On Friday evening, June 26, 2026, Immanuel Community Church in St. Louis welcomed Rev. Anton Tarigan, a leader with the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and Senior Pastor of Tower of Praise Church in Indonesia, who was visiting St. Louis and shared God's Word with the congregation.
About Rev. Anton Tarigan
Rev. Anton Tarigan comes from a Muslim family background. In 2000, after a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, he surrendered his life to the Lord and began serving as an evangelist and church planter. In 2003, he founded Tower of Praise Church, where he continues to serve as Senior Pastor.
He also serves as a Board Member of the Fellowship of Indonesia Evangelical Churches, a member of the WEA Decade of Disciple Making Task Team, Chairman of Movement Day Indonesia, Co-founder and Board Member of the Indonesian Council of Christian Stewardship and Accountability, Country Director of GO Movement Indonesia, faculty member of the Haggai Institute, and lecturer at Berita Hidup Theology Seminary in Central Java, Indonesia.
Abiding Before Going Out
Rev. Anton delivered a message entitled "In and Out," based on John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing."
Using the well-known American restaurant name In-N-Out as a memorable illustration, he emphasized the central truth of the Christian life: before we go "out" to serve, we must first go "in" and abide in Christ.
Rev. Anton first reminded the congregation that Jesus Christ is the only source of life. Just as branches cannot survive apart from the vine, believers cannot bear lasting spiritual fruit apart from Christ. In today's busy world, it is easy to allow ministry, work, experience, or relationships to replace our personal communion with the Lord. However, true strength, spiritual nourishment, and fruitfulness come only from remaining connected to Jesus.
Remain in Christ
He then spoke about what it means to "remain in Me." Abiding in Christ is not a one-time experience but a lifelong commitment to stay closely connected with Him through every season of life. Quoting 1 Samuel 15:22, "To obey is better than sacrifice," he reminded everyone that God is not primarily looking at our talents, achievements, or ministry success. Rather, He desires hearts that continually trust and obey Him. True success is not measured by how much we accomplish, but by whether we faithfully remain in Christ.
Fruitfulness Through Pruning
Rev. Anton also explained the meaning of bearing fruit. According to John 15, the Father removes branches that bear no fruit, but He also prunes fruitful branches so that they may bear even more fruit. God's pruning is not punishment but an expression of His love. Through trials, discipline, and refinement, He shapes His people into greater holiness and effectiveness for His Kingdom. Instead of resisting God's pruning, believers are encouraged to submit to His loving work, trusting that His plans are always good and perfect.
"God first calls us to abide in Him before He sends us out. Christianity is not merely a religion—it is a relationship. Only those who remain in Christ can bear lasting fruit in ministry and in life."
The evening concluded in the presence of God's peace and encouragement. Rev. Anton's message deeply touched the hearts of everyone present, reminding us that no matter how busy life or ministry becomes, our first priority must always be to remain in Christ. As we continue to abide in Him, may He nourish us, prune us, and enable us to bear abundant fruit for His glory and for the blessing of many.
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