Ocean Lakes Church Service

The title of today's message is one which may be confusing to some people: “Half-Way Christians.” One might say that a person is a Christian or not, but you can't be just “half-way.” Actually this title is what is called an “oxymoron.” This is a figure of speech in which two or more words are put together which are actually opposites; they contradict each other. Some examples are: “minor surgery” – “new used car” – or “good grief.” Let's look at this subject together this morning to try to get some answers.

If you look at the title of today's message, you may get the wrong impression that we're thinking today about some musical subject - “Blowing the Trumpet.” Actually, Jesus was talking about some people of His day who did good deeds, but wanted everybody to take notice. It is a very interesting analogy that Jesus used, and there is a real important lesson for us all in His words from Matthew, chapter 6, verse 2. What did Jesus have in mind in these words from the Sermon on the Mount? Let's find out together.

The title of today's sermon is one which many people may think that they would never hear from a preacher. We've all heard critics of the organized church say, “All they talk about at church is money.” Jesus did not do that, and in fact, there were times when He told people that they could just leave their money at home. That's the subject of today's sermon, so stay with us and let's see what Jesus was talking about when he said that.

During the years when Jesus was on this earth in person, there were many who heard His words, but could not understand what He was talking about. One of His sayings which was so hard for people to take in is recorded in Luke's gospel, chapter 9, verse 24. In essence, Jesus was saying, “Save your life and lose it; lose your life for My sake, and you will save it.” That's our subject for today, “Finding Through Losing.”

Every time a preacher steps to the pulpit to bring a message to the people, there surely must be an awareness that someone out there in the congregation is in great need of a message from God which will give strength for the facing of the next days, weeks, months, and even years ahead. The question is not, do you have any burdens, but rather, the main question is “How Do You Face Life's Trials?” This is what we are going to be thinking about during the next few minutes.

Have you ever heard God call you by your name? Maybe you haven't heard him with your ears, but have you sensed him calling you in your heart? Today we are thinking on the subject, “When God Calls Your Name.” However God may call you, it can be a wonderful experience, not something to dread or to cause you to be frightened. What is it really like when God calls your name?

Happy Easter to you! The Lord is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! For Christians all around the world, today is a day of celebration of the fact that “we serve a living Savior, who's in the world today.” Our Bible tells us that when Mary came and found an empty tomb on that Easter morning, that made a big difference in her life. But what about each of us? Does Easter make a difference in our lives? That's what we're thinking about for the next few minutes.

On this Palm Sunday we are thinking together about a strong, meaningful symbol which reminds us of what our Lord Jesus went through for us all. This is the symbol of the cross. Each Sunday we provide small metal crosses for our worshippers to take and place in their pocket or purse.  Although you as a podcast listener are not personally present with us here at Ocean Lakes, perhaps you have access to a small cross which you wear or keep in your pocket. What does carrying a cross mean to you? Our prayer is that today's message may add special meaning to this symbol of our faith.

For the past two Sundays we have been looking together at the subject of how God works in our lives. First, we saw how God works in miraculous ways - sometimes. Last Sunday we considered a second way in which God sometimes works - through collaboration with us. Today we are going to move forward and look at yet another way in which God works. We all need to be reminded that our God is a great God, and He can work with us in another very special way - through The Power to Endure. Pray with me now, that our Lord will open our hearts to what He has to say to us.

Last Sunday we looked together at the subject of miracles, and we all concluded (I hope) that this is truly one way in which God works in our lives. The day of miracles is not over. But is this the only way in which He works? Probably not. So today we are going to move forward and look at yet another way in which God works. This is through a big word called “collaboration.” If you'll stay with us, perhaps you will be reminded that our God is a big God, and He can work with us in another very special way. We'll try today to discover what that big word means - and how it can be a real blessing.

