Introduction

Over the years, God has consistently moved us from one spiritual location to the next. He has pastored us on a continual and systematic basis. It is the Father’s desire to have a people who will serve Him in Spirit and in Truth, one who will reverence Him in word as well as with their lives. I thank God that we are part of that holy nation of people. God has chosen Bible Teachers International as a reformation in the Body of Christ. We have experienced God’s love in so many ways, from His chastisement to His mercy and grace, all to produce sons. But why would God choose such a torn down group of people? Some came off the streets, some out of jail, others were held captive by depression, and then some were already in church, but were held captive in their minds, and use them to reveal His Kingdom? Why would He not choose the wise, rich and prudent men of this world? After all, they possess the natural resources to “get the job done.”

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. God chooses according to His will and purpose.

There were many who did not think that Bible Teachers International was God’s influence in this earth but He has proven over the years it is. Look at the wisdom of God. Before we knew anything about Apostolic Order, God used Dr. Banks to bring His Word to His people. When we came into BTI, we did not understand the basics of salvation or prayer and now we understand the mysteries of Christ. This is not a statement of pride, but humility relative to what the Father can perform in a life that has so many odds stacked up against it, and even more than that, a life that is sanctified unto Him.

Ephesians 1:9-12

9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

In order to be true ministers of the reformation, we must comprehend where the Lord has brought us from as well as the method He chose to bring us. It is not enough to say I know, I have changed or that the Lord has changed me, but we must understand the route and what took place on that route that has brought us to where we are in God today. Beloved, I am wonderfully excited that you are here to share in this conference. Our Lord is soon to return and His Bride, the Church, must be prepared to receive Him. Only the Word of God, along with His Spirit can prepare us to meet our Savior. We must embrace this fresh manna from heaven, hide it in our hearts and allow it to take us through the times ahead.

I implore you to listen attentively and receive the Word with gladness that you may grow even more in the knowledge of our Lord. Let us look back over the years and see just what the Lord has done. Let us reminisce and comprehend the distance from where we started to where we are now in our Journey to the Spirit.