Unmoving

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Our perception of God drives the way we respond to God. For instance, if we think of God as a God of wrath that is ready to slam us, we will avoid him and try and undermine Him and His work in our life. But if we see God as our God of love and care and grace, then we will want to be with Him and hear from him and trust him. The good news is, we now know what God is like and He is like Jesus. God never changes. The Bible tells us "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8. He is the author of our belief and the sustainer of our belief. It is in Him that our faith is completed. He is the One whom we can boldly approach, the forgiver of our sins, the healer of our ills, and the One who saves us from eternal judgment that we so deserve. THIS IS OUR GOD!

Here's what we do (and I say we, because I mean me). We rely on:
1) Things - usually, this is money. Big mistake! Have you noticed what our money and investments are doing right now?

2) a Person - like a spouse or a good friend. What happens when they find someone else or move away or have other interests?

3) a Plan - like getting married, or getting a great job, or finishing our education. Have those plans ever changed for you?

The problem is that I truly expect these things to prop up my life, but they can't. Good plans are just not enough. It's not that our friend doesn't want to be there for us or that good things aren't, well, good. It's just that they can't do what we are asking of them. They change and falter and often disappoint. 

So, what do we do? We trust in the One who never changes. That means we:

• Trust God that your past is forgiven.

That's why the Bible assures us: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (HCSB) You might be saying right now, but pastor, you have no idea what I've done in my life. I can't forget what I did. I committed adultery, disappointed my family, worshipped at the throne of the almighty dollar, and hurt the people I loved the most. Today, let's draw a line in the sand and say, with God's help I'm going to get past it. God has forgiven me and I have to accept His forgiveness.

• Trust God with your current difficulty

God wants to give you rest from the pounding you've been taking. Jesus reminds us, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (HCSB). Whatever is going on in your life right now, you need to give it to God. Honestly, you might not even see Him at work in your life, but He is there. Remember this: God is most powerfully PRESENT even when He seems to be most apparently ABSENT.


So here's what it comes down to, are you going to trust in God's identity or in God's activity. Trusting God's identity gives us stability. Trusting God's activity causes us anxiety. Today, decide to trust who God is, not what He does for you.

• Trust God with your future plans.

What would I do if I was absolutely confident that God was with me? With your life? Your marriage? Your dating life? Your finances? What would you do?

One of the greatest distractions for God's purpose in our life is for Satan to begin to to make us believe that God is not with us. Think about it, what could we do for God if we really understood that God is with us.

Why would that make such a difference in how we live and exist? Because our faith would not be molded and shaped by our circumstances, but by our identity that God is with us and He is faithful and trustworthy.

This understanding alone makes for great power when we choose to believe God is with us and we choose to be with Him. Over and over again the Bible communicates this though and to God's people. I am with you, will you choose to be with me? Will you?

Thinkin' 'bout Oceanside

Did you sense the presence of God this Sunday in church? Wow, I just didn't want that feeling to stop. The music, especially the invitation was overwhelming. I wish I could bottle the experience and save it for you. But I can't. Please don't miss what God has for you this Sunday. Oceanside is the best place to be any and every Sunday.

God has been faithful this summer. He has provided what we need in so many ways. I want to publicly thank you Lord for being there for us, for supplying our needs, and for sustaining us through what has been a tough time of the year. I trust You!

Lots of good things coming up for you to be involved in:

• Block party on Sunday night, August 28th. We are so good at this ministry that can't wait to see how God uses you! We'll have hot dogs, soft drinks, popcorn, and funnel cakes to eat. We want to have games and give-aways and a super slide for the kids. Any ideas you have would be greatly welcomed.
• Parenting by the book with John Rosemond teaching. We all could use help or a refresher in rearing our children and grandchildren. He's one of the best. Start planning now for this wonderful seminar on Saturday September 24th. Seating is limited. Scholarships are available.

See you this Sunday at Oceanside Church!

Because He is Faithful,
Pastor Trey Rhodes

Living to Die

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When surveyed, the number one fear people say they have is death. As Christians, though, it should be quite different, but it seems to me it is not. Think about it, we sing choruses, hymns, and anthems that tell us that we can't wait to see Jesus. Here's a few: I Can Only Imagine (Mercy Me), Heavenbound (DC Talk) Big House (Audio Adrenaline), I'll Fly Away, Sweet By and By, I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy, and of course, When We All Get to Heaven. But if it comes to our heart starting to act up, we start screaming for someone to call 9-1-1. I know that because I would do the same thing. We have become way too used to the things of this earth and often forget that we were created for eternity. One pastor said it this way:

The most damaging aspect of contemporary living is short term thinking.To make the most of your life, you must keep the vision of eternity continually in your mind and the value of it in your heart. (The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, Zondervan Publishing, 2002, p. 38). 

