Ocean Lakes Church Service

One of the biggest jobs we all have during this new year is that of trying to decide what is important and what is not so important. We are all guilty at times of putting major emphasis on minor matters. But how do we sort out and decide between the things that are urgent and things that are essential? God has help for us with anything in our lives which needs fine-tuning. Today we will look at the life of Jesus, and we'll see how He dealt with this important matter.

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All during these past weeks of the Christmas season, our thoughts have been turned, as they have each year, to the meaning of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The season has been enriched by beautiful music, stories of events surrounding His birth, Nativity scenes, words spoken in sermons and other written messages in meaningful Christmas cards, and countless other ways in which we have tried to celebrate His birth. But have you ever thought: what would it have been like if Jesus had NOT come to earth - then, now, or ever? Well, that's our subject for...

Several times each year, those who come to worship here in a campground setting are united in the observance of the meal of remembrance which was instituted by our Lord Jesus. It goes by several titles: The Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, the Eucharist, Divine Liturgy, the Mass, and others. Today the entire service is planned around this sacred experience. While those listening to our service on podcast are not able to join us in this actual observance, we pray that this may be a meaningful time for you also.

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The title of today's sermon on this 4th Sunday in Advent may seem very strange to those who read it. The title consists of a random group of those characters which are found on the keyboard when someone is typing. These are sometimes used to delete a word or phrase which the writer would prefer not to speak. Rather than trying to explain the title in this introduction, we invite you to stay with us and hear this message, not just from a preacher, but more importantly, from God.

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Do you have any memory of a special Christmas gift you received, even many years ago? It may have been only a small, inexpensive item, but that gift still has special memories for you. Perhaps that gift is special to you, not so much for what it was, but for the person who gave it to you. The subject of today's message is "God's Christmas Gift." As we think about this during these next few minutes, our prayer is that God's gift may also find a special place in your heart.

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Several times each year, those who come to worship here in a campground setting are united in the observance of the meal of remembrance which was instituted by our Lord Jesus. It goes by several titles: The Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, the Eucharist, Divine Liturgy, the Mass, and others. Today the entire service is planned around this sacred experience. While those listening to our service on podcast are not able to join us in this actual observance, we pray that this may be a meaningful time for you also.

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The last Sunday in November this year is known in the church calendar as Advent Sunday. Advent means a time of getting ready for Christmas, making spiritual preparations for the observance of the birth of Jesus. If you are where you can get your Bible, look with us at the first two chapters in the gospel of Luke, that historian/physician, to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude for insight into the days of Jesus' birth. You may want to look also at Isaiah's prophecy, chapter 40, verse 9, from which we get the title of today's message: "Behold...

We welcome you this morning to our Sunday worship service from Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. Thanksgiving Day is only a few days away! Each year our thoughts turn to what we should be thinking about all year long - giving thanks to God for His many blessings to us. Psalm 100 is a good place to begin, as we see some of the special blessings which are ours when we have "the attitude of gratitude." Thank you for joining us in worship today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

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We begin today's message with a quote from an unnamed Native American, who said, "How to walk on the earth like a child of God, man does not know." In the Bible, John tells us that as Christians we are to walk even as Jesus walked. Surely this is not telling us the mechanics of putting one foot in front of the other. So let's spend the next few minutes looking at what is meant by "The Christian's Walk." Thank you for joining us in worship today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

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If you go to a doctor or a medical clinic with a physical problem, one of the first things you can expect is for your physician to discover the cause of your ailment. Then the next thing is to try to offer the remedy. The sermon subject for today is "Why Art Thou Cast Down?" The Scriptural basis is Psalm 42, verse 5. If you ever have that "cast down" feeling, then maybe you can relate to the psalmist's feelings. So let's look together, first, at the cause, and then to the remedy. God has help for us just at this...

When we look at our world today, we see evidence of many things that have gone wrong. It is truly a "topsy-turvy" world in many ways. There are wars, earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, poverty, hunger, mass murders, and senseless killings of individuals in the news almost every day. But have you ever thought of the question, "What is earth's greatest curse?" That is our subject for today. Stay with us as we try to find an answer to this most important question.

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There is an interesting story in Mark's gospel, Chapter 9, about an unnamed man who brought his son to Jesus for healing. This compassionate father said that his son had been sick since he was a child. Jesus told the father that "all things are possible to him that believes." Then the man said something that we all can relate to: "Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief." How much faith does it take for God to hear us? That's our subject for today - "Mustard-Seed Faith."

