Don't Believe Everything People Say The Bible Says

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Do you want to know what gets on my nerves? When biblically ignorant people make a point using the Bible to invalidate our faith. Do you know what really gets on my nerves? When equally biblically ignorant Christians get stumped by it.

Ok, I'll calm down and try to write a coherent post today. I believe that Christians in America have a huge problem. We don't know our own Holy Book (The Bible). Many Christians are swayed and shut up by
arguments that are not only irrelevant, but often times false. We need to learn to not only deflect these arguments, but crush them as it says in Philetus 1:3*.

Those who doubt the Bible often pull verses out of context and misinterpret passages. Then they use those passages to prove their points. Many of those arguments and questions would be easily squashed or answered with some basic Bible knowledge. For some, studying the Bible may seem beyond your abilities, but let me assure you that it is not. If you can read and write you can study the Bible.

1) Today I can't give you all the answers, but I do want to encourage you with this. Start actually reading and studying the Bible. It will mean a little hard work, but in the end it will be worth your effort. Read, study, and meditate on God's Word. It will not only transform your life, but it will strengthen your faith. When questions are asked and lies are proposed you'll recognize them easily.

2) Research the claims people make. If someone throws a verse in your face don't just believe what they say. Look it up! Many times people don't even know the verses they are referencing and their
ignorance will quickly bubble to the surface if you look up the passage. What about Pastor Trey and myself, should you double check us? Absolutely. Both of us encourage everyone to double check the passages we quote. Make sure we're correctly teaching the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15).

Get into the Bible, build your confidence, and blow your mind! The Bible is a supernatural book. Check out some free Bible study tools at YouVerson.com.

You can check out this video that will lead you through some simple questions to ask when studying the Bible.

Also I encourage you to get a study Bible like this one:

Or try it free online here: MyStudyBible.com

*Philetus isn't a real book... I made it up. I hope you figured that out and didn't just soak it in without question.

In Closing:
Carowinds: We have very limited space, and I have to order the tickets Thursday. The full price of the trip (Carowinds ticket, lunch, and transportation) is $55. Get your money to me this Wednesday.

Haunted House interest meeting July 31: We're looking at doing a Halloween haunted house without all the witches, ghost, etc... Ours will actually be scary. The point would be to show people the reality of their mortality. We would end off the tour with a Gospel presentation. TAKING BACK SATAN'S NIGHT! #KSITT

How Tiny Tower Changed My Life

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Floors 10-23 of my Tiny Tower

Addiction is a problem, and I'm an addict. It's not the normal culprits like drugs, alcohol, or smoking. I'm addicted to a little game called Tiny Tower. You can play Tiny Tower on a number of Apple devices, but if you have an addictive personality you might want to stay away.

It's not much different from a multitude of other simulation games like The Sims, Simcity, Farmville, Fishville, Cityville, Villville (Ok, I made that last one up... I think). In Tiny Tower you are the owner of a sky scraper. This is your tower. Your tower starts off humbly with a lobby and an apartment place. You collect rent from people who move into your apartment. That rent is used to build up your tower with stores like a laundromat (Exciting), a comedy club where you serve up LOLs, and a coffee house. There isn't an end to the game. The tower could stretch as high as a thousand stories if you kept playing. All this sounds really compelling doesn't it? Yeah, I didn't think so either until I started playing.

Say hello to a Bitizen

The tower is inhabited by "Bitizens" who are tiny pixilated people. Each bitizen has a dream job, strengths, and weaknesses. You, as the tower manager place these people in jobs all over your tower. By far the most enjoyable part of the game is placing one of the bitizens in their dream job. When they are placed in their dream job their happy meter reads, and I quote, ":-D". Which makes me happy that they are happy.

This bitizen is happy!

This got me thinking about how God has a big plan for us. He has given us desires, talents, and dreams. He placed those in us before we were even born! In Jeremiah 1:5 God says, "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you..."  He gave us those dreams to glorify Him.

We all have a choice: How will we use what He has given us? It's our selfish desires verses His heavenly desires. When we act selfishly our life will never be fulfilling, death will be scary, and happiness will be out of reach.