Our (and I mean our) problem is three-fold:
1) We have never really died to our self, our world, or our flesh. We will be willing to die as much as we live for Jesus now. John 12 reminds us:

 I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop. The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:24-25 (HCSB)

 2) We are too comfortable. Life is too grand and glorious for us American Christians with our TV's, air-conditioned homes, and high speed transportation. Many of us feel like we are already living the dream. Our freedoms and prosperity have gotten the best of us.

3) We don't see death as reward. The apostle Paul struggled, hurt, faced ridicule, and took care of the churches. He had become weary of this life and longed for heaven. He wrote in the book of Philippians that to him, "dying is gain" (Philipp. 1:21). We see someone who has given their life for Christ and then dies at what would be considered a young age. What is our reaction? Questioning and lament for a life too soon gone. But for them, they are enjoying their reward right now.

For those that weren't able to get all the points from the message this past week, this should help us realize when it is that death becomes a welcome friend and is no longer an enemy.

1. Jesus Welcomed Death Because It Was for the World (John 12:20-22)

2. Jesus Welcomed Death Because God Received the Glory (John 12:23, 28)

3. Jesus Welcomed Death Because It Has Purpose ( John 12:24-26)

Can you  truly say, "I can't wait to see Jesus"?

Live like you're dying,

Pastor Trey Rhodes
www.MyOceansideChurch.com


SEE www.TreyRhodes.info 
for an actual first person account of a 
near death experience!

Training like a SEAL

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Training for Battle
The Navy SEALs were in the news for doing what seemed impossible: the eradication of Osama bin Laden. When I heard it had happened, I thought, “Wow, how’d they do that?” It didn’t happen because they woke up that morning rolled lazily over in their “sleep number” bed, got out in their silk pajamas, started the coffee, and thought to themselves, “Anyone up for getting Osama today?” No, it started many years ago when they got up that first morning at SEAL training school and began work hard to be chosen as a SEAL. It happened after they were chosen as a SEAL as they kept in shape and constantly honed their skills. That’s what it takes, training. Watch SEALs in action

Christian Training

It should be the same for us as Christians. God calls us to train constantly in God’s army “as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Then when our moment comes, we too will be ready.

Training that Transforms (2 Timothy 2:3-5)
Just like our military, if we want to become all we can be then we must:

1) Be Ready for Hardship (v. 3)
When the fight comes to us or if we go to it, the fight will be heard. The world system that is opposed to God and His children has trained hard to bring us down.
2) Avoid the Traps (v. 4)
Always be aware of traps that can seem harmless, but are destructive: worldly pursuits, worldly ambitions, and worldly activities. Few if any Christians ever chose to go back. It happened as they placed their first toe in the world to see what it was like.
3) Obey the Rules (v. 5)
Avoid training like the disqualified winner of the Tour de France, Floyd Landis. He cheated. Cheating destroys your character and takes away your reward. It’s NEVER worth it. Obey the rules God has set forth in the Bible.Rules protect us and provide for us. God is no cosmic killjoy. He wants us to have the best!


In training,
Pastor Trey Rhodes

Does God Need Me?

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Common Ground Church

This past Sunday, I was in Eutawville. Why? My friend and fellow "super friend" (old inside joke), Tommy Wolpert, was on mission in Mexico. He asked me to preach for him at the new church start, Common Ground. They began meeting in January and really got it going in March of this year. It was a great day! Lives were touched, as several admitted their need for Jesus as forgiver and leader of their lives. I also got to renew the acquaintances of more people than I even remembered! After the worship service, I went and ate Mexican food afterwards with a dear couple that our Lord continues to use greatly. All in all it was a great day.

Does He really need me?
But the greatest part of the day was realizing how God's work goes on once we are gone from the work. I once again realized God really doesn't need me. None of us are indispensable in the Kingdom of God. It truly is all about God. Even without my influence, this church meets in a renovated brick building. This once abandoned building has become a place of life change. Without me having a thing to do with it. 

Fruit that remains

How does that happen? It happens when you and I bear authentic fruit in our lives. Fruit that remains. The apostle John exhorts us this way: "I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain" (John 15:16, HCSB).