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Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who uses the phrase, "Listen to me!"? Perhaps you were already listening, but that person tells you to listen. A bit annoying, isn't it? But that is not annoying when God speaks to us. He tells us repeatedly in the Bible that we should listen when God speaks. That's what we are thinking about in today's message, "Learning to Listen."

Thank you for joining us in worship today. Let's listen now as God speaks to our hearts.

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Did you know that several Bible characters have been given nick-names? Some are recorded in the scripture, but others are not. There is one man in the Old Testament who has been given the title, "The Weeping Prophet." He cried a lot because his heart was breaking because of the nation's refusal to return to God. Our subject today is "Journey Back to God." This is what we all need to have when we go astray from God's love.

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Do you remember playing a game when you were a child called “Hide and Seek?” One person would be “It” and would hide their eyes while others ran and hid. Then after counting to a certain number in a sing-song kind of way, “It” would say, “Here I come, ready or not.” Today we’re thinking about the matter of being ready when God calls us. Many will not be ready, and there is great peril in putting off Jesus. That is our subject for this morning.

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We welcome you this morning to our Sunday worship service from Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. If today would be your last day on earth, and tomorrow you find yourself in a totally different place, can you honestly say that you were ready for that new residence? Throughout the Bible we are given many words of warning that we should be ready when that call comes for us. This is what we are thinking about in today's message: "The Call to Be Ready." Let's give now some serious thought to this all-important matter. Thank you for...

The Bible speaks of heaven in terms of a mansion. But there are other words which are also used to describe the final residence of all those who know Jesus, the Son of God, as their own personal Savior. Today we will take a look at some of these beautiful ideas, terms, to see what God has let us knew about heaven - “A House Not Made with Hands.”

For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

During this month of September, we are going to be thinking about a subject which is special to many people - HEAVEN. Do you believe in heaven? Many do; some do not. The sermon today will be interspersed with the congregation singing several hymns about heaven. The congregational singing will not be on the podcast, but if you know some of these old favorite hymns, perhaps you can sing them also as we worship together.

For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

In John’s gospel, chapter 16, the very last verse, Jesus told His followers, “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” That’s the KJV. In another translation, that verse reads this way: “While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” That sounds like something we all could use, doesn’t it? For the next few minutes we will be thinking about how Jesus was able to deal with suffering, hardships, and all other kinds of situations.

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If you have ever been totally occupied in giving your full time and attention to some project, and along comes someone who interrupts you in what you’re doing, then you know just how frustrating and annoying that can be. You may be tempted to give that person “a piece of your mind.” The Bible tells us that Jesus was “in all points tempted, as we are, yet without sin.” This may well be the time when a look at how Jesus handled interruptions can help us also. That’s what our subject is this morning: “Jesus and Interruptions.”

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If you were to ask the average person today the question, “Are you a Christian?” you may get a variety of answers. Some may say, “Yes, I am. I try to be good to others; I pay my debts; I am faithful in my marriage; I am a good husband (or wife)” - and on and on it may go. But what is it that determines if a person is truly a Christian or not? That’s what we’re asking in today’s sermon: “How can I be sure I am a Christian?” Can one be sure at all? It’s a good q...

Do you know what a parable is? Perhaps you learned long ago that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. There is a parable that Jesus told which is only one sentence long, although in Matthew’s account in chapter 13, it takes up two verses. 45 and 46. This is a story about something which was quite expensive. If you are where you can take your Bible, get it and let’s look together at this parable. It is quite a fascinating story, and it has a message for us all today.

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Several years ago, a popular Bible translator made the statement, “The trouble with many people today is that they have not found a God big enough for modern needs.” Most people have a god of some kind that they worship, but what kind of god is sufficient for our needs today? This morning we will try to answer that question with another question which is the title of the sermon today: “How Big Is Your God?”

For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

One of the most painful experiences anyone can endure is that of being rejected by someone who is special in your life. Maybe a spouse, a child, a parent, a close friend or anyone whose approval we desire. In our Bible passage for today, the apostle Peter wrote to some people who has been utterly rejected. The reference for our text in the Scripture today is First Peter Chapter Two. Let's look at this together for the next few minutes. Maybe God has a message for YOU today! 

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Have you ever seen the cartoon which pictures a little devil sitting on a person’s shoulder, whispering in one ear, and on the other shoulder a little angel whispering in the other ear? This pictures what we all experience when we have a debate going on inside our hearts, having to decide if we will obey God’s will or not. This is what the sermon is about today: “The Cross Pull.” Romans, chapter 7, verse 19 is our key Bible verse.

