Further Sojourning…Now Through 2 Thessalonians, Pt. 3

Further Sojourning…Now Through 2 Thessalonians, Pt. 3

Study Guide, May 5, 2024

Pastor Clay Olsen


Have you seen some of those crazy laws that are still on the books? For example: Here are some just from North Carolina. If you are walking around the scenic city of Asheville, NC, and you feel a sneeze coming on, you might want to stifle it, because it is illegal to sneeze on city streets in Asheville! And in Nags Head you can be fined for singing out of tune for more than ninety seconds! Then, although you might like to do this, don’t do this in Kill Devil Hills, because it’s illegal to ride a bicycle without having both hands on the handlebars! And in the early days of settlement around Raleigh, before a man could ask for a woman’s hand in marriage he had to be ‘inspected’ by all the barnyard animals on the young woman’s family farm, to ensure there would be harmonious farm life! (So, you might be all right with the hogs, but if the chickens get all riled up when they meet you…well, that might be a deal breaker right there. Chickens know stuff, you know?)

Again, there are a lot of crazy laws people have come up with…but then there are universal laws that were put into place at creation that are immutable. One example is the physical law of ‘Gravity’. Gravity does not change nor does any belief about it or conduct of mankind remove it. It is the same with another law, a spiritual law, that does not change, nor will any belief about it or conduct of mankind remove it. We see it throughout the Bible, but it also comes through in the passage of 2 Thessalonians that we introduced in our last study. So, let’s return to it.

Let’s look again at 2 Thess 1:6-8- “For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” NASU The law is referred to as ‘The Law of Compensation’, and it is an immutable spiritual law, and every person that ever has or ever will live is subject to it. And it works both ways, either in retribution for wrong that is done or in reward for right that is done. And here, Paul assures these persecuted believers in Thessalonica that any injustice done to them will be justly judged and avenged by God, who, by His very nature, is a God of justice. In a passage to the Galatian believers Paul reinforced this truth in another description of this Law of Compensation as being the Law of Reaping and Sowing. Note that one: Gal 6:7-8- “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” NASU

This ‘Law of Compensation’ or ‘Law of Sowing and Reaping’ is one of the first laws that should be taught in homes and in churches and in schools, for it is a foundational law of life on Earth. It is the law of accountability, and everything is recorded. And yet, few people, especially unbelievers from all ages, seem to understand that God has a record of their entire lives. Every deed, every word, every thought, every motive…all is on their record that God has recorded in the ‘books’. And everyone has a ‘this is your life’ appointment with the Sovereign God of Creation and Judge of all mankind. For the redeemed, thankfully the record of our sins was nailed to the cross, and we have forgiveness. So our record is about our service, and not our sins. But for the unrepentant, their sins remain on record. That, too, is revealed in Rev 20:11-12- “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.” NASU

We have discussed the Great White Thone judgment many times, but just to reinforce its impact upon all life, remember that this judgment is for the unsaved, for those who neglected or rejected the great salvation offered to all by the Lord Jesus Christ. Their unbelief determined their destination in Gehenna Hell, and now this judgment is of the record of their deeds, all recorded in these ‘books of justice’. And this will determine their sentencing while they spend eternity in Gehenna Hell.

Point being: As we see the sinfulness of people on full display day after day, in our own country and around the world, we need to see it all in light of each of these unsaved people standing before the God of Justice at the Great White Throne Judgment. We need to see them having the record of their lives revealed to them by God, and then being taken away to Gehenna Hell to carry out their sentencing for whatever justice their sins require of them.

Remember, one of the purposes of Prophecy is to project pictures of future truths into our present experiences. We need to regularly superimpose ‘prophetic pictures’ over our present times. Otherwise, like with a book of Anatomy, we will only be looking at the skeleton of this world, without laying the other pages of the human anatomy over it. This is the only way that we can have a better understanding and can live with a realistic perspective concerning everything that is happening day by day…and will happen in due time.

Every day, people are sowing what they will reap in due time. This Law of Compensation cannot be changed or altered or removed, for God is not mocked, and He has already warned everyone of His justice that will be done! Fortunately, for the believer, for the follower of Christ, this Law of Compensation also is a powerful comfort in knowing that no injustice done to them will go unavenged. Remember what God told us about that? Rom 12:18-19- “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.” NASU

To the persecutor to the troublemaker of God’s people, God is going to enact His vengeance upon each of them for their treatment of His children. You can be certain about that! And, since we have also taught much about how ‘The Law of Compensation’ blesses the faithful follower of Christ, we’ll simply remind us all here of what the Apostle Paul revealed about that in Eph 6:7-8- “With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.” NASU Our great God is a great rewarder, and He will reward each and every good thing His children have done in their worship and service for Him. And He is also a great compensator, and will compensate each child of His for each and any harmful thing they have ever had to face or experience from this world, the flesh, and the devil. Our God is ‘The Great Compensator!’

Now then, what does it mean ‘to obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus’ as Paul stated: “…those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus”? The Apostle John once stated it similarly when he said: “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36 NASU

This is an important point to focus upon since it gives us the opportunity to reinforce the Biblical hermeneutic or principle that reminds us: ‘Every teaching of the Bible that is not apparently clear is always in harmony with every teaching of the Bible that is completely clear.’ In other words: We are to interpret every dimly lighted passage in the Bible in connection with every brightly lighted passage in the Bible. For example: The Bible is completely clear in its teaching that salvation is a gift from God based upon Christ’s works for us, and thus is not something that can be earned or merited by our own works. Eph 2:8-9 is as clear as it gets on this teaching…this truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” NASU Therefore, whenever we find a statement like we do here in 2 Thessalonians or in John 3:36 with wording of “obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus”, we then realize that the Apostles were equating ‘obedience to the gospel’ with ‘saving faith’… not with ‘works for salvation’. Again, the ‘clear truths’ clarify any truth that may be ‘unclear’. And that principle applies to every teaching of the Bible. This is a great help for each of us in our own study and application of the teachings of the Bible.

It’s remarkable that also in the Book of John is an account that speaks to this very difference between works and faith. A crowd of people were listening to Jesus’ teachings and were also asking Him questions. And being of the same mindset as is common in religious thinking, the humanistic idea that people can be made right with God or merit salvation by doing right works, they asked Jesus which ‘works’ would be the ‘right works’ for them to do to be made right with God. Here’s what Jesus said about that: “Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” John 6:28-29….”For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:40 NASU

Again, we clearly see here that a relationship with God, and the possession of eternal life, is not about ‘doing religious works’ as a way to merit salvation, but about ‘believing in the Person of Christ’ in order to unite with God in an eternal relationship with Him. Remember, because all have sinned, all are spiritually dead in sin. And no one can work their way out of spiritual death. You need new life from Christ before you can do good works for Christ. Plus, Jesus even went on to illustrate that the kind of ‘belief’ that saves is not a head belief about the Messiah, but a whole life reception of the Messiah. He said that believing in Him was like eating and drinking of bread and wine…like spiritually partaking of His flesh and blood. He was saying to them that they needed to receive all of His life into all of their life. Again, saving belief was not just head knowledge, but a heart and life reception of Him.

In the beginning of John’s Gospel, he equated ‘believing in Jesus’ with the ‘receiving of Jesus’. Point being: Salvation is not about doing works in your life for Jesus…salvation is about uniting your life with the life of Jesus. And once you have united your life with Jesus, then you are expected to do the works that Jesus instructs you to do out of your new union with Christ and out of your saved position in Christ as an eternal child of God. This is what we can help people better understand, since so many people have grown up in some religion, doing religious traditions, but they have never come into a personal relationship with Jesus. They have never asked Jesus to come into their life and give new life to their dead spirit. People are religious by nature, but a relationship with God begins by a new birth of their spirit when they receive the Person of Christ into their life.

Now then, back to the passage: 2 Thess 1:9-10- “These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed — for our testimony to you was believed.” NASU

From the time of the devil’s skeptical question in the Garden of “Oh, has God said?” to these present times, people have been skeptically questioning God’s words about all kinds of things. And one of them is their skepticism about the duration of Hell. Many either deny the existence of Hell, or diminish the punishments of Hell, or dilute the duration of Hell. But the Scriptures do not allow for anything other than the eternity of Hell. Hell is always referred in the Scriptures as being eternal…as being everlasting. Jesus did not allow for a temporary Hell nor an annihilation in relation to Hell. Rather, He equated the duration of Hell with the duration of Heaven: Matt 25:46- “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” NASU Even the wording Paul uses here in verse 9 of ‘eternal destruction’ does not allow for ‘no longer existing’. The word for ‘destruction’ here means the same as ‘ruined’, especially ruined in relation to its original purpose.

Remember, God created humanity to be His physical family…to live in an eternal relationship of love and joy and the shared rule and management of His entire created universe! But He did not make robots…He made humans who, like Moses said, could choose the blessing or the curse, who could like John said… ‘whosoever will’ – could believe in Him or perish…who like Peter said, “God is not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Pet.3:9 NASU Sadly, as Jesus said in Matt 7:13- “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.” NASU

God made humans for Heaven not for Hell. Hell was prepared for the devil and his demons. But if people reject God and His Heaven, then they will join the devil and his Hell. Which is another somber, but serious picture to also superimpose over people. For when Paul and John and Peter looked at people, they also saw them as either fellow brothers and sisters of Heaven, or as prisoners and residents of Hell. Remember, every person on Earth is either a citizen of Heaven, awaiting their escort home to Heaven, or a prisoner of Hell, awaiting their removal to their residence in Hell! Include that realistic picture in the picture of every person that you see, and then see what it does to the way that you see them.