Last Sunday we examined the idea of trying to explain what we mean when we say that something is “The Will of God.” This statement is usually an attempt to give God credit for all that happens. Yes, God does work in many ways in our lives, and today we are going to make a beginning at looking at several ways in which God works. We trust that this will help us to understand better “How God Works in Our Lives!” 

When tragic events happen and we hear about them in the news, how do we respond? Sometimes people, even devoted Christians, respond by saying, “It was God's will.” When we hear of a senseless murder, a horrible plane crash which takes the lives of many people, or events in nature, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or wildfires, is it right to say, “It was God's will.” This is a difficult subject to understand, but we are going to take a close look at it this morning.

Have you ever, as a loving parent, said to a child, “Hurry up; we're going to be late!” Perhaps that was said to your spouse, or even to someone else who is joining you in going somewhere. Without meaning to be disrespectful, have you ever felt like saying to God, “Hurry up, Lord; I need an answer to my prayer right now.” This is our subject for today. How do we respond “When God Takes His Time?”

Last Sunday we concluded a series of messages, all on the subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Today we are going to follow up, in a sense, of what we have been thinking about during these past few weeks. So, as an introduction to today's message, how do you answer this question: “Do you believe in miracles?” If you say “Yes,” then what about those times when you do NOT receive a miracle in answer to your prayers. This is what we're thinking about this morning. 

We conclude this morning a series of messages, all on the general subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” All around us today we can hear stories in the news about terrible happenings around the globe - wars, hunger, poverty, destructive acts in nature (such as fires, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes), events wherein people carelessly take the lives of other - and on and on it goes. Have you ever stopped to ask the question, “Why does God allow all this to happen?” This is our subject for today. Thank you for worshiping with us today from Ocean Lakes Campground.

We continue this morning a series of messages, all on the general subject, "When Bad Things Happen to Good People." Last Sunday we made a beginning at trying to look at some answers which God has for us when life seems to tumble in on top of us. That we only a beginning, so today we will pick up where we left off a week ago. Our question for today is "How Does God Help Us?" Yes, God not only HAS the answer; He IS the answer. So let's spend a few minutes now looking at some additional ways in which God helps us. Thank you for being a part of our congregation today from Ocean LakesCampground.

During the past four Sundays we have been taking a close look at this problem which we all seem to encounter at some time in our lives. We have looked at the subject of pain, and we've asked who is to blame when trouble comes our way. Last Sunday we even put the spotlight of blame on Satan himself, who is always trying to separate us from God's love. Today we are going to begin coming up with some answers that we've all been seeking. As you listen to today's message, will you offer a silent prayer that God may be able to send His blessing to you, just at the point of your greatest need. Thank you for worshiping with us here at Ocean Lakes Campground.

We continue this morning a series of messages, all on the general subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Can you imagine a scene where two little children are playing – a brother and a sister - when something bad happens and immediately Momma comes in. The guilty child may acknowledge the wrong-doing, but tries to shift the blame by saying, “Johnny (or Susie) made me do it.” Who makes us do wrong? Let's look at some possibilities as we join now the congregation at worship from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

We continue this morning a series of messages, all on the general subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Today the sermon title asks a question, “Who's to Blame?” This may not seem to be a very important question on the surface, but it is a question which is asked so often when bad things happen to us. “Lord, what have I done to deserve this?” “Why did this happen to me?” “What is the origin of my trouble?” Jesus had to face this very question one day, and we might well learn a lot to help us at this point, if we will let Jesus be our teacher. Let's hear together what God is trying to say to us through His Word, the Bible. John's gospel, chapter 9, is where we will be looking.

