46th Anniversary Admonitions
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | January 12, 2025
Open your Bibles to Luke chapter 5, verses 1 through 11. I’ve titled today’s message "46th Anniversary Admonitions." I’m so thankful to be back in the pulpit after missing last Sunday due to illness—something microscopic took me down, but missing church is awful for me. Today, we celebrate 46 years together. Luke 5:1-11 says: “And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” Let’s pray: Father, thank You for letting me preach again, for this host, for 46 years with Faye, our family, and this church. Use this text to inspire us onward for Jesus. Thank You for two young ladies baptized today—my own baptism years ago echoes in my mind, the preacher saying, “We may be baptizing a preacher.” Save everyone here, in Jesus’ name, amen.
A Pressing Need for the Word
As we stand 12 days into 2025, reflecting on 46 years, three truths emerge. First, there’s still a pressing need for people to hear God’s Word. Verse 1 says, “the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God.” A crowd gathered by the lake—not called a multitude here, just “people,” however many or few, hungry for Jesus’ words. Today, that need persists. I pray daily, “Lord, send someone across my path to hear the gospel and trust Christ.” Most people know they need God but don’t know how to find Him. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Romans 10:17 adds, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” They’re groping in darkness, needing the simple message we must share. Hosea 4:6 warns, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” When priests failed to preach, destruction followed. Today, ignorance of God’s Word still devastates—people need preachers, teachers, and reachers (Acts 8:4). Will you be one?
A Great Provision for Ministry
Second, there’s a great provision for ministry. Jesus faced a crowd but couldn’t be heard well—acoustics mattered. He saw two ships, stepped into Simon’s, and taught from the water, perfectly audible. God provided not just a boat, but two; not just a means, but fishermen—experienced, not lazy. After a fruitless night, they were cleaning nets, ready to go again, not procrastinating. When Jesus said, “Launch out,” they didn’t delay. Over 46 years, I’ve seen God provide beyond need. Starting MBC, I told Faye, “Find a building.” She hesitated, but we rented an old civic league hall. Two and a half years later, we’d won souls and grown. On Prayer Avenue, the Holy Ghost said, “Ask Don McCrone for his building.” He said, “You might just be able to,” and we had everything—pews, piano, more than needed. Later, expanding against city objections, God provided property after property—debt-free today, room for 300. I’ve never hammered on tithing; God’s provided boats, fishermen, and diligence every time.
An Eternal Purpose to Pursue
Lastly, there’s an eternal purpose to pursue. After the miraculous catch, Jesus said, “Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” They forsook all, following Him—not for temporary fish, but eternal souls. Nothing thrills me more than seeing someone trust Jesus. Baptizing those girls today warmed my heart—I want to fish for men till Jesus calls me home. In 1979, Faye and I started MBC with a homemade pulpit, a suitcase, and thin songbooks, braving six inches of snow. God had bigger plans—a debt-free complex now, handed to you, younger generation. Don’t squander it—rise to the opportunity. Sunday school rooms, souls to win, a new pastor’s potential—think eternal, not temporal.
A Call to Go Forward
I thank God for salvation, calling, anointing, this church, Faye, my saved family, Danny Smith—providentially met on Ford’s midnight shift—and you who’ve stuck through trials, sparking revival. Romans 8:28 proves true. I don’t know the future, but I know Who holds it. Go out today, humbly proud of this miraculous work—46 years of provision and purpose. Take what God’s given and make it greater for eternity. Let’s stand.