Also remember that we not only have been called by our God unto salvation, we have also been called to continually live a life worthy of our calling. 2 Thess 1:11-12- “To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” NASU

We often hear of some people as having a calling on their life…as for doing this or that task or service and such. Guess what? Each of us has a calling on our life. You have a calling on your life. And you don’t have to wait for a feeling about it. God has called each of us into the ministry…into the ministry of His Great Commission, of going and making disciples through sharing the Gospel with the lost and teaching His truths for the saved to live out in their lives. You have a calling to live a life that glorifies your God in every area of your life. And in doing so you then bring glory and honor to your glorious Savior. And as Paul revealed, as you honor your Savior, He will honor you and grant you privileges and positions of honor in the ages to come in His glorious Kingdom. Every day is your opportunity to give glory and honor to your Creator and Redeemer. And, in doing so, you will also be laying up privileges and rewards for your personal inheritance in the Kingdom of God. So be wise. Live wisely. Make the most of your opportunities before the King returns.

Good Friday and Sunrise Service

Good Friday Service: March 29th – 5pm to 8pm inside the Chapel 

The Church will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a time of personal silent prayer and reflection.  Begin this weekend remembering “the Cross”.


Sunday Sunrise Service: March 31th – 6:30 am outside on the Chapel Lawn 

                          He is Risen!!!   He is Risen Indeed!!!

 

Come to Chapel by the Sea, Sunday morning,  March 31, 2024 at 6:30 am for a Sunrise Service Celebration!

Jesus Christ proved He won the victory over Death by Rising from the Grave 3 days after being Crucified on the Cross for our sin.   Those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior for the forgiveness of their sin have Victory in Jesus” … They SHARE in the Resurrection, Inheritance and Eternal Life with the King of Kings!

This is a special time of worship held outside on the front lawn and parking area of the Chapel.   We will be praising the risen Son while we watch the Sun rise!  Pray for good weather and for the Son to rise in the hearts of  new believers this Resurrection morning.   The service lasts about 45 minutes … You can stand or bring your own chair …  also the Chapel can provide you a chair if you request one.

      Plan to stay following the Sunrise Service for breakfast in the Fellowship Hall. 

There is also a 10 am Service.      Christ is Risen!!!   He is Risen Indeed!!!


 

Qualities of Genuine Happiness, Pt. 5

Qualities of Genuine Happiness, Pt. 5

Study Guide, November 8, 2020

Pastor Clay Olsen

So, they call them ‘comfort foods’. And, of course, that refers to those foods that you know you can always count on to help you feel more relaxed, satisfied, and to just give you an overall sense of well-being…kind of ‘happy comfort zone’…for a while that is. Like what are your ‘comfort foods’? How about the ‘go to’ chicken noodle soup? Perfect for when you’re a little under the weather…or feeling a bit ‘quamished’ as they say in some parts around here. Or then there’s the gold standard favorite of mashed potatoes and steak. And then there’s the feel-good dessert of pecan pie. How about the popular birthday choice…chocolate cake? And then the hands down, or hands up selection for this one….Coffee and donuts! You remember, even in Genesis, when the vegetation and plants and fruits were created on the third day, and God called it ‘very good’?… the Hebrew adds, “especially the coffee”; the coffee was ‘very good’. God even included a whole book about coffee in the New Testament … ‘He-brews’! Ahh, an oldie, but a goodie! And, it’s like they say, the only circle of trust you need is a donut. Ahhh, the simple life, right?

Well, now that everyone is really hungry and really thirsty, that brings us to our next Beatitude, which says this: Matt 5:6- “Blessed (Happy) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” NASU Isn’t that great? ‘Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.’ What’s that all about? Well, there are many fascinating facets of this great pronouncement of Jesus’ here, so let’s explore a few together.

Do you remember that great picture the Psalmist gives us of a believer thirsting for a deeper fellowship and closer relationship with God in Ps 42:1-2- “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?” NASU There’s even that great chorus about this longing for a deeper experience with God of ‘As the Deer’ that we love to sing. And notice that the Psalmist is not first longing for the commandments of God, which he also loves, but he longs for, he thirsts for the God of the commandments. In fact, it is his hungering and thirsting for this communion with his Creator and Redeemer that makes him also hunger and thirst for the commandments, since they are the pathway to a deeper walk with God.

Which then brings us to the way the Psalmist then talked about his love for the words of God. Do you remember how the Psalmist described God’s Word? Ps 19:7-11- “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.” NLT

This is one of the most beautiful and blessed passages in the Scriptures. In just five verses we are promised seven blessings and rewards for loving and living out the words of God. 1- Refreshed and restored strength; 2- A wise mind; 3- A joyful heart; 4- An understanding spirit; 5- A wealthy eternal status; 6- A happy and satisfied soul; and 7- Assurance of rewards. How like our wonderful God to link all of this to our hunger and thirst for God and thus for godly living!

But notice again… the words of the Lord are ‘sweeter than honey, even honey from the comb.’ And like the Psalmist found, the more you ‘feed’ on the Word of God, the sweeter it becomes and the hungrier you grow for partaking of it. My college Pastor used to say that some people talk about the Bible like it’s just sort of like ‘crème of wheat’…dry but nourishing. But no, it’s way beyond that, it’s more like peaches and crème, it’s the dessert of life! And even Diabetics can eat all they want of this sweet dessert! Isn’t that great?

So the hungering and thirsting for righteousness that Jesus is talking about here is for this deeper communing with God in your spirit. But remember, communing with God follows conversion of your soul. To pursue right living, you first have to become right with God. This pursuit of right living or righteous living is called ‘Sanctification righteousness’. It means that once you become converted or born again in your spirit, you can then become ‘sanctified’ or ‘set apart’ in your commitment to living according to righteousness and godliness for the sake of your Lord who saved you. Again, these Beatitudes describe a pathway for a Disciple; a step by step path for a born again follower of Christ to walk in obedience to Christ.

But remember, as we pointed out, before one can pursue right living you have to become right with God. And that is what is called ‘Salvation righteousness’. And that righteousness that makes us ‘right with God’ is not one that we can produce on our own. We can practice righteousness, once we are made right with God, but no human can produce righteousness on their own…or we cannot produce our own ‘Salvation righteousness’.

And friends, this, right here, is where the world, and many world religions, even many social gospel churches, completely distort the understanding of Biblical righteousness by always making it a man-centered concept, a human produced concept. They start with themselves, and they then start comparing themselves with others, and then they hope…they falsely hope, that by their life and works, that their ‘so called righteousness’ will merit them a place in Heaven. But, we know that the Bible completely rules out any human being meriting or earning a place in Heaven based upon their own works…regardless of how seemingly ‘righteous’ they think they are.

In fact, the Scriptures present mankind with a problem that is impossible for any human to solve. As Romans 3:9-10 reveals: “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one…” NKJV

And to this all people say: “Uh Oh!” And then add to this what Jesus said in Matt 25:46 – “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” NASU So here is mankind’s dilemma…only the righteous enter into eternal life in Heaven, but then the Scriptures declare: “there is none righteous!” That presents human beings with a problem that cannot be humanly solved.

Add to this these additional revelations about this humanly unsolvable problem. For Paul goes on in Rom 3:23- “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” NLT But, what if people try to do some righteous works…wouldn’t that solve the problem? The Prophet Isaiah already answered that in Isa 64:6- “For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” NASU

Again, ‘Uh oh’! And then to simply make our sin and separation from God problem as clear as it can be the Apostle Paul says it straight up to the now saved believers in Ephesus: “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Eph 2:1-2 NASU And Friends, that is the spiritual condition of any human being that has not repented toward God and placed their faith in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation. Every person in the world, every person in your community, every person around you at your job or in your neighborhood is either spiritually dead or spiritually alive.

Which clarifies the fundamental reason that no one can be saved by their works. It is not just because their works are still stained with the presence of sin, like the Prophet Isaiah says, but it’s even deeper than that. The fundamental reason that no one can be saved by their works is because you cannot work your way out of ‘death’. Let’s say that again, because it explains mankind’s problem and false religion’s guilt in leading their people into false beliefs. “The fundamental reason that no one can be saved by their works is because you cannot work your way out of ‘death’; out of spiritual death.” You first have to be given life from a Life Source outside of yourself. And the only Life Source there is, is the ‘Life Giver’, Jesus Christ. When you are spiritually dead in trespasses and sin, your only hope is for God to give you a new spiritual life.

And that is what the Apostle Paul reveals that Christ does for all who come to Him to be saved, to have their dead spirit brought back to life. Listen to what he said: Eph 2:4-10- “But God’s mercy is so abundant, and His love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience He brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved. In our union with Christ Jesus He raised us up with Him to rule with Him in the heavenly world. He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of His grace in the love He showed us in Christ Jesus. For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it.” TEV

So again, before we can practice the righteousness that the Beatitudes speak about, we have to first receive the perfect righteousness that Christ gives to us when we give our life to Him in repentance and receive His new life by faith. This is referred to as ‘the great exchange’. Look at how this is precisely described in 2 Cor 5:21- “Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made Him share our sin in order that in union with Him we might share the righteousness of God.” TEV

Again, mankind is incapable of producing the kind of righteousness that makes a person right with God. That kind of righteousness can only be obtained from Jesus Christ and it can only be attained by God’s grace through our faith in Christ alone.