Last Sunday we began a series of messages, all on the general subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Today our scriptural basis for the sermon is three-fold: first, from Isaiah's prophecy, chapter 21, verse 3. Then we move over to the New Testament to the book of Romans, chapter 8, verse 22. Finally, a verse from the last book in the Bible, Revelation, chapter 21, verse 4. If you are where your Bible is handy, you may wish to find these passages and uncover what God is saying to us through them, as we consider today the subject, “The Gift Nobody Wants.” What is that gift? Let's find out together 

One phrase which we have all heard during the past days is the greeting, “Happy New Year.” For many, this is more than just a greeting; it is a real expression of our wishes that someone else may have joy and happiness in the new year. But reality is that some will have a very difficult year in many ways. This morning we are beginning a series of messages on the subject, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Our prayer is that we may have the spiritual strength to face even bad times in the year ahead. This may apply to any one of us.

Now that we are already five days into the new year, perhaps some of the excitement of Christmas has faded, and you are now having to settle back down into everyday life and routines. Christmas can be a "mountain-top" experience for some, but how do we deal with the reality of coming back to earth in the valley? This is what we're thinking about this morning, and our prayer for you is that you may find God to be just as real, just as near, and just as supporting in your greatest need when you are in the valley.Thank you for allowing us to worship with you today, as you also worship with us here at Ocean Lakes.

On this last Sunday in the year 2024, we who are gathered here at Ocean Lakes will be observing the meal such as Jesus shared with His disciples on that night before His crucifixion. This is known today by several different titles: communion, The Lord's Supper, the Eucharist, and perhaps other less-known titles.The meditation before we partake of the elements of this observance is entitled, "A Package from Home." Can you imagine the thrill of receiving a package from loved ones back home if you are unable to be there at Christmas? Perhaps you have memories of such an event for you, or even for you this year. God has a special blessing for you; our prayer is that you may be able to receive His gift to you as you join with us now in this service.

How we wish it were possible for you who are listening in today to our worship service by podcast to be personally present with those gathered here. On this Sunday before Christmas the majority of our service is devoted to the singing of well-known and beloved Christmas carols. Before our congregation joins hands and sings "Silent Night," we will hear a brief meditation entitled "Bethlehem or Bedlam?"Our prayer for you in our podcast audience is that you will have a blessed and meaningful observance of the birth of our Savior Jesus.

How many different names can you think of which are used to describe Jesus? One person searched the scriptures and found 88 different titles by which Jesus has been called. We all may have a favorite word which we like to use in referring to Jesus, and as Christmas approaches, we are going to be looking today at one of the most beautiful names He has ever been given - the name “Emmanuel.”

There is a phrase which is sometimes used, particularly by those of us who may be from the southern area of the United States, which means to repair something that may be broken. We have “repair shops” for about everything, from automobiles to watches, home appliances, and a host of other things. But that word which southerners sometimes use, instead of “repair” is the word “fix.” “See if you can fix this.” And so today, at the risk of correct grammar, the message is entitled, “The Fixin' Man.”

Anyone who knows how to prepare a delicious meal is quite aware of the need for proper timing - - how to make everything come together at just the right time. Otherwise, some dishes may be ready to eat far before others are ready, and the food can get cold - - or melted - - and the meal ends in a disaster. God sent His Son, Jesus, to the earth at just the right time - - not too soon or too late. This is what we're thinking about today, and what a wonderful job our Heavenly Father did in this! Thank you for joining our congregation now from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

On this Sunday before Thanksgiving Day, we are thinking about what Jesus did for a man whom Jesus healed, not just from a physical disease, but in a larger sense. He was healed, but Jesus used another word to describe what had taken place - the man was made WHOLE. This story ties right in with the Thanksgiving theme - that of giving thanks. Our prayer is that today's message will help us all to experience true thanksgiving to God - and be made WHOLE also.

It has wisely been said that “some people die at 40, but are buried at 65.”  What is implied here is that some people do not get out of life all that they wish to have; they just exist, but do not really LIVE.  Today the message is based on the words of Jesus from John's gospel, chapter 10, verse 10, where He says, “I have come, that they may have life and have it to the full.”  We'll look today at some of those things that keep us from living “ALL your life.” Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

Do you remember as a child hearing the expression, “Finders keepers, losers, weepers?” On this Sunday after our national election day, there are probably many people who may be in that second category, as they are at least symbolically “weeping” because the person (or persons) they voted for did not succeed in being elected. But the sermon today is not about politics or elections. It is based on the verse from Mark's gospel, chapter 8, verse 35 - - the words of Jesus, where He talks about finding and losing. Let's look together at what Jesus had to say about this.

