Change

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The Dead Sea

As difficult as it might be, change is not only inevitable, it is also necessary. There is only One who cannot change. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In addition, change can bring growth in both our personal lives as well as our spiritual lives. One of the principles of growth is that you must change. Otherwise stagantion, then stink, then death settles in.

Fishing in the Sea of Galilee

There are two major seas in Israel: the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Although both are fed by the Jordan River, they couldn't be any different. The Sea of Galilee has produced prosperity for thousands of years for fishermen and farmers alike. The Dead Sea is, well, dead. There are no fish and no way to use the water for anything other than a short swim. What's the difference? The Jordan river flows through the Sea of Galilee allowing for the water to change continually. The Jordan River ends at the Dead Sea and there is no exchange of water that is necessary for life. You see, the saline content is so high in the Dead Sea, that it is all but impossible to go under water when swimming; you merely float on top. That's the fun part. But the fun comes with a cost, nothing can live in that sea. No fish, no sea creatures, no plants.

The Dead Sea can picture for us our lives without change. Our lives without change would be good for nothing, but floating on top...and thats what dead bodies do!

However, the Sea of Galilee changes constantly. To which Jesus writes:

"The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” (John 7:38 HCSB)

It is change that causes us to grow and to thrive and to be purified. That means that change, as much as it hurts, is good. It is what life is made of. Stagnation reeks of the smell of death.

Oceanside is at a time of great change. I believe with all my heart, that means that we are in store for an incredible infusion of life into our fellowship. God is going to bring people. He is going mature us. He is gong to develop us. He is going to expand our influence. Remember, some plant, some water, but God gives the increase. That increase is coming as we are changed into the church God wants us to be.

Are you ready for God to do great things in your life? in your family? in our church? Then... change.

Pastor Trey Rhodes

 

We need YOUR help with the NEW OC Website - It's the same address, www.MyOceansideChurch.com, but we need you all to search for it multiple times on Google so we can get the count up and move up to the first page like we used to be. THANK YOU!!

New Sermon Series The Cross Was Enough begins Sunday, March 10. The Cross has such power that it is enough to save ALL that come. Plan to attend every exciting service at Oceanside Church.

Palm Sunday Candlelight Service - We will partake of the Lord's Supper together as we remember Jesus' final supper with His disciples. Sunday Night, March 24th, 2013, 7 p.m.

 

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Christmas Is a Time for Giving

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Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15 HCSB)

Christmas is about giving. I heard that on a Hallmark movie and got all offended. My first thought was, "Christmas is about Jesus." And it is. But that happened because God gave. Christmas is God giving us His gift, Jesus Christ. that gift is so wonderful that words cannot describe it. Christmas is about giving the gift of our lives and hearts to Jesus. Christmas is about giving the gift of our love that has been "shed abroad in our hearts to others." Christmas is for giving.

You see, Christmas started in the heart of God before the world began. We know that Jesus was "the lamb slain before the foundation of the world." Why would He do that? Why would He choose to be slain before we were even in the picture. It was so He could be our indescribable gift. It was because of love. Love always gives. God is love. Christmas is for giving.

You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. It is our giving that demonstrates where our heart is. Jesus said, wherever your treasure is there will your heart be also. You want to know what you love? Look at your bank statement. Look who you give to. Do you remember the last time you gave sacrificially? To others? To some who cannot reciprocate? To God's work? It is at Christmas that we should take stock of our gifts and our giving hearts. Christmas is for giving.

Giving to God's Work

Through Reality youth ministry, Sunday morning worship, and other ministries such as ScareMare, Oceanside Church has seen lives transformed. There were nearly as many saved this year as we averaged on Sunday morning.

Because of that, it seems that we should be packed out. As a matter of fact, that has happened several times. But, this year, some have transferred their service by ministering in other churches, while others have moved away. In addition, many are still immature in their faith and as we disciple them, they are continually growing into fully mature Christ-followers and learning the importance of their church attendance. I'm excited about what God is doing!

Many that are coming to faith have a deep desire to follow Jesus as Lord. Oceanside has been baptizing outside for several months. Recently, we planned to do the same thing, but because the cold, rainy weather, we decided to move it inside. Due to an oversight, the couple being baptized was not informed of the change. They came to church that morning fully thinking they would be baptized outside in the inclement weather. And they still wanted to be baptized! Talk about commitment!

Here is some of what has happened at Oceanside in 2012:

Baptizing one of many at Oceanside this year.

• 18 were saved at ScareMare.
• Needy families in foreign counties were given goats and sheep to provide them milk, offspring to sell and eat, as well as provide ongoing economic help.
• Indigenous Evangelists were supplied with training and materials to aid them in reaching those without Christ.
• 1000's of new East Cooper residents were contacted and prayed for through our phone ministry.
• Helped Pastor Orhan in Samsun, Turkey reach people with the Gospel
• Supported missions worldwide.
• Trained and prepared our young people to stand up for Christ in school and with friends.
• Had a Christian concert for our Students
• Led our first Muslim to Christ (We'll tell you more in a video testimony, later).
• Adults and youth were saved and baptized
• The Spirit of Christ has moved mightily in worship service after worship service

Without you this could not have happened. The Bible tells is this with great clarity:


They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service. (2 Corinthians 9:13)

God gets the glory when we are faithful to the Gospel by being generous to His work.

Your Gifts Make an Impact

While I know there are many ministries that are doing the Lord's work, there are none that are able to reach more people with such a small amount. That means in two ways, we are able to do more with less. Here's the ratio of people that make decisions for Christ to members:

• In the average church in the U.S. - It fakes 12 people to reach 1.
• At Oceanside Church - It only takes 1.5 people to reach 1.

