A place to be free, part 1

This is the first of a four-part blog series explaining that Solid Rock Worship Center is a place to "b." This first part is titled, "A place to be free."

John 8:31-37 (New King James Version) ³¹ Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ³³ They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" ³⁴ Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵ And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. ³⁷ "I know that you are Abraham's descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you.

At the cross and through the blood of Jesus Christ true freedom is found. This freedom is celebrated daily by the believers at Solid Rock Worship Center. It's a part of our weekly worship schedule. It's the center of our daily lives. Without the blood we are powerless. Without the cross we are weak. We have been set free and refuse to return to slavery to sin...

Galatians 5:1 (The Message) Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.

There are two cause and effects in John 8:31 that explain how we remain in this freedom: 1) If you continue in God's Word (cause) you are His disciple (effect); 2) if you know the truth (cause) the truth will set you free (effect).

1) Abide in His word:

The word abide in John 8:31 is translated from the Greek word MENO meaning, "to stay; continue; abide; to not depart; to not leave; to continue to be present; endure; live; to remain faithful to; to obey."

God is not interested in a prom date; He desires a soul mate! God desires a lifelong commitment. And God daily blesses those who live for Him daily! God is not recruiting weekend warriors, He is seeking for daily disciples to follow him, taking up their cross and denying themselves. Those who answer His call are rewarded with the daily benefits from Almighty God!

2) Know the truth:

Doctrine does matter and it does not hinder. His commandments are not grievous. It's hard to live for God easy, but it's easy to live for God. In other words, if you put your all into it, God will put His all into it.

Paul instructed Timothy to take heed to the doctrine (truth) and in so doing he would save himself and those who listened to him.

Some say that doctrine (truth) divides. To a certain extent they are right. Doctrine divides the truth from a lie. It divides the wheat from the chaff. It divides right from wrong. It divides the saved from the damned. Yet true freedom comes from knowing the truth.

The word know in John 8:32 is translated from the Greek word GINOSKO and the definitions are too many to list. Suffice it to say that it implies more than just simple knowledge. The condensed version basically means to both know it and apply it because you are in love with it. I must know the truth, love the truth and apply the truth!

I and so many more have been set free from sin and it's chains. We can truly sing "My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God my Savior has ransomed me..." I challenge you to take out a pen and paper, or use your word processor and type out your testimony of God's freedom in your life. Take time to pause and reflect, thanking Him for deliverance in your life. Share your testimony with someone else. You never know, they may be struggling and your words of encouragement could be the catalyst that launches them to their own personal victory!

Romans 7:6 (The Message)
But now that we're no longer shackled to that domineering mate of sin...we're free to live a new life in the freedom of God.

This freedom is preached, taught, and lived out every day through the steadfast believers of Solid Rock Worship Center. One does not have to wait until Sunday or Wednesday to experience freedom from sin: it can be realized daily! It must be realized daily!

Romans 8:1-2 (KJV)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

...continue steadfastly...in prayer...

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV)

Have you ever wondered how you can pray without ceasing?

Does it mean that I have to pray 24/7/365?

This blog will answer these and other questions related to prayer.

Continuing steadfastly in prayer is one of the four pillars our 2009 vision is built upon. Acts 2:42 explains that the 1st Century believers continued steadfastly in prayers.

Prayer is not an option; it is an imperative. One person observed, "Seven days without prayer makes one weak." No one can afford to live a prayer-less life. As blood is to the body, so is prayer to the believer!

Hannah represents "continuing steadfastly in prayers." She earnestly prayed for a child to be conceived in her barren womb. This is in part what it means to pray without ceasing. In other words, PUSH = pray until something happens! When you begin to PUSH, God sits up and takes notice.

Jesus was an excellent example of continuing steadfastly in prayers. He would retreat to a quiet place and sometimes spend all night in prayer:

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12 KJV)

In my early teenage years, I would have a lot of "all-night-prayer-meetings." There is something about getting alone with God and spending the night praying. For those that feel this is a difficult task, I would challenge you to try it - while I won't promise that it's easy, I can guarantee you that God will meet you there in a special way.