My heart was touched

As I looked over the standing room only crowd, I had a hard time swallowing because of the lump in my throat. The fruit that was produced 11 plus years ago keeps on bearing fruit. The kind of fruit I'm talking about is people. People like Pastor Tommy Wolpert. This man who is called of God to begin a church to reach and love and care for people. His call reminds me of what Jeremiah said, "His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones. I become tired of holding it in" (Jeremiah 20:9, HCSB) There are so many that desperately need not only to know Jesus as Savior, but also follow him as Lord. I see that happening at Common Ground church. We can all make a difference if we are are willing to get in the center of God's will. Thank you Pastor Tommy for you obedience and love for Christ and His church. My prayer is that you are now growing fruit that ripens and spreads the seed of the Gospel in more and more lives.

Thinkin' 'Bout Oceanside

• I missed you all this week. I heard Pastor Ivey preached a great message and that you responded. 
• This will be our first week in the Waterworks Building. How do you get there? Turn in to the same driveway as if you were going to Whitesides School, then take the immediate first left into the parking lot. We'll direct you from the parking lot. 
• KidShine will be in the ministry center at 1728 Rifle Range Rd. this Sunday. So, take your kids there and then come on over to the Waterworks building. Kids...scream all you want (at least as much as Mrs. Allie lets you!). This includes the Little Lambs nursery as well who will also be at the Ministry Center.
• Small groups are open to you. Make sure you are in one this week. Our website gives you sign-up options at this link: small groups.
• Many of us are having a difficult time with our finances during these tough economic times. Rather than curse the darkness, Oceanside wants to light a light. We will begin our new series, "I Was Broke and Now I'm Not." It's a great way to really get a handle on our finances. The leader of the study is Joseph Sangl. Click on his name to get more information online.

Humbly bearing His fruit,
Pastor Trey Rhodes
Oceanside Church

It Will Destroy You

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There is nothing that resonates more loudly with people than their own destruction. We care if someone or something is trying to destroy us. But think about it, there is something very lethal that tries at every opportunity to destroy us...that something is sin. God teaches that He wants us to give up that kind of lifestyle and be constructive and not destructive. We find that out in Colossians 1:20-23.

1. Remember who you were before Christ (Col. 1:21)
We must never forget what we were like before salvation and what God delivered me out of. I was a lying, thieving, blaspheming hypocrite before God changed me. It hurts to remember what I was, but it keeps me thankful and positive about where I am now.

2. Forget about the destructive life you lived (Col. 1:20, 22)
Sounds like a contradiction, but it is not. The biggest advantage to being saved out of a sin filled life is that you can remember what it was like without Christ and you are thnakful. The biggest disadvantage is that you can remember what it was like without Christ, and you might be drawn into your old way of doing things. This is what you forget.
Here's the truth, now that we know Christ as our forgiver and leader, we are now holy, faultless, and blameless. That is why we cannot dwell on who we were and what we did before Christ. We are changed. We are not the people we used to be.
I just heard a Bible teacher say, "You are not what you have done, you are who God says you are." You will be told that you have to because that's just the kind of person you are. They are half right. You do what you do because you are that kind of person, but now that Christ rules and reigns in your life, you are a  different person. That person, you, live differently because you are a different person and don't let anyone tell you any different.

3.  Construct a new kind of life beginning now (Colossians 1:23)
The hope that is written about in v. 23 is our eternal state. We call that Heaven, but it is so much more. The truth is that our eternal life begins the moment we ask Christ to forgive us and we follow Him. Our eternal life begins after salvation, not after death.
Begin constructing your eternal lifestyle through your relationship with Christ right now. It's not just about the sweet by and by, but also the abundant here and now.

I posted to FaceBook this past Friday: 
 Looking forward to eternal life helps us live the abundant life now.
Jesus "has reconciled you by His physical body through His death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him— if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith (heavenly living here on earth), and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel  (heaven) that you heard. Col 1:22-23 (HCSB)
We live our lives in the hope that we will be delivered from destruction. The more we allow the Eternal One to live through us, the more abundant living we enjoy here and the less we want anything that would be destrucitve to us. Sin becomes abhorrent because we understand all that it can do to us as we strive for kingdom living so that His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Hmmmm... makes me think, don't I want more Heaven on earth? Whey do I persist in holding on to the things that keep me from that lifestyle?
Build what matters beginning right now.