Recently I read on twitter that one ministry shared what had happened at their church on Sunday. They reported:


"This week, 128 people served 933 people and we saw i person saved." Interestingly enough, In that same week, Oceanside had 50 people introduce 25 to Christ.

We are thankful for every person that comes to Christ, no matter what it takes, but I have to ask, in this time of shrinking financial resources, shouldn't you commit to invest in God's work through Oceanside Church? We are reaching people as never before with your generous and sacrificial gifts. Oceanside is committed to being both frugal and faithful as we reach more for Christ in 2013.


We are asking you to again make that sacrificial end of the year offering to our Lord in order to see His kingdom continue to expand. Let me say, without you, it does not happen. Missionaries like Pastor Orhan in Turkey might not get the supplies needed to reach lost Muslims. Poor, international families could go without much needed goats and chickens. Ministry would have to be scaled back here in Mount Pleasant. Evangelists and missionaries might not have what they need to continue their work. That could be if you choose to ignore our offering. I know that is not you.


God's people have always been the ones who have spearheaded the ministry here. We are not supported by some outside entity that helps us with our buildings, ministries, or evangelism. It happens because of you.


Oceanside's Christmas offering takes place this Sunday just before Christmas. Our staff is giving fewer presents, doing fewer things, eating out less, and forgoing our gifts in order to give this year. Personally, we are sacrificing. That's how much we believe in Oceanside Church's ministry and vision. So, we are asking you to come ready to give sacrificially this Sunday, December 23rd. We will give our treasures to Jesus at church just as the wisemen did on that first Christmas 2000 years ago. Christmas is a time for giving.


Will you choose to participate in our Christmas Offering this year and make a difference in someone's life for eternity?


Christmas is a time for giving.

Building God's Kingdom together,

Pastor Trey Rhodes.

How Can You give to Oceanside Church?

• Giving Kiosk at Oceanside Church with your debit or credit card
• Online through Paypal (go to www.MyOceansideChurch.com and follow the link to online giving)
• By check or cash at the worship service on Sunday, December 23rd.
• By mail through sending your gift to 1728 Rifle Range Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

All gifts are tax deductible. Oceanside Church is a 501(c)3 non-profit ministry

Remember there is no gift too small nor unimportant. Your gift matters!

 

 

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Quit Being Thankful for Stuff

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Having just finished the Thanksgiving weekend, I'm hoping having a thankful heart is still on your mind. We are often thankful for the things of life. We say things like, "Thank You Lord for all the many material blessings You have bestowed on us." Now, I would be the first to say that we need to be thankful for all those things. Whether it is dinner on the table or a roof over our head, we should pause and thank our Lord for giving us the material blessings we have.

With that said, i need to ask myself, would I be near as thankful if I had none of that? You see, those things can change in a moment. The dust bowl of the 1930's was a time in recent U.S. history when people, good, God-fearing people, suffered incredibly as the dust storms covered everything they owned, had worked for, and lived off of. This wasn't an anomaly of a few months. The dust bowl went on for years. People were without the basics of life for years. Yet, as I listened to their stories on the documentary I was watching, over and over they insisted that there was always someone worse off than they were, and they should be thankful. No income for 5 years and they are thankful? Really? I'm sure your mind thinks as mind did..."What's there to be thankful for?" Truth be told, many deepened their faith in God during that most horrible of times.

I know this because my grandparents, Fred and Charlotte Scott, were directly affected by the dust bowl. Although, it wasn't a direct result of their move to the east coast, they moved from Texas to South Carolina in the late 1930's. And, will you allow me to brag on Fred and Charlotte a little? They rarely complained about the "first world" problems we moan and groan about. You see, they always had faith that God would get them through whatever they faced.

So I have to ask again, would I be more of less thankful if I no longer had all the stuff? Would I be more or less thankful if my stomach growled because i had no where to get any more food for that day? Would I be more of less thankful if I had to hitch a ride everywhere I went? I believe that I would be more thankful. Why? Because I would concentrate on the things that really matter. The things that can't be taken away from me. I'm talking about...

• God's love and grace that is not only without end, but more than I'll ever need.
• Salvation I found in Jesus Christ (or should I say found me?).
• The Holy Spirit that leads, corrects, and helps me everyday.
• Brothers and sisters in Christ who love and care for me daily.
• A clear conscience found in Christ that gives me peace every single day.
• Power in Christ to serve Him, serve others, and live daily for Him.

These spiritual blessings listed above are just a few of all the promises God has given us throughout the Bible. So, when you go to give thanks tonight at the dinner table, pray for the food, then think of all that we have in Christ. After all it is "our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens." (Ephesians 1:3 HCSB).

Choose this week to be thankful for that which matters most. That which is immutable. Our relationship with God and all the blessings that result. He has made all things new for each one of His children.

Pastor Trey Rhodes

Coming Up at Oceanside Church

New Sermon Series begins this Week on Sunday Morning - 2012: the End of the World as We Know it. As people are thinking about the end of the world, ask them to be in church with you. Christians have the answers to the questions they are asking.

Adult Christmas party on Saturday night, December 8 at 7 p.m. Bring a gift that costs no more than $10. Dinner served. Come and enjoy the Christmas season together.

Have you tried the New Giving Kiosk? It's at the entryway of the church. It's simple to use, and you never have to worry as to whether you have your checkbook or cash ever again. Accepts all debit and credit cards.

