Spoken word by the spiritual poet

In preparation for our 60th Anniversary in 2026, I wrote a spoken word in memory of the historic occasion.

“All Things In Common“

Threescore years ago, in the upper room of prayer, penitence, and praise, the Creator Spirit breathed eternal life into Emmanuel Baptist Church, authoring another sunrise, casting gospel light into the far regions of total depravity, deep darkness, and the shadow of death. From eternity, the Everlasting Father, King of Righteousness, and Prince of Peace ordained that the gospel of the kingdom must come, and that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

It was here, in this place of devotion and prayer, that our founding fathers bowed in the beauty of holiness to His will. They set their faces toward the powerful Son of the Most High and worshiped in adoration and exaltation. For the forbearance of the Blessed One, Beloved One, and the Holy and Righteous One rests upon the chosen sons of the Resurrection and the Light.

As a covenant community, Emmanuel Baptist Church is called to reflect that great light from heaven afar. She bears all things in common in Christ alone—one body, one hope, and one faith. She takes up the full body armor of light, always praying that she may stand firm and engage Ephesians’ warfare against the schemes of Satan. Yet, in her journey, she has sometimes fallen short of God’s glory: of His charge to make disciples of all nations, of His calling to be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him, which is her spiritual worship. For she was wounded, worn, and weakened over the years by the pestilent plans of the adversary, by the presumptuous prerogative of some people pleasers, and by the pernicious failures of some who presided as elders, shepherds, and overseers.

But God’s power is made perfect in her weakness. Because Emmanuel Baptist Church is propelled by the promised Pentecost power of the Paraclete and rises again from strength to strength through the hope and faithfulness of Jesus. She pursues what makes for peace—whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and whatever builds up the body and bride of Christ. And she is led by the Spirit of truth and is emboldened to exposit the full counsel of God’s Word.

Now, as a covenant community who bears all things in common—one baptism, one Spirit, one Lord, one God and Father of all, Emmanuel Baptist Church identifies with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. She confesses that it is not by might, by power, or by piety, but by my Spirit says the Lord of Hosts. She proclaims Jesus as both Lord and Messiah, one with God who is Father of all.

Therefore, she stands firm in faith, casting forth the gospel light—the message of reconciliation bearing fruit in the kingdom of God. Until the effectual call to eternal sunset sleep is decreed, Emmanuel Baptist Church, a people prepared, abides in the upper room of prayer, penitence, and praise.