Ocean Lakes Church Service

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 Family Campground.

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.