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 Lakes

Campground.

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.