Christmas Offering Begins This Week. We want to give to international missions as well as local ministry. Please pray about giving this Christmas. Give throughout the month of December.

 

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Plain Vanilla Christian

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Have you ever heard someone say, "That's just plain vanilla" ? In my thinking, that phrase is usually heard when a salesman is trying to talk you into upgrading into the deluxe model. My usual terse answer is, "There's nothing plain about vanilla." You see, I love vanilla. There is nothing better than a mug of vanilla bean ice cream late in the evening to bring comfort to these weary bones. I don't want cherries, chocolate, marshmallows, or jimmies. I just want vanilla ice cream.

Now, I just found out after making a comment on Sunday about the importance of believers becoming mature, I was right. The best things in life do need to mature, including vanilla. For us to finally get vanilla in useable form takes years. 4 and a half years from planting to your kitchen. The process of planting, growing, pollinating, harvesting, and curing takes large amounts of time and effort. If you want vanilla, real vanilla, not the imitation stuff, you must determine to mature it in the proper way. It is only then that we can use it in our ice cream, cakes, sauces, or anything else I can imagine adding it to.

How does this happen? Here's a excerpt from an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper:

It takes up to three years after a vanilla-producing orchid vine is planted before the first pale yellowish-green flowers even appear, then another 1 1/2 years from the time the flowers are pollinated until the bean is processed. Now you know why vanilla is so expensive: It requires years' worth of labor.

So, I ask you, are you ready for a plain vanilla Christian life? It will take time and energy and willingness for you to grow to maturity. As a college professor once told us, "You can be spiritual in a moment, but spiritual maturity requires time" (Dr. Sumner Wemp, Liberty Unviversity).

But time is not enough. You see, as you have seen over and over, some people never grow up, they only get older and bigger. This is why we spent 5 weeks at Oceanside Sunday morning services and at our small groups explaining why we must sell out to the Jesus as Lord. That means life, or BIO, as we have discovered, means that to mature, we get:

BEFORE GOD - spending 10 minutes a day with Jesus (the 959 plan is a great place to start. Please contact us for more information about this great starting point).

IN FELLOWSHIP - making it a point to be in church and in small group every single week.

ON MISSION - being able to tell your story with people God brings to you at work, at school, at play, or wherever you are.

The Bible tells us that we are to mature. Prayers have already been offered to the Lord for us to become mature. Read what 2 Corinthians 13 tells us:

"We also pray that you become fully mature" and "become mature" (See verses 9 and 11)

So, how about it? Are you ready to experience life, BIO, as never before? Get started now. Become a "vanilla" Christian as you mature in Christ. You will truly be UNSTOPPABLE!

Pastor Trey Rhodes

See you Sunday Morning at 10:30! UNSTOPPABLE Series begins this week. See you there!

www.MyOceansideChurch.com for our website


MyOceansideChurch.podbean.com for most audio messages

www.OCAnnounce.info for our latest updates on ministry and events

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Love, Just Love

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It has been with great interest that I have watched the latest "news eruption de jour." As most of you know, it has to do with fast food. Somehow that has translated into boycotts. We are now being told with every news cycle that this particular company donates money to hate groups. By the way, using the list that this corporation was placed on, both the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Focus on the Family are listed as well. So, it seems that this list was compiled to defame any Christian organization that believes in the Bible and practices the truth found in it. At Oceanside church, we support and encourage traditional marriage at every opportunity we have. It breaks my heart to think that any organization that supports traditional family values will now be placed on some type of "McArthy-esque" list that denounces them for standing up and supporting them for what they believe is the most loving and lovely way to live.

Although my purpose in life, or even this week, is not to try and defend multi-billionaires, it seems to me that those using one of the most horrible words in the English language are modeling what they proclaim to be against. As a child, when I used this word, I was punished swiftly. It was considered a curse word in every sense. It is now bantied about as a moniker that will fit any suitable person or ministry or organization in order to push an agenda. We have been driven to draw a line in the sand. And it is on our side that we must stand in love. It is how we will win (See Romans 12:21). We are told that our only debt is to be that of love (Romans 13:8). We are told that the greatest thing we can do is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). And that love cover a multitude of sins (that goes for all of us!)

It is at this point that I must exhort every believer in Jesus to take great care with your words. We are able to stand for a principle in truth while we are loving in deed. We will NEVER win using Satan's weapons to defend. His weapons will only offend. Our greatest instrument in the toolbag of life is to love, unconditionally and unfettered. This is God's design for us and God's commandment to us.

Listen to the very direct words from the Bible:

Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action. This is how we will know we belong to the truth and will convince our conscience in His presence, (1 John 3:18, 19 HCSB).

That is true love. A love demonstrated for us by Jesus Himself who loves the sinner, but hated the sin. Our goal as little Christ's is to follow in His steps.

That is why I am so proud of my daughter. She has taken it upon herself, without any coaxing from me, to start a petition requesting that this particular fast food establishment be kept in her school. She only did that after her heart was broken by virulent, untruthful statements were said in order to promote an agenda. When I asked her why she was doing this, she told me it was because she loved the business and what they stood for...traditional families, like ours. Her headline is the picture that she designed that begins this blog. She sees the traditional family as a place or love and care and accpetance. That's how she grew up. That's what she knows. It is why when one of the supporters of her petition said he signed it in order to watch the other side "cry." She immediately replied that it was all about love and that was the last thing she wanted to see happen.

So, how about it? Are you up to demonstrating real love? Show God's love in practical way to someone today. Maybe someone you disagree with. How about it?