And to help us understand that even further, the Apostle Paul put it this way: Phil 3:9- “I no longer have a righteousness of my own, the kind that is gained by obeying the Law. I now have the righteousness that is given through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God and is based on faith.” TEV

Thank you Apostle Paul, for that is as clear as can be made. In order to be right with God we have to have a ‘righteousness’ that comes ‘from God.’ We have to have a righteousness that is not our own. We have to have a righteousness that we did not produce, for, in fact, again, a dead person cannot produce anything until he or she is brought back to life again; is ‘born again’. And that ‘life’, that spiritual life, can only be received through receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior. And when you do, you are then also given this ‘righteousness of Christ’, which then makes you ‘right with God’. In theology, this is called ‘imputed righteousness’. It is when God credits the sinless righteousness of Christ to you and to me, so that we are declared righteous before God, and also then born again in our spirit…made alive again in our spirit by becoming united to Jesus’ own eternal life and spirit.

Those of you that have been with us for a long time know that we have talked much about this before, but the reason we do so is because most people around all of us still somehow think and believe that they can produce enough righteousness or do enough good works in their life that will qualify them or merit them a place in Heaven. Most people still do not realize that they are way past any hope of that! And the reason they are way past any hope of that is because they are already dead in their trespasses and sin and are already condemned. The verdict is already in. Their only hope is outside of themselves and in the Blessed Hope, Jesus Christ alone. So we have to understand that this is how most people still think, how unsaved people still think, like they are probably okay, and that hopefully they are a good enough person to go to Heaven. And this is why they so desperately need to be given or told or shown the truth of the Gospel of Grace on how to be saved. And this is why, in these desperate times in which we live, the best thing we can do for others around us is to share the Gospel of Salvation with them. This is the greatest need in everyone’s life and the greatest gift we can give to them.

So again, no one on Earth can produce the righteousness they need in order to be right with God. That righteousness was produced by the sinless obedience of Jesus Christ alone. But He will share it with everyone who comes to Him to be saved, to be raised up out of their dead spirit to become alive again, to become born again, and given eternal life and declared righteous…right with God because they are clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

This is important that we go through this, because that’s what the Apostle was revealing to all the world; that before we can ‘practice righteousness’, this ‘sanctification righteousness’, as a follower of Christ, we first have to receive the ‘perfect righteousness’, the ‘salvation righteousness’, of Christ as our Savior. And we pray that each one going through this study with us has had your dead spirit brought to life again, been born again. That is the greatest need of any person in the whole world. If your spirit is dead, you are in desperate need of having your dead spirit brought back to life again…to have it ‘born again’. That is what the terms ‘born again’ are referring to. And that is what this ‘great exchange’ is all about in that Scripture we read. Make sure that you have made this great exchange of giving your life to God in repentance and then receiving Jesus and His righteousness into your life by faith. If you have any doubt or question about being right with God, just call out to Jesus in prayer to make you right with God. And then trust in His great promise that whoever calls upon the name of Jesus to be saved will be saved.

And so, in our next study we’ll next look at this practice of righteousness in following Christ for those who have been clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ; along with all the genuine happiness it brings into your life.

Bulletin – September 27, 2020

EMERALD ISLE CHAPEL BY THE SEA

Ministers: All the Members of the Church

Pastor: Clay Olsen
Associate Pastor: Robert Kornegay
Church Office: 252-354-3210

www.eichapel.org

September 27, 2020

WELCOME IN THE NAME OF JESUS! As we arrive, let us prepare to worship. Pray for those who lead in worship. Let the music be the beginning of your worship experience. Let each one prayerfully and openly participate throughout this service.

LET US WORSHIP OUR LORD THROUGH:

Psalms, Hymns and Praise Songs

Invocation and Congregational Reading – Psalm 65 704

Welcome to Visitors and Sharing of Fellowship

Announcements

WORSHIP HIM THROUGH

Praise and Offerings

WORSHIP HIM THROUGH

Children may either remain in the Sanctuary for All Ages Family Worship or go to the Children’s Church Bible Study-Ages 4 yrs. to 4th grade.

Pastor Robert “Lessons in Life and Legacy”

WORSHIP HIM THROUGH:

Closing Song

Carrying Out the Great Commission


Flowers are given in remembrance of Josie and her birthday.

CBS Memory Verse of the Week: “…you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.”

2 Cor.1:11 NASB

Operation Christmas Child: A collection container is in the foyer. See Mike Hyden or Beth Bernhardt for more details.

Pastor Appreciation: We will celebrate our Pastors with a luncheon, Sunday, October 4 after the worship service. Denise Hoedl will provide more info later.

Tuesday Night Men’s Life Group: 6:30 8 p.m. walking through the study of “A Citizen’s Guide to the Constitution”.

Tuesday Night Ladies Life Group: 6:30-8 p.m. working through the study “It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way”.

Thank You! Thank you for your generous support in these troubled times. We now have a ‘donation’ option at our website www.eighapel.org May God richly reward you.

Bible Training Hour: Start-up date to be announced.

One Another Ministry: A donation box is in the foyer for assisting those with critical needs within our church family. Thank you.

Prayer Requests: You may email your prayer request to prayerministry@eichapel.org.

Memorial Day Service Information

Praise God! Emerald Isle Chapel By The Sea will worship IN THE SANCTUARY at 10:00 am, this Sunday, May 24thin addition to this option you can watch the service online at home over Facebook “live” (click here) or you can listening on 87.9 FM on your car radio in the Chapel parking lot. 

Therefore, you and your family are invited this Sunday to the Chapel sanctuary for an “Ecclesia” (gathering) service with singing led by Roger and Alice and a special message by Pastor Clay.

The Chapel is taking steps to comply with the federal and state HHS COVID-19 guidelines.  To insure social distancing, every other row of seats will be blocked off and families may sit together while allowing 6 ft. (3 seats) separation from other worshipers. 

With careful social distancing, masks and gloves are not required, however, if you prefer, please provide your own personal protection equipment (PPE) as Chapel supplies are limited.  Overflow seating will be provided in the Fellowship Hall with live streaming. The Ushers will assist you in having a blessed and safe worship experience.

Naturally, our unwell or immune-compromised friends are encouraged to either view the Service online at home or listen from your car (or your social-distanced lawn chairs) in the church parking lot. Access information is available at the EICHAPEL.ORG website and on the Chapel By Sea public and private FaceBook pages.

The restart of Sunday school classes, nursery services, children’s church, and other group meetings will be announced at a later date.  If you have specific needs, contact the Chapel by email at info@eichapel.org.  Please join us in praying for all our health and safety.

All for His glory,

Robert Kornegay

Associate Pastor
Emerald Isle Chapel By The Sea
M: 252.808.5905

Eastertide

Eastertide Study Guide
May 3, 2020
Pastor Clay Olsen

Guess what? It’s still ‘Eastertide’! It’s still Easter time or Easter season. Last week Pastor Robert had a great message walking through some of the amazing things occurring during that 50 day period from the Resurrection to Pentecost, which we celebrate as the birthday of the Church. Our Brother always has really good insights from the studies he shares with us. Actually, you can also listen into further things Pastor Robert shares in the weekly radio program on the Talk Station with Faith Matters. So tune into that.

But we don’t often think of Easter as Eastertide or Resurrection Season that covers 50 days each year. So let’s think about it! Again, Easter is really not just one day – it’s a 50 day period that begins at sunset on the eve of Easter and ends on Pentecost, or the day we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. Plus, you recall, 10 days before that, or 40 days after the Resurrection of Jesus was His ascension into Heaven.

No doubt some of you have visited Israel and have stood on the Mt. of Olives. And the wonderful thing about standing on the Mt. of Olives is that it is still the same Mount of Olives where Jesus once stood when He ascended into Heaven and His disciples watched Him go. Sure, there is some different dirt there by now, but it’s the same mountain. And think about the disciples watching Jesus go. You know that they sure wanted to go with Him.

But why did Jesus not take them with Him? The reason Jesus didn’t take them with Him was because of what He told them right before He left them: Acts 1:8- “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” NASU Jesus left them on Earth, left them in their mortal bodies, in order that they would be His witnesses everywhere on Earth and to everyone on Earth. It’s basically the same reason that any of Jesus’ disciples are still in their mortal bodies on this present Earth. If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, you are also a Witness of Jesus Christ’s. It’s part of your God given identity. You and I are Christ’s Witnesses of the joys of these Resurrection truths…Witnesses to the truths of the Gospel of salvation, Witnesses to the truths of the wonders of eternal life, Witnesses of our coming immortality in union with Christ, and Witnesses to the need to live life according to instructions of God’s Word, which is God’s Owner’s Manual for life.

