ABOUT US
From The Bishop
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to worship with what I consider to be one of the very finest church families in the Capital Region. Maranatha Ministries is the most exciting church I have ever been a part of. I am certain that you are going to be richly blessed of God as a result of your joining us in worship.
Maranatha, pronounced mare’-ah-nah’-tha, is a New Testament word that means “Our Lord has come or is coming.” He has come, and He continues to grace us with His presence every time we get together for worship. As you join us in worship I know you will “Experience The Difference!”
Because I Care,
Bishop Rick Frank
What Does "Maranatha" Mean?
Maranatha, pronounced Mar’-ah-na’-tha, is a word found in the New Testament of Aramaic origin, the language spoken by Jews at the time of Jesus. It literally means the “Lord has come” or “Come, O Lord!” It is generally believed that the early church often greeted one another by saying, “Maranatha!”
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The Apostle Paul used the word Maranatha in 1 Corinthians 16:22 when he described those who didn’t love the Lord as “Anathema Maranatha.” The word "Anathema was put in front of the word "Maranatha" the same way we would use the word "non" in front of the word "believer" coming up with the word "non-believer" to describe someone who didn’t believe in Jesus. When Paul referred to those who didn't love the Lord and didn't look forward to His return as "Anathema Maranatha, he was saying people who don’t love the Lord will be accursed at His coming.
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The short verse, quoted above, formed part of Paul's expectation that Christ's second coming was near. It was one of the primary motives for a fervent Christian life. The Christians lived with the constant expectation that the Lord may come any day to establish the golden ages of eternity where there will be no more sin, no more sorrow, no more death, and no more troubles.
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That is something we in our day seem to forget. We live as if the second coming of Christ is still far away. But if we look at the signs of the times (read 2 Timothy 3:1-5), it is clear that we must also remind one another by shouting: "Maranatha! The Lord is coming!" The Maranatha logo is an M over M for (M)aranatha (M)inistries with the flame appearing as the tongue of fire described in Acts Chapter 2. This is a symbol of the Holy Spirit in the Bible.
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(Acts 2:2-4 NLT) Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them, and it filled the house where they were meeting. {3} Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. {4} And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Mission Statement
The mission of Maranatha Ministries Pentecostal Church is to provide spiritual help to individuals who are without hope, without Christ, or would like to draw closer to God, by bringing them into a life changing experience with Jesus. This way their lives can become a positive influence on others in their community.
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Our vision is to expand our border of ministries to reach the entire Capital Region. Our focus includes investing in people’s lives and utilizing the Bible as a spiritual tool for providing the nourishment for individual growth.
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The local assembly of the Maranatha Ministries family is needed in part as a preventative instrument to assist in the decreasing of local crime and the increasing of moral and spiritual excellence in and around the community.
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We exist for the community’s well-being in that we believe that our local entity as a church is to be a recognizable leader in the Capital Region providing the balance, focus, and answers that will help in making our community a more productive, enjoyable, prosperous, and safe place to live and work for all people.
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We believe that teaching and empowering people of all backgrounds will lead them to a path of success, liberty, and justice so they can overcome any crisis with dignity and hope in Jesus Christ.
Our Goal
To prepare people to be ready for the soon return of the Lord by obedience to the Gospel, obtaining Christian maturity through discipleship, and experiencing a fulfilled life through evangelism.
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The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.
My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. (John 10:10 NLT)
What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons.
They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone.
A new life has begun! (2 Cor 5:17 NLT)
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Doctrine
We believe that the Bible is the absolute Word of God in its entirety and contains God's plan for the salvation of mankind. We believe in one God, the Father, who manifested Himself to mankind in the person of His son by which He gives the gift of His Holy Spirit to all who sincerely repent of their sins and are baptized for the remission of sins in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We further believe in every doctrine and teaching set forth in the scriptures as it is revealed to the honest heart, and that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, correction, and for instruction in righteousness.
We believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, in His sinless life; in His death, burial, resurrection, ascension to heaven, and in His soon return for His church again.
(Rom 6:17-18 KJV) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. {18} Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
(1 Tim 1:3 KJV) As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine...
(1 Tim 4:13 KJV) Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
(1 Tim 4:16 KJV) Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
These and many other scriptures reveal the importance of sound doctrine.
