“Thank you” seems to be such an inadequate response in expressing my feelings after Antioch’s 25th Anniversary Service last Sunday evening. Nevertheless, I would like to thank every one of you who were able to attend, for taking the time out to come back and see old friends and make new ones, or because you were a special guest who was invited.It was truly a heartfelt blessing to me from you.To be able to share Antioch’s dream with you and to let you see that we have not changed from the calling that God first gave us as we were studying the scriptures about what the New Testament church should be, how it should act, and how is should look, was truly a blessing. It was great to sit there in the audience finally being able to see what my 200 person choir will look like (hopefully in the not too distant future!).It was amazing to see the celebration in song, the different genres, the different sexes, and the different nationalities, which is the way I envision we will look when we get to heaven.I am asking that you will never forget the 25th, because it is just the beginning of what God wants us to do and accomplish in the next 25 years. What role will you play in the future, how will you participate? I pray that everyone who attended left with a clear calling, whether or not you attend Antioch.
I pray that you saw that the New Testament Church is a Church of the Word.
I pray you witnessed that an Acts 13 Church is a Church of true worship, where each considers one another’s preferences more important than their own.
I hope you were challenged with a biblical world-view; while there are many different cultures, colors and ethnicities, there is only one race, the human race.
That is our call, and we will not compromise on the Word, the Worship or the World-view at AntiochBibleChurch!When I married Pat she became my wife; no man tells her how to act, talk or look. I am called to be the head of that bride, and I will be held responsible.Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, the Church is His bride and no one has the right to walk into His house and tell His bride how she is to look and act. There is a world out there that needs to see us stand on the original paradigm of what the church should be. Because of denominations and multiculturalism and traditions and because of different ethnic beliefs, we constantly tell Christ’s Bride how we would like her to be.We are here to ensure Christ’s Bride in Acts 13 is the norm, not the exception.We are a strong male leadership church and I am calling on men of God to be strong, enthusiastic and courageous warriors with tender hearts. I expect it of you because the Bible expects it of us. I expect you to lead your homes in the area of finances. As I look at the financial condition of the church, I know that many of our families are hurting. I am challenging our men, beginning with our pastors, to be free of the bondage of debt, especially with the Christmas season approaching. Let us be free to give generously to the work of Christ. Women, we call on you to pray for the men of the church; be praying for your husband in the home because the call God has put on us will bring much warfare from the enemy.We are here to protect and keep you and our children safe.
This is my call to all of Antioch. Let us be a force to be reckoned with to the glory of God for His sake and for His Kingdom only!
