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

Finding Faith In Unlikely People

In Matthew 8: 5-13, we find Jesus in Capernaum, a town located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. As Jesus enters the town, a Roman centurion approaches Him. The centurion, a man of authority in the Roman army, had a servant who was paralyzed and in terrible suffering. Despite being a Gentile, the centurion displays remarkable faith in Jesus and asks Him to heal his servant. Surrounded by a crowd of onlookers, Jesus agrees to go to the centurion’s home to heal the servant. However, the centurion humbly responds that he is not worthy to have Jesus come under his roof and believes that a mere word from Jesus would be enough to heal his servant. Jesus is amazed by the centurion’s faith and declares that he has not found such great faith in all of Israel. The centurion’s servant is healed at that very moment, and the scene ends with Jesus commending the centurion’s faith to the crowd.

The setting is one of humility, faith, and compassion. Jesus, the centurion, the suffering servant, and the curious crowd all come together in this moment of miraculous healing, showcasing the power of faith and the boundless mercy of Jesus and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and believing in the divine power of Jesus, regardless of our background or position in society. Like the centurion, do you believe in the limitless power of Jesus to bring about healing and miracles in your life or the lives of others? These verses challenge us to consider the strength of our faith and encourage us to trust in the power of Jesus to work wonders even in the most unlikely circumstances.

One way we can demonstrate great faith in challenging times is by truly believing in the power and authority of Jesus. Just like the centurion in the passage, we can approach Jesus with humility and confidence, knowing that he has the ability to bring about miracles in our lives. Despite the obstacles or difficulties we may be facing, having unwavering faith in Christ’s ability to intervene and provide for our needs can strengthen us during trying times.

Another way to demonstrate great faith is by understanding that we are not limited by human circumstances or logic when it comes to our beliefs. The centurion’s faith was not hindered by the physical distance between him and Jesus, nor by the societal norms of the time. We can exhibit great faith by transcending worldly constraints and fully trusting in God’s power to work beyond what we can see or comprehend.

Lastly, we can show great faith by surrendering our fears and doubts to Jesus, just as the centurion did when he acknowledged his own unworthiness and placed his trust completely in Christ. We can overcome our doubts and experience the peace that comes from trusting in God’s plan for our lives by emulating the centurion’s example of wholehearted faith and reliance on Jesus in challenging times.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEXT WEEK

SUNDAY SCHOOL – July 12, 2026

____________________________

SIMON PETER, RESTORED DISCIPLE ~

Mark 8:27–29; Luke 22:31–34; John 18:25–27, John 21:15–17

Lesson Aims: After participating in this lesson,

each learner will be able to:

1. Recount the major events of Peter’s life.

2. Explain how Peter’s life demonstrates God’s ability

to use people in spite of their failings.

3. List ways that personal shortcomings can become

opportunities to depend on Christ.

Mark 8:27–29; Luke 22:31–34; John 18:25–27: 27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” . . . 31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” . . . 25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” 26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

Do You Know Him? Today’s texts come from different Gospels, but they all reveal a developing relationship between Peter and Jesus. Before Peter was the great evangelist who persuaded thousands to be baptized into faith (Acts 2:14–41), before he spoke up to support the gospel ministry to Gentiles (Acts 15:7–11), Peter was a simple, Galilean fisherman—one whom Jesus chose as a disciple (Matt. 4:18–22). Scene One (Mark 8)—Caesarea Philippi lies on the northwestern outskirts of Israel. While walking to a place named for an earthly king, Jesus asks what His disciples have seen. The crowds think that Jesus is a prophet; it would explain why He speaks for God and performs miracles. But even this high view of Jesus is not the whole truth. Jesus is looking for more when He asks, “Who do you say I am?” (v. 29). It is Peter who speaks first and gives the right response: Jesus is the Christ or Messiah (v. 30)—the rightful king bringing salvation. Peter really knows Jesus. Scene Two (Luke 22)—The time is drawing near when Jesus will be arrested. He pulls Peter aside with heavy news. Satan, the enemy, is seeking to divide them (v. 31). Jesus has been praying for Simon Peter to have steadfast faith in a coming ordeal (v. 32). But Peter expresses his depth of resolve and willingness to die with his king. However, Jesus already knows this is not true. He knows that Peter will deny that he ever associated with a man called Jesus. Scene Three (John 18)—The unthinkable has happened. Jesus has been betrayed, and while Peter was quick to defend him with a sword, now he’s hanging around to see what happens. All of the sudden, he is recognized as the sword-wielding comrade of Jesus! It’s Peter’s moment to show the quality of his character. But fear catches him in the throat as he denies knowing Jesus; then again, and again.

John 21:15–17: 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

Do You Love Him? Wouldn’t you like to have seen Peter’s face when he learns that his closest friend, the one he knew to be the Messiah, had risen? Imagine the recognition coming over him and the waves of conflicting emotions. In John’s Gospel, his immediate response is to run (John 20:3–4). He races to the tomb to be the first to enter, where he sees the strips of cloth that had covered the face of his crucified king (John 20:6–7). Yet when the risen Jesus appears, He says nothing specific to Peter. What could possibly be said? But when Jesus breathes upon Peter and gives the Holy Spirit, do you imagine that Peter can meet His gaze (John 20:21–23)? Scene 4 (John 21)—The reading picks up some time later; the exact date we don’t know. Peter has returned to his fishing lifestyle, setting out with others in a boat upon the Sea of Galilee. And then the risen Jesus comes to them, again. When Peter realizes it is Jesus, he leaps from the boat and swims to the shore to reach his friend. Jesus is hungry and ready to share breakfast. As they eat, everyone is struggling to know what to say. They have returned to the beginning. When Jesus is through eating He turns and addresses “Simon son of John,” suddenly sounding formal (John 21:15). It’s the moment that Peter has been dreading, when Jesus seems ready to bring up what he had done. But Jesus just says, “Do you love me?” It feels like a strange test, but Peter knows the answer. Of course, he loves Jesus; and he reminds Jesus, “You know” (v. 15). But Jesus seems to deflect by saying, “Feed my lambs.” It’s like Jesus is saying, Be that leader I knew you were. Be the one who looks after others. Then Jesus repeats the same question all over again! Maybe He wants a different response or some kind of assurance like, I will try harder. But Peter gives the same answer, “You know that I love you” (v. 16). When Jesus says “Take care of my sheep,” Peter has to be wondering where this conversation is going (v. 16). As Jesus repeats His question a third time, Peter understands. Just as Jesus—who knows all things—was wounded by three denials, Peter needs to hear Jesus repeat the lesson three times. It’s true: Jesus already knows Peter’s heart. It’s true: Peter put his own safety ahead of loyalty to his king. But he cannot repeat the pattern. Once Jesus is gone, and Peter is in a position of leadership, he’ll be tempted time and again to hide. Jesus is saying to Peter, You are that rock and pillar I knew you to be—a shepherd who looks after others. Jesus, the Great Shepherd, is about to leave Peter in charge of the sheep. And because He knows that Peter loves Him, He also knows that Peter will be the selfless leader others desperately need.

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.