God gets joy out of placing us in the jobs where we excel. He wants nothing but the best for everything He owns. Isaiah 43:1 tells us that we are owned by God. "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine." Sometimes life gets tough, but we have to look forward to our future lives in Heaven. There may be temporary suffering, but as James says, this life is just a, "Vapor." (James 4:14)

We should be encouraged in two ways, 1) suffering is temporary and 2) we have to get moving because life is short. It's essential that we grab on to God's plan today! Remember that you are at Oceanside for a reason. God has made you a vital part of this church. Will you choose to get to work where God is moving. God doesn't want you in a job that you hate. He wants you exactly where you fit best.

A closer view

In encourage you to look at your spiritual gifts and your God-given talents. See where God wants you to be. There is a perfect place for you. Now, I have to get back to my tower. The Video Rental Store needs to restock New Arrivals.

A Golden Calf, Really guys? Uhhgg. #ksitt

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The whole crew

Camp was really amazing this year. It was one of the best years that we've ever had. There were 8 salvations and re-dedications. God was at work. Johnathan was great, Pastor Trey brought some practical and challenging messages in the morning, and I had the privilege of speaking at night. I would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's camp possible. If you volunteered, supported, and/or prayed for, thank you.

Our volunteer staff being prayed over and hugged

Camp is never without its challenges. I warned all the students about coming home. I told them that the transition would be difficult. At camp we are surrounded by a wall of protection. Satan has been kicked out and we try to keep distractions as far away as possible. But when we come down off the mountain and back to the real world things get a little tougher. Look at what Moses went through when he came off the mountain after meeting with God (Exodus 32).

Satan will hit us with what we least expect. He'll bring up things in our past that we thought were long gone. He does it because he hates us. We have to fight him with all we have and not fall into the crazy temptations that can destroy us when we come off the mountain top.

The winning team's prize cake

I would like to encourage everyone with this: The decisions that you made at camp, or church, are only empty promises unless you back them up with actions. People will know you are serious when you start acting like you're serious. That means you'll have to make unpopular decisions. You may even have to break off some destructive friendships. Your relationship with Christ is more important than anything else. James 2:26 tells us, The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse.


People don't care about our decisions we make at church camp unless we back them up with some serious action. Go out and live for God!! And, just for me, kick satan in the teeth. And every time you do report it to us on Facebook or twitter. Be sure to hash tag it #KSITT.

Christmas Miracles in June

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Painting originally by George Roberts remixed by me.

He has a lot of great paintings to check out here

Christmas only comes once a year for most of us, but for some it comes a few times a year. This is God’s blessing.

Recently I was in a meeting with several other pastors. It was mentioned that God gets a lot of glory out of people without money. I’m in no way poor mouthing, but I don’t think it’s a secret if I say, most pastors don’t earn a lot. Experience has taught me God does get a lot of glory through those without.

When people are in need it gives God the opportunity to provide. Thank the Lord for those whom He has financially blessed! He uses those people to meet the needs of those without. I’ve seen it over and over again in my life.

Wednesday was the deadline for camp money. Many of our students came to me asking for help. Their families didn’t have the ability to pay for camp (either completely or partially). I was crunching numbers, trying to pinch pennies, and figuring out ways for everyone to go to camp. I was not having much success.

Then suddenly my phone vibrated and jingled with a dance tune I often let ring for too long (Man, I love to dance to that tune!). When I picked up the phone, I figured it was another student asking for mercy. On the contrary, a person told me they wanted to sponsor two full scholarships! It was seriously a Christmas miracle in June. That amount put us over the top and allowed everyone to go to camp, even those in need.

Whether you have a lot or not, there is always someone who has less. There is always someone that you can be a miracle to. I encourage you to look for those people. When we have little God gives great.

Philippians 4:19-20
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

In Closing:
1) I thought we had a great week at the Waterworks building! There are some things to get used to, but it was MUCH better than being at the Ministry Center’s sweat box. Great attendance too. Keep inviting.
2) We leave for Camp Fusion this Sunday after church at 2PM. Thank you to all who have helped pay our students ways to camp. You are a blessing to them and me.
3) If there is one thing Oceanside knows how to do it’s eat and throw a party. I’m really excited about the block party we’ll be having at Seagull Apartments on July 17.
4) Vacation Bible School is my second favorite time during the summer (The first being youth camp. I’m a little partial). We’ll be rockin’ and rollin’ this year on July 22-24.