Singing
There is nothing on earth to compare to the anointed singing of born-again believers. Apostolic singing will lift worshipers to heavenly realms, whether it be the exuberant songs of praise from the congregation or the rousing renditions from the choirs, ensembles, trios, and others.
(Psa 7:17 KJV) I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
(Psa 13:6 KJV) I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
(Psa 21:13 KJV) Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.
(Psa 30:4 KJV) Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
(Psa 33:3 KJV) Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.
(Psa 47:6-7 KJV) Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. {7} For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
These scriptures and many others reveal the need for and excitement of singing. The staff of musicians at Maranatha Ministries creates an exciting atmosphere where it is easy to "Sing Unto The Lord!"
Worship
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord"; "Lifting up holy hands unto the Lord"; "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth"; "Praise him with the timbrel and dance"; "Clap your hands O ye people, shout unto God with the voice of triumph".
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These and many other Bible verses are fulfilled in the worship of the membership of Maranatha Ministries. In the special presence of God that such worship brings, lives are changed and God is greatly glorified.
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Sometimes the worship takes on the nature of joyful celebration. Other times people are caught up in the glory of God. Shedding tears of joy, they often find themselves at loss for words to express the love they feel for God.
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By allowing people to express their worship to God in their individual fashion, the church provides a means of personal as well as collective involvement with the presence of God.
BIBLICAL EXPRESSIONS OF WORSHIP
If you have never had the opportunity to be in a Spirit-filled service before, you will discover that biblical expressions of worship are still practiced today. Join in with us as we praise God together in spirit and in truth.
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WE PRAY TOGETHER ALOUD because… In the Bible we read, "They lifted up their voice to God with one accord."-Acts 4:24
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WE LIFT OUR HANDS IN PRAISE because… In the Bible we read, "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord."-Psalm 134:2
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WE SING WITH ALL HEARTS because… In the Bible we read, "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."-Psalm 98:4
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WE PLAY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS because… In the Bible we read, "And all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments."-II Samuel 6:5
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WE CLAP AND SHOUT UNTO GOD because… In the Bible we read, "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph."-Psalm 47:1
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WE DANCE BEFORE THE LORD because… In the bible we read, "Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs."-Psalm 150:4
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WE TESTIFY PUBLICLY because… In the bible we read, "I will declare thy name unto my brethren; in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee."-Psalm 22:22
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WE ANOINT WITH OIL FOR DIVINE HEALING because… In the Bible we read, "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elder of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord."-James 5:14
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WE ALLOW THE OPERATION OF THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS because… In the Bible we read, "When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation."-I Corinthians 14:26
Preaching
Hard hitting, uncompromising preaching is what is expected of preachers who minister at Maranatha Ministries. In a day of compromised values and warped perspectives, the people of Maranatha Ministries know that today, more than ever, we need the anointed, dynamic challenge to the soul that only apostolic preaching can provide.
Expect to be reproved, rebuked, challenged, confronted, encouraged, and lifted to exciting realms of revelation as you experience the voice of God in the preaching of His word.
(1 Cor 1:21 KJV) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
(2 Cor 4:5 KJV) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
(2 Tim 4:1-2 KJV) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; {2} Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Miracles
In the excitement and glory of sincere worship toward God, many miracles have been experienced at Maranatha Ministries. Worshipers have been healed of arthritis, hernia's, back pain, and other afflictions too numerous to mention here.
The greatest miracles, however, are the miracles of changed lives. Many former alcoholics, drug addicts, and losers in life, have experienced instant change as a result of the miraculous power of God. Many at Maranatha Ministries have experienced God putting their homes, lives, and marriages back together again. There is something about the sincere, spontaneous praise and worship at this church that builds individual faith in God for the miraculous.
Whatever your need may be; salvation, healing, deliverance, a new start in life, or just someone to care, you'll find it at Maranatha Ministries.
Home Bible Studies
What makes Maranatha different then just about every other church in New York's Capital District? Our "Home Bible Study" program! Maranatha Ministries is committed to giving everyone in New York's Capital Region the opportunity to know what's in the Bible. (If you live outside the area contact us and we will find a church near you that offers this program.)