Again, the fact that you are still here, that you are physically sitting in a physical vehicle or a physical chair in a physical body on this physical Earth, is because you still have more work to do as a Witness for Jesus Christ wherever you go in your own Jerusalem, and your own Judea and Samaria, and your own journeys to even the remotest parts of the Earth. That’s who Resurrected people are: Witnesses of Jesus Christ…and that’s what resurrected people are commissioned to do: to witness for Jesus Christ in their worship and in their service for their King and Savior.
And one thing that helps us to act on who we are is that, as Witnesses of Jesus Christ, we are convinced of the truths of everything about our Lord Jesus and His Resurrection. Think about that: we don’t have to convince anyone here of the reality of the Resurrection. You wouldn’t be out here if you didn’t believe that Jesus Christ actually rose from the dead. In fact, if the same Angels were here this morning that were at the tomb on that Resurrection morning, they would say to us the same thing they said to the women in Matt 28:5-6- “ …I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified……, for He has risen, just as He said.’ NASU
You’re here because you are looking for Jesus. You’ve come looking for Jesus, the Risen Lord Jesus, not so much as to find Him in His resurrected body, but to find Him in your focus of worshipping Him, because you have already found Him as your Lord and Savior. You are looking to worship Him each day, as in…Monday through Saturday, as well as on Sunday! You believe Jesus Christ actually arose from the dead, and is alive today, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and yet because the Holy Spirit is present with us today and everyday…you believe He is our Immanuel, our God who is always with us. And you believe that He is who He says He is: He is the mighty God, the Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace, our Eternal Father… He is your healer, your Savior, your King, and your Lord. You are here because Jesus not only died, rose again, and ascended, but He’s also coming back!

Eastertide is a celebration not only of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, but also a celebration of His promised return. Do you remember what the angels also said to the disciples at the ascension? Acts 1:9-11- “And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, ” Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”
Oh yes, this Jesus, this same Jesus is coming back to walk the earth just as He did before He left the earth, only this time this world will be His kingdom and He will be the Sovereign King over all the earth. He’s coming back. Or, perhaps you’ll go to Him first, but either way, as sure as we are looking at each other here this morning, soon, maybe very soon, soon and very soon, you’re going to be looking at this same Jesus that the disciples were looking at when He left.
Now, just what does the Resurrected Lord Jesus look like? Well, neither the prophets nor the apostles attached any photo images of Jesus in the Scripture writings, so we don’t have His physical image. Yet we do have some descriptions. Remember Jesus’ words to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” John 20:27

One of the unique things about Jesus resurrected body is that He retained His scars from the cross. It seems that Jesus will be the only one in heaven with scars. But for all eternity we will be able to look at those precious scarred hands and remember what it took for us to get there, what it took for you and for me to get to live in heaven. Those scars could have been ours, you know, but He took them for us. Isa 53:5-6 is a passage we should think about over and over, just as we have been sharing it recently in our study times together: “But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.”

Again, what caused the scars? My sins, your sins; What is sin? Essentially, sin is my will instead of God’s will…sin is your will instead of God’s will. Isaiah says sin is going our own way instead of God’s way, sin is being in charge of our own life instead of turning charge of our life over to God. Our refusal to surrender to God is what caused Jesus to have to suffer the consequences that should have been ours. But Jesus chose to suffer, so that He could save you and me; save us from that spiritual death penalty…from eternal separation from God, and give us spiritual life, eternal life; life without end in union with Him.

Just think; If you were the only one that had ever sinned, if everyone else were like the holy angels and without sin, if it had only been you that had sinned, God would have sent His Son just for you, to die just for you, in order to rescue you. And we know that God would have done just that, just for you. And how do we know that? Because God told us so, remember John 3:16-17? And we’re going really personalize this passage this time. And as we do so, maybe you’ll see this familiar passage in a whole new way…a new ‘family’ way. Let’s look: 

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world. Loved who? Loved the world. Who is the world? The world is you and me and each human being made by God. The world is one person at a time. I don’t know if you have ever done this before, but what we’re about to do should change everything you think about God and your relationship with God. So as we read John 3:16 and 17, put your name, your full name where we pause for that. “ For God so loved……….. now put your name right there ………………, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever, …..put your name in there again, believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge………. put your name there again, but that…………. your name once more……. might be saved through Him.”

Try writing John 3:16 and 17 out on a card or maybe in your notes on your phone or tablet or somewhere, and put your name in those places, and read it over and over and see what effect it has on you and your relationship with Jesus.
You need to see your name all through John 3:16 and 17 because, again, the world is made up of one person at a time. Plus, remember the reason Jesus gave His life to save you… “For God so loved the world”…You see, you mean the world to Him, and you always will. He didn’t just come to save everybody else…He came to save you. He didn’t just want to save everybody else…He wanted to save you. Remember, He loved you before you loved Him.
This is why we celebrate the Resurrection. This is why we gather for these church family services and sing and pray together, and even shout together…“Thank you Jesus”!

Remember this: Jesus is the Risen Lord, He is alive. This historical truth is a present reality. And just because we have not yet seen the Resurrected Lord like the disciples did, still, because He is God, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, He really is here with us and is with us wherever we are. Jesus said: “I will be with you always”.

We could say that what we really need to do is to look at the truth of the Resurrection, and the truths of God’s presence through Resurrected eyes. In fact, the unseen realities around us are actually the greater realities. Listen to Paul’s words about this: 2 Cor 4:18 … we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. NKJV

We believe the Spirit of Jesus Christ is here, but we don’t see Him, yet. We believe He forgave our sins and gave us a new spirit. We believe He resurrected our spirit from being dead in trespasses and sin to being alive together with Him. We believe He’s preparing a place for us in the better country of Heaven. We believe our saved loved ones and friends are now living in Heaven with Jesus, seeing Him in His resurrected body, with His scars and all. We can’t see all of this yet, but all this and more are all part of reality, the greater reality, because the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. The question is; Which are you looking at most this morning, or most mornings, or most days?
Again, you are here this morning because you believe the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is true, even though you cannot yet see Him. You believe in Resurrection truths. And that’s exactly the way the Angels and the Apostles are telling us to now look at everything in our lives, through Resurrection truths. Your sight will catch up, sooner or later, but Resurrection truths stand alone. If you have surrendered your life to Christ in repentance and received Jesus into your life by faith then your very soul has been resurrected. And if you don’t look all that much different from before you were converted, well, give it time, you will. And I don’t mean because of aging. But one day you’re going to look very different, you’re going to have a resurrected body that is like that of Jesus. 1 John 3:2- Yes, dear friends, we are already God’s children, and we can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when He comes we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is. NLT

Friends, that’s Resurrection truth. Whatever trials and problems, whatever infirmities, disease, sickness, or difficulties you’re dealing with now in your body, or in your life, it’s only a temporary condition. You’re not going to have that body you have now for very long….you’re going to get a resurrected body, that will have no pain, no sickness, no arthritis, no allergies, no viruses or anything like it…
The point is, these are resurrection truths, and one day, what we are celebrating here by faith, we will one day, maybe one day very soon, we will be celebrating these truths by sight. Sight will catch up, but truth leads. Remember that! Sight will catch up, but truth always leads. Truth leads…and Jesus is Truth. So let the truth of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the truths of the Scriptures lead you to continue to celebrate your Risen Lord, and to live according to God’s word every day of your life as you look for His return or for your trip home to Heaven to see Him.

Good Friday Service

This Good Friday service is a time to reflect on the cost that Jesus paid for you to be set free from your sin so you can live with Him eternally!  Of course we would like to be together at the Chapel to reflect upon these readings and hear the choir sing the songs but due to guidance to shelter in place, we will “socially embrace” one another in fellowship through this Chapel by the Sea web page.  A special thanks to Sarah, Beth and Charlton who put the readings together, picked out the songs and put them in this order.   

Worthy is the Lamb who was slayed!


Reading – “In the Beginning”      

Reader 1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Reader 2: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God said, ‘Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water’. And God said, ‘Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let the dry ground appear.’”

Reader 1: “And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.’”

Reader 2: “And God said, ‘Let the water teem with creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.’”

Reader 1: “And God said,’ Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.’”

Reader 2: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’”

Reader 1: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Reader 2: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”

Reader 1: “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He Said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”

Reader 2: “The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

Reader 1: “‘You will not surely die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’”

Reader 2: “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.’ Then the eyes of both were opened, and they realized they were naked.”

Reader 1: “So the Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, ‘Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.’”

Reader 2: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.”

Reader 1: “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”

Reader 2: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Genesis 1:1,3,6,9,14,15.20,24,26,27&31; 3:1-3,6-7a,14-15; John 1:1-5 & 14 NIV


Praise – Video “Beautiful Name” 

https://youtu.be/nQWFzMvCfLE


Reading – “And so it begins” 

Reader 1: Imagine what it was like for Adam and Eve after they had let God down.

Reader 2: Eve looks expectantly at Adam and says that she thinks she is pregnant. She wonders aloud that perhaps her baby will be the one! The one who will crush the head of the serpent and set the world right again.

Reader 1: Adam thinks, yes, perhaps they can go back to how they were before the fall. Perhaps all will be right again. Perhaps they could finally stop fighting and love the way they did before that terrible day. Oh, how he missed those days.

Reader 2: After Cain is born, she speaks softly to her son as she tries to change his diaper. He refuses to lie still and she struggles with him. Exasperated she puts things down and begins to cry.

Reader 1: When Adam comes to her side, she says with anguish in her voice, “Adam, what if Cain doesn’t have to CHOOSE to sin like we did … What if sin is already in him somehow? How will he beat the serpent?”

Reader 2: She begins to cry and Adam pulls her to him and utters in horror, “What have we done and who will be able to undo it?”

Reader 1: Not only did Adam and Eve find out that sin was already in their baby boy, they endured his selfish tendencies that would set the stage for him to murder his brother. If they had any hope, he would deliver them from sin, it was completely lost.

Reader 2: So, the world would have to wait for the one who could defeat the serpent and save them from their sin.

Reader 1: God, who is all knowing and all powerful, knew what it would take to atone for the sin of mankind.

Reader 2: God in His infinite wisdom knew that it would take infinite grace.