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Today our worship service is quite different from the normal. We are celebrating today “Christmas in July.” Perhaps you have heard it said that the Christmas carols are so beautiful, it is sad that we sing them only once a year. Well, today we are having a Christmas celebration, with music and the sermon all on a Christmas theme. The title of today’s sermon is “In Defense of An Innkeeper."

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Even though Independence Day is now past, we are continuing to celebrate today with another patriotic service. I want to use our time together this morning to reflect on some aspects of what America celebrated two days ago. Many who are sharing this service by podcast are not Americans, nor do you live in America. However, we pray that the thoughts you hear today may be applied to any nation, as we remember what the scripture says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.”

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Since Independence Day, July 4th, falls on a Friday this year, we here at Ocean Lakes are going to be celebrating America’s freedom on TWO  Sundays this year - the Sunday before and the Sunday after. Our gathered congregation will sing “God Bless America” on both of these Sundays. But the question for us today is, “When Can God Bless America?”

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Twice each year most states in our nation go through an ordeal of remembering to change our clocks – either forward or backward. “Spring forward – Fall backward” we say. Getting the right time is very important to most people. In the 90th Psalm, verse 12, there is a reminder from God that we are to “number our days.” We’re thinking about that this morning, as we look at “Just a Tiny Little Minute.”

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On this Father’s Day this year we are thinking about gifts - not gifts that we might give to our earthly fathers, but rather the gifts that we have all received from our heavenly Father. What are some of these gifts? We could never name them all, but let’s look today at just a few. Thank you for worshiping with us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of standing outside a door and constantly ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door - all to no effect? Nobody is answering. Did you know that there is just such a situation in the Bible? We will be reading this story from Acts 12, the first 19 verses. If you are where you can get your Bible, follow along as we explore this story today!

For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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...

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...

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 anothe...

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!” 

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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.

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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?”

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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. 

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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 Campgrou...

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...

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 p...

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.

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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 w...

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 th...

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 appl...

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.<...

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...

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.

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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.”

For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

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.”

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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...

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.

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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 Fa...

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.”

For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

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.

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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 Lakes

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...

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.

For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

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.

For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

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.

For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

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."

For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

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."

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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.

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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.

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If you've ever had the painful experience of being outdoors on a windy day and having a speck of dust blow into your eye, you know that this will occupy your undivided attention until it is removed. But what if it is more than just a small speck? Jesus talked about this one day, and what He had to say about it is recorded in Matthew's gospel, chapter 7. In verses 3-5 He reveals what some have called the humor of Jesus. Let's look into that together in these next few minutes. Thank you for joining us today from Ocean...

Have you ever had the horrible experience of driving your car and hearing a thumping sound coming from somewhere underneath, only to learn later that your tires were out of balance? Yes, balance is very important in any areas of our lives. In the 10th chapter of Revelation, there is a verse which describes a special kind of balance which an angel had. The first two verses of that chapter are our Biblical text for today. Thank you for joining us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

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Have you ever heard the phrase, "having an Achilles heel?" The sermon this morning begins with this story from Greek mythology, and then we move quickly to the Bible to look at two men who had their own "Achilles heel." They are Samson and Simon Peter. Is there a lesson for us from these two men who failed so miserably in their lives? Well, stay with us for the next few minutes and let's find out. Thank you for joining us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

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Have you ever thought about the question: which of your five physical senses would you give up if you had to surrender one of them? Would it be your sense of taste, touch, smell, hearing, or seeing? Most of us would probably have trouble making that choice. The message today is about a man who was deprived of one of these senses, and what Jesus did for him. It is a story that has a deeper lesson for us than what appears on the surface. Thank you for joining us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

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We welcome you this morning to our Sunday worship service from Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. And a Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are mothers. May this be a special and a good day for you. This morning our service is not intended to be just a nostalgic reflection on mothers; we are here every Sunday to worship God. Have you ever thought of the question, "What kind of mother did Jesus have?" Oh, we know she was given the title of "The Virgin Mary" as well as many other titles. But what...

Imagine something with me for a moment. Suppose you were to be arrested and forced to make a statement that you are a Christian, or you are not a Christian, what would your answer be? And let's suppose further that if you said you are a Christian, you would be executed on the spot, would that change your answer? Well, thankfully, most of us have not or will not have to face that situation. But the Bible tells of many who did have to make that decision, and countless lost their lives because of it. Sadly, there are people...