Since King James, in 1611, had the Bible translated into english so everybody and anybody could read it, (at that time a "Bishop's Bible" was used which could only be read by those in the ministry) it's our contention at Maranatha that everyone should read it. What's more, while the leader of a Home Bible Study is often referred to as the "teacher" we don't actually "teach" anything. A Home Bible Study is simply designed to show you how to read the Bible and let you decide for yourself what it means to you.
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While many disregard the Bible by saying that it can be interpreted many different ways, that just simply is not true. In fact the Bible says of itself, "knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation." 2 Pet. 1:20
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When people start "interpreting" the Bible, it's usually because they're not liking what it's saying. But we believe that while we may not "like" everything the Bible has to say, there are those who are hungry and thirsty for God's truth and should have the opportunity to know what that is.
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Jesus, Himself, said; "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled." Matt. 5:6
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You know, the Bible is the number one best selling book and yet it’s the number one least read book at the same time. And my question to you is, why? Why would so many people go to so much trouble to by so many Bibles so they can spend so much time... NOT reading it!? And it’s a shame they don’t, because the Bible is absolutely the most exciting Book ever written. From love stories to war stories, from heroes to villains, the strong and the weak, the supernatural and the simply human, the Bible has it all. (Not to mention the "Plan of Salvation" to assure your entrance into heaven!)
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So why don’t people read it? I mean it’s obvious people have a hunger for what’s in it or they wouldn't buy it. Actually, the answer’s simple. People don’t read it not because they don’t want to, but because they don’t know how to! Do you know how many people say that when they try to read the Bible they put it away more confused than when they first picked it up? In fact, you’re probably shaking your head in agreement with me right now!
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The problem is that the Bible is not written like other books. It is literally hundreds of different stories intertwined throughout its pages and all this under one cover. Try picking out just 10 of your favorite novels and read 3 pages from one, then 3 from another, until you’ve gone through all ten, then start over again with page 4 of the first. Confusing? Well, that’s somewhat what the Bible is like. It’s not written like a novel, it’s written according to themes. So if you pick one theme out and just read the scriptures about that theme it will begin to make perfect sense.
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Why is the Bible written like this? (Isa 28:10 KJV) For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
It’s like this so the insincere, the scoffer and the mocker, will never understand. But the sincere, people like you and me who are hungry, we know there’s something in this book and we’re willing to work to find out what it is. It’s to people like this that Jesus reveals Himself to through His word. So get ready for an exciting revelation. You’ll be amazed as the Word of God unfolds before your very eyes.
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Now let's dispel a terrible myth. The Bible is not mysterious or hard to understand once you learn how to read it. Now I’m not against education by any means, but if you think you have to have a bunch of letters after your name, or some degree in theology to be able to understand God’s Word, you just don’t understand Jesus. Have you ever wondered what’s so difficult about understanding what 12 simple fisherman wrote about? While it’s true that the Apostle Paul was very learned and educated, for the most part, the disciples of Jesus were simple men. Even Jesus, Himself, was a carpenter!
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Now listen to what the Bible says in 1 Tim. 2:4. …he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
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Now if you had to be a graduate from divinity school to understand the Bible then not everyone could understand the truth because the truth is found in the Word of God! Jesus put it in a way that anyone could understand it. It’s when we mystify everything because the simple truth we are seeing seems too simple that we confuse the issues even more.
So let’s blow away the cobwebs and brush the dust off the covers of our Bibles. And while were at it let’s blow away the cobwebs of our preconceived ideas and traditions and just simply read what the Bible says. The most exciting journey you’ve ever been on is about to begin. The journey through the pages of God’s Word.
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The Bible Study usually last about 45 minutes and is about 8 lessons long. (Usually 1 time per week for 8 weeks at your convenience.) It is non-denominational in that the study does not promote any denomination's doctrines unless those doctrines are written in the Bible and in that case it is the Bible that is emphasized and not a denomination.
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There is no charge for the Bible Study. It is offered by Maranatha as a public service in our effort to be obedient to the Lord and let everyone and anyone know what His Word says.
Finally, there is no commitment to be a member of Maranatha or to ever become a member of Maranatha. While we'd love to have you join us as a church family member, you will not be pressured to if it's not for you.
