Faith Covenant Christian Church

11:00 a.m. Service

CALL TO WORSHIP

*INVOCATION

*CONGREGATIONAL HYMN

*RESPONSIVE READING

*PRAYER

SONG OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP

WELCOME / ANNOUNCEMENTS / FELLOWSHIP

OFFERTORY PRAYER AND OFFERING

*INTERCESSORY PRAYER

*PRAYER OF FAITH AND COMMITMENT

SPECIAL MUSIC

WORD OF GOD – Pastor Nokomis Yeldell, Jr.

*INVITATION TO SALVATION AND DISCIPLESHIP

PRAYER OF COMMITMENT

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

[You may join Faith Covenant Christian Church by: Baptism, Christian Experience,

Re-Dedication, Transfer Letter, or Watch Care]

HOLY COMMUNION (1st Sunday Of Every Month)

BENEDICTION

Claiming God’s Promises

Few things push back fear and inspire courage more than claiming God’s promises. But we need to keep in mind many of God’s promises are for Christ followers. These aren’t blanket promises for everyone. They’re for those who follow Christ. Three of these promises are especially encouraging:

We’re promised God’s power. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8). Among the blessings that come to us when we accept Jesus Christ is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Every Christ follower is given the indwelling presence of the Spirit to empower us to live Christlike lives.

We’re promised God’s provision. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). God never asks us to do something without also giving the resources to do it. This means if God calls you to forgive, he’ll give you the strength to do it. If God calls you to step out in faith, he’ll provide what you need to take that step. Our job is to obey, and God’s job is to supply.

We’re promised God’s presence. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Christ followers always have Christ with them. The promise to Joshua is repeated for all believers in Hebrews 13:5: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

God has made these promises—and others—to us. But do we believe them? Consider a story about a man who purchased a blazer at Nordstrom. The longer he kept it, the less he liked it. After wearing it regularly for the first six months, he stuck it in his closet for about a year. Tucked away in the back of his mind was Nordstrom’s famous unconditional return policy. After about 18 months, he thought he’d try to return the blazer even though he didn’t really think Nordstrom would exchange it since he’d worn it so many times. He walked up to the first salesperson he saw and gave a little speech he’d prepared: “I’m about to put your famous unconditional-return policy to its ultimate test. I have here a blazer. I’ve worn it lots. I’ve had it for a year and a half. I don’t like it. It’s the wrong color and attracts lint like it’s going out of style. But I want to return this blazer for another one that I like.” Then he stood there. The salesperson replied, “For heaven’s sake, what took you so long? Let’s go find a blazer you like.” Ten minutes later the man walked out with a new blazer that was marked $75 more than what he paid for the one he returned. It was perfect and didn’t cost a penny more.

God, we could say, is like a supersized Nordstrom. God makes these incredible promises, but many times we can’t bring ourselves to believe they’re true. Finally, when we’re overcome by fear or despair, we eventually cry out to God. We claim his promise, and then the Lord comes through. And maybe God sometimes thinks: For heaven’s sake, what took you so long?.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEXT WEEK

SUNDAY SCHOOL – September 27, 2026

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Rahab Welcomes Spies ~ Joshua 2:8–13, Joshua 6:16-17

Lesson Aims: After participating in this lesson,

each learner will be able to:

1. Summarize what Rahab and the people of Jericho

knew about God.

2. Explain how Rahab's knowledge of God influenced

her and led to Jericho's defeat.

3. Recall an instance when God used an unexpected

person to accomplish his will.

Joshua 2:8–11 8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof? and said to them, "I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 1 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. " When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

Rahab Acknowledges God After deceiving the men sent to search and kill Israelite spies, Rahab goes up to the roof where she has hidden them under stalks of flax, a plant used for making linen and rope. She explains why she sheltered spies from their pursuers and lied to the leaders of Jericho. Rahab has heard that Yahweh (whose name is often rendered as “the Lord” in translation) has already given the land of Canaan over to the Israelites. She says that fear of the Israelites had gripped the people of the land, including those living in Jericho (Josh. 2:9). She describes the rest of the people as “melting in fear,” showing the degree of dread that the Canaanites are experiencing. Such fear explains why the king of Jericho, aware of the Israelite’s presence on the east side of the Jordan, was looking out for spies. But why were the people of Jericho and the surrounding country so afraid? In verse 10, Rahab shares that they had heard about the mighty deeds of God. God had delivered the Israelites through the Red Sea when they came out of Egypt (Ex. 14:21, 29–31). God had helped Israel defeat mighty Amorite kings, Sihon and Og (see Deut. 2:24–3:11). God says at that time, “I will begin to put the terror and fear of you on all the nations under heaven. They will hear reports of you and will tremble” (Deut. 2:25). God prepares the way by putting residents of Canaan to a decision: either face the same powerful God who defeated mighty opponents, or flee. Rahab describes this fear in Jericho by saying: “When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you” (Josh. 2:11). This repeated image of melting, or dissolving, confirms to the Israelite spies that God has really given the land to them. Later, in their report to Joshua, they say, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us” (v. 24). By her incredible testimony, Rahab acknowledges Yahweh. Reflecting on the reports about God and His people, as well as the fear that has gripped the Canaanites, Rahab says to the spies, “For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below” (v. 11). These words resemble Moses’ words to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:39, where Moses adds, “There is no other” (Deut. 4:39). Rahab’s declaration is that Yahweh is very strong, exercising His power throughout heaven and earth. She knows that God is more than capable of defeating the Canaanites and coming into the land. Rahab expects Jericho to be conquered, and so she shows courageous hospitality to those in alignment with God’s will. She acknowledges that Yahweh reigns above all others.

