Pastor Joel Farber
For the last several months, my LifeGroup has been going through the Friendship Church Bible study curriculum on the life of Isaac and Jacob in Genesis 24-35. Throughout these chapters we see a cycle of God’s promises to and through broken and sinful people. We see these promises put into jeopardy due to the sinful and foolish actions of these people. And yet, we still see that God continues to fulfill His promises despite them. He doesn’t owe us anything, yet He keeps His promises.
The Bible has a lot to say about worship. Whether it’s concerning our hearts (Matthew 15:8-9; Exodus 29:13) or the types of songs and instruments used in worship (Psalm 150:1-5; Psalm 98:1-7). I personally enjoy the Psalmist’s call to use clashing cymbals and ram horns in worship. The world needs more of that. All said, even if our hearts are in the right place and we use every single instrument, worship in song and sound doctrine is important (1 Timothy 4:16; Titus 1:9; Titus 2:1).
My parents had planned a trip to Italy and were supposed to go in early 2020. But their plans were postponed due to the COVID pandemic the world began to face. Over the course of the next year and a half, Mom and Dad worked on refreshing different documents and accounts so that, if anything should happen to them while they’re on their trip, we (their children) would be able to help from home.
Have you ever stopped to think about nothing? That’s a tricky question so I need to ask it again, but differently. When asked that question, I assume many would interpret it to mean, “Do you ever turn off your brain and take a moment to pause and not think about anything?” I admit that’s a fair interpretation and probably the most common. However, I am asking…Do you ever stop to think about NOTHING?
We introduced “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” as the August hymn part of our 2021 Hymn Project.
Happy Father’s Day!
Potty training. Learning or teaching, we’ve all been there. If it’s been a while since you were potty trained or had to potty train anyone, please allow me to remind you… Remember all the accidents, messes, laundry, extra clothes, crying and stubbornness? Maybe you do, maybe you don’t, but that’s my life right now.
Prior to 2020, the only people that I can think of who wore masks were superheroes and robbers. One hides their identity so they can keep doing their heroic work at odd hours throughout the day. The other hides their identity because they’re up to no good and they don’t want others to know who they are. Regardless of the reasons, good or bad, as to why superheroes and robbers wear masks, the desired result to hide their identity is the same.
I’ve been Friendship Church’s video specialist for over two years now and one thing that’s unique about this church is its story. Most churches that I’ve attended don’t tell or don’t know their history or story. What I found is that since Friendship is still a relatively young church, a lot of the founders of this church are still around to share their stories.
2020 has been a crazy year. What’s that old saying? “Fail to plan and your plan will fail?” Well, if 2020 could rewrite that, we’d all agree it’d be something like, “Sure, go ahead, make your plans, get excited about them, plan on them, but your plan will fail.” SERIOUSLY. If you’re anything like me, it has been so easy to not worry about plans. A lot of people found their Covid-routines. It’s not like everyone loves it, but it has been what it has been.
As I sat here writing this, I found myself once again in awe of how the Lord works in our lives. Even when we don’t see it, He is working. About this time one year ago, the Lord began something new in my heart and now it all makes sense. You’ll have to continue reading to find out.
I worked for a missions organization in Boston during the summer of 2011. I was a part of a five person staff that led week-long inner-city mission trips for youth groups across the nation. It was a great experience, but I struggled with the freedom to do what I wanted on our days off. As a group we spent countless hours together day and night. We only had one vehicle, and if I wanted any time away and needed the car, it had to be planned. I had to learn to adjust and sacrifice some personal freedom.
