5th Anniversary Celebration - (11:30 AM, Morning Glory Service)

Ruth 1:16-18

PASSAGE celebrated its 5th Anniversary today with a special guest, Dr. Alphonso Boone of Breakthrough Church of God by Faith (Memphis, TN).

Dr. Boone pointed out to us that our 5th year arrived in 2007. Isn't it amazing that God gave us grace and favor in the 'Year of the Open Door"? He reminded us that if we're going to 'walk through anything', do it THIS year!

As citizens of the Kingdom, we don't have to fight (as soldiers do). We can petition the King himself by going to the throne. However it's going to take tenacity to get there.

PASSAGE as it is today, was a vision just 5 years ago. Now the vision is "the Throne". Dr. Boone retold the story of Ruth and Naomi and how Ruth's persistence and tenacity were ultimately rewarded by God.

"Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons...." - Ruth 1:1-22

In his message "Tenacity That Takes The Throne", Dr. Boone encouraged us to be tenacious in seeking God. It took tenacity for Pastor George to bring the vision for PASSAGE to fruition. Some people interpret tenacity for arrogance, but when it comes to doing work for God's Kingdom, you can't sit still on a dream or a vision. What does PASSAGE mean? Among other things, it means "to pass through, a journey". To complete a journey, it takes persistence, and steadfastness. People will try to push you away from your vision. If Pastor George had not followed God's call, many of us at PASSAGE who've been saved, may have been saved through another channel. However God works in divine order and our salvation was destined to occur in this ministry.

Not everybody is ready to go to the throne. Ruth followed Naomi and stayed with her, despite the fact that all seemed hopeless. Ruth saw how God moved, and she vowed to follow Naomi as there had to be a purpose to what God was doing. Ruth partnered with Naomi, and partners have a spirit of "can do and will do"! Partners are committed. At PASSAGE, we too have "Partners" and we're committed to the work of the Kingdom.

Emotions don't necessarily move God, but tenacity does. If you believe the vision of God, it will soar you into the blessing, but it will take tenacity to stay there. Ruth's friendship turned into faith. In closing, Dr. Boone asked us this question: "Have you ever waited so long for something that it was too late to leave or there was no reason to quit now, so you might as well wait?". We need to be persistent and tenacious. Tell the Devil to 'hit the road, Jack'.

It's at our darkest point that we can see God. God will be with you when you're weary. So be encouraged. Be tenacious and go to the throne!

Quote of the sermon:

"If you believe the vision of God, it will soar you into the blessing, but it will take tenacity to stay there. " - Dr. Alphonso M. Boone

Scripture References:

Sunday, March 4th, 2007