With the national election day just ahead, many in America are having feelings of relief to know that we'll soon be delivered from all the political advertisements that we have endured over the past many months. Now, on this final Sunday before election day, the title of the sermon from Ocean Lakes is “The Person I Want As President.” What? Are we going to have to suffer through another political appeal for your vote? - - especially from the pulpit!! Well, if you'll stay with us for the next few minutes, you may be pleasantly surprised. 

What is the most important thing in your life? Your family? Your work? Your friends? Your house? Your money? We would all probably agree that all these things have their own place of importance. This morning we are thinking together about those things in life which we ought to consider our life's higher values. Maybe this is a good time for us all to set some priorities - not on things, but on qualities that make our life meaningful. 

Would you consider yourself a righteous person? What makes a person righteous? Regular church attendance? Paying your bills? Being good to others? Honesty? There were some people living during Jesus' days on earth who had a very high opinion of themselves - - very righteous, they would say. But Jesus had a different opinion. Today may well be the perfect time to look at our own lives and see where we stand in God's view of righteousness. Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

Does God have any people that He favors above others? Does He show any partiality? What about a church? Does God like one denomination more than others? We all already have some ideas about the answers to these questions, but the title of today's message is, "The Kind of Church God Honors." Hopefully, at the end of these next few minutes, we can all agree on this subject. Stay with us, and let's see. Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

One of the most fascinating things in the world of nature is what we call an echo. You speak a word or two, listen quietly, and your voice comes back to you. This is true also in the world of human nature. What we give out comes back in one way or another. Jesus said it well: “With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Today we are thinking about “Life's Echoes.” It's not all bad; this CAN be a blessing to us also. Let's think about this for the next few minutes. Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

One of the most colorful individuals in the entire Old Testament is the man we know as Moses. He led the people out of Egyptian slavery to the very edge of the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy, chapter 31, we have the account of what Moses did just before the people were to enter that land which God had promised them many years before. He wanted everyone to be able to hear what he had to say, so what he did was the title of today's sermon: "Gather the People." What Moses said to them that day is also God's message to us. As the scripture says elsewhere, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

Many family members have experienced the heartbreaking reality of sitting at the bedside of a loved one and listening closely to the person's last words before leaving this earth. Those last words are usually cherished by those who hear them. Today's sermon is centered around some of the last words given by the Apostle Paul, writing to young Timothy. His words were written from a Roman dungeon, where he was awaiting his death. These words are found in 2 Timothy, chapter 2. Follow along now as we hear what God is saying to us through these “last words.” Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

Have you ever seen a magician on television, of even in person, who is so skilled with slight-of-hand movements until your mouth drops open, and you say, "How can that be?" "That seems impossible!" Well, today's sermon is not about magicians, but the title is "An Impossibility Made Possible." We will be looking at three different scripture passages, and we'll uncover them as we go along. If you have your Bible handy, the first one is from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, chapter 13. Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes FamilyCampground.

We are so thankful to have a large audience who listens each week to the podcast of our morning worship service. How we wish it were possible for every listener to be a part of the music each Sunday also. We know that music plays a vital part in worship. Today we are going to have the congregation here at Ocean Lakes to join in singing several hymns during the sermon time, even though the music is not included in the podcast. As each song is announced, perhaps you can remember some of the words that are sung. All of the hymns today are on the subject of heaven, and the sermon title asks the question, "Are You Prepared for Heaven?"Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

On this Labor Day weekend, some of us remember days gone by when this marks the beginning of another school year. Of course, in many areas, school has already begun, even weeks ago. School time brings with it some events of joy and happiness, such as athletic events, reunion with friends, and feelings of accomplishment over work well done. But if school days bring added anxiety to family or students, how do we handle those feelings?Our subject today is "Prescription or Dosage." Join us now as we see how this relates to our everyday life, as well as to our Christian faith.Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

Many people know and can easily recite what is known as “The Lord's Prayer.” Today we are going to look at the origin of what is more accurately called “The Model Prayer” that Jesus gave His disciples, as well as us. It is found in Luke's gospel, chapter 11. If you have a Bible which is handy, turn to this passage, and follow with us, as we think today about “The Providence of God.”