Pastor Trey Rhodes

MyOceansideChurch.podbean.com - Oceanside's latest audio message.

www.MyOceansideChurch.com - for information, direction, pics, and more on Oceanside Church

www.OCAnnounce.info - for latest news and information about Oceanside Church

 

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Memory Work; You're Doing It!

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Today and last night at Oceanside Church were really special. There was an excitement and a spirit that was contagious. We are going to become those families that impact and begin to change our families that will influence our culture.

Here's what happened: many took the challenge to begin memorize the 26 ABC verses. Two have already memorized them all. Many Oceanside Church families have taken up the gauntlet and have begun to put these important verses in their hearts. Good job to everyone. This is a great way you can move forward and begin to place His word in your heart. The next step is applying God's Word to your life everyday. it works...every time if you'll work it.

If you haven't started memorizing yet and would like to, the verses are on my last blog found here. just cut and paste them to your word processor and print them out for yourself. It's it e we get started making a change to our culture. Let's begin today with you. Let's be those people that believe the Word, know the Word, and live the Word.

Proud as I can be,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

 

26 Simple Memory Verses to Build your Family

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When I first came to know Christ, about the only bible verse I had memorized was, "Jesus wept." While every verse of Scripture is important and I have many important messages that used this verse describing the compassion and humanity of Jesus, this should not have been the only verse I knew in my heart. Soon after i was saved, I had memorized the entire Romans Road, chapters of the Bible like: Psalm 23, Pslam 100, 1 Thessalonians 1, Colossians 3, as well as many other important verses. I must tell you, I worked hard for those verses.

However, I wish someone had started me with some simple verses that covered most of what I need to know as a Christian. Things like sin, salvation, dying to self, thankfulness, love for God, prayer, importance of words, kindness, obedience, love for others, and the like. Well, do I have a treat for you.

I found these verses in Wolgemuth's book on family.
Here's his mother teaching his children these 26 verses

Here are 26 simple verses that you and your children, grandchildren or other children in your life. The good news is, you can probably come close to memorizing these in a few hours in one week. Most are a single line and simple enough for a child to understand, but deep enough to impact your life. Finally, here's a protip, for ya': to have the most impact, be sure you memorize the references as well.

Here's some kinds reciting their Bible verses. While not the same as we have listed, the sentiment is the same. Is it any wonder that the Jesus tells us we must become like a child to be included in the Kingdom?
Matthew 18:3

Here are these golden 26 verses:

ABC Memory Verses

A All we like sheep have gone astray. Isaiah 53:6

B Be kind one to another. Ephesians 4:32

C Children obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. Ephesians 6:1

D Don’t fret or worry; it only leads to harm. Psalm 37:8

E Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

F “Follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

G God is love. 1 John 4:16

H He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

I “I am the bread of life.” John 6:35

J Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” Matthew 19:14

K Kind words are like honey, enjoyable and healthful. Proverbs 16:24

L Love one another. John 13;34

M “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27

N Now is the time to come to Jesus. 2 Corinthians 6:2

O Obey God because you are His children. 1 Peter 1:14

P Pray about everything. Philippians 4:6

Q Quick Lord, answer me, for I have prayed. Psalm 141:1

R Remember your Creator now, while you are young. Ecclesiastes 12:1

S Sing a new song to the Lord. Psalm 98:1

T Thank God for Jesus. His gift too wonderful for words. 2 Corinthians 9:15

U Underneath are God’s everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

V Visit the orphans and widows. James 1:27

W We love because God first loved us. 1 John 4:19

X Except a kernel of wheat fall into the ground and die, it remains a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24

Y You must be born again. John 3:7

Z “Zacchaeus, you come down; for I’m going to your house today.” Luke 19:5

There you go...26 verses you can memorize and use for the rest of your life.

Hiding God's Word in My heart,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

Countdown to Doomsday

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Doomsday in 2012? Well, at least we are told by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists that we are now 1 minute closer to doomsday. According the Washington Post article:

"In moving the clock ahead on Tuesday, the BAS cited the failure of world leaders to achieve significant progress on the reduction of nuclear weapons and in developing a comprehensive response to climate change."

So, there you have it. Scientists have now categorically declared that we are closer now than we have been since 2007. This is in addition to the Mayan calendar as well as other so-called predictors of the end of times. In truth, the Bible tells us:

"understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11 NIV)

In simple terms, the Bible reminds us that of course we're closer to the apocalypse now more than we were before. These scientists are affirming what we should recognize already. Things will get worse before the return of Christ. Although some may call it "Doomsday," to the believer it is "Hope Day." That day is referred to as that "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13).

Regardless of what the Lord's timetable is for us concerning His return, we are called to be living for Him right now. He might come for us, but we can also go to HIm. in the mean time, we are to live our lives in such a way that we point others to Christ in all areas of our life.

There is no better way we can shine our light more than how we handle our money. Maybe the Doomsday you are facing is not one of the atomic variety, but in your personal finances. We are able to live out Christ in front of others in such a powerful way by how we handle our money. Actually, when it comes down to it, most of us just want to know How We Can Survive Money.

Would you like to know how you can get the single biggest raise you've ever had? Beginning this week, we start helping you get that raise. Interested? Join us this Saturday or Sunday at Oceanside Church as begin the journey together and learn how to survive money.