While praying alone is important, it is also necessary to pray together!

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:14 KJV)

This group of 120 believers were gathered in the upper room, praying and tarrying for the promise of the Holy Ghost! When believers come together for corporate prayer, amazing things happen!

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31 KJV)

When the ministry leads in prayer, it brings about exponential growth!

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. [7] And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. [8] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:4, 7-8 KJV)

In Ephesians 6, Paul uses a Roman soldier to draw the comparison to the armor of God; however, it would appear the Paul neglected to mention the spear. Roman soldiers were equipped with a spear as well. I submit to you that verse 18 is the "spear of prayer."

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18 KJV)

A spear has a point - prayer must have a point: pointless praying is what Jesus rebuked when He spoke about vain repetitions and babbling.

The weight of the spearhead is in proportion to the length of the shaft so that it is most effective - our prayers must be "weighed" down through fervency and being effectual in order to avail. It is not so much the quantity of prayer as much as the quality of prayer that is most effective.

The word "spearhead" means, "the leading element, force, or influence in an undertaking or development." Prayer MUST be the spearhead of all that we do.

Every ministry must spearhead their events with prayer!

Every leader must spearhead their ministry with prayer!

Every vision that is cast must be spearheaded through prayer!

Prayer is NOT an option! Prayer is an imperative; a vital one! Without prayer, we are reduced to a weapon without ammunition, a balloon without air... a church without power! Unfortunately there are those who only have a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof! BUT NOT HERE! I for one will remain a prayer warrior! Who will join me?

Who will help me pray without ceasing?

Who will continue steadfastly in prayers with me?

The world awaits our decision. Hell hopes we will be complacent. Heaven is confident we will be vigilant. Let's prove God right!

See you in the prayer room.......

Power to Become

Remember being asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

I do.

I also remember fluctuating from wanting to be a cowboy, to an army ranger, to anything else that came to my mind.

Then high school came. By this time, I knew what God had called me to do, but I still struggled with how to fulfill God's calling on my life. My guidance counselor met with all of us and helped us prepare to graduate and head to college to fulfill our dreams. She did what she could to empower us to realize our dreams.

Each of us have spiritual desires too.

We want to be better prayer warriors.

More diligent students of the Word.

Better spouses.

More caring parents.

Respectful and not rebellious teens.

Each of these and more represent what we want to become as we continue to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Well, today is your blessed day. I know the answer to you fulfilling your dream and becoming what you desire.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8 ESV)

The Holy Spirit is the power source that we plug into and this power source enables us to become witnesses for Him in all the earth.

Think about it: as you fulfill God's purpose in your life, you wind up fulfilling your dream. We are to pray, "Not my will but yours be done Lord" and when we sincerely pray that prayer, God will empower us to become what He desires for us!

Go ahead: plug into the true Power Source today. He's never had a power outage or a power shortage. He gives you power to become!

Psalm 119

Friends, I cannot exhaust Psalm 119. I have been studying this single chapter of Psalms for over two years now and yet I continue to find fresh revelation nestled in its 176 verses. I have prayed through this Psalm numerous times. I have wept, shouted, spoke in tongues, and experienced fresh revelation while reading and re-reading this Psalm. At this point, I suppose I will never fully exhaust the depth of its beauty, and have given up trying. I vow to continue to study and apply the principles found therein. In this blog, I simply want to highlight some of the nuggets of gold I've mined out of Psalm 119 and hopefully inspire you to study it out for yourself.

With my whole heart... appears six times expressing a passion to serve God with my all.

Righteous/righteousness... appears twelve times explaining how fair and just God is.

Never forget... appears seven times explaining that I will never be oblivious to or ignore God's Word.

Affliction/afflicted... appears seven times explaining that through sufferings and persecution, I learn to trust His sovereignty.

Quicken/quickened... appears eleven times expressing that His Word causes me to truly live.

Fear... appears six times explaining how I should reverence God and His Word.

Understanding... appears eight times explaining how God helps me to comprehend His Word.

