Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church

In July 1975, the Lord impressed upon the tender heart of a vibrant young preacher to start a mission work in the very heart of the city of Manila – Sta. Ana. Against all odds, this faithful man called of God to preach the gospel embarked on an exciting journey of faith, equipped with ardent zeal, undying enthusiasm, profound knowledge of God’s word, unwavering faith in God and a deep compassion for lost souls. A vision realized and a dream in the making – this, in a nutshell, is what the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church and Ministries have become by God’s marvelous grace through the past 27 years.

History

On September 22, 1975, Dr. Benny M. Abante, Jr., surrendered his life for full-time pastoral work without any promise of support from anyone but the Lord. Thus, the Bible Baptist Mission of Sta. Ana had its humble beginning.

On its first Sunday service at La Torre St., Sta. Ana, the Bible Baptist Mission conducted its first worship service with an attendance of 96 including 24 adults. Seven people trusted Christ as their Savior, four of whom were baptized that same day. As a result of vigorous evangelistic endeavors, many people got saved, prompting the need for a larger place of worship. On December 5, 1975, the Lord answered their prayer by providing a missionary, Rev. Art Sims, who wholeheartedly supported the construction of a church building. On July 5, 1976, more than 200 people witnessed the groundbreaking celebration. Seeing the mission house getting overcrowded, the members’ eagerness to transfer to the new building grew intensely. On December 5, 1976, the new edifice, aptly called by the Pastor, “The Monument of God’s Grace”, was humbly dedicated to the Lord.

From then on, the Church grew exponentially both in numerical growth, in spiritual maturity of believers and in the grace of giving. Like the Macedonian church of old, news of its exemplary zeal, labor of love and work of faith spread like wildfire to churches of like faith. Guided by a vision for growth and a deep conviction to serve the Lord, Pastor Benny M. Abante, Jr. introduced the Biblical concept of the FIRSTFRUITS OFFERING – to be given annually as a thanksgiving offering. It was initially met by much criticism, pessimism and skepticism until he was later vindicated by the tremendous blessings given by the Lord not only to our church but also to other fundamental Baptist churches across the country and even in several Baptist churches in the United States who practiced Firstfruits giving.

At the closing of 1997, the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church dedicated its new five-storey building and auditorium that can seat more than 1,000 people. From a rented dilapidated one-storey house in La Torre St., the MBBC now holds assets of more than 100 million pesos worth of properties and buildings. Renovation and expansion programs continue until this day as the Pastor believes in offering our best for the work of the Lord.

Truly, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church” (Matthew 16:18, KJV) because Jesus has promised “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt. 28:20, KJV)

The history of the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church (MBBC) is replete with stories of God’s miraculous hand at work in our church and more so in the life of individual believers. Our beloved Pastor had that special privilege of seeing the vision God has planted in his heart 25 years ago unfold before his very eyes, even going beyond his finite expectation. Our church had its roots deeply anchored to the Solid Rock, “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20-22, KJV).