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

This Week's Message

Date: April 05, 2026

Preacher: Pastor Nokomis Yeldell, Jr.

Sermon: The Day That Changed The World !

Scripture: Luke 24: 1-9

1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.

"Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?"

Even though we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we must not forget the joy of the Resurrection (Matt. 28:1–10; Luke 24:36–53). What an incredible example of tremendous grief turned to overwhelming joy! After Jesus was executed, His followers were mourning and afraid. Would the authorities come for them next? Then the women brought an incredible tale—Jesus was alive! His grave was empty and the stone rolled away! Their lives, and indeed the entire world, had been turned upside down.

The fact that Jesus died and was resurrected is our hope and joy because Christ’s resurrection guarantees our own! To rejoice in the hope of resurrection is an act of faith. From God’s perspective, it has already been accomplished. Christ is “the firstborn from among the dead” (Col. 1:18). There will be many to follow, including ourselves.

Paul asked, “What if there is no resurrection?” (1 Cor. 15:13–18). In that case, Christ has not been raised, our faith is useless, and the gospel is false. If this were true, we’re not saved, and the dead will stay dead. Without the truth and doctrine of the resurrection, we cannot have hope or faith in Christ (v. 19). If this life is all there is, and death is the end, then death and sin have won. On the other hand, if Christ did rise from the dead, then so will we (vv. 20–23). In this case, our faith is powerful, the gospel is true, we’re saved from sin, and proclaiming the good news of Christ is our greatest privilege and responsibility. He has won the victory, all praise and glory to Him!

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEXT WEEK

SUNDAY SCHOOL – April 12, 2026

____________________________

Authority: Belonging to God

Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1, 6-8; 1 Peter 2:13-17

Lesson Aims After participating in this lesson,

each learner will be able to:

1. Identify the major themes that unite Mark 12:17;

Romans 13:1, 6-8; and 1 Peter 2:13-17.

2. Analyze God's directive for relating to civil authorities who rule justly.

3. Commit to honoring God by praying for elected leaders.

Mark 12:17

17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him.

Romans 13:1, 6–8

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

GOD BEFORE GOVERNMENT Mark 12:17 is the climax of a “conflict” story. These describe encounters between Jesus and the religious leaders, who pose questions designed to stump and discredit Him in the eyes of the people. In Mark 12:13, the Pharisees and the Herodians (supporters of Herod and his family) approach Jesus to flatter Him (v. 14). After trying to butter Him up, they ask their question: “Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” (v. 14). This is a highly charged question in first-century Judea. The “imperial tax” was paid only by subjects of the Roman empire. Paying represented submission to the emperor. If Jesus advocates paying, it would make Him look sympathetic to oppressive authorities. The Pharisees hope to cast doubt on Jesus’ status as a potential king and deliverer of Israel. But if He objects to the tax, the Herodians will label Him a rebel who advocates disloyalty to the empire. Jesus recognizes the trap and asks them for a coin (v. 15). Roman coins had the relief of an important political figure, along with an inscription. Coins at the time would read “Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus.” The Pharisees and Herodians acknowledge that the coin has Caesar’s image and name on it, to which Jesus responds, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (v. 17). The response may seem like mere deflection. But the answer reflects a deep insight about how believers should relate to their governments. Roman propaganda claimed that the emperor descended from the gods, that submission was obedience to the gods. But Jesus implies a hierarchy. There are things that His followers owe to earthly rulers, but their ultimate allegiance is to the God of Israel. Where duties to God conflict with the emperor’s will, one must follow God. Jesus’ teaching provides a context for Romans 13:1–8. Paul encourages believers to submit to authorities; they have been “established by God” (v. 1). This does not endorse every politician’s actions, but it acknowledges that God is really in charge. God instituted civil authorities, which is why they are “God’s servants” (v. 6)—whether they realize it or not. Paul follows Jesus’ lead, challenging Roman propaganda. Paul says that they are merely servants of the God of Israel, working at His pleasure and for His good purpose. Believers are, therefore, free to pay taxes without being disloyal to God (v. 6). In verses 7–8, Paul restates and expands upon Jesus’ principle. God established duties between human beings, whether paying taxes or showing honor (v. 7). The believer must respect and fulfill these duties. Paul adds that only one “debt” is never set aside: the debt of love to one another (v. 8).

1 Peter 2:13-17

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

EXILES IN THE WORLD Peter addresses his letter to “God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces” (1:1). The word translated “exile” refers to someone traveling in a foreign land (Heb. 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11). But Peter is using this word as a metaphor for his readers’ spiritual position: followers of Christ in the world. This world and its political systems are not their true home. Peter prepares his audience to live as “foreigners” in the world. On the one hand, they must protect their spiritual selves by resisting sexual temptations that “wage war against” their souls (1 Peter 2:11). On the other hand, they must walk in holiness for the benefit of others. In verse 12, Peter urges them to “live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us” (v. 12). This echoes Jesus’ command to “let your light shine before others” (Matt. 5:16), casting the pursuit of holiness as a missionary project. Though others may slander, obedience to God will lead them to recognize God’s reign over all the earth. It is in this context that Peter turns to the subject of how believers should relate to earthly rulers. In verse 13, Peter exhorts his audience, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.” Authorities include “the emperor” and also “governors, who . . . punish those who do wrong and . . . commend those who do right” (v. 14). Paul emphasized that God established authorities to enact justice (Rom. 13:3–4). Yet both apostles know that Roman authorities frequently fail at the task. Paul was unlawfully imprisoned at their hands (Acts 16:38), and the Roman emperor Nero is thought to have executed both Paul and Peter for their devotion to Christ. Peter agrees with the general principle that one should obey the governing authorities because God wants them to bring justice. It allows that disobedience may be necessary when the wishes of civil authorities conflict with God’s. Peter offers an additional reason for obedience: God wants them to “silence the ignorant talk of foolish people” by “doing good” (v. 15). The “ignorant talk” includes false accusations against Christ’s followers. The “good” that Peter expects may be mere obedience to the law, or it could also mean public acts of charity. It suggests that generosity and commitment to public good will show others that prejudices against Christ’s followers are unfounded. Peter states the underlying principle that should govern these actions (vv. 16–17). Believers should live as people whom Christ has set free, using freedom to serve God rather than sinful desires (compare Gal. 5:13). They owe “respect” to everyone and “love” to fellow believers. They owe honor to the emperor, but reverence to God (v. 17).

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. In May, 2025, we celebrated our 11th 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.