Delight... appears seven times explaining that we should take pleasure in serving and obeying God.

Praise... appears four times expressing three types of praise, 1) HALAL, to celebrate and shine, 2) YADAH, to throw my hands up, and 3) TEHILLAH, to sing a hymn of worship.

I may live... appears five times explaining that in Him, by Him, and through Him is everlasting life!

Love... appears nine times expressing my affection for God's Word.

Hope... appears four times expressing the expectation, yet also the patience I have in the Word of God.

Keep... appears twenty-two times explaining that I will guard, protect, maintain, obey, take heed to, and build a hedge about the Word of God!

These are some things that stand out to me in Psalm 119 and help me to have a greater passion for the Word of God! In addition, there are eight different Hebrew words (nine English ones) that explain a different perspective on the Word of God. Imagine a pie cut into eight equal pieces. Each piece would be a part of the pie, but not the whole pie. Upon seeing all eight pieces, you will get a better understanding of the whole Word of God. I will list the Hebrew word first, then its English translation and definition.

1) MITZVOT - Commandments - appearing 22 times and meaning, "the specific 'thou shalts' and thou shalt nots.'"

2) CHUKIM - Statutes - appearing 22 times and meaning, "the laws in which God does not give us a logical explanation, we just keep them because He says so!"

3) MISHPATIM - Ordinances or Judgments - appearing 23 times and meaning, "the judicial stand of God's fairness."

4) DAVAR or IMRAH - Word or Words - appearing 42 times and meaning, "the all around general term for the expressed will of God."

5) DERECH - Ways - appearing 18 times and meaning, "the path; the way we are to walk according to God's Word."

6) PIKUDM - Precepts - appearing 21 times and meaning, "the specific guidelines for all who define themselves as God's people."

7) EDOT - Testimonies - appearing 22 times and meaning, "this describes the Word as a witness to God and His righteousness."

8) TORAH - Law - appearing 25 times and meaning, "the whole will of God; His instructions to us for holy living."

Why am I so passionate about the Word of God? Because He has exalted His Word even higher than His name. We know that His name - Jesus Christ - is the highest name ever given, yet God esteems His Word even higher than His own name...

"You have made Your word even greater than the whole of Your reputation." (Psalm 138:2b CJB)

"You have magnified Your word above all Your name." (Psalm 138:2b NKJV)

But the greatest reason that I am so passionate about the Word of God is that Jesus Christ IS the Word of God...

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 14 (KJV)

The more I fall in love with the Word, the more I fall in love with Jesus Christ! The more I apply the Word, the more I become like Jesus Christ. It's a "win-win" situation! And I cannot get enough of the Word of God! I cannot get enough of Jesus Christ!

I challenge you today to turn off the radio, put down the magazine, turn off the TV, and pick up the Bible. Read it. Live it. Apply it. Study it. Research it. LOVE IT! Politicians come and go. Fads are in style and out of style. Time changes. BUT, "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89 KJV)

True Growth

Last night I heard Bishop Stoops teach a lesson that aligns perfectly with the vision I've cast for 2009 here at Solid Rock Worship Center. I took notes and was amazed at how God so aptly spoke through my Bishop, and felt to share with you what I received. Bishop Stoops highlighted four points of growth that if adhered to will achieve spiritual success in the kingdom of God.

1) True Christianity:

We must love in deed and truth, not just word and tongue. The world is searching for authenticity. Fake is over! We cannot afford to be one thing on Sunday and something else the rest of the week. This is a daily lifestyle!

Toby Mac says, "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today are Christians who profess Jesus with their lips and deny Him by their lifestyles. This is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

Jesus says, "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." Matthew 5:48 (MsgB)

Paul said, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." 1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV)

2) Growth in the Word of God:

Fall in love with the Word of God! It must be more than just a book. You cannot speed read it. Learn to "Selah" the Word. Learn to listen to it, and become more than just a hearer - become a doer of the Word!