Choir –“ Infinite Grace”


Reading – “God’s Amazing Grace” 

Reader: “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

Congregation: “Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love.”

Reader: “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Congregation: “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”

Reader: “Because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions…“

Congregation: “… it is by grace you have been saved.”

Reader: “This is how God showed His love among us:”

Congregation: “He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.”

Reader: “This is love: not that we loved God,”

Congregation: “but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

John 1:16-17; 13:1; Romans 5:8; 2Co8:9; Eph 2:4-5; 1John 4:9-10 NIV


Choir – “I Love You from an Old Rugged Cross”


Reading – “Christ’s Sufferings”  

Reader: “Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

Congregation: “He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.”

Reader: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.”

Congregation: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.”

Reader: “Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.”

Congregation: “Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted.”

Reader: “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

Congregation: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way: and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

Isaiah 53: 1-6 NIV


Choir – “Not Guilty”


Reading – “Christ’s Exaltation”      

Reader: “If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love;”

Congregation: “If there is any fellowship of the spirit, if any affection and compassion;”

Reader: “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit intent on one purpose.”

Congregation: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself;”

Reader: “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Congregation: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus;”

Reader: “Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped;”

Congregation: “But emptied Himself, taking on the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men,”

Reader: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Congregation: “Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name;”

Reader: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth;”

Congregation: “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:1-11 NASB


Praise –  Video  “Jesus Messiah”


You have heard the voice of Jesus from the cross “It is finished” (John 19:30) … He has won the victory over sin and death … Do you believe He has won this victory for you?  Have you asked Jesus to be Lord and Savior of your life?

Shalom Mental Attitude

Brothers and Sisters,
.
As we await regathering for our worship and fellowship services, I wanted to offer some Biblical encouragements for these strange times…stressful times. And much of that help comes to us by way of ‘Shalom’. 
.
The Hebrew word ‘Shalom’, which at face value is interpreted as ‘Peace’, was actually intended by God to be an attitude to be adopted toward life, as in a ‘Shalom Mental Attitude’. ‘Shalom’ is meant to both protect us from the onslaughts of stress and to empower us to overcome the instabilities of this world.  In order to develop a ‘Shalom Mental Attitude’ several Biblical habits are essential. One is to permit only one thing to ‘rule your heart’.
 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Col 3:15- NASU
The peace, the ‘shalom’ of Christ is to be the only thing that rules our heart, mind, and spirit, since Christ is the only One that has the ‘right’ to rule our lives.  Remember, we are but ‘stewards’ of our lives, not ‘owners’. As ‘stewards’ we are the ‘door-keepers’ to our ‘temple’. And our ‘temple’ is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ. Therefore, we are to ‘deal’ with the daily problems that come to our temple, but they are not permitted to ‘dwell’ there. We must not allow them to replace Christ’s rule. We will know whenever we have let them by what we sense is ruling in our mind and heart: the peace of Christ or the ‘invaders’ of the world.
Another habit is to ‘Replace our daily Expectations with daily Appreciations’. Connected to the ‘peace of Christ’ is this: “…and be thankful.” Paul reveals to us that there is a way to raise a ‘defense shield’ around our heart and mind:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Phil 4:6-7 NASU
It is important to notice that the giving of thanks precedes the ‘peace of God’. A key step in turning problems and pressures away at the door of our ‘temple’ is replacing them with something more powerful than them…Gratitude! We activate this ‘defense shield’…this ‘peace of God’ by the giving of thanks. As we replace the expectations from either the world or ourselves about ‘how life ought to be’ with our appreciations of ‘how our life in Christ is now and will forever be’, the Spirit of God raises His ‘peace shield’ around our heart and mind. We will still have to ‘deal with the messes’, but as we only ‘dwell on what blesses’ we are both guarded and strengthened and ‘ruled’ by the ‘shalom’ of Christ.
.
We can continue our conversation further, but how great of our God to teach us how to deal with the enemies of sin, sickness, and the sufferings of this world. You and I are the ‘guardians’ of Christ’s temple. Only Christ has the right to rule in your temple. As we meet the invaders at the door with the power of praise and the giving of thanks, the Spirit of Christ raises His shield of peace around our minds and hearts, and we then face them as victors over them, not as victims to them. That is a ‘Shalom Mental Attitude’.
Grace to you Brothers and Sisters, Pastor Clay Olsen  

Bulletin – February 2, 2020

EMERALD ISLE CHAPEL BY THE SEA

Ministers: All the Members of the Church

Pastor: Clay Olsen
Associate Pastor: Robert Kornegay

Youth & Family Pastor: Tyson Schoch

Church Office: 252-354-3210

www.eichapel.org

February 2, 2020

WELCOME IN THE NAME OF JESUS! As we arrive, let us prepare to worship. Pray for those who lead in worship. Let the music be the beginning of your worship experience. Let each one prayerfully and openly participate throughout this service.

LET US WORSHIP OUR LORD THROUGH:

Psalms, Hymns and Praise Songs

Invocation and Congregational Reading –The Lord’s Prayer

Welcome to Visitors and Sharing of Fellowship

Announcements

Missions Moment

Offertory

WORSHIP HIM THROUGH

Praise and Prayer

WORSHIP HIM THROUGH

Ministry in Music

Children may either remain in the Sanctuary for All Ages Family Worship or go to the Children’s Church Bible Study-Ages 4 yrs. to 4th grade.

Message “Life Lessons from Nehemiah”, Pt. 3

WORSHIP HIM THROUGH:

Hymn Rive Us Again 295

Carrying Out the Great Commission


CHILD CARE IS AVAILABLE DURING WORSHIP SERVICE

Nursery – infants to 3 years of age

CBS Memory Verse of the Week: “ The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just, a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.” Deut. 32:4 NASB

Women’s Ministry Meeting: Today, after the service.

Solar Meeting: Today, after the service in the Adult Sunday School room, Jack Mason will be sharing information on the benefits of solar energy for homes and assisting one another on installation. All interested are welcome to stay.

Super Bowl Annual Flag Football & Church Cookout: Today at 2:00 p.m. at Western Park. All are welcome to play or just come for the fun fellowship and food!

TeamKID: TeamKid is postponed due to the Super Bowl Flag football today. It will resume next Sunday 5-6:30 p.m.

Student Ministry: Student Ministry is postponed due to the Super Bowl Flag football today. It will resume next Sunday 6-7:30 p.m.

Valentine’s Covered-Dish Luncheon: Next Sunday, will have our annual Valentine’s covered-dish luncheon. The men of the church prepare or buy the food and clean up!

Men-Save the Date: February 28-29, Men’s Retreat/Advance

Bible Training Hour: 9:00 a.m. Begin your Sunday worship with a Sunday School class. We have great classes for all ages.

Women’s Weekly Prayer & Bible Study: Monday, 9:30-12 noon.

One Another Ministry: A donation box is in the foyer for assisting those with critical needs within our church family. Thank you.

Prayer Requests: You may email your prayer request to prayerministry@eichapel.org.

February Calendar Notes

2 – Women’s Ministry Meeting after the service.

2 – Solar Meeting in the Adult Sunday School room

2 – 2:00 p.m. Annual Super Bowl Flag football at Western Park

9 – Valentine’s Luncheon

16 – Elder Board Meeting

23 – Prayer Time for the Persecuted Church

28-29 –Men’s Retreat/Advance

If you have an announcement, please let the Office or an Usher know before the service. Thank.

Study Guides of this week’s message are available in the foyer after the service and online at eichapel.org/category/sermon-notes/

Christmas Caroling

Christmas CarolingSunday, December 15.  Please be at the church by 5:00 p.m and bring a flashlight.  Make plans to join us to spread tidings of comfort and joy!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Come join us at Chapel by the Sea this Christmas Eve, December 24 at 7 pm as we reflect on the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  Did I mention there will be candles!  And singing!  And praising our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Camp Fire and Cook Out

The families and friends of Chapel By The Sea are invited to an EPIC BONFIRE, cookout, and sing-along this Sunday (Nov 24) afternoon (3:30p – 6:30p) at Pastor Robert and Josie’s property on the White Oak River. The GPS address is 265 Godfrey Branch Rd, Swansboro, NC. and our phone number is 252-808-5905.

The hotdogs, buns, and condiments are provided by the Chapel, so bring your favorite cookout side-dishes (sweet or savory), wire coat hanger, family-friendly beverages, folding chairs, lap blankets, and musical instruments.

Oh, and your fur-babies are welcome, too!

VBS – July 2019

Vacation Bible School – 2019

*Into the Wild – Amazing Encounters with Jesus!

Kindergarten – 6th grade

July 15th through 18th,  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Event Registration Page —> (click here

Contact:  Tyson Schoch,  804-687-4710,  tysonschoch@gmail.com

Summer Prophecy Series Wednesday Night

Come join us Wednesday night at 7 pm at Chapel by the Sea from June 12 – July 24, 2019  (excluding July 3th).  We will watch a video from the Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference and have a discussion afterwards.

2019 Festival for Life and Run for Life

On May 18th, 2019 Emerald Isle Chapel by the Sea will be hosting a Run For Life 5k and a Fun Run followed by a FREE family festival to benefit the Coastal Pregnancy Care Center!

Come join us for the Run For Life 5K and Fun Run on Emerald Isle! It is a family friendly race and festival to raise funds and awareness for the Coastal Pregnancy Care Center in Morehead City, NC. The 5K and fun run will take place on Emerald Isle at the Eastern Ocean Regional Access followed by a festival at Emerald Isle Chapel by the Sea on May 18, 2019.

