"The Body International"

Friendship Community Church

"The Body International"

November 3, 2024 • Pastor Logan Ames

"And I, because of what they have planned and done, am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory" ~ Isaiah 66:18

It has always been God's plan since the beginning to use His people to draw others back to Him. While He began with Israel as His chosen and blessed people, their failure to voluntarily aid in bringing the nations to Him didn't stop Him from gathering them Himself. In the same way, Jesus gives a clear command to His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, but if we fail, God will surely find another way, and we will be judged for our disobedience. We ought to allow this reality to inform our approach to the issues of immigration and border security, which have become extremely volatile during the election cycle. Do we see those from other nations as immediate threats or as opportunities to share the gospel message? Should we accept lawlessness because of compassion, or represent Christ in truth AND grace? This week at Friendship, we'll address these questions and more as we talk about "The Body International". Don't miss this chance to hear God's perspective on one of the most politically-charged issues of our day.

Gratefully Generous

November 24, 2024 • Pastor Logan Ames

"Mutual Accountability"

November 17, 2024 • Pastor Logan Ames

"When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned" ~ Galatians 2:11 This one short verse seems problematic without properly understanding the context. "Cephas" is another name for Peter, so what we have here is a confrontation between two of the most influential apostles in the history of the Church. Paul's boldness to publicly oppose Peter, then also to turn around and write about it, seems like the very thing we might condemn today. Some would even say it's an example of "toxic masculinity". But Paul gives his clear reason - Peter stood condemned. The rest of the passage outlines Peter's sin; he behaved according to fear of his peers rather than the gospel. Paul's willingness to oppose him was ultimately based on a love for Peter and an urgency to maintain the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ. Peter was a leader in the Church, and his sin would lead others astray as well. Paul was willing to risk losing friendships and being labeled a "meanie" in order to stand in truth and love. This, my friends, is the responsibility of ALL believers. This week at Friendship, we'll talk about "Mutual Accountability", another mark of the faith that helps us work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Join us to hear about God's plan for you to stay accountable, as well as help restore others who currently stand condemned.

"Made to Serve"

November 10, 2024 • Associate Pastor Ben Sorbello

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ~ Philippians 2:3-4 NIV Now that the elections have ended, are you ready to serve your neighbors? Regardless of who is in the White House, there is only one King of kings and Lord of lords! His reign is FOREVER, and there are no term limits. As followers of Jesus Christ, our purpose in life is defined by our desire to follow Him to heaven for an eternity. That means we are "Made to Serve" and that is the title of our message this weekend. If you are suffering from a lack of purpose and are not sure what you are supposed to be doing as a believer, then the Holy Spirit is calling you to service this weekend! Bring a friend or family member with you! We will also have two servants that will be telling us about their ministries join us for Sunday services, and one of them will be with us on Saturday also!