Thinkin' 'bout Oceanside

I have had some questions as to why we are no longer meeting at Whitesides Elementary. I wanted to do that by first giving you a short history lesson of our church and then what is going on now.

A Short History of Oceanside Church
We began Oceanside Church on September 8th, 2002 in what is now the Cinebar Movie Theater here in Mount Pleasant. After worshipping there every Sunday, we began to look for a more permanent place to call home. We found and settled on a former medical billing facility at the Bowman Business Park at 1135 Bowman Rd. Suite 749-B.
Just as we were preparing to move in, I suffered a dissected aorta. The people of Oceanside, with the help of many friends, renovated and moved in. We stayed there for the next six years. Once again, we felt like the Lord was moving us. Soon, we found a house to move into, 1728 Rifle Range Road. We secured a long term lease with an option to buy with the owner of the property. We thought we were ready to go!
Some of our largest days as a church happened at 1728 Rifle Range Road as we began to raise money and then build on the property. Our intent was to have two worship services until we could build a 3200 square foot worship center. Our intent was to be in two services for four to six months. We ran into several snags and then found out that the landlord was not amenable to us staying on any longer than five years rather that the twenty years we thought we would have. We felt that this made it unwise to spend that kind of money and then have to move only a couple of years later.
Oceanside began to toss around the idea of doing a huge re-launch at Whitesides Elementary School. Many things had to take place for that to happen, and they all did. We began to worship at Whitesides school on February 21, 2011. That first Sunday we had 87 in attendance and believed that we were on our way. Although our average attendance was higher than it had been, it did not get to the levels we thought it would. With summer approaching and the possibility of lower numbers and giving, we began to look into other possibilities that would cost less, but offer more room than our small facility on Rifle Range. We looked right next door at the offices of the Mount Pleasant Waterworks. They have a 3000 square foot public meeting room that would only cost $55 a week rather than $330 a week. It would be a great option for the rest of the summer as we continue to look forward to God growing the church.

Let's claim this promise together as we watch our Lord do great things at Oceanside:
Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)

For the kingdom and God's glory,
Pastor Trey Rhodes

What Is Your Measure of Maturity?

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We often see a little child and think they are so cute until they want their own way...or scream in the middle of many onlookers...or snatch something out of another child's hands...then it ain't so cute...is it?

Actually, maturity is a greatly desired quality we want in our children.
So, Here's the $64000 question: why would think that our Lord would want any less?

Here are some ways to realize you are not on the path to maturity as God sees it from Hebrews 5 and 6

1) Do you enjoy listening to Bible teaching? Hebrews 5:11
That's what "slow to understand" is all about.

2) Do you apply what you've learned to your life? Hebrews 5:12a
The Writer seemed to think that would have applied what they had heard that they should be teaching others to live it out as well. It seems that many are taught way beyond their level of obedience. We know more than we apply.

3) Do you eat only spiritual "baby food"? Hebrews 5:12b
That's why the writer says "you need milk, not solid food". I like good salvation preaching as much as anyone, but when it's a steady diet of the elemental things of the Christian walk and that's what excites you, you're living on baby food in a spiritual sense.

4) Finally, how skilled are you at handling the Bible?
By the way, this has nothing to do with being able to juggle it or do sleight of hand with it (although some so-called Bible teachers have tried hard to make that happen with some predictions recently!) I mean, do you know where to find Scripture when someone asks you a question? Do you have big problems finding books of the Bible? Could you tie a JW or a Mormon in knots when they came to your door? Do you avoid talking to people you know and love because you're scared they will ask you some question you don't have the answer to? Skill in the Bible is acquired like anything else you do well, with practice.

So what does a mature believer look like?

1) There will be progress in their lives. Hebrews 6:1-3
Maturity is not perfection, mature is progress. Are you closer to being who and what God wants you to be than you were last week? Last month? Last year?

2)There will be fruit from their life. Hebrews 6:7-8
There are 2 kinds of fruit

• Lives that have been changed as a result of your witness (Prov. 11:30)

• Living has been changed by the development of godly character (Gal. 5:22-23)

All this will happen as a result of diligence:
"demonstrate the diligence" and so that "you won't become lazy, but imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance." There is no better way to state it, we become who God wants us to be as we begin with our faith in what He did for us through Christ, and become who He wants us to be through our perseverance.

Make sure this week you listen to some good Bible teaching. Here's a few names: Craig Groeschel, Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, John MacArthur, or Johnny Hunt to name a few.
Examine your own life and ask the hard questions as to whether or not you are maturing.
Is there fruit in your life? Souls and godly character. Ask God to enable you to have both as you diligently seek the maturity God wants for you.