Surviving for Him,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

DASH to the Diet that Works

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After all the gorging on fatty, high calorie foods during the Christmas season, we should all be motivated to lose a pound here and an inch there. According to U.S. News and World Report, the best way to do that is with the DASH diet. It's simple, they affirm it this way:

The DASH diet offers menus that feature vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products, as well as whole grains, fish, poultry and nuts. Limited portions of red meats, sweets and sugary beverages are allowed as well. (Read more here in the NY Daily News)

Sounds simple enough. But here's the problem with this as well as any other diet. It's easy to be motivated to start losing weight and inches, the hard part is keeping it off. This is from someone who has fought "the battle of the bulge" for years. I have come to discover that the simpler the diet, the more I am able transform my motivation to momentum. Once the momentum begins, my lifestyle then helps me keep off the extra pounds longer and easier. It's all about keeping momentum.

I learned this "diet" from the Fitness Together team of Brian and Josh Durbin here in Mount Pleasant. Eat 4 to 5 low fat, low salt small meals, don't drink sugary drinks, allow for anything in small portions (one or two bites of cake on occasion), eat all the vegetables and fruit you want (moderation with bananas), and exercise, both cardio and fitness. Once you start and make it a lifestyle, it's much easier to continue. You can live life healthy and energetic.

As we begin the new year, I am praying not for motivation to live for Christ, but momentum to live for Christ. There are few things more frustrating than driving an old beater, clunker car that can't keep going. You know,  that car that takes constant repairs and calls to AAA to keep it going. You might drive it for a week, but before you know it, you're back down at the repair shop to get it running again. Kind of like Uncle Buck's car...

Do you ever feel like that resembles who you are in Christ? Always trying your best to keep it running, but never quite being able to get there? For you, the challenge for 2012 is to transform your motivation to momentum.

Paul understood that early in his Christian life. There were constant obstacles he faced that all had potential to slow him down and de-rail him from his walk with Christ. In the book of Acts we can read how he overcame that tendency:

But their suspicions didn't slow Saul down for even a minute. His momentum was up now and he plowed straight into the opposition, disarming the Damascus Jews and trying to show them that this Jesus was the Messiah. Acts 9:22 (MSG)

He kept the main thing, the main thing: pointing desperate people to the loving Savior, Jesus Christ. When our tendency is to get de-railed and lose our momentum, do like Paul, tell others about Jesus. That means sharing with your friends, your co-workers, and your neighbors. It is that kind of lifestyle can and does maintain momentum.

Let's keep it simple, help others transform into Christ-followers and that will make all the difference in your life as well. That's maintaining momentum.

So this year,  we are dubbing our year "Momentum 2012." It's all about

• "Mo" friends and 
• "Mo" disciples. 

It's pouring our lives into the lives of others as we get to see them experience God's transforming power in their lives.

Here's your challenge: don't walk out of church and small group motivated, move that motivation to momentum and you'll expereince your best year ever. Who knows? You might even see your own life change in ways you never thought possible. It's all about momentum.

Gaining momentum in 2012,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

For GREAT Oceanside Activities and Events coming up, be sure to check out your place for what's happening at Oceanside Church:
OCAnnounce.info

The Washington Monument Is Cracking Up!

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USA Today reports that, "Engineers have begun attaching ropes to the top of the Washington Monument that they will use to rappel down the structure to check for cracks and other damage." Who can forget that day when the reports came in about buildings in our nation's capitol swaying and then cracking? I'm sure this National Parks Ranger in the video will never forget that day either. Imagine being 500 feet up in the world's tallest obelisk while the temblor shakes the all-stone tower like a tinker toy. Gives me chills just thinking about it.

The damage has now been done and they will have to figure out what to do next. The report continues, "The quake caused several cracks to form in the monument. Stones, mortar and other debris fell from its interior and exterior, and the elevator sustained damage." The monument is closed and they don't know when they will re-open it.

Who hasn't experienced life's earthquakes that have shaken us to the core? The kind of shaking that has created gaping cracks that might still be waiting repair from someone, anyone. Have you ever felt like that in your life? I have experienced that kind of shaking. If you want to read more about that time in my life, go to this blog about my near death experience. No matter what it was, God can take the broken pieces in our life and make us new and better and able to do more for God than we ever could before. As the song says, He's the God of Second Chances!

How can God take a broken cracked up person like me and use me? He does it all the time! Joshua, the Son of Nun, is a great example we can use to help us move through and be used better as a cracked pot than we were before.

Pastor Trey Rhodes and his broken pot.

Let's look at Joshua 9-10 to discover how to get things right and fulfill God's purposes as never before. God can take you from where you are and make you into all you can be.

When we make mistakes realize there are...
1. Consequences
As we look at Joshua 9:16-23a, we see that there were repercussions for deceiving Joshua. In other words, the Gibeonites were not given a free pass. They would have to pay for their lying. Joshua 9:23 tells us they were to be indentured slaves, both them and their descendants. So, God would honor the treaty that Joshua hastily made with them, but they would be enslaved to the Israelites. That's the law and they were answerable to it. We don't really break the law, do we? The law breaks us. That is the curse of the law we are reminded of in Galatians 6:7: "Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap" Galatians 6:7 (HCSB).

But God doesn't stop there. Just as the Gibeonites should suffer horrible consequences for their sin, so should we. But that's not the God we serve. He is the God of redemption that takes our mess-ups and, by His grace, makes us better people for it.

This mistake become their...
2. Opportunity
I purposely didn't use the end of verse 23. We are told that, yes, they would be slaves and carry water and wood for the children of Israel, but it would be in service for the King of kings. It would be in His holy temple. There they would see God's forgiveness through the shedding of blood. It was in the temple that they would experience the glorious presence of God and forsake their polytheistic idolatry for the one true God, YAHWEH. It was truly an opportunity of a lifetime to serve Him all their days.

