Money

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I'm just gonna' go ahead and say it, money is evil. Jesus said it. I believe it. that's all I need to say. My blog is finished. I hope you got a lot out of that thought and live it out in your daily life. You see, we are bound by an evil society that uses this evil medium to make anything and everything happen. So, we are roped into using an evil thing, money, to do anything we try to do. So, we can't win, can we? To even do something good, we have to use something evil.

Only Jesus never said that. And that would be true if that's what Jesus said. The closest He ever came was when He said that we are to use "unrighteous mammon" to accomplish His purposes by doing 2 things: making friends and being faithful with it. However, the apostle Paul does tell us in 1 Timothy 6 that "money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10, HCSB). Again, that's probably one of the most mis-quoted verses in the Bible. It really doesn't say that at all. Here's what the Bible says to us in context:

For the love of money is the root of all evil (italics mine): which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10 KJV)

So, what we learn very quickly is that money is not the problem; it is me and my wicked heart. I know. I know. I can hear you saying what I have said many times before, "I don't want to do evil things with it. I just want a little more." Have you ever said that? I know I have.

So, you and I look around and find money lovers. The ones that are the real problem. We then say, "Thank the Lord I'm not one of them" and feel good about ourselves. The people we focus on are the ones that ruin lives and take money from widows and orphans and re-possess houses and cut off electricity just before Christmas. While I'm not saying that these people are not money lovers, what I am saying is that the circle is a bit larger.

Solomon, the wisest and arguably, one of the wealthiest men that ever lived identifies with laser sites what "money love" looks like. And, to tell you the truth, it makes me pretty uncomfortable. Here's his thoughts:

The one who loves money is never satisfied with money, and whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with income. (Ecclesiastes 5:10 HCSB)

While you can determine exactly what that means to you, I can say with relative confidence that there are too many believers who fall into the trap of spending whatever they make. When they get that raise that they thought would answer all their financial problems, it doesn't. They simply have come up with "new" ways to spend all that "new" money.

If that is you (or me), that is an indicator that we love money. That means that if our new additional income, which at times is necessary, doesn't help us get ahead, we are "money lovers".

The antidote for "money lovers" like me is not hoarding or saving or being stingy or being ruthless; it is found in giving. When we tithe and give to God, it is our "Money Lovers Anonymous" meeting. My tithe is my confession that I will always be a "money lover" unless I am giving it away.

How about this for your next prayer? Instead of asking God for more stuff, why not say, "Lord, where do you want me to start giving?" That attitude alone can make all the difference with what and whom we love.

The answer to our greed (as a fellow "money lover"), is not found in holding back, but in giving in. Loving our God means letting money serve us as we serve Him. How do you want to use money?

Pastor Trey Rhodes

Get involved this week at OCEANSIDE CHURCH

"Strapped" series continues this week. Getting down to nuts and bolts. See you here at 10:30 a.m., Sunday Morning at Oceanside Church

www.MyOceansideChurch.com

Joins us in ministering to our community spiritually this Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Valentine's Banquet coming soon. Sunday night, February 10.

 

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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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No Charitable Deductions? The End Must Be Near

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It is being discussed in congress, with the White House, and in think-tanks in USA as to whether or not charitable gifts should be included as deductions. The White House argues that they could raise what they call "significant revenue" by doing this one simple thing. However, I believe the consequences would rumble throughout our entire nation. It becomes a way to further the idea that government is somehow better than the church at doing charitable work. Gifts that many of the rich give to help good and worthy causes like our colleges, our charities, and our churches will probably no longer be given there, but will be placed in another tax-shelter. The truly wealthy will find a way not to pay taxes. It just will no longer be given to worthy, benificial organizations. This on the opposite pole as to what happened in the previous administration. They made it their priority to help non-profits administer to the hurting, the needy, and the hungry.

READ MORE ABOUT DOING AWAY WITH CHARITABLE DEDUCTIONS HERE

This specific deduction has been working in our tax system for nearly 100 years. And until the latest economic debacle was scarcely given a second thought. They think they would be able to raise a few hundred billion dollars over a few years. Then the federal government could administer these monies so much better...I'm sure (insert very sarcastic tone here).

