Don't try to distract me!

The Bible talks about old men dreaming dreams, and young men seeing visions (cf. Joel 2:28). I must be right on the cusp of being old and young, because I have dreamed dreams, and I feel I have had visions. I am convinced, beyond any shadow of doubt, that GREAT things lie ahead for those of us who will trust in the Lord—walking in faith and obedience to His Word.

Clearly, there will be those who will continue to question this vision and the direction in which this church is being led. I understand that this is very discouraging to those of us who are striving to achieve in actuality what we are working for with vision, but let me encourage you today!

There will always be people to challenge what we are doing, and where we are going! Noah had them, Moses had them, Elijah had them, Nehemiah had them, Paul had them, and even Jesus had them. These are people who want to lead, but have no idea where they are going. They are people who don’t want to do the work (ministry), but they want to control anyone who is doing it. They are people who are jealous of what God is doing in others. They are people who allow other spirits to control their actions and behavior, but they will not interfere with the work of the Lord when the Spirit of the Living God is doing the leading! They may try, but they will not succeed!

I am on a mission. I don't have all the answers, but I know who does! So, don't try to distract me with petty squabblings. I'm not going to take my eyes off Jesus just to please men!

Pressing Forward!

Sonbright Christian Center is a vibrant, growing body of believers pressing forward with the vision in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Many who have visited with us have chosen to make SCC their home church, and in the past year, we have added nineteen (19) new members to the church both by transfer and by covenant.

It has been said that a church without youth is a dying church. With this, I wholeheartedly agree. We rejoice, however, to see our youth and children’s ministries growing! Jesus placed great importance on children: “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:13-14).

The fact that we are growing necessarily requires adaptability! Adaptability simply means an ability to adjust to changes and new conditions.

For example, Sister Lynn Human, our Children’s Ministry Pastor, has requested volunteers to assist in the nursery. As our children’s ministry continues to grow, it will be necessary to add more volunteers. The same applies to every other ministry operating at SCC.

As we continue to grow and adapt to accommodate growth, the enemy will surely continue to fight against our efforts! It is imperative that we know his tactics and diligently seek to model Jesus’ example in order to defeat the enemy.

I am committed to press on by the grace and strength of the Lord, and to make the necessary changes to accommodate growth. We may, at times, need to change our structure, our methods, etc., but never will we compromise the fundamentals of the faith! Together, we will overcome every obstacle and see victory on top of victory as we press forward...together!

It is my prayer that the Lord bless and strengthen everyone of you as you submit to His way and His will!

Lord Teach Us To Pray

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive" (Matthew 21:22).

All too often we have heard people preach and teach that all that is involved in effective prayer is that we believe (have faith in) God. His promises are true, and when we truly exercise faith, we have what we ask.

This, I believe, is only half truth! Yes, Jesus did focus much of his ministry on teaching about faith, but equally present in His ministry is the requirement and example of charity (giving).

In the infamous "Lord's Prayer," Jesus said that when we pray we must understand that we receive as we are willing to give! "...forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors...." The apostle Paul said that we receive from the Lord so that we may be able to give to others (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:4).

Effective prayer is not focused on MY needs alone! Effective prayer seeks from the Lord with a willingness--evan an eagerness--to give to others. As someone has said, "...with one hand [prayer] reaches up to heaven with the other down to earth; in it, faith prepares to receive, what charity is ready to dispense."

Effective prayer=Faith+Charity!

Appearances Are Changing on the Campus of SCC

Again this morning at 8 a.m. several people gathered at the church to pour another section of concrete for our north parking lot. This has been an ongoing process for at least a year now, beginning with two long, uphill (or down hill?) driveways.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to Brothers Phil Sannon and Byrl Jones for taking the initiative to spear-head this project. Many others have assisted in the pouring of concrete, and we appreciate their hard work and willingness to give of their time! Of course, this couldn't have been done without money! And our ladies have worked equally as hard making home made fried apple (and other flavors) pies, etc. Thanks to everyone!

In fact, this is a project in which the whole congregation is involved in one way or another, and we are thankful to the Lord for strengthening and enabling us to improve that which He has entrusted to us.

Something Good Is On The Way!

I am convinced that we are on the brink of a powerful outpouring of the Spirit of God here at Sonbright Christian Center. Last night I spoke with several people from this congregation at length, and the common theme each one brought up was a desire to see the glory of God once again. To see the Power of the Holy Ghost working in us. As I spoke with each of these individually, the Holy Ghost seemed to move inside me. There was a Holy anticipation. As I moved from one conversation to the next, my spirit became more excited and I felt an overwhelming assurance that God IS in control, and this work shall not fail!

As I write this article, I am overcome with a sense of joy. My heart almost leaps within me as I ponder what God has in store for us.

Two passages of Scripture com to mind: “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out”
(Romans 11:33)!

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Sonbright Christian Center, let’s Fan the Flames—victory is ours through the power and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ!

The Vision Continues

Sonbright Christian Center is preparing for it's 53rd Anniversary Celebration and Homecoming on August 14. We are pleased to announce that Bishop Fred S. Fisher, Sr., General Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy, will be our special guest speaker.

We will honor our past by focusing on the vision that led to the organization of this congregation and motivated it to move with the Spirit of God. We will celebrate the present, giving praise to God for all He is doing in the here and now. Finally, we look forward with great anticipation to the future, knowing that greater things lie ahead. The Vision Continues, and we are committed to press on into the harvest!