Defending the Money Grubbers

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Defense has always been one of my loves. As a football player, I relished penetrating the line, tackling the runner, and stopping all forward progress.

Now, as a father and grandfather, I will defend my home and my loved ones to the death. No longer is it relevant to the score of a game, but now it is the lives and welfare of those whom I hold most precious. That is why it matters that I defend them with every resource available.

I also enjoy defending something equally as precious to me, my faith. There is nothing better than standing up for your deepest held beliefs and, win or lose, give it your best effort in causing someone to think deeper about what they believe. The goal is to help draw someone into conversation as to who Jesus is and what He has done through His death on the Cross and His glorious resurrection three days later. That is something that can make a difference in eternity and it is something well worth defending. It could make all the difference in a life.

Now, defense is not always necessary for every situation we find ourselves. I know we are to defend our families, our faith, and the weakest and poorest of our world, but do we really have to defend a secular corporation that has nothing but money to make off of the sale of its product?

Yes, I am referring to a Seattle based coffee giant. I have no idea whether or not the red cup idea was somehow supposed to harm Christmas. To be honest, I don't really care whether it does or doesn't. What I do care about is spending time, effort, and resources on defending this multi-million dollar corporation who surely doesn't need or even want the evangelical world coming to their defense. Surely they can take care of themselves. If they don't sell as much coffee, they might change their ways. If they sell as much or more, they probably won't. Does it really matter in eternity? What matters most? No matter which side you fall on (notice that I said "fall"... falling almost always hurts someone), never feel like you have to defend a corporation. They don't need you.

Now, I think I'll go make me some coffee. Now, where did that cup go?

 

 

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You Have One Chance at This (and time is not on your side)

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For years we've said things like "Nobody's perfect" or "God gives second chances" or "If at first you don't succeed...try, try again." While all of these comments may be true in theory, truth be told, we can no longer rest on the laurels of God's mercy; we must strive to fulfill His standard as families. Instead of recognizing these principles as God's mercy, we tend to make them excuses.

You see, God has already given us the tools we need with clear instructions on how to use them. God cares deeply for your home and wants it to be all it was intended to be. God never intended for our families to be some sort of cultural experiment that can change year to year or generation to generation.

Our families are the building block of civilization. It is why one of the first things God established was the family in general and marriage in particular. Listen to the words of God Himself:

This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24 HCSB)

The family was established before Israel, before the Church, before government, before any other social organization or governing authority. It was where God, in all of His infinite wisdom, chose to establish the most important priority. Now, we tend to place more emphasis on our jobs, our friends, our politics, or our interests. For whatever reason, we think that all the other things come before our family. It is almost as if we think our families are indestructible. We assume that they will survive without nurture or sustenance. When we do that, it is our loss. As God prioritized, so must we. Otherwise the statistics of child abuse and neglect, divorce, teenage suicide, domestic violence, and the like, will continue to rise.

It is up to you and me to begin to say that we will have a godly, determined, and grace-filled family. The kind of family that those in our culture want to become like. The kind of homes that people come away from with more of God as a part of their lives. Homes where husbands love their wives (Ephesians 5:25). Wives respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33). Children obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1). A home where grace is in abundant supply (Ephesians 1:6). That is the kind of place God wants us to have.

So, you can see why it is the most important place on earth. We have one chance. Time is not on our side. Start being the kind of home God wants. Begin today.

Pastor Trey Rhodes

Modern Family Series Continues this Sunday - From "Leave it to Beaver’s" Cleavers to "Modern Family’s" Pritchetts, TV producers have been offering us models of what the modern family is for years, but is that what it should be? Many of us have realized neither model works. Let’s be honest, all we really want is a family that works. Families may have changed, but God's principles about the family haven't. Join us at Oceanside Church for a real-life journey into seemingly revolutionary concepts that have worked for thousands of years, and still work today. The style of the modern family may have changed, but the way to have a great modern family hasn’t.

