Solid Rock

   The term “rock” is often used in Holy Scripture to describe; security, trustworthiness and dependability. When Jesus asked his disciples who others said He was they replied, “John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Jesus then asked them; “But who do you say that I am?” It was Peter who replied; “Thou art the Christ the Son of the Living God.” Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you Simon son of Jonah for flesh and blood has not revealed this unto you but my father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”  Upon Peter’s confession as to who Jesus was, God would build his church. When God’s gathered people (the church) continue to confess the identity of Christ and when they live by that confession there is security, trustworthiness and dependability. God’s confessing church is like a solid rock upon which the gates of hell cannot prevail. BUT, what happens when people gathered do not confess and live by the identity of Christ as confessed by Peter?

   When Jill and I vacation in Florida we worship in a church called, Solid Rock Presbyterian Church. Solid Rock is located in Leesburg and worshippers meet in a community hall. The fellowship of believers is not large but they are faithful and they warmly welcome those who believe in and adhere to the confession of Peter. They belong to a larger branch of the Presbyterian Church known as Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Solid Rock does not have a long history but the faith upon which they stand does. You see, the good people of Solid Rock came out of a larger denomination when that denomination began to drift away from the confession of faith as lived and taught by the disciples. They don’t have the big building now, they don’t have the numbers and as John (their minister) will tell you; “we don’t have the high tech stereo recording equipment that we once enjoyed.” Yes, they had to give up a number of frills but the one thing they refused to give up was the faith confessed by Peter. They were willing to stand up for what was right even when the opposite was more popular. They would not allow the faith once and for all delivered to the saints to be compromised by the standards of a society that is trying desperately to be accommodating to all. Their stand has cost them but they will survive because their faith is built on the Solid Rock.  Should your travels ever take you near the Leesburg area of Florida please drop by and worship with them on a Sunday morning. The people of Solid Rock meet in the Leesburg Community Building, (9:30am) 109 East Dixie Avenue, next to the Pat Thomas Ball Field.

   Please remember and pray for this community of faith who are looking for a site upon which to build and expand their ministry.

By Rev. John Fraser