Family Festival Activities from noon to 2 pm

Location:  Chapel by the Sea
               6712 Emerald Dr,
               Emerald Isle, NC 28594

Activities: – The Jason Tuggle Band will be performing live!
               – Food!
               – Bounce Houses!
               – Face Painting!
               – Family Fun!

The festival is free for all who want to attend!  Lunch tickets are $5 for non race participants.

5K Run for life (10 am) and Fun Run (11 am)

Location:  Eastern Ocean Regional Access
               2700 Emerald Dr,
               Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Sign up for the 5K run (25$) and/or Fun Run ($10) before May 16th
    by clicking on any of these links below:

Manger Build – Dec 8, 2018!

Chapel Family, we will be hosting a Manger Build event on December 8th at 10 am at Chapel by the Sea!

This is a great opportunity for Dads (or uncles or grandpas) to lead your children (or someone else’s) in keeping Christ in front of Christmas. With your family you will be building a life size manger and using it to focus your family on the joy of Christ’s birth.

 

After the build we will have lunch, cookies, and hot chocolate! Invite anyone you’d like and please RSVP by December 4 to Tyson Schoch, email TysonSchoch@gmail.com.

[youtube id=”f1l5ju8DmaU”]

2018 Chapel Choir Christmas Joy!

Listen to the Choir Sing: 1. Sing Joy!  2. Waiting  3. A Song in the Air  4. Jesus What a Wonderful Child  5. O Come, All Ye Faithful  6. O Holy Night 7. Tell It On the Mountain  8. Sing Joy! (Reprise)

 

 

 

Christmas_Choir_2018

You can use this page to practice the 2018 Christmas concert “Joy!” by Joel Raney. 

Listening (all 7 songs)  1. Sing Joy!  2. Waiting  3. A Song in the Air  4. Jesus What a Wonderful Child  5. O Come, All Ye Faithful  6. Tell It On the Mountain  7. Sing Joy! (Reprise)

[youtube id=”wsfw83UfpFY”]

Soprano: 

Alto: 

Tenor: 

Bass: 

Trunk or Treat Chili & Chowder Cook Off!

The First Ever, Inaugural, 2018 Chapel by the Sea Trunk or Treat Chili & Chowder Cook Off!

Sunday, October 28 from 3:00 – 6:00pm

We’ve got FREE Chili
We’ve got FREE Chowder
We’ve got FREE Trunk or Treat
Fun carnival games

Bring the kids and their costumes for this fun, free event!

Praise the Lord … this event was a great success where over 500 people from the community joined in the fun.  We ran out of chili and chowder and cornbread but there was plenty of candy for all.  Congratulations to Jeff Ward for the award winning chili!   Here are some photos which include Elvis, Snoopy and a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Assistance for Hurricane Florence

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18  

Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting. –  Psalm 106:1

Jesus is with us in the storms of life and He delivers us from the storms of life.  

We will continue to have 10:00 am worship service at the Chapel but Sunday School is temporarily suspended.

Come bring your praise to the Lord!

The Chapel does have some storm damage from hurricane Florence in the office rooms and classrooms but the sanctuary was not affected and the power has been restored.  More importantly God’s power never goes out and is on display in the lives of those who love Him.

If you need help with storm damage repairs or clean up contact Elder Mike Casile, 919-889-5727.

National Apologetics Conference in Charlotte

The NCCA (National Conference on Christian Apologetics) has their annual conference in Charlotte in October 12-13, 2018.  Click here for details about the speakers and schedule https://ncca2018.myfreesites.net/.   We are looking to car pool to Charlotte.  If you are interested, please eMail the Chapel “info@eichapel.org” or click here Chapel eMail . 

Note, Chapel By the Sea will be having our Apologetics Conference in November and we provide detailed information on the Chapel By the Sea 2018 Apologetics Conference as soon as this information is available.

Preschool – Chapel by the Sea

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”]
[et_pb_row admin_label=”row”]
[et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]

Chapel by the Sea Preschool

 

Chapel by the Sea welcomes all applicants with 2, 3, & 4 year olds.  Click on the link below to view/download the enrollment packet.

Applicants should complete, sign, and return the full enrollment packet to the office by hand or mail, with all necessary documents attached, and with a check or money order for the non-refundable $120.00 Registration Fee and $240 child per month.

Please address any question about the preschool program by email to chapelbytheseapreschool@gmail.com     Phone:  252-764-0083.

This  packet is also available for pick-up at the Chapel office from 9:00am to 3:30pm, Wednesday to Friday.

 

 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column]
[/et_pb_row]
[/et_pb_section]

Tabernacles – Summer Study Series

Come join us Wednesday night at 7 pm beginning June 10th at Chapel by the Sea for a study of “The Tabernacle” and how God desires us to “tabernacle” with Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  

It’s Time For Financial Peace

Monica Probst will be leading a 12 week Dave Ramsey course on learning how to handle money God’s way … the way that works.  Contact her at 785-223-7022 or email: probst123@twc.com for more details.
.
The class is being taught through Financial Peace University:  www.fpucentral.com 
 .
The online link to the Chapel’s classes is:  www.fpu.com/1063258
.
The classes will meet at the Chapel at 6 pm on Sunday evenings from April 15-June 10, 2018
 .
[youtube id=”KFZAtUAnCr8″]

Adrienne’s Bridal Shower

A good time was enjoyed in celebration at Adrienne Norman’s bridal shower on February 25, 2018. 

Congratulations Adrienne to you and your husband as you honor the Lord in marriage and being this blessed journey.

 

 

Chapel Fall Festival

Chapel by the Sea will be hosting a Fall Festival, Sunday October 29th from 3 – 5 p.m. 

Come young and old and join the fun. 

There will be plenty of candy, games, fellowship and good times.

The theme for this year is to dress in red, white and blue but it’s not necessary to wear a costume to enjoy this festival time.  

Q&A with Ravi Zacharias – Wednesday Night Summer Series at the Chapel

Come join us at Chapel by the Sea at 7 pm each Wednesday evening during the Summer to watch the DVD presentation series by renowned Bible teacher Ravi Zacharias as he answers questions from students at campus Universities across the United States.  Following each video question and answer from Ravi there will be a time for you to discussion your questions, answers and comments about the video.  

Click on Ravi’s web site for more information about this DVD series:  http://rzim.org/about/rzim-on-campus/ 

 Here is a Q&A from Ravi “Is Evil and Satan an Illusion?” 

Ravi also has a lot of videos on YouTube … here’s a good one that I found.  Enjoy. 

[youtube id=”FDfJsYgGZMU”]

Ravi_Questions

Wednesday Night Summer Series at the Chapel – Q&A with Ravi Zacharias

Come join us at Chapel by the Sea at 7 pm each Wednesday evening during the Summer to watch the DVD presentation series by renowned Bible teacher Ravi Zacharias as he answers questions from students at campus Universities across the United States.  Following each video question and answer from Ravi there will be a time for you to discussion your questions, answers and comments about the video.  

Click on Ravi’s web site for more information about this DVD series:  http://rzim.org/about/rzim-on-campus/ 

 Here is a Q&A from Ravi “Is Evil and Satan an Illusion?” 

Ravi also has a lot of videos on YouTube … here’s a good one that I found.  Enjoy. 

[youtube id=”FDfJsYgGZMU”]

Ravi_Questions

Ladies Tea – June 3, 2017

It’s time for the Annual Ladies Tea at Chapel by the Sea, June 3, 10 am to 12 pm.

As you can see from last year’s pictures, this is a special time of fun and fellowship.  Contact the Chapel Office by phone 242-353-3210 or Laura Hyden by email witness88@aol.com for more information.

 

Emerald Isle Town Appreciation Lucheon

It’s is the privilege of Chapel by the Sea to honor the Town employees of Emerald Isle with a luncheon on April  24, 2018.  We are blessed to live in this beautiful Island fortunate Island community and even more blessed by those who protect and serve the town of Emerald Isle.  Below are pictures from this year’s luncheon and last year’s.  

30th Anniversary Celebration

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, – Ephesians 4:11 NASB

The Chapel by the Sea family is celebrating Pastor Clay and Sharon for 30 years of service to our congregation and the community.  There will be a catered lunch at the Chapel at 11:00 am, following the Sunday, May 26, 2017 service.  There is no charge for the luncheon but in order to get count of those planning to attend the luncheon, please fill out the form on the table in the Chapel foyer or call the Chapel office (252-354-3210) or email the the Chapel office (info@eichapel.org) indicating your name and the number of people (family and guests) coming with you.  Please let us know if you plan to attend by March 19th.  We are looking forward to this celebration and enjoying many more years of their leadership and fellowship at the Chapel. 

[soliloquy id=”2690″]

 

 

Valentines Lunch – Feb 11, 2018

Sunday, Feb 11th, is our annual Valentine’s luncheon for the women of the church.  The men prepare the food, serve it and do clean up!  Hey guys bring a main dish, a side dish or a dessert.  And don’t forget “salads” and “vegetables” are greatly appreciated!

Thank you Pat Meyers for helping us guys with the decorations!

[soliloquy id=”3417″]

 

 

Woman’s Retreat 2017

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Chapel by the Sea, 6th Annual Woman’s Retreat

The Women’s Ministry of Chapel by the Sea would like to join together all women for a Chapel Retreat, to come before our Lord to praise and honor Him.  The retreat will be held at Seaside Seclusion, 613 Forest Dunes Drive, Pine Knoll Shore, Feb 24th and 25th (Friday evening and Saturday).  The cost for the retreat is $15 and the registration forms are available in the foyer at the Chapel.  For more information see the bulletin below or contact Beverly Schock 252-342-2852,  beverlyschock@icloud.com.