I DOUBT IT!!! What To Do When You Doubt Your Salvation.

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I had the privilege of speaking at Oceanside this past Sunday while Pastor Trey was out. You can head over to his blog to read about his time preaching at Common Ground Church.

This week we took a test. How did you do? I hope you passed. The test was on your salvation. Some people in the church, if you asked them would say, "Oh yeah, no doubt." Others would reply with a simple, "I don't know." And I'm sure some would say, "Nope."

There is no reason to doubt your salvation. Doubt is the absence of knowing. So if you know you're not a Christian you don't doubt. If you know you are a Christian you don't doubt. It's to those in the middle that I'm writing today.

I Wander What To Do... (This week it is a play on words)

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The family and I went on an epic journey this past Sunday after church. I'm a bit of an explorer at heart, and I saw a bridge. It wasn't just any bridge, but a bridge to nowhere. This was a big bridge the kind that  could be driven over. When I looked it up on Google it led to a little island that was completely uninhabited. The explorer in me wanted to see what was on this small island and why there was a bridge leading to it.

The "Bridge to Nowhere"

So we packed some water, grabbed the stroller, and commenced the journey in ninety degree weather. Along the way we made some stops and a few wrong turns. What I had told Allie was going to be a one and a half mile trip turned into a five mile trek. Two hours in and we had not made it to the elusive bridge to nowhere. We could see it but we couldn't figure out how to get there. Creeks and miles still separated us. Quentin was getting grumpy, Maggie was getting loopy, and Allie was losing the italian explorer within. We decided to turn back and try again another day. Hopefully a little more experienced and a lot more prepared.

While walking miles in that heat I could not help but think of the Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years! I was losing hope after only two hours. I never lost faith in God in those two hours, but I was able to glimpse how quickly you could. You start to feel like you're never going to make it to the promised land.

We had the choice to turn around and head home, but imagine being Moses and having to convince the people that wandering the desert was God's plan. It's difficult for me to comprehend following for only one year, but can you imagine forty years of wandering?! It took a huge amount of faith for Moses to continue. Hebrews 11 pummels us with the words "By faith Moses..." I encourage you to head over to Hebrews and read the whole chapter on faith. It will encourage you that our God is faithful.

Lego Moses... I thought that was really cool.

My walk illustrated two things to me. 1) I have far too little faith. Moses' faith was beyond what I'll probably ever achieve. 2) I'm not thankful enough for what God has provided. We look down on those Israelites as they complained and questioned, but I guarantee most of us would join them.

Let's learn to be thankful for what we have. Let's learn to trust God in the tough times, and not forget Him on the good days. Let's learn to, by faith, follow God even if it's into the fire. Let's back up what we say by actually living it out.

Please share this post with someone that needs it and hit the +1 below. THANKS!

Is Oceanside's Youth Camp a Waste of Time?

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Camp Fusion t-shirt and logo from Eph. 4:5-6

Nope.

Camp 2006

Every year for the past 6 years Oceanside has taken its youth to camp. This will be our seventh year doing youth camp.

Camp 2006

I think sometimes people get confused why we go to camp. Some think we go just because it's the best time we'll have all summer. Some people think it's because we love hearing Johnathan Elrod play music. Some think it's because it gives us a vacation (obviously those people have never gone to camp with us). Still others think we go because we're just trying to keep middle and high school students busy during the summer. Yes all of those things are accomplished, but none of them are the goal.

Face plant! Camp 2007.

Everything at Oceanside's youth camps are designed with purpose and meaning. Games are played to build community, illustrate points, and wear students down. The location is picked to get students out of their comfort zones. The food is great to nourish their ravenous appetites, because a hungry student is a student that isn't paying attention. All of these things are to point students to one person, Jesus Christ.

She cooks a mean tube steak. Camp 2010.

If we went to camp and just had a blast, and only sang a lot of music, and ended it all off on an emotional high it would be a waste. We bring students to camp and great things happen. Most of the fruit that happens through Oceanside's Reality ministry is harvested at camp every summer. Please, support our students the best you can. They need some money (We do it as cheap as we can), but also need your prayers.