There is an old gospel song that we sometimes sing, the words of which go like this: "In times like these, you need a Savior; in times like these, you need an Anchor; be very sure - - be very sure your anchor holds, and grips the Solid Rock." Anybody with even a slight awareness of world conditions today knows that we really do need an anchor, when all about us seems to be slipping away. Who - - or what - - is your anchor? That's what we're thinking about this morning. Thank you for joining us today...

In the 50th Psalm, the author speaks the word of God when he says, "Call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver thee." Another translation gives that same verse in these words: "Pray to me in time of trouble; I will rescue you." (CEV) Wow! Doesn't that apply to us all? We all have those times in our lives when we get into some kind of trouble, whether it is of our own making, or maybe it just comes to us "out of the blue." Our prayer today is that God's promise may give you hope...

We welcome you this morning to our Sunday worship service from Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Some of the most interesting and fascinating Bible stories are often hidden away in books or chapters that we often overlook. This is the case with Amaziah, whose story is told in the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles. If you are where you can get your Bible, get it and let's look this morning at this story, as we think together today on the subject, "The Impossibility of Neutrality."

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We welcome you this morning to our Sunday worship service from Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Now that the celebration of Easter is gone (although Christians celebrate the resurrection EVERY Sunday), let's turn our attention to a follow-up of last Sunday. Those early followers of Jesus - - what were they called? Yes, the word "Christians" comes to mind, but they were also called something else. We'll start right off today by answering that question, and then we'll move on to what that means.

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And a Happy Easter Sunday to you! Easter has arrived early this year, and the calendar says that Spring is already here also. On this Easter Sunday, I would like you to think with me about a subject which some people have wondered about for many years. Today we are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, but did it really happen? Is that just something we are supposed to believe as Christians? Is the resurrection fact or fiction? That's our subject for today. Thank you for joining us on this Easter Sunday from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.<...

Last Sunday in the morning message, the attempt was made to answer the question, *What Is the Cross?" We must admit that there is absolutely no way in which any person can fully understand or try to explain what the cross of Jesus means. So this morning we are going to try again to approach basically the same question of last Sunday. But today, let's make it more personal. What does the cross of Jesus mean to YOU? During these next few minutes, let's look at what the cross means - - or what it should mean to every...

Have you ever noticed on TV or some other media outlet how many of the people you see are wearing a cross? That caught my attention recently when I was watching a program which was primarily political in nature. Why do people wear a cross? Is it to identify with the Christian faith, or is it just because it is an attractive ornament to wear around the neck? What does the cross mean, anyhow? Today we will try to answer, at least in part, the question, "What Is the Cross?" Thank you for joining us today from Ocean Lakes...

Valentine's Day is past for this year, along with all the sweet expressions of love found on cards and other places. If I were to ask you what three little words were most often found on greeting cards, whether it is for Valentine's Day or for some other special occasion, what would those three little words be? You got it! 'I love you." There are three other words which early Christians used quite often to show their faith in Jesus Christ.

Rather than telling you these words now, stay with us and let's uncover them together. These...

Everybody knows that we are all here on this earth for only a limited time; we are not here to stay. We will all eventually die, unless the Lord comes back first. Well, suppose you knew that your time would be up in about one week. What message would you want to leave behind for your loved ones? This is exactly what Jesus faced, and today we are going to look at what He left as some of His parting words. They are certainly worth considering. Thank you for joining us today from Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

The sermon this morning begins with some well-known words from the poet, Edgar Guest:

"I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one any day ..."

Surely we all would agree with those sentiments, even the greatest preacher would have to say "Amen" to that also. But where do we go to SEE a sermon? Is this talking about a sermon on TV, or does it refer to something else? In the Bible, we have the record of what both Jesus and the Apostle Paul had to say about this. So the question for us is...

Today we are blessed again to have a guest minister to bring the sermon. He is Rev. Rich McLawhorn, who, along with his wife, Jody, are regular attenders at our worship services each week here at Ocean Lakes. Last Sunday Rev. McLawhorn clarified many false ideas being discussed in our decaying culture about what is called "love." Today he will follow up on this subject by discussing an example of genuine love, as illustrated in the actions of Jesus. We look forward now to hearing God's word from Rev. McLawhorn, as he brings the message, which is entitled, "What...

Today we have a special treat in store for us. We are blessed to have a guest minister to bring the sermon this morning. He is Rev. Rich McLawhorn, who, along with his wife, Jody, are regular attenders at our worship services each week. Rev. McLawhorn has been very active throughout his pastoral ministry, serving in various capacities, not only as pastor of churches, but also in many other places of Christian service. We look forward now to hearing God's word from Rev. McLawhorn, as he brings the message, which is entitled, "Two Pictures and One Message." Thank you...