Thinking 'bout Oceanside...

• Small group study - God has been transforming lives through our most recent study, De' Vine Power. Make sure you get in a small group and get authentic with those in your group.

• Memorial Day Remembrance - I was sobered by the remembrance we gave this Sunday of those who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy in our country. The rendition of "Amazing Grace" while seeing the images of soldiers dead and alive truly penetrated my heart.

• Giving - Giving to Oceanside's ministry is greatly appreciated. As we enter the Summer months, remember, God's work goes on. Your gifts do matter.

• Block Party - We have been discussing some things that Oceanside does well. My first thought was, "Eat!" My second thought was "Love people." We combine those 2 things well with our block parties. We think it would be a great idea and a great way to experience victory by having one on Sunday night, July 17th. Ask God how He can use you.

See you Sunday morning at 10:30 A.M. at the Ministry Center.

Your pastor, 
Trey Rhodes

The Power Serve

Tweet Jesus Christ has called every one of His followers to serve. Ministry is not an option, it is a necessity for every single member of God's household. We work together to bring synergy to His church using our gifts. When that happens, there will be energy in your life as never before and His church will grow as never before.

The Christian life is a balance between unity and diversity. As a human body weakens, its "systems" slow down and everything tends to become uniform. The ultimate, of course, is that the body itself turns to dust (Anyone ever watch CSI?)

On the other hand, diversity is to be kept in check. Too much destroys unity, and then you have anarchy. How can we best use what Jesus have bestowed upon His church? There are 3 Ways:

1. Different functions create an atmosphere for the church to live, grow, and serve (1 Corinthians 12:14-20)
Diversity does not suggest inferiority. God made no mistake when He gave you your gift to serve. Everyone cannot be a preacher or teacher or prophet, but we can all be who the Lord gifted us to be. Find out what your gift is and start using it!

Here’s a website for a free spiritual gifts inventory (or test). It will help get you pointed in the right direction:
Find your spiritual gift on this link

2. Unity happens when there is dependence on one another (1 Corinthian 12: 21-26)
God’s desire is that there be no division in the church. Diversity leads to disunity when the members compete with one another; but diversity leads to unity when the members care for one another. How do the members care for each other? By each one functioning according to God’s will and helping the other members to function. If one member suffers, it affects every member. If one member is healthy, it helps the others to be strong.

Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives. Matthew 10:1 (MSG)

3. Diversity fulfills God's will in the body as we serve in love (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)

Unity and diversity must be balanced by maturity, and that maturity comes with love. It is not enough to have the gift of the Spirit and gifts from the Spirit. We must also have the graces of the Spirit as we use our gifts to serve one another. That is why love must be the basis of all we do. And that is why the very next words in 1 Corinthians are:

If I speak the languages of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal 1 Corinthians 13:1

This is how the church of Jesus Christ serves in power.

This week, want to learn to "Power Serve"? Then...
1. Find our how God designed and gifted you. Take a spiritual gifts inventory
2. Get involved in lives. Serve others with your gifts.
3. Participate in small group this week. Learn to be transformed by your service.

Thinking 'bout Oceanside

• What a wonderful worship and ordination service. All of you did such a great job of praying for and encouraging Ben and Britney as they were sent out as our missionaries. Ivey and I helped them move to Florence on Monday. We met Pastor Charles and his wife, Marlene. They are wonderful people, love Jesus, and believe the Bible. What a great combo! Ben and Britney will fit in well at Unity Baptist Church. They send their love and ask for your prayers. 
• Children's day camp is rapidly approaching. If you don't have your children enrolled, please get in touch with Allie by calling her: 270-4311. You can also register directly on our website: www.MyOceansideChurch.com. 
• Memorial Weekend Picnic will be a wonderful time of fellowship and encouragement. Plan now to come and join us at the Ministry Center for worship and then dinner on the grounds right afterwards. We'll supply the meat, we'd ask you to bring the sides and dessert. If several of you could bring some tea and lemonade, that would be great too. 
• Small group this week is all about God using our gifts to bring our best. This is such a critical step in living a transformed life. Make sure you are there! 

Sunday is around the corner. Bring someone with you as we discover he we can each become the person God designed us to be. Read ahead in Hebrews 5:12-6:3 and see how God longs for our maturity. You can be that person.

Now, get out there and POWER SERVE!
Pastor Trey Rhodes