While this whole debate doesn't surprise me, it does give me pause. I have to ask, how much would people give to charities, including secular, religious, and the church, if they no longer got their deduction at tax time? How much would it affect his church? Think about this, if we have been doing this for nearly 100 years, that means for the other 136 years we didn't use this deduction; God's people still gave to His church. The church actually thrived in those times. Both of the Great Awakenings of the 18th and 19th centuries saw significant numbers added to the church and there was no tax deduction. That American church understood deep in their hearts what Jesus said:

"Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17

While we usually concentrate on what we give to the government, the emphasis is equal. We should always pay our taxes. I can assure you, this was more of a command to give what the government was due. As it was in Jesus' day, it was either pay or suffer huge consequences similar to, but more severe than, our own. So, to the Pharisees who were trying to paint Jesus in a corner, He spoke one of the most renowned truths concerning God and government in history.

Here's my point, the assumption was that you and I would definitely give God His due. his intention was that we shouldn't fight the government every time it comes to paying taxes. It breaks my heart that the emphasis is now reversed. The tax man gets his due, while our God is left to squeeze money out of us if there's anything left.

But, remember this, God will never force His way into your life, the government will. He is looking for us to give Him our hearts. That is why Jesus told us wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If you could choose, where would your money go? That one question reveals much about your heart.

As we come to the end of the year and once again consider our gifts to our God and His church, is my heart fully His? My gifts to Him are my gauge of my relationship with Him. Is it time you give to God what is God's?

Pastor Trey Rhodes

Happenings at Oceanside Church

Sermon Series continues 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.

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. Directions are right above it. The word is, it's easy to use. Accepts all debit and credit cards.

Christmas Offering Continues This Week. We want to give you the opoortunity to be participate in international missions as well as local ministry.

Please pray about giving this Christmas. Give throughout the month of December (maybe aunt Sally doesn't need that extra Christmas sweater). Come prepared to give on Sunday Morning, December 23, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. God wants to use you. He wants you a part of his bigger plan. This is how you can be a participant in the Gospel.

Christmas Candlelight Service. Sunday Night, December 23rd at 7 PM. Come and bring your family and friends as we get back to the old traditions and enjoy the new together. this in one of those things you should change your calendar for as we place Christ in the prominence of the season that He so richly deserves.

 

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Who Owns the Castle?

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Castles have been etched in our minds as places where the king and his family live. We watch the movies and read the books and get all caught up in the romance of it all. But, the king doesn't actually live in his castle; he lives in the palace. The steward is actually the keeper of the castle and lives there to take care of the castle until the king returns (For you Lord of the Rings fans, that what The Return of the King is all about).

The Neuschwanstein Castle is one most visited castles in Germany
and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

The saying goes that a man's house is his castle. When you hear that, you might have visions of a burly man walking though his door to his doting wife who fawns over him as he plops in his chair and reaches for the cold ice tea that she places in his hand. Maybe it could be a scene from Leave It to Beaver or Father Knows Best. But, in order to understand fully what that means, we've got to go farther back than the 1950's. 

It actually all began in the time of Cicero about 100 years before Christ. He explained how important it was for a man to have security and privacy in his home; it was understood that the man represented the entire family who should expect the same. His exact quote was:

What more sacred, what more strongly guarded by every holy feeling, than a man's own home?

This was later taken to be a part of  law in western civilization as William Blackstone speaks to English law:

...the law of England has so particular and tender a regard to the immunity of a man's house, that it stiles it his castle, and will never suffer it to be violated with immunity.

Of course it didn't end there, our U.S. constitution gives us the same right in the Fourth Amendment:

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated...

However, as followers of Christ, we are only the keepers of God's castle. We are not the owner. That is why we have but one right, and that is to yield all we have and all we are to our Lord, Jesus Christ, including our castle. He has the right to not only search us and all we have, but also seize whatever He needs. That's because He owns it all and it is His castle. So, the LORD Jesus should always have access to our stuff. He is the One for whom we are but stewards. He is the Owner, we are the managers. As the Psalmist declared:

The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. Psalms 24:1 (NASB)

As a young believer, I was confused with the purpose of the tithe. Somehow I thought that 10% was God's and 90% was mine. The truth is that the 10% is God's, and so is the 90%. It's all His. Everything I own, everything I am, and everything I ever will be are all His. The LORD not only owns the wealth in every mine, He also own the mine. He not only owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He owns every hill on every continent on this entire planet. God owns it all.

So, why do I tithe? Because God needs it? No, I think He could take it any time He wanted it if He really wanted to. Because the church needs it? No, that's not even right. The church needs our support in so many ways; our finances are only a part. Our church needs our talents, our gifts, our time, our support, and our help. So, what is the tithe for? It is our way of letting the Lord know that we acknowledge it all belongs to Him. It is not our holy duty; it is our gift of love for Him.

Thank you for demonstrating your love for your Lord.

All for Him,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

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