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. Psalm 119:9 (ESV)

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11 (KJV)

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:16 (KJV)

The Word of God is living and powerful. It is still creating today. Every time it is spoken, it possesses power to create! Allow His Word to be spoken in your life. Take heed to it. Live in it. Obey it. Follow it. The Word of God is eternal life!

3) Growth in Prayer:

Prayer is not an option; it is a priority! A prayer-less person is a power-less one. Prayer is not just rehearsed phrases and memorized statements. It is direct communication with Almighty God. It is through prayer I receive strength, instruction, hope, comfort, peace, life. and anything else I need.

You must make time for prayer. We live busy lives, but anyone can make time for what they feel is important. Take the time. Make the effort. Become a prayer warrior. Today. Don't delay. Heaven needs you.

4) Growth in Evangelism:

Jesus instructs us to go into all the world and make disciples of all men everywhere! The more you give out, the less you think about your own dilemma. In fact, I believe that while you are helping someone else, God is taking care of your problems.

The cashier at Shop-N-Save needs more than a smile - let God lead you. Maybe you might be the key that unlocks the door to the salvation of their soul. Have you prayed for your neighbor recently? Have you witnessed to them? Do they even know you're a Christian? Share the good news today with someone that Jesus loves them.

After presenting these four points, Bishop Stoops prophesied that God would bring double-portion blessings to those that grew up in these areas. I receive His prophecy. I believe in the Lord my God, thus I shall be established; I believe his prophets, so I shall prosper. (2 Chronicles 20:20)

Let's grow this year...

"God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do." Ephesians 4:15 (MsgB)

Yes He Can!

Barak Obama heralded a three word slogan in his drive to become the President of the United States of America. Those words were, "Yes we can." Millions of Americans chanted those words while watching his acceptance speech either in person in Chicago, or via the internet or television. Whether or not you agree with his party's platform and politics, you have to admire the historical significance of his election.

I would like to present a fresh perspective to you; however, dovetailing off of these three words. Instead of "yes WE can," how about let's declare, "Yes HE Can!"

When you begin to look at your bank account, declare with holy boldness, "Yes HE Can!"

When you receive bad news from the doctor, delcare with faith, "Yes HE Can!"

When you seem to be sinking in the midst of the raging storm, shout it from the top of you lungs, "Yes HE Can!"

With men things are impossible. Man does not have the answers to life's problems. Bailouts will not work for your financial situation. Empty promises by your politician won't change the situation your in.

BUT GOD...

I'm so glad there's always a "conjuction." BUT GOD...

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:27 (KJV)

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Luke 18:27 (KJV)

Whatever circumstance you're facing right now, proclaim with renewed faith, "Yes HE Can!"

God will not let you down. God hasn't given up on you. God knows all, sees all, and is working this all out for your growth and His glory! Besides, it's not about me or we. It's about "HE." The only way I can do anything is through Him!

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

Without Him, I am nothing. Without Him, I am empty. He brings purpose to my life. He not only clarifies the vision, he creates it too. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I do know who holds tomorrow. I cannot tell you that everything's going to be all right, but He can! He's good all the time! Even when life doesn't make sense. Even when the economy is shaky. Even when the Middle East erupts in war and rumors of war. Even when prophecy unfolds before our very eyes. "Yes HE Can!"

My hope is not in this world. My hope is in His Word!

My purpose is not success. My purpose is faithfulness.

God doesn't operate on my time, but in His timing. He who framed the world with His Word speaks over my life creatively today. His Word is still alive and operative. Within the pages of the Bible are mystery, romance, history, proverb, song, love, hate, and so much more; yet it is not just a book, it is the Book of Life! When I face uncertainty, all I have to do is open His Word and say, "Yes HE Can!"

While many things change, God never does. His power has not waned. He is still performing miracles. He is still opening doors no man can shut. He is still opening the blind eyes, and unlocking the deaf ears. He is still saving, delivering, and healing. "Yes HE Can!"

I challenge you to finish reading this blog, pick up your Bible, and make an altar and say with vehement passion, "Yes HE Can!"

Continuing...

2009.

Acts...to be continued - our vision.