Are we any different? It was our sin that drove us to become enslaved to our appetites. AND it was our sin that we asked forgiveness for that drove us to serve the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. As Bob Dylan reminded us in that 1980 song, "You gotta' serve somebody. Well, it may be the devil and it may be the Lord, but you gotta' serve somebody."  To think that we are given the opportunity to serve God. It is truly an honor. And it was our blunders and sin that made that possible.

Finally our actions and mistakes will still give us...
3. Responsibility
Joshua made a promise, and now the Gibeonites called in the favor. Listen to the words of Joshua 10:6, "Then the men of Gibeon sent [word] to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: 'Don’t abandon your servants. Come quickly and save us!'" (HCSB)

The mistakes we make can cause great embarrassment, but as Dr. Warren Wiersbe said, "Remember that no mistake is final for the dedicated Christian." Yes, there will be responsibilities, but it never means God is though with us.

Today is the day to put your past behind you and begin to live an impossible "Sun Stand Still" kind of life. Don't wait, begin that life right now.

Thinkin' 'Bout Oceanside 

• What a great time of worship this past Saturday and Sunday! God continues bringing new people our way. What a great spirit of responsiveness to God you had. Thank you for all you mean to our God, our church and to me. Oceansiders, you're the best!! I wouldn't be at any other church. Don't you want other people to experience what we have every worship service? Then, just invite them. I can't wait to see all that our Lord has for us in the future. 
• ScareMare is knocking on the door. I can't wait to see who God uses to reach people with the Gospel. This is such an innovative and unique way to share the Gospel with the masses who probably wouldn't hear any other way. Pray for God to use us. Ask God how he can use you.

Can't wait to see what God has for us this weekend. It can truly be a Sun Stand Still moment. Don't miss it all God has for you!

Cracked but serving God,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

Army Proud Takes on Another Meaning Altogether

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Ignorance is bliss. I hope you didn't just ignore that first statement...unless, of course, you want to live in bliss even when it comes to ignoring ignorance. Then, are you ignoring it if you ignore ignorance? ...anyway, I digress. I just heard that this administration has stopped the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy for military service. I'm sure many people feel like I do...I don't want to know. My concern is that the military is becoming a place for social engineering rather than for the purpose for which it was founded, the defense of our nation.

Please don't tell me. I'm not going to ask, and I'm not really interested. But, it seems there are many who have to flaunt their lifestyle...whatever it is with whomever they are with. My opinion is that, "Don't ask, don't tell" was working fine. Our military is the best in the world. Really, what is the reason to have to flaunt one's sexual interests in front of others. Why would someone desire to flaunt their sinful lifestyle? As I have visited in people's homes, I've almost always had people at least apologize to me for beer cans on the table, or the Playboy in the magazine rack, or the cigarette smoke in the room. They cared what I thought. But things have changed, and it is not for the best. The reasoning behind this new policy makes no sense to me nor to many others who are comfortable with their monogamous, moral, biblical heterosexuality. I assume that some think this is just one more obstacle out of the way for this lifestyle to be accepted into the mainstream. But, for me, ignorance was bliss.

Big surprise...there will always be obstacles in life. Be ready. Of course, we are always anxious to get rid of many of them when they keep us from moving forward. But, the basis of life is not removing obstacles, but overcoming them. We live in an entitlement culture. We think that we are entitled. That will never happen, but even if it were possible, there is no benefit to living life that way. So, once we recognize obstacles, we must be sure to learn from them and move on.

The children of Israel were told by God that He had given them the land of Canaan to become their homeland, "Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance" (Joshua 1:6, HCSB), but there would be many obstacles to overcome. Some were actual battles they would face with the enemy, but most of the battles were with themselves. Battles to stay true to the command of God in their life. It was then that would be able to take the land. That is why God reminded them to, "carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7, HCSB).

The enemies of Israel knew they could not defeat them, so they decided to trick them. The Gibeonite cities were some 25 miles away, so that meant Israel was required by God's command to defeat them in battle. The Gibeonites knew this and sent a delegation to the base camp of Joshua to ask for their protection. Their ruse was they would deceive Joshua into thinking that they had come from many miles away, outside of the land God had given the Israelites. This could become a huge obstacle hung around the necks of the Israelites if they didn't choose wisely. They did not.

With that in mind, it is good that God recorded this embarassing event so that we could learn from it.

Here's three words that we can learn from so that you and I can move ahead and become all that God wants us to be.

Let's look at Joshua 9

First obstacle...

Influence - (vv. 3-5) 

Influence can be for good or bad. Make sure that when someone is selling you on their way of thinking, that it is not for their own selfish reason. These people were self-centered and wanted to assure they were protected from the power of the armies of Israel. It was all about them and nothing for Israel. People will do the same to you. When God begins to work in your life, they will be drawn to you and seek to influence you for their good. Take care that you become all God wants you to be, not what they want you to be.

Obstacle number 2...

Tricks - (vv. 6-12)

The Gibeonites pulled out all the stops in order to scam Joshua and the children of Israel. They not only wanted to influence these people, they wanted to deceive them.

There are many who will deceive you in order to get their way. These verses help us how to identify deception:

1) Are they who they say they are?

2) Do they really need the help?

3) Are they claiming to be important?

4) Are they claiming to want to help you?

5) Is their claim of godliness authentic?

Be sure and pray this prayer "Rescue me from their dirty tricks" Psalm 59:2 (MSG)

The final obstacle...

