Live TBN Taping At Straight Gate Int'l

Detroit Gospel.Com was on hand at Straight Gate International Church on Grand River in Detroit, MI for the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) taping on April 11, 2006. What a blessing it was for this writer and DGC’s producer, Renee’, to be present in the fellowship and join in the service. Bishop Andrew Merritt and first lady, Pastor Viveca Merritt welcomed everyone to the taping and the “One in Worship” service. Bishop Merritt stated the greatest effort in kingdom building for him is in the worship. So, as we went forward, we kept worship as the main objective for the night.

The taping featured many of gospel/worship music’s giants and newcomers who sang to the Glory of God and by the end of the evening, we had truly been blessed. The Praise Worshippers from Straight Gate set the atmosphere when they sang “Here I am to worship, You’re My God,” including the words that must have touched many a heart, “I’ll never know how much it cost, to see my sins upon that cross…” The musical worship was awesome as the Spirit of the Lord moved from Marcus Cole; to Baja Records recording artist Antwaun Stanley, to the incredible music ministry of J. Moss backed by 21:03, to Daniel and Nicole Binion; and to the legendary Pastor Marvin Winans who surprised everyone by bringing along Pastor Donnie McClurkin.

In the midst of all the praise, the Lord allowed His Word to come forth from Bishop Liston Page, Jr. who preached from Deut. 7:18 on the topic “I Do Have Value.” Pastor Page said the scripture spoke where God had instructed Moses not to let the people mix with the inhabitants of the land because they would turn the people away from God. He went on to say that God does not want us to mix Holy with unholy. He stated that tattoos and piercings are to a god that turns our attentions from the God. He stated he knew they were the new fads but God’s people must understand what they are doing and how it will defer your focus off God. He said the anointing is the Holy Ghost working in us and it is not something you can buy, nor does God wish for us to be around people who do not share in it.

Pastor Page shared a story about his daughter who was raised in a Christian environment with him being a minister and her grandparents being involved in ministry. And even with this background, when his daughter went off to college, she met a young man she started dating. The young man appeared to be a nice young man, but as time progressed, she found herself involved in an abusive relationship. This man was physically abusing his daughter and had held her captive. Pastor advised he was glad he found out about this young man’s habits after his daughter had escaped and was safe because Pastor advised he would have a “prison ministry” had he got a chance to “lay hands” on the brother. But, Pastor Page went on to say his daughter had forgotten her value and was ashamed of what had transpired. He said that after many talks with various family members, she was able to move past it and get things back into perspective.

Pastor Page gave us an illustration of value when he pulled out a crisp, new $100 bill and said, “I know if I ask any of you if you want this $100 bill, you would probably start a stampede up here to get it.” He then folded the bill and asked if we still wanted it, all indications were yes. He balled it up but still everyone indicated they still wanted the bill. He threw it on the floor, stomped on it and then asked if we still wanted it – the crowd still answered to the affirmative. He stated that is how God looks at us…once we accept Him as our God, even though we stumble or make mistakes, we do not lose our value with God. Dirty, raggedy, broken and bruised, we still have value with God. Hallelujah, what a revelation!

The finale of the taping was when Pastor Marvin Winans was called to the pulpit and he stated Bishop Merritt told him to come, but did not tell him what to do once he got there, so Pastor Winans blessed us with the Worship in song. He had Pastor Donnie McClurkin with him who joined him in the praise. He then incorporated J. Moss in the praise and Antwaun Stanley. Those men of God need to go on tour because they blessed Straight Gate and the Body of Christ mightily. I asked Bro. Antwaun Stanley how he felt being on the stage with the gospel giants he had just shared time with. He stated never in his wildest dreams did he ever anticipate being in that place in this lifetime. I shared with him that if he keeps his eye focused totally on Jesus and chooses correctly with regard to Money vs. Ministry and Covenant vs. Contract, then God will continue to bless and keep him. Remember – You Do Have Value….Be Blessed of the Lord.