So, what does it mean?

I'm glad you asked; let me explain.

1) Continue in His Word!

Jesus said, "If you continue in my word, they are you my disciples indeed." (John 8:31)

Continue in this verse means, "remain; abide; to not depart or leave; to be held and kept."

How do you view the Bible?

Is it just a book, or is it life eternal to you?

Do you read it casually, or with the heart of a student?

Are you obeying it's timeless truths?

In one question, are you continuing in His Word? If you are, then you are His disciples.

2) Continue in His love

Jesus instructs us to "continue in my love" in John 15:9.

The word continue is the same as in John 8:31. The word love is "agape." Agape is unconditional love. It is loving without expecting anything in return.

His perfect (complete) love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Is His love complete in you?

It is easy to love those who love us back, but what loving those who despise us, say all manner of evil against us? Do we really have to love our enemies?

Continue reading in John 15, and you will see the results of continuing in His love. I'll do you a favor and not tell you, since you are one to continue in His Word and will want to study it for yourself.

There will be more blogs to come this year on what it means to continue as it is a rich topic in Scripture. For now, continue in His Word and His love...

To be continued...

Acts...to be continued!

Our vision theme for 2009 is “Acts …to be continued…” The book of Acts is NOT meant to end at chapter 28; rather, the principles of this book are to be continued. We are, in essence, chapter 29 and beyond…

Solid Rock Worship Center is a church devoted to continuing the legacy that began in the upper room on the first Day of Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Solid Rock Worship Center is a place where the un-churched discover and experience the saving power of Jesus Christ and learn to live by faith. Then, these new believers develop the fruit of the Spirit and their own gifts and talents through Bible study and application being known by love. Becoming daily disciples, they demonstrate their talents for the glory of God as a voice of hope, introducing the un-churched to a place of discovery. This is how our purpose is fulfilled. This is how our mission is accomplished. This is the vision of Solid Rock Worship Center and the process by which it is completed.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings hope to the confused, life to the dying, healing to the hurting, strength to the weak, peace to the troubled, deliverance to the captive, and encouragement to those remaining steadfast. And this Gospel is believed, sung, taught, preached and lived out every day through the believers of Solid Rock Worship Center! You are invited to come again and be a part of continuing the legacy started in an upper room in Jerusalem nearly two thousand years ago.

Last September, God began to deal with me concerning the 2009 vision. I began preparing a series on the book of Acts called “Themes from Acts.” By the help of God, I will be “treaching” this series as the Lord leads. The purpose is to both educate every believer on the vast truth of God’s Word, and to illustrate the principles that are meant to be continued in the 21st Century. Further inspiration for the 2009 theme has come from some personal reading of the following books: Simple Church, Lincoln on Leadership, and Intoxicated With Babylon.

I’ve directed Pastor Roland and Sis. Jackie to use Acts as much as possible as a text for lessons they teach or preach to our teens and children. I encourage every believer to read through Acts numerous times this year. Highlight things that stand out to you, research phrases that occur multiple times; in other words, study to show yourself approved unto God. Discover the principles of Acts, develop your walk with God, and demonstrate your gifts for His glory. As we get back to the principles of the 1st Century, I believe we will turn our world upside down, just like the disciples did. Acts is meant to be continued…let’s do our part…

2008 Accomplishments:

· Launch of Solid Rock Academy (currently 17 students)!
· Continued remodeling (New lights, ceiling, floors, trim, paint, etc.) DEBT-FREE!
· Membership roll of 120 with an average attendance of 75!

2009 Goals & Objectives:

· The continued empowerment of every saint of God to fulfill their purpose in His kingdom!
· Finish remodeling (kitchen, stairs, & classrooms).
· Paint black cement white (outside).
· Expand our current building to accommodate continued growth in the fall.
· Continued support of missions locally, nationally, and globally.

Fulfillment of Goals:

· Faithful and consistent giving of each one’s time, abilities, and money.
· Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build… (Nehemiah 2:20a KJV)

Continuing the Legacy,

Myron Powell

Lead Pastor