Impulsiveness (vv. 14-15)

Without consulting God, Joshua agreed to a treaty with the Gibeonites. Before we are too hard on him, have you ever made a decision without finding out what God says? I once had a deacon at a church ask me for some advice and finished his question with..."I know the Bible doesn't have anything to say about this." In actuality, the Bible, and hence God, had much to say about it. There is an answer for every circumstance you come across. It is a matter of knowing God and knowing His Word, the Bible. Impulsively making a decision that is life altering without consulting God is counter-productive and very possibly disobedient.

If you want to see God do the impossible, overcome the obstacles and see what God can do!

Thinkin' 'bout Oceanside

• What a great first Oceanside Saturday night worship service! Thanks to everyone who made it possible. Lots of new guests, great spirit, and a warm family atmosphere. That was because of you. Thank you...and be sure to invite your friends. Several asked about it, so here's the video we watched about inviting friends and neighbors to the weekend services.

• Scaremare is on the way! So many of you are excited about this incredible outreach. God is going to use you to help reach people with the Gospel. Keep on planning for your room.

• Parenting Seminar postponed for now - we want as many people as possible to join us for the John Rosemond seminar. It will be great. Here's how you can help: get in touch with Mrs. Kelly Rhodes and let her know you are interested (kbrmom@bellsouth.net). This is going to be one of those eye-opening, life-changing events that you don't want to miss. That is why we have postponed it for the moment. We don't want anyone to miss! You won't even have to go far; it will be here at Oceanside Church. This is also a great opportunity to invite your friends to Oceanside to let them know we care about them.

Overcoming Obstacles,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

Impossible Miss Universe?

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Miss Universe, Leila Lopes, receives her will deserved crown

The new Miss Universe, Leila Lopes,  is from Angola. Where in the world is Angola? Yeah, admit it. You had to look it up on Google. I didn't (I had the advantage of living in Africa for 2 years, so I knew, but that is the only reason). According to People magazine online edition, "She is the first woman from Angola and only the fourth black woman to be crowned Miss Universe." 

At first I thought it was another ploy to capitulate to the undeveloped countries for political gain. Then I read these words, "'I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty,' she said. 'I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.'" so as People magazine observed, "it's not only the exterior that Lopes wants the world to see," it is what inside. According to the judges, that capped it for them. Even they were looking for inner beauty. This is truly a wonderful story of someone going from rags to riches in the vein of an Horatio Alger story.

At first, when I read the headlines, I thought, "That's impossible. I must be reading it wrong. Of all the girls in the world, a girl from Angola got the crown?" As it turns out, it may be improbable, but not impossible. According to my "big honking" Webster's dictionary, it means that it is something that is "incapable of being done." When something is impossible, that is exactly what it is, not possible. According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament, it is when we have no power in and of ourselves to accomplish the act. That's what impossible is. No matter how hard we try, we do not have the power to accomplish the action. It would be similar to asking a weedwacker engine to power a C-130 Hercules. No matter how hard the weedwacker tries and regardless of the sincerity or intention, it does not have the power to lift a C-130 off the tarmac. It would be, you guessed it, impossible.

Here's the bottom line, God not only wants to do the impossible in your life, He promises He can do it as well. He has the power. He is the Lord God omnipotent (all-powerful).

 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

What is the impossible thing that is lurking in the back of your mind? Maybe it is a relationship that is beyond mending, or a friend that has refused to follow Jesus, or a financial situation that it will take a miracle to settle. Remember this...God can!

What do you and I need to do?
Get ready for God to do it. Here's how from Joshua 1:

1. Take God at His Word (vv. 6-9)
Joshua was promised supernatural success if He would mediate on God's supernatural book. Meditation empowers us to see life from God's point of view. God's will and hence His words will never be stopped. Then we can easily trust God because His Word has become a part of us: "I trust in Your Word" Psalm 119:42

2. Watch for God's Activity (vv. 10-11)
God told Joshua to tell the people to get ready. How? They were about to cross the Jordan, so it would make sense that they should building a bridge or constructing a boat or raft. But, that's not where God was at work. He was about to do the impossible by piling up the water of the Jordan during the spring tide. They had to take their eyes off of where they thought God should work and open their eyes to where God was going to work.

Remember what Jesus said, "My Father is still working and I am working also." (John 5:17) If that is true, then we better know what God is about to do around us. Be sure to look at people, not circumstances.

• Are they being drawn to God? 
• Are they seeking Him? 
• Do they feel conviction of their sin? 

3. Look What God Has Already Given You (vv. 12-15)
God has already given you things materially and spiritually. These people had been given property (including house and farms that had already been built for them). They had also been given rest.

First, think of all that God has already given you materially. You have a roof over your head, food to eat, clothes to wear. If you wonder if God cares...look and see that He has already cared for you.

Second, rest is also given to us. Those of us that have trusted Christ as Savior and Lord can now rest in His finished work. We no longer strive to live up to God's standards, Jesus made the impossible possible by dtying on the cross for us. That is why Jesus cried, "It is finished" from the cross. The price had been paid and the work was accomplished.

4. Do God's will (vv. 16-18)
The children of Israel had had enough of low living and rebellious attitudes. They were about to see God do impossible things. They were were up to their necks in sinful attitudes and actions because of the lifestyles of their parents. So, they chose a new and different way. They chose now to follow God and they guaranteed it with the very lives:

Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words in all that you command him, will be put to death. Joshua 1:18

Would you be willing to so commit to Christ, that if you didn't do His will, you would willingly die? We so often speak of dying for what we believe, but will you live for the One you believe in? His will is worth our lives.