Churchwide Dinner Honoring Pastor Ivey, Allie and their children - On their last Sunday, we will be sending this wonderful family off to seminary with a special service and dinner. Meat will be provided. Please bring cold drinks, a side dish, and dessert. Plan now to attend on Sunday February 24th right after church.

RVGC Video Game competition - 6 p.m. Friday Night February 22. ALL STUDENTS INVITED. If you want to compete, there is a $5 entry for the Super Smash Brothers competition. $75 grand prize. Total purse to be awarded, $150.

 

 

Oceanside Church Online - Did you miss the message this past Sunday? Need some exhortation for the coming week? We've got just what you're looking for. Follow this link to find a message that will touch your heart and encourage your walk at Oceanside Church Online

 

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TV Families Are Our Examples?

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You don't have to turn on the TV for long to find a family. From CSI to Modern Family to Mad Men to The Walking Dead, nearly every one of them have families. It actually surprises that there are representations of the family and not just hot, swingin' singles.

You don't have to go that far back in TV history to have familes that support and care for each other. I'm talking about the Huxtable's (The Cosby Show) the Barclay's (The Big Valley) or the Walton's or the Ingalls' (Little House on the Prairie). Now the families are from Wysteria Lane (Desparate Housewives) or some so-called reality show that proports to show us "real" life in a home, and is nothing like a real home. My concern is that families we used to admire are no more (unless you watch the Inspirational Network). The only families we see on TV and the movies make us glad that at least our families aren't that bad. But, is that what we really want? Familes that aren't that bad? I believe there is a better way. It has worked for nearly 3500 years. When our families choose tradition over pyschology, they work every time.

Here's my point, family is as much as part of our life as anything else we are a part of. Yet, our only examples in the media are families that are structured in a variety of non-traditional forms or at the very least, dysfunctional. I can assure you, there are lots of families, while not perfect, are fully functioning. They are the ones that have chosen to raise their families in a traditional sense. Dad and mom run the household. Kids obey their parents. Character building is king. God is honored. Church is a priority. They are taught manners. Dad and mom love each other and want to be with one another (think of the Huxtable's here). Back talking is not tolerated. These kinds of families enjoy having fun together. These are the kinds of families that civilizations are built on.

Read these 8 ways to TRANSFORM your family starting TODAY.

It can be your family. Wherever you are and whatever your family is like, you can start to build or re-building your family in such a way that family will bring joy to your life and not misery. Start today by turning off the horrible examples on TV and get around people that have a clue as to how to raise kids and love and honor one another.

Trey Rhodes

www.MyOceansideChurch.com

www.OCAnnounce.info

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

Building a Family

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To win the battle for your family, it will take some boot camp training. It doesn't just happen. So let's get some basic training.

1. Attend church together. This seems like a given, but many have chosen to make church an option. It is something that we do when there's nothing else going on or when no one has come in for the weekend. It is true that church attendance doesn't make you a Christian, nor cause you to lose you your reservation if you don't attend faithfully, but, how can you expect to grow when you don't deal with this most basic of requirements of the faith. Don't be like the heathen who want to avoid church, come together often to encourage one another.

2. God Talk. When you're at home, make the Lord the center of all you say. Bring Him up in everyday conversation. Fill your home with godly music. Make the conversation about Jesus. Even discuss how He worked on your behalf that day. He always does. Whatever you say or do, do it for the glory of God.

3. Everyone needs a Bible. A well used Bible makes for a good family. Make sure that everyone in your household has an easily understood one. I recommend the HCSB or Holman Christian Standard Bible. Don't wait until they're in third grade or get a little older, now is the time. The Bible gives us the heart of God, so if we are to know his will for us as a family, we must all have Bibles and have access to being able to read them.

4. Memorize important verses together. Reading the Bible is a great place to start, but we can go deeper through memorization. As a family, we should take the word of God and engraft it into our hearts. We call that memorization. There's nothing better that you can do for your family than have them all memorize Scripture together. For you, I put together 26 verses that are important and easy to remember for all your family. You can do it in a week or two. These verses can make a huge difference in the God talk in your family whether you're around the table, in the living room. or any time you're with one another. So, make a commitment this week to memorize scripture together. My next blog will have the 26 verses that go with the ABCs to help you memorize easily some important verses that will impact you for the rest of your life.

