the way", is the Chief Shepherd who provides the care and direction we lack. This week at Friendship, we'll look into the letters from Peter and James as they describe our Savior and Lord as "Healer and Shepherd". Whatever else you've been turning to, it's not the answer. Join us and discover that Jesus is indeed everything you need!

King of Kings and Lord of Lords

July 4, 2021 • Pastor Logan Ames

Have you ever been scared for the future of our nation, or specifically the future of your children or grandchildren who will pay for the choices and mistakes being made today? Maybe you are feeling that way right now. July 4th is always a great time to remind ourselves of what a blessing it is to live in a country where we are free, even when we don't like a lot of what we see happening. It's important to consider what that freedom cost, and how the price has continued to be paid to defend it from those who wish to steal it away. For those of us who follow and trust in Jesus, we have even more reason to feel blessed, for we know the freedom He provided by His blood can NEVER be taken away. Once the only true King declares that you are free, no one else can change it. This week at Friendship, we come to the end of our long "He Is" series with the Book of Revelation, where we find that Jesus is indeed "King of kings and Lord of lords". His power, authority, and strength are unmatched, and our only path to eternal freedom from sin is to repent and surrender to Him. Join us this weekend to be thankful for freedom and to give Him the honor due Him!

The Lover Coming For His Bride

June 27, 2021 • Associate Pastor Ben Sorbello

Are you ready for the wedding? Who is getting married and who is getting left at the altar? Who do you love, hate or use? Let's do a word association, where I mention a word and you answer do I love, hate or use that word. Ready? Here they are: God, money, Jesus, world, sin, people, sports, Holy Spirit of God (I know more than a word), TV, Bible, Church. How did you do? We will explore all of these questions this weekend and we will do our very best to get you ready for your wedding. There is no need to be anxious or nervous, just be prepared and ready for when the Groom comes for us! If you truly believe and have read your bible, then you know that Jesus is coming for the Church, and hopefully that includes you and I. Read Psalm 45, enter the King's palace, and praise His name forever and ever!

The Everlasting Covenant

June 13, 2021 • Pastor Logan Ames

One of the most annoying things coming back to Pennsylvania from Ohio was realizing that we were once again responsible for getting our vehicles inspected once a year. Does anyone else ever feel like you can't believe it's been a year already? Come to think of it, I feel that way regarding just about every contract or certification that I have to renew. Don't you just wish something, anything at all, in your life was valid forever? The good news is that, if you have accepted Christ's sacrifice for your sins and surrendered to Him as Lord, you DO have an agreement that's good for eternity. This week at Friendship, we'll look at the Book of Hebrews where Jesus and "The Everlasting Covenant" by His blood are on display. God has promised this to us for thousands of years even before it was fulfilled in Jesus. As we learn about the reality of these everlasting promises, may the hope they provide be an anchor for your soul. Join us to be encouraged!