Once we are prepared for God, He stands on the edge of heaven waiting to do the impossible. Be ready.

Thinkin' 'Bout Oceanside

• Sun Stand Still - Get in a small group. You don't want to miss what God has for you through this inspiring and life changing study. Begins next week. Watch God do the impossible!

• Oceanside Saturday Night - Begins this Saturday night at 8p.m. Let your friends know. Come ready to have a good time and hear form God as well. We'll be finished by 9:00 p.m. Impossible you say? Come and see.

• Scare Mare - The day are clicking by and you need to be praying about God touching people's hearts and lives. 3 guarantees: 1) We will scare them 2) They will hear the Gospel 3) People will be saved. Get involved now and watch God do the impossible through you

• Parenting by the Book - Do you know how to raise your children in this crazy mixed-up world we live in? John Rosemond helps us avoid the pitfalls and build a home where children can be all they were intended to be. You can be the parent you were meant to be. Sign up today. Email us at contact@myoceansidechurch.com.

Preparing for the impossible,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

23 Seconds of Horror

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Have you seen the new Volvo auto brake system? It is probably one of the greatest practical inventions of mankind since the invention of the internal combustion engine. Who hasn't driven when there is a sudden stop ahead of you that you don't notice instantly? You hit the brakes and hope for the best. This new system is supposed to take the guesswork out of braking...well, most of the time. The video I've included is the result of asking the automobile magazine writers to watch the test of the system before it was actually ready. It was 23 seconds of horror for the Volvo designers.
Let's think about our lives, we often place ourselves on "auto-pilot" and think everything is going along fine and then...BLAM! We hit a stopped semi trailer that we should have seen coming. It hurts...really bad. As God's people who have been re-created for His plan and purpose, He has helped us avoid these collisions in life. The problem is, we must choose to live life engaged and not on auto-pilot. When we are feeling unwanted by those around us, we can start to feel sorry for ourselves, but we have nothing to be sorry for. We have actually missed terrible collisions in life that have only one purpose, destruction.

1 Peter 1:18-22 lets us in on these destroyers (which is one of the names for satan himself, apollyon. I refuse to capitalize his name).

1. Emptiness (1 Peter 1:18a)
Having been redeemed, we are filled with God. No longer is there a God shaped vacuum in us. We have Him. "Realize the fulness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without Him." (Colossians 2:9)

2. Greediness (1 Peter 1:18b-19)

Our lives are no longer built on stuff; it's "not with perishable things like silver or gold." A life built on that which perishes, "silver and gold" is wasted. There is nothing fun about greed. It is never satisfied. Always hungering for more and never giving back anything in this life. Ever seen American Pickers? Those people they go to see build barns to hold stuff that they could never use. It sits, rots, and collects dust. They even have a hard time selling it to the guys who know people that can use it. Rick Warren recently said this "All my possessions are just tools for fulfilling God's purposes. I either given them away or use them on that sole basis." Can you say that? If not your auto-pilot is set on greed.

3. Hopelessness (1 Peter 1:20-21)
We are so tied up in our stuff and our way of doing things that we confuse who and what to place our hope in. Jeremiah understood this when He wrote, "It's hopeless. We will continue to follow our plans" (Jeremiah 18:12).
Our hope is in a God who loves us so much that He was willing to give His Son to sacrifice His life for us. Doesn't that give you hope? There is a future with Him. He does have a plan for you. That is why we can run to Him for refuge when feeling unwanted and like life is without hope...God is our future.

Finally, we avoid a collision with...
4. Lovelessness (1 Peter 1:22)
We get what is called "sincere love". Love is not love when it is not sincere. When there is real truth, there will be true love. So much of what passes for love today is little more than "like" at best and "lust" at its worst. Love can can only be based on what God says about love. That is true love. It is the kind of love, as MacArthur tells us, "responds to a command." He goes on to say, "Only those who have been purified (saved) have this capacity to love like this. Exhibited by meeting others at the point of their need." (MacArthur New Testament Commentary, 1 Peter 1:22). Sincere love for others will develop a sincere love for you. It's never about what you can get out of a relationship that matters, it's what you put into it that makes it sincere.

I am so glad God has clearly designed you and me to avoid these kinds of collisions in life. It's time we fill ourselves with God, give ourselves to others, and love as only God can. Then maybe being unwanted won't matter as much any more.

Thinking 'Bout Oceanside

• Wasn't it a wonderful thing to hear the air conditioning running and feel the cool air when you walked in Sunday morning? The air might have been cool, but God's presence was warm. Thank you Charlotte for your testimony about God's goodness in your life. Thanks to you who were open and receptive to God's Spirit as you responded to Him. Oceanside is the best place for Sunday morning...hands down! Let's keep inviting people to join us..every single week.

• Be sure to lend us a hand this Sunday night at Seagull Apartments as we have a block party to demonstrate sincere love for the people in our neighborhood. No matter what you can do, you are needed. Be there at 5:00 p.m. this Sunday night, August 28th. Let's show them Jesus!

• A new night of worship for the next generation. Beginning in September, Oceanside will begin offering an alternative worship service on Saturday night to open our doors to new people who might not be able to make it on Sunday morning or could even be looking for a different style of worship. The message will be the same, but we will provide a new atmosphere to welcome new people who need to hear the truth and hear the Gospel. Be in prayer as we develop this time of worship for the next generation.

Collision avoidance on,

Pastor Trey Rhodes