Peanut butter isn't just for sandwiches. Camp 2009

Specific prayer points:
1. The Holy Spirit is already moving in the lives of the students going
2. God will give Pastor Trey and myself the words to say as we speak to the students
3. We'll be safe on the trip and while there.
4. The students on the edge of life change will take the step of faith and make Jesus their leader and forgiver.
5. Pray that those who can't decide if they should go will decide to go

In some serious prayer. Camp 2009.

Some Camp Needs:
We need someone who will be willing to drive the van to Lake Greenwood and back to Charleston. This person won't stay at camp during the week, but will pick the van up from Budget Rental and return it on Sunday, June 26 (when we leave) and Friday, July 1 (when we return). This is a tremendous need. It helps with cost and transportation. Click here to let me know if you're interested in helping. Or leave it in the comments.

Camp 2005

Don't Be A Crap Factory!

Tweet As promised, here is the message from Steven Furtick about being grateful for what you have. Watch it, enjoy it, and comment your thoughts below. Thanks Seacoast for getting this video up! My favorite line, watch for it, is about people being crap factories.

Did you think it was as powerful as I did? What are your thoughts? Comment below.

-Ivey

10 Things I'm Grateful For

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We should be more grateful.

Today I had the privilege of watching Steven Furtick, pastor and Monks Corner native, on Seacoast's stream of their staff meeting. He is now a Pastor in Charlotte of Elevation Church. Really cool guy. He talked about being grateful to God for what he has given. It would be really difficult for me to summarize the sermon. Hopefully when Seacoast gets it up on Vimeo I'll post the link here. It was a great message that I encourage you to watch. Here are the 10 things I'm grateful for.

10 things I'm Grateful for

1. My wife who puts up with my crazy dreaming.
2. My kids who put up with my need to irritate and wrestle.
3. My church who offers me pay to do what I'm compelled to do. Don't tell them, but I'd do it for free.
4. My second job that helps me have a little financial breathing room.
5. My car that despite its age keeps going.
6. My sweet gadgets that keep me connected, but are totally not needed.
7. My dad and mom who give advice and wisdom yet still support even when I do things that may not be exactly what they said to do...
8. All four of my parents who give, and give, give.
9. My God who puts up with my crazy doubts and questions.
10. My ability to enjoy, play, sing, and stumble through music.

I could keep going but I'm getting a little overwhelmed.

What are you grateful to God for? Please list some in the comments below. With your permission I'd love to read some of these in church this Sunday.

The End of the World. Save the Date.

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I thought you might want to know. It’s the end of the world. Yeah, I’m hearing it all over the place. Save the date. Harold Camping tells us that Jesus is coming back May 21. The Mayan calendar ends next year. So if Jesus doesn’t come back May 21, 2011, “2012” will surely get us. The government tells us that if we don’t raise the debt ceiling it’s going to be the end of the world. The Middle East is on fire, and joblessness is the highest it has been in a long time. The world is a crazy place.

Harold Camping will be wrong about when Jesus is coming back. He may come back today before you finish reading this blog post, but He won’t be coming back on May 21.

Camping has predicted these events before in 1994. He was wrong then. The Bible tells us that prophets must always be right. The fact that a Camping was ever wrong in a prediction identifies that he’s as a false prophet (See Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Harold Camping is a false prophet. So stop worrying about the Mayan calendar, May 21, the debt ceiling, or high gas prices.

Luke 12:25 tells us, “Can any of you add a cubit to his height by worrying?” In case you are wondering, the answer is no. You have no control over any of the events I listed above. If they happen, they do, if they don’t they don’t. Stop worrying and start praying more (see Philippians 4:6). God is the only one who can change those events anyway.

A date you might want to think about is, well, today. You have control over you. The decisions you make today will affect you for the rest of your life. No, Jesus isn’t coming to see you May 21, but you may be going to see Him. No one is promised to wake up alive tomorrow (See Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-15). So instead of waiting to get your life right before 5/21/11 you might want to check yourself and get your life right today.

Simply admit you’ve done wrong things that the Bible calls sin. Ask for forgiveness for those sins. Believe that Jesus died for your sins, and rose again after three days to conquer them. Turn away from all the bad stuff you’re doing and follow Jesus with all your heart, and do it today.

Is everything right between you and God?