Version #2, Page 2

Scripture Song Concert

Sunday  – August 6, 2017 – 10 am – at Chapel by the Sea

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,

And His courts with praise!

Give thanks to Him; bless His name!     – Psalm 100:4

“Freedom in the Word”, a group of Christ-following musicians, singers, and signers will present a selection of our debut Alphabetical Scripture Songs live in concert.  The “Scripture Songs” will be offered during Praise, Offertory and Special Music time during the 10 am worship service on Sunday, August 6th.  This offering of music will continue a long-awaited journey to the recording studio where the Scripture Songs will be made available to encourage you and other believers as you persevere in faith.

We invite you to support the “Freedom in the Word” studio recording project by attending and/or donating to our FOURTH FUNDRAISER CONCERT and beyond. Online donations can be given here: https://www.givesendgo.com/freedomintheword.  

Click below on Facebook Page for more information: 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1441229082618686&set=gm.197243514119085&type=3

Men’s Advance 2018

Hey guys, save the date and plan to attend the Chapel by the Sea, Men’s Advance the weekend of February 23-25, 2018.

We will be meeting and staying at the big beach house in Salter Path, like we did last year.  Staying overnight at the Big House, I mean the “Big Beach House“, is optional but it’s a great way to build Christian relationships and then loose them when the snoring begins.  Ha.  The T-Shirts have been ordered and the menus are planned.  

The theme of the advance is “It’s Not Too Late … How God uses less than perfect people … a DVD study by Tony Evans”.

WHEN: 6 pm, Friday, February 23rd  util   11 am, Sunday, February 25th

WHERE: Blue Grass Beach House – 709 Sandpiper Village E

DIRECTIONS: Take 58-E thru Salter Path;
Turn RIGHT at the WELCOME TO PINE KNOLL SHORES sign;
At end of road turn RIGHT;
The beach house is immediately on your RIGHT.
Park carefully to not block road.

WHAT TO BRING: Your Bible, a notebook & pen, & snacks to share. Handouts will be provided for the sessions.

STAYING OVER? Bring a sleeping bag (or bed linens), pillow, towel & toiletries (earplugs are optional). Don’t forget to pack your snacks!

PREPARATIONS: Pray for the session leaders (Clay, Robert, Mike and Mike) as they prepare; Pray for God to prepare our hearts & minds to receive His wisdom; Pray for unity among the generations!

ATTENDANCE FEE: $30 each or $10 students – The fee includes all meals, session materials, beach house expenses, t-shirt, etc.  If you write a check make it to “Chapel by the Sea” with a memo “Men’s Ministry”.

If you have questions or comments, please call or text Pastor Clay (252-315-7198) or Pastor Robert (252-808-5905).

http://tonyevans.org/tag/its-not-too-late/

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Come join us Christmas Eve, December 24 at 7 pm to focus on the birth of our Savior and King!

Did I mention there will be candles!  And singing!  And praising our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Opening Prayer – Pastor Clay

Christmas Hallelujah – Ron

Devotional One – Pastor Clay

O Holy Night – Alice

Devotional Two – Pastor Clay

Will You Carry Jesus – Roger

Devotional Three – Pastor Clay

 

Sing to the Lord

We have much to celebrate and be thankful for at the Chapel, especially the blessing of music and song.  Listen and be lifted up by these offering of Sing-spiration !  


Alice and Roger sing “His Eye is on the Sparrow” (August 26, 2018)


Listen to Roger and Laura share “One Thing I Know” (June 4, 2017)


Listen to Ron and Dave sing “A Beggar’s Plea”  (May 21, 2017)


Christmas Caroling, Dec 18 2016 at Randy and Kim’s:

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

We wish you a Merry Christmas! 

And a Happy New Year! 

Good tidings we bring to you from our King!

Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year!

  

[arve url=”https://eichapel.org/wp-content/uploads/Chapel-Carolers.mp4″ align=”center” maxwidth=”300″/]


Listen to Island Selah (Alice and Roger) share “The Rose of Bethlehem”  (Dec 18, 2016)


Listen to Island Selah (Laura, Alice and Roger) share “It Is Well With My Soul”  (Nov 20, 2016)


Laura wanted to surprise her mother by performing a favorite hymn today (Sept 25, 2016) for offertory. but the surprise was on Laura, when her mother showed up early and heard Alice, Roger and Laura  practicing before the service today.  To God be the glory!

Listen to “Island Selah” sing “How Great Thou Art”. 


Listen to Richelle Corty  as she sings “Trust in You” on August 14, 2016

[arve url=”https://eichapel.org/wp-content/uploads/Trust-in-You-Richelle.mp4″/]

Trust in You

Laura Hyden sings “Not Guilty” with the Chapel Choir on Feb 28, 2016.

[arve url=”https://eichapel.org/wp-content/uploads/laura-not-guilty.mp4″ align=”center” maxwidth=”300″/]


Roger and Alice sing “My Jesus I Love Thee” Feb 14, 2016, Valentines Day

[arve url=”https://eichapel.org/wp-content/uploads/My-Jesus-I-Love-Thee2.mp4″ align=”center” maxwidth=”300″/]


sorry for the shaky video but enjoy the beautiful voices of Sarah, Richelle, Alice (left to right) Dec, 2015

[youtube id=”vam5PoxkxSk”]


Rachel Hyden sings “Eagles Wings”, June, 2015

[arve url=”https://eichapel.org/wp-content/uploads/Rachel-Eagles-Wings-small.mp4″ align=”center” maxwidth=”300″/]


Listen to Roger sing “You Deliver Me” recorded at the Chapel, May, 2014

[youtube id=”XGUrtimqOyM”]


Dedication day for the new Chapel Sanctuary, Sept 23, 2012.  Joining us for the celebration was pastor Whitfield who pastured the Chapel congregation in 1971.  After the service he brought out a “Q-chord” and blessed us with offering of “I Should Have Been Crucified”.

[youtube id=”mKysJOt5W1g”]


 – Resurrection Sunday Praise at Chapel By The Sea, April 2010 [youtube id=”E81ft8KmsxA”]

2016 Choir Christmas Program

The Chapel by the Sea Choir is going to celebrate the reason for the season by singing “Images of Adoration” – Reflections of Christ in Symbols of the Season.  Come join us this Sunday, Dec 11, at the 10:00 am service to hear the choir perform this inspiring cantata.  And plan to stay with us after the service and enjoy fellowship and refreshments in honor of our choir. 

christmas 2015 choir

We all enjoy the beauty of Christmas—the music and candles, the greenery and crimson flowers, the holy symbols of the manger, and the star. These symbols are not merely decorations of the season. Their presence draws us into the story of Christmas each year, reminding us of the power, simplicity, and awesome significance of the birth of the Christ Child.

Baby Bottle Blessing

Help support the Coastal Pregnancy Care Center by taking a baby bottle in the Chapel foyer and filling it up with your change, bill and checks!  Ask neighbors and friends for their support so they can be a blessing too.  Return the bottle when it is full and get another one to fill. The final day to return your bottle to the Chapel is Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec 25th.  It’s especially appropriate at this time of year to celebrate the gift of a baby’s life as we celebrate the gift of “eternal life” that was born as baby Jesus in Bethlehem many years ago.

The Coastal Pregnancy Care Center (CPCC) is a Christian non-profit offering help and hope to women and men considering their choices in an unplanned pregnancy.  Click here to visit their web site:  http://cpccenter.org/

christmasbabybottleslide

Yemeni Torah Scroll

This is a late 16c Torah (the first 5 books of the Bible in scroll format).  It comes from a Yemenite community likely originating in Yemen in the 1500s. The Torah is 24 m (79 ft.) in length.  The skins are a dark red characteristic of Yemenite scrolls. The scroll was read, revered and protected for over 400 years.  The number of Jews in Yemen has dwindled down to a few dozen. They had been evacuated and moved to Israel since WWII bring their scrolls with them. This is a testimony to the preservation of Gods Word and his people. One thing is certain; The scroll will continue to be a blessing to those who encounter it.

pastedgraphic-1-1

2017 Defend the Faith Conference

Click here for more details and to Register for the Conference

Which has the greatest influence today  … The Church on the Culture or the Culture on the Church?

The answer has eternal consequences for both believers and non-believers.  A select panel of Christian theologians, authors and educators will address this and many other critical issues challenging the Church today.  


Date/Time:    Saturday,  November 18th, 2017   (9am – 4pm)

Where:         Emerald Isle Chapel By The Sea, 6712 Emerald Drive, 28594

                            *Lunch will be provided

Target Audience:   Adults & Students    (No childcare Service provided)


The Conference Fee is $20/adult & $10/students payable on the day of the Conference.  

Books and DVDs will be available for purchase and an opportunity to make a tax-exempt donation will be provided.

Contact:   Pastor Robert Kornegay  252­-354­-3210   rlkornegay@gmail.com

Benefit concert for Mark Odom and Tom Duty

Wednesday, October 19, 2016
 
7:00 PM
 
Emerald Isle Chapel By The Sea, 6712 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594

Chapel By The Sea is privileged to present Eric Horner, New Vision and His Redeemed for a benefit concert for two of Emerald Isle’s finest!