5. Pray before every meal, everywhere. I don't think we realize the impact we can make when we are around our table or out in public and pray with our family. They realize the importance our God is to us when we pray around the table.

6. Say, "God willing." No matter what we do or what we say we're going to do, we need to end our words with God willing. Too often we make promises that we're not able to keep. When we say God willing, it means that if God wants us to do it, we will do it. The book of James even talks about the importance of saying we're going to take a trip if God is willing. Make sure that you end your statements with what you're planning to do in the will of God. It could stop a lot of heartache.

7. Have family devotions. Nothing too complicated or complex. Just make sure that you read a scripture and did you talk about it briefly. Make sure especially if it's a young child or young children that you have a Scripture that they can understand easily. Use the Beatitudes or read some Proverbs. Maybe use the Proverb that corresponds with day of the month. It'll give you practical information and they should be able to use in their everyday life.

8. Pray. You need to pray when you go to bed. You need to pray when you're in your car on the road. You can even use what we call prayer "hooks." When you see something, that would remind you to pray for something or someone, use it as an opportunity to pray for them.

Take the step across the line and build your family. Let's make a difference beginning today!

Still working on building my family,
Pastor Trey Rhodes

Dueling Familes

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When I thought of a family feud, my mind immediately went to the old hillbillies fighting it out, pot shot after pot shot across the valley. That type of feud was immortalized on TV with the likes of the Andy Griffith Show. Now, the duel has opposite world views gearing up for a fight to the finish.

What is happening is this. Since the 1950's the family has been continuously re-defined by society. It now  seems to have devolved from a husband and wife with children into any group of people living under one roof. That definition is being accepted by what seems to be a large and growing plurality of people. As a matter of fact, 51% of people actually believe pets are family as well (does that include my Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches?) Accordingly, Brian Powell, a sociology professor at Indiana University, and his team tackled Americans' evolving definition of family. It was a landmark study surveying over 2300 households over a time period of 7 years. There seems to be a swing towards a complete liberalization as to what a family is. Powell shares this thought:

What we find is that people are moving away from a traditional definition of family and they're moving towards a modern definition of family. That includes a much greater array of living arrangements. They're including a much broader group of people, broader combination of people as families.

He continues:

by indentifying three clusters of Americans: "exclusionists" who hold onto a more narrow definition of family; "moderates" who are willing to count same-sex couples as family if children are involved; and "inclusionists" who have a very broad definition of family.

Here then is the rub...if we can liberalize our views of what the family without repercussions to our society, our nation, our communities, or our families, what does it do to the church? You see, the family is one of the major ways that the New Testament describes our forever family, our church family. So,if our physical families can be described in many varying permutations, then what does do to our view of the family of God?  The bottom line is the views of families cannot co-exist and will duel until one is triumphant.

Here's my point, for thousands of years before a word of the New Testament was written, when the word was used to describe how the family of God was to look and act and be, it was understood exactly what that meant. As we have re-defined the family, our happiness quotient has plummeted. Here's some number for you to think about. According to U.S mortality rates suicides among teens have skyrocketed 100% since the 1950's. Violence is at an all time high, increasing by 154% according to Donna Shalala, Health and Human Services Director until 1999. We now have unforeseen numbers of teens cutting, burning, and mutilating themselves to the tune of 1 in 200 girls in the US doing so.

Is that what you would call happy? Are these the results of a happy family? Or is this because we have moved our society and nations farther and farther away from the foundations of a family that was designed by God? God designed us to work a certain way. Every law/rule He gives us is not to spoil our fun, but to provide for us and protect us. It is high time we understand and respond to the obliteration of the modern family.

Wanting a godly family now more than ever,
Pastor Trey Rhodes