Coastal Christian Ocean City

Maximize Your Moments

admin — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:45:05 +0000

Nothing compensates for the volume of a life lived for the glory of God! It speaks louder than any words that could reach the ears, hearts, or minds of men.

Paul’s prison was not a setting of silence, it was not a place of self-pity, it was a mountain from which Paul would shout the Word of God, and proclaim the hope of nations!

Paul was a man who knew what it meant to maximize the moment!

What Should I Do?

admin — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:45:08 +0000

Pilate, in an attempt to please the crowd, asked them, “What then do you want me to do with Jesus?”

How often do you make significant decisions with the noble idea of “pleasing the crowd”? As Easter comes upon us all, consider asking yourself the question Pilate asked: “What do I do with Jesus?” It is a question that has only one correct answer – and that answer is life changing!

The Ultimate Messages Of Paul’s Ministry – Part 2

admin — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:45:40 +0000

As we are reading the ultimate messages of Paul’s ministry, do you ever stop and question:

Where am I so pressed in spirit? So led of the Lord?
What puts fire in my belly? What makes me say, “Before I die, I’ve got to do this”?

And I’m not talking about bungee jumping, or checking off another box on your bucket list.

The apostle Paul’s life is a screaming cry from the pages of scripture saying:
“Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel! It’s the power of God!”
Forget what’s behind and the reach forth for what’s ahead!”
I am crucified with Christ … Christ lives in me!”

Ultimately, we’re talking about what’s worth living for & what’s worth dying for … How would you answer those questions?

The Ultimate Messages Of Paul’s Ministry – Part 1

admin — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 13:45:38 +0000

We are reading the ultimate messages of Paul’s ministry. Do you ever stop and think:

Where am I so pressed in spirit? So led of the Lord?
What puts fire in my belly? What makes me say, “Before I die, I’ve got to do this”?

And I’m not talking about bungee jumping, or checking off another box on your bucket list.

The apostle Paul’s life is a screaming cry from the pages of scripture saying:

“Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel! It’s the power of God!”
“Forget what’s behind and the reach forth for what’s ahead!”
I am crucified with Christ … Christ lives in me!”

Ultimately, we’re talking about what’s worth living for & what’s worth dying for … How would you answer those questions?

The Paradox Of The Perfect Storm – Part 2

admin — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:45:20 +0000

In Acts 27, Paul begins his journey to Rome by sailing through stormy seas. Though all hope seems lost, God promises Paul that he and the crew will survive.

Just as God promised Paul, God will fulfill the promises in His Word:
when the tide is changing,
when the storm is raging,
and all help is lost, and all hope is gone.

God uses the promises in His Word:
to make us brave in the midst of danger,
to give us determination when we lose purpose,
to set direction when we’ve lost our way,
and to restore us when we are broken.

And God can use His Word to save you from the lowest hell, if you will simply trust His Word today.

Stop. Rewind. Pause. Pray.

admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:00:18 +0000

This is true for everyone, from parents of families to presidents of nations…

Here we see the king of a country killing out of fear and insecurity. And if a king can kill because of his compulsion concerning one man, are we capable of anything less?

David and Saul both have scouts spying out their next steps. David finds out that the enemies are attacking his people and he goes to save them. King Saul finds out, and uses David’s devotion against him, to trap him.

Saul uses David’s devotion against him, but what does David do? David is determined to know the will of God, so, David pauses to pray!

Four hundred men are with David – some filled with faith, some filled with fear. A few want to fight, most want to flee…

How are you today? Where are you today, in your heart?
It doesn’t matter what you are facing, it doesn’t matter how you got there.
Stop. Rewind. Pause. & Pray.

So, Just What Is A Martyr?

admin — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:45:37 +0000

So, just what is a martyr? The English definition implies someone who dies for a cause. However, the original meaning of the word martyr has a very different connotation.

The Paradox Of God’s Perspective

admin — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:45:29 +0000

James considered himself a servant of God – a “slave” of the most honorable position. He shares a revolutionary viewpoint centering on God’s perspective and not our own. James reveals how we are to view hardships when we are in them. God’s perspective, and God’s wisdom, allow us to see things with our eyes wide open – with trust, and ultimately, with joy.

Ain’t No Cowards In This Cave

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:23 +0000

David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his family heard, they all came and joined him. All of his brothers were AWOL from King Saul, and became fugitives like David! Why? Because they were there when Samuel anointed David to be King – and now, trusting God for the future, they united their hearts in hope!

Many others knew that David was the only hope for the kingdom, so they committed and came to the cave as well. Those who were in distress and broken for their nation – they all came to the cave.

People are attracted to the leader they most desire to reflect. The people who came to the cave would never have been noticed in history if it were not for their association with David. Those that God uses to influence others are not usually great and powerful, but are people who have a passion to pursue God’s heart, and a boldness to obey His will.

Critics Will Question And God Will Answer

admin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:45:33 +0000

As we enter Acts 25, two years have passed since Paul was imprisoned under the rule of Felix. A new governor, Festus, has now come into power. At the urging of the Jewish leaders, Paul now stands before Festus in a fervent Q&A. Amazingly, Festus is so impressed by Paul, that Paul ends up having an audience with King Agrippa! Jesus’ promise to give Paul the words to witness is evident to the point of almost converting a king! Later, Paul will write about being ready to give an answer to every man for your confidence in Christ.

Now stop and ask yourself: Do you pray for the spirit of Christ to come upon you in the midst of spiritual conflicts? How would our lives change if we all stopped to pray, and made that connection?