Joshua 2:12–13 12 "Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign ' that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them and that you will save us from death."

Joshua 6:16-17 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, "Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!!? The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent.

God Is Faithful to Rahab Rahab desires a covenantal arrangement with the spies she has housed and protected. Now with the danger abated, she asks for something in return—the very kindness she had shown to them. Given her conviction about Yahweh’s power and Jericho’s impending destruction, she requests safety, since she believes that the Lord can protect her and her family. She seeks the aid that is given to a covenant partner in need, for the God of the Israelites is compassionate and faithful to any who seek Him. She even requests that such kindness will extend to all her relatives—her father and mother, brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them. The spies accept her request, swearing an oath and instructing her on what to do when Israelites enter the city. By Joshua 6:16, the Israelites have entered the land and spent six days marching around the city of Jericho. This is what the Lord instructed Joshua to do: “March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days” (Josh. 6:3). On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, while seven priests blew ram’s horns in front of the ark of the covenant. On the seventh time around, the priests were to sound a long blast and the whole army was to give a loud shout. Then the walls of Jericho would collapse (vv. 4–5). These instructions from God were predicated on the promise that God had already delivered Jericho into the hands of the Israelites (v. 2). The seventh time around the city, the priests sound a long blast and Joshua commands the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!” (v. 16). The city and all that is in it are to be “devoted to the Lord” (v. 17). The Israelites are instructed to keep away from the devoted things so that they do not bring destruction upon themselves. In other words, they are not to bring any of the Canaanites into their camp or take any plunder for themselves. But one exception is made among the entire city. In verse 17, Joshua tells the army that Rahab and her household are to be spared because of her hospitality toward the Israelite spies. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness and kindness to those who revere Him and seek His help. God heard Rahab’s plea for safety after she acknowledged His power and showed kindness to His people. God accepted Rahab into His covenantal fellowship and gave help in her time of need. In that way, Rahab’s salvation reminds us of Israel’s salvation from Egypt. Through God’s grace, she becomes part of God’s people.

About Us

OUR HISTORY

Faith Covenant Christian Church began on February 27, 2014 following a fellowship dinner for displaced former members of Crossroads Christian Church. Following that first meeting, we formed a Planning Committee and began meeting @ Best Western Hotel at Cedar Bluff.

On May 7, 2014, we adopted the name Faith Covenant Christian Church, with our foundational verse being Jeremiah 50:5. On June 22, 2014 an invitation to membership was given by Rev A. David Baxter and 21 people united with Faith Covenant Christian Church. Women’s and Men’s Ministries began having regular meetings. In September 2014, we began having Sunday School and Wednesday Night Bible Study. In November, Youth Ministry began. By the end of 2014, ten more people joined, three as new converts. We moved to 1027 Summer Wood Drive on April 1, 2015. Following a yearlong pastor search, Violet P. McRoy, was called as pastor on April 18, 2016. In March 2018, Pastor McRoy resigned as pastor, due to poor health and other personal issues. God quickly responded to our prayer-laden search and Nokomis Yeldell, Jr. was elected to the pastoral position on April 16, 2018. On Easter Sunday in 2025, we moved into a new sanctuary at 1021 Summer Wood Drive. On May 03, 2026, we celebrated our 12th church anniversary and are looking onward, upward and forward to serving God faithfully.

OUR PASTOR

Nokomis Yeldell, Jr.

Pastor Yeldell was born in Mt Pleasant, Texas, the third of five children of Nokomis and Dollie Pearl Yeldell. His father, also a Pastor for over 60 years, was called to Memphis, TN, where Nokomis Jr. grew up. Following graduation Pastor Yeldell attended Southwestern Christian College. He then served four years in the United States Air Force. He then decided to move to Knoxville, TN to further his education. After serving in leadership capacities in various ministries at Foster Chapel Baptist Church, Pastor Yeldell was called into the ministry in 2010.

