Consider this: a small group of believers gathered in a humble apartment. This was the start of the Bible Baptist Temple. It began as the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church of Sta. Ana in 1975. The church held its first Sunday service at 2444 La Torre Street. Ninety-six people attended this initial service. This included twenty-four adults.
From these humble beginnings the Bible Baptist Temple has grown. Seven people trusted Christ as their Savior that day. Four were baptized. Evangelistic gatherings followed. God blessed them with more people. This growth necessitated a larger worship space.
In December 1975, Missionary Art Sims became a benefactor. He provided funds to buy property. Construction of a new church building began. Less than a year later, a groundbreaking celebration occurred. Over 200 people witnessed it. The charter members worked and gave to move to the new building.
On December 5, 1976, the new church was dedicated. The pastor called it “The Monument of God’s Grace.” The Bible Baptist Temple experienced phenomenal growth. This growth wasn’t just numerical. It was also spiritual. The church became known for cheerful giving. Its pastor was even called the “Father of First Fruits Giving.”
Pastor Abante’s leadership guided the Bible Baptist Temple through criticism. He initiated innovations for the church’s growth. His stewardship and administrative abilities were evident. The church grew dramatically. People recognized the difference in his ministry.
Despite facing alienation from peers, Pastor Abante remained compassionate. He willingly shared his insights. He focused on financial blessings through God’s Word. The Bible Baptist Temple exemplified the results of Firstfruits giving. In 1979, the Firstfruits offering was Ph11,157.31. By 2010, it reached 21 million pesos. This allowed the church to purchase a historic house in Sta. Ana. In 2011 and 2012, offerings reached 24.7M and 31.7M respectively.
At the close of 1997, BMA Tower 1 was dedicated. This five-story building could seat 1,000 people. The Bible Baptist Temple now had properties worth over 100 million pesos. BMA Tower 2 was dedicated four years ago. This happened after years of prayer and giving.
The Bible Baptist Temple continues to thrive. It stands as a testament to faith. It shows what is possible with unwavering trust in God. The church remains committed to spreading the Gospel. It is unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.