"Christians Engaged"

Friendship Community Church

"Christians Engaged"

October 13, 2024 • Pastor Logan Ames

"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” ~ President Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address

While we usually start this preview off with Scripture, today we pull from a great speech delivered 161 years ago just thirty minutes or so from where our church building sits today. Scripture is God-inspired and will always hold prominence over any man's speech or writing, but it is reasonable to think that President Lincoln was led, at least in part, by the Holy Spirit on that day as he reminded the people of the uniqueness of our great nation and the gift and responsibility of self-governance that God bestowed upon the United States. Of course, even self-governance is submitted "under God", but as long as we remain humble before Him, we must recognize that He has entrusted to us a government "of the people, by the people, for the people". That means that we have to be involved, my friends. We don't simply clamor for a new king as Israel mistakenly did in 1 Samuel 8, and we certainly can't be content to merely grumble and complain about the things we don't like in the current public servants we have chosen. Instead, we carefully and prayerfully seek God for how He wants us to use our gifts in this nation - namely, a vote and a voice - and then we act in humble obedience to Him. This week at Friendship, our title is "Christians Engaged", and we'll explore what that means not only in light of the current election climate, but also for ongoing civic engagement by God's people. Make no mistake about it - it's got very little to do with alignment to any political party. If you are ready to put aside all the divisiveness and vitriol of the ridiculous onslaught of political ads and seek the Lord for what He wants from you as you work out your salvation with fear and trembling, then this message is for you!

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!