Faith Covenant Christian Church represents Pastor Yeldell’s third and prayerfully final pastorate.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

FAITH COVENANT Christian Church accepts the Holy Scriptures as the revealed will of God, the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice, and holds to the following foundational truths:

1. The One True God

GOD IS… He is the eternally existent and immutable Father, Creator of the Universe and everything therein. He is the Lord of heaven and earth, and in Him we move and have our being. He is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Our Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is One God in three distinct persons: one in essence and purpose and distinct in personality and function. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. He is the essence of love, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, mercy, grace, holiness, righteousness, and justice.

2. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the eternally existent Son of the living God, the fullness of the Godhead bodily, the image of the invisible God, and the firstborn of all creation. Through Him was made everything that is made—things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things are held together.

He was born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God through His substitutionary death on the cross. He was resurrected bodily from the dead, and sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.

3. The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the Counselor, the Spirit of Truth, who goes out from the Father and testifies about the Son. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt in regards to sin and righteousness and judgment. He is given to all who believe, for Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit according to the promise of God the Father, who gives the Spirit without limit. The Holy Spirit lives with us and in us, bringing about the endowment of power for life and service, as well as the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry. These gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to His own will (Hebrews 2:4) include: prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, contributing to the needs of others, leadership, mercy (Romans 12:6-8), message of wisdom, message of knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, distinguishing between spirits (discernment), tongues, interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

4. Salvation from the Penalty of Sin

By grace, through faith, we are saved from the penalty of sin. Mankind, though made in the image of God, has inherited through the first man, Adam, a sinful nature. By this nature, all mankind has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and thereby, was alienated from God; dead in transgressions—gratifying the cravings, desires, and thoughts of the sinful nature; following the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air; stirring up wrath against himself for the day of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed. But God did not appoint mankind to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—and saved us by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

5. Salvation from the Power of Sin

By grace, through faith, we are saved from the power of sin. Having been crucified with Christ, we put to death the deeds of the body so that sin shall have no dominion over our mortal bodies. We have received the Spirit who is from God so that we may live by faith, understanding what God has freely given us to accomplish His purpose:

He has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our personal knowledge of Him as Savior and Lord.
He has given us His precious and magnificent promises by which we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
He has given us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ, His church, may be built up.
He has given to us the manifestation of the Spirit through spiritual gifts for the common good.
He has given us the ministry of reconciliation: that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him.

6. Salvation from the Presence of Sin

By grace, through faith, we are saved from the presence of sin, for the Lord Jesus died and rose again, and will Himself come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God. The dead in Christ shall rise first, and we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth will pass away. And we shall dwell with God in the Holy City, the New Jerusalem. We shall be His people, and God Himself will be with us and be our God. He will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away.

7. The Inspiration and Inerrancy of Scripture

God’s Word is TRUTH. The Holy Scriptures (both the Old and New Testament) is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. We are saved from the penalty, power, and presence of sin by grace through faith that comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, which testifies of Jesus Christ. By His Word, God has revealed Himself, His plan, His purpose, and His ways—so that we would come to Him to receive eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.

OUR MINISTRIES

Faith Covenant Christian Church operates under a FIVE FOLD Ministry concept

I EXALTATION

Deacons- Bro. Reggie Lindsey

Holy Sacraments And Sacred Days – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

Media- Sis. Tiaeshia Kelso, Bro. Anthony Lindsey

Music- Bro. Reggie Lindsey

Program – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

Public Relations – Bro. Reggie Lindsey, Sis. Sabrina T. Wilson

Pulpit – Pastor Nokomis Yeldell, Jr.

Reconciliation – Ministerial Council

Ushers – Sis. Teresa Farmer

II ENABLING

Benevolence – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

Food Pantry – Bro. Karl Townes

Hospitality – Sis. Teresa Farmer

Intercessory Prayer – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

Missions – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

III EDUCATION

Bible Study – Pastor Nokomis Yeldell, Jr.

Youth Church –

Sunday School – Bro. Reggie Lindsey

Supplemental Education And Training – Bro. Reggie Lindsey

Vacation Bible School –

IV EDIFICATION

Church-Wide Edification – Sis. Sabrina T. Wilson

Men’s Ministry – Bro. Karl Towns

Women’s Ministry (WICS) – Sis. Teresa Farmer

Youth – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

V EQUIPPING

Administration – Sis. Sabrina T. Wilson

Finance – Sis. Teresa Farmer, Sis. Tiaeshia Kelso, Sis. Sabrina T. Wilson

Transportation – Bro. Karl Towns

Trustees – Bro. Karl Towns

Kitchen Ministry / Special Events – Sis. Teresa Farmer

Comfort And Care Ministry - Pastor Nokomis Yeldell, Jr.