The Pattern For Success : Bishop Tony Samuels

As we celebrate 69 years of ministry at Lighthouse, let us remember the mission that God called this ministry to, and that is Mathew 28:19-20: Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. To make disciples takes strong dedication and commitment to an individual. You become a part of their everyday life; you have to stick with them through their process. It’s not easy, but at the same time, it’s one of the most rewarding assignments…to see an individual go from devastation…to restoration…to transformation. It’s amazing. We believe even for those who don’t complete the program. The work still continues, even beyond the Lighthouse, because Philippians 1:6 says, Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 

The mission is to teach a new pattern for life, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and as that pattern is walked out, it will produce success in their lives. 1 Timothy 4:12-13 says, Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Till I come, devote yourself to [public and private] reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal appeals), and to teaching and instilling doctrine. Notice, there’s a pattern where they will see themselves the way Gods sees them, that they won’t be subject to the opinions of men. They go from being a spectacle of the enemy to a trophy of God’s Grace. They become an example to others. Example means: a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated. They go from being someone not to be like, to becoming someone that people want to be like. Part of that pattern is having a life of private devotion to the Lord, through prayer and the study of His Word. This private pattern will show up in their public lives, and their lives will become a sermon. So as you witness the graduation this morning, and hear the testimonies, remember these are individuals that have been transformed. They have been given a pattern for success, and as long as they live their lives in that pattern, they will be successful.  

We thank you for your partnership to this ministry. You are a part of the mission of making disciples. May the Lord bless you richly!