There are many ways in which we can worship God. We do so through reading His word, the Bible, through studying it, through meditating on what His Spirit speaks to our hearts, thorough sermons, and through music.Today at Ocean Lakes we worship by an unusual way. There is no sermon from the pulpit, but the worship is centered on music.We hope and pray that today's service will be a real worship experience for you. Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

One of the most intriguing stories ever told about Jesus was His encounter with a blind man; his name was Bartimaeus. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were blind? When Jesus came along one day, He had "good news" for this blind man. Another word for "good news" is the word "gospel." And that's the title of today's message: "The Gospel of Christ."Our prayer is that what you hear in these next few minutes will be "good news" for you. Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean LakesFamily Campground.

Throughout the years of my pastoral ministry, I have often had people come up to me following the worship service and say something like this:"Preacher, you really spoke to me today. Was that sermon meant just for me?" My response is always that I do not preach just to one person.In Matthew's gospel, there is an account of what the chief priests and Pharisees asked Jesus, after he had given them some parables (earthly stories with heavenly meanings). Matthew 21:45 says that "they perceived that he spoke of them."Our subject today is "Personal Preaching." Perhaps Jesus has something to say to you today. Let's listen and find out.We pray that the message today will be a blessing to you. Thank you for worshipping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

We begin today by asking a simple, but very important question: “How much are you worth?” That may be answered in different ways. How much are you worth - to your employer – to your family – to your community – to your church?  How much are you worth to God? That may be the most important question. That's what we are thinking about today.

Last Sunday the sermon from Ocean Lakes was about “The Prodigal Son and the Prodigal Pig.” Today we will take a closer look at two groups of people Jesus encountered: Prodigals and Pharisees. Which one are you? Would your answer be: “Neither one!” Well, let's think about for a few minutes and then decide.

One of the most well-known parables that Jesus told was the story of the person we call “The Prodigal Son.” We will look first today at that parable, as it is recorded in Luke's gospel, chapter 15. But there is another part of the sermon which is about “the prodigal pig.” Is that in the Bible? Well, stay with us, and you may be surprised.

Even though Independence Day is now past, we are continuing to celebrate today with another patriotic service. It has been said that with freedom comes a price to be paid. Therefore today's sermon is entitled, "The Price Tags of Life." The scriptural basis for the message is Galatians, chapter 6, verse 7: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

On this Sunday before we celebrate once again our nation's independence, our thoughts all seem to gravitate toward patriotism. This is surely a subject which should not be confined just to one or two Sundays in a year, but we all should give thanks to God for blessing our nation as He has in the past. Thank you for joining us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground, as we consider what it means to be "One Nation Under God."

If you've ever gone to a meeting where there are lots of people, and most of them do not know each other's name, the organizers sometimes help with this problem by supplying name tags or badges for everyone to wear. Did you know that every Christian wears a badge? Of course, this is not something to pin on your clothes or hang around your neck. What is this badge? Well, that's what we are thinking about in today's message. Thank you for joining us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

There are 150 psalms in the Bible, and each one has its own special help for those who read. Today we begin at the beginning - - Psalm 1. No, we won't go through all 150 psalms in this message, but this first psalm has been called "a recipe for happiness." The psalm begins with the words, "Blessed is the man.." but the message from God in this psalm surely applies to women and children as well. Yes, God has a message for us all on this Father's Day,2024.