All proceeds will benefit Mark Odom and Tom Duty for medical expenses due to injuries caused by a recent boating accident. Their road to recovery will be long and hard.

Come and show your love and support for these two Police Officers that give selflessly to our community every day.

Hurricane Matthew Relief

Thank God, Emerald Isle was sparred from the full effect of Hurricane Matthew but the flooding in the low lying inland area of North Carolina have left many of our neighbors without power and some without a home.  Pray for those impacted by the storm and donate your time and money as you are able.  There are many good Christian organizations that have “boots on the ground” and are helping with Hurricane Disaster Relief right here in North Carolina.  Click on the links below to find out how you can help provide relief through one of these organizations.

Hope Force International    http://hopeforce.org 

Baptist Disaster Relief  http://baptistsonmission.org/Missions/By-Type/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane-Matthew

Samaritans Purse Volunteers 

Pray for those in Florida, George and South Carolina but especially pray for those in the Caribbean area where the Category Four storm is believed to have killed as many as 1,300 people.  On Sunday, Oct 9th 2016, Haitians attended church services to remember the dead, some worshiping outside because buildings were destroyed.  Pray for aid to arrive and relief the suffering in Haiti and  pray that a deadly outbreak of cholera will not occur as it did after the 2010 earthquake, when nearly 10,000 people died.

Click here for a Hurricane Matthew Update from the Town of Emerald Isle

matthew-storm Don and the choir sing “Lord, keep us safe till the storm passes by”.

Little Pink Houses Dinner

5th Annual Little Pink Houses Dinner
Wednesday, August 23th  6 pm
Chapel by the Sea
 
     We will be serving about 50 people this year, and they have asked for the hamburger / hot dog cookout again.  If you are able to help this year, please reply all and sign up for something below.  You have all been so generous in the past, and the families have been so appreciative.  The mother of each family has stage 4 breast cancer and their lives are very stressful. This week gives them a chance to relax and enjoy their families. 
 
    Thank you for blessing them!!    
 
   Contact  Cathy Sheaffer, c_sheaffer@yahoo.com,  to sign up to bring food and/or help serve.

 

To promote breast cancer recovery by offering opportunities for survivors to reconnect and celebrate life.

We provide FREE week long vacations for breast cancer patients and their families.

We believe a cancer diagnosis does not just affect the patient, but the entire family. Every beach retreat is designed to help families relax, reconnect and rejuvenate during the cancer journey.

Dr Frank Turek @ ECU

Dr. Frank Turek is scheduled to speak at the Ratio Christi Chapter at East Carolina University at Greenville, NC  on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 from 7 pm – 9:30 pm.  There was a great turnout the last time Frank Turek spoke at ECU in April.  Plan to support this ministry and sharpen your Christian Apologetic defense of the gospel by coming to hear Frank Turek speak!

Click here to view this details and venue of this event on Facebook

Frank Turek at ECU

Click here to view the Frank Turek web site

Click here to view the ECU Ratio Christi web site

Click here to view the ECU Ratio Christi on Facebook

 

Pakistan Speaker Aug 27 & 28

We will have a special Christian brother from Pakistan that will share a special Men’s Breakfast devotion on Saturday, August 27 at 8 am to 9:30.  Plan to come enjoy good food and fellowship with our brother from Pakistan.

Also the Sunday school at 9 am and worship service message at 10 August 28, will be presented by our Christian brother from Pakistan.  There is plenty of opportunity to hear first hand about the Spiritual battle in the Middle East that is spreading through out the world!

Life Groups

Life Groups weekly meetings will resume from September to November, 2016. 

Join a life group!   The sign-up sheets for the life group studies that are being offered are on the table in the hallway at the Chapel.  Contact the Life Group leader to find out more about when and where they are meeting and the material they are studying/discussing.

Life Group members When Where  Leader Material
Woman’s Monday 10 am at the Chapel Susan Hamm shamm@live.com Life Study Bible
Woman’s Monday 7 pm at the Chapel Sharon Olsen sharon@eichapel.org
Men’s Tuesday 6:30 pm at the Chapel pastor Clay Olsen pastorclay@eichapel.org Men of the Bible
All Wednesday 7 pm at members home pastor Robert Kornegay rlkornegay@gmail.com Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Couples Wednesday 6:30 pm at members home Ron Webb webbsite54@yahoo.com Great truths of the Bible

Enjoy learning about God’s word and enjoy the fellowship of discussing life lessons with others who share your love for the Lord.

 

SES NCCA 2016

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; – 1 Peter 3:15

The Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES) National Conference on Christian Apologetic (NCCA) 2016

When:  Oct 13-15

Where:  Calvary Church,  Charlotte, NC

Theme:  The Defense Never Rests

Click here to view the official SES NCCA web page for more info and register for the event!

https://youtu.be/96CfAP43-lY

Youth/Adult Mission Trip

[soliloquy slug=”youth-mission-2016″]

Thanks to hard work and dedication of the Chapel by the Sea youth director Sarah Mitchell, the youth and adults are planning a mission trip to Camp Shenandoah Springs,  June 11-18.  The Chapel family, for many years, have taken children to the camp for a good week of Christian fun and fellowship.  But last year, and this year, the Chapel Mission group is going to the camp to help prepare the camp for the summer camping season.  This a great blessing to the “Farmer” family who owns and operates the camp.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/208034865876178/?notif_t=group_added_to_group¬if_id=1464482753410072

https://www.facebook.com/groups/37135352949/

Pig Pickin (May 28) Mission Fund Raiser for the Roger’s family

The Pig and Chickin’ Pickin’ was a big success, thanks to the many who volunteered and the many who came to enjoy the great BBQ provided by Allan and Tony Hinnant, plus Larry Hartzell on the hush puppies.

[soliloquy slug=”pig-pickin-memorial-day-2016″]

Where: Chapel by the Sea,    6712 Emerald Dr.   Emerald Isle, NC  28594

When: May, 28th  from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Cost:: 10$ minimum donation towards the Roger’s Ministry

Pork and chicken, slaw, hush puppies and drink included.  Eat here or carry out.

Contact Ron Web for more information:   webbsite54@yahoo.com   or call the Chapel Office:   (252) 354-3210    

Pete and Charity Rogers familyPete and Charity and their three children serve with New Tribes Mission (NTM) in Mozambique Africa.  This family really has a heart for missions and a good time serving the Lord.  The Chapel has enjoyed having the Roger’s family in the Emerald Isle area while they have been on furlough but they are returning to Mozambique in June.  Come help support their ministry.  We would like to raise enough money so they can buy a vehicle which is really essential in allowing them to serve effectively in Mozambique.

Read more about Pete and Charity on their Facebook site:  https://www.facebook.com/MakingDisciplesInMozambique

To make a one time or recurring donation:  https://usa.ntm.org/missionaries/pete-and-charity-rogers

Contact Pete by email:  pete_rogers@ntm.org    Contact Charity by email:  charity_rogers@ntm.org  

Dr. Frank Turek (Apr 25)

Dr. Turek spoke on “I Don’t Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist” followed by an extended Q&A period.   This is a Ratio Christi sponsored event … “No More Blind Faith”.

When:   Monday, April 25  from  7 pm to 9 pm

Where: Leo Jenkins Fine Arts Center, Room 1220, ECU, Greenville, NC  

Turn up the sound and enjoy Frank’s apologetics presentation at the Leo Jenkins Fine Arts Center at East Carolina University on April 25th, hosted by the Ratio Christi chapter at ECU. Praise be to God for the capacity crowd and thanks to all who gave of their time, talent, and treasure to help make the event a great success!

[facebook id=”1066353506759465″]

Click here to read more about this Event:  https://crossexamined.leadpages.co/idheftbaa-ecu-april25/

 and click about the event on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1046366148769015/

frank turek

 

Eric Horner April 10th

Sunday, April 10th we will have an Ice Cream Social at 5:30 p.m. followed by Eric Horner in concert at 7:00 p.m.

http://www.erichorner.com/

Sunrise Service -April 21, 2019

He is Risen!!!   He is Risen Indeed!!!

Come to the Chapel at 6:30 am, April 21, 2019 and join us for a Sunrise service celebration of our Victory in Jesus” … the resurrection over death that Jesus Christ won for us on the cross!

This is special time of worship held outside on the front lawn and parking area of the Chapel.   We will be praising the risen Son while we watch the Sun rise!  Pray for good weather and for the Son to rise in the heart of new believers this Resurrection morning.   The service lasts about 45 minutes and most people stand during the service but some people bring their own chair, which is good too.   Also the Chapel can provide you a chair if you request one.

      Plan to stay following the Sunrise Service for breakfast in the Fellowship Hall. 

There is also a 10 am Service.      Christ is Risen!!!   Is is Risen Indeed!!! 


 

He-is-Risen-Indeed


The following music was recorded from the 10 am service.

Resurrection Praise Music, “Alleluia, Alleluia”:

Resurrection Praise Music, “O Glorious Day”:

Piano Duet = Charlton and Laura

Choir anthem “Allelua, Jesus is Risen”  with piano and violin accompaniment!

Final closing Hymn “He Lives” = listen to this version


What if the resurrection happened today?

[facebook id=”10154683930731562″]


The Sunrise Service was moved inside today because of rain but this didn’t dampen the spirit of those attending.  He is Risen!   He is Risen Indeed!    He is coming back!  He is coming back indeed!  

[foogallery id=”1470″]

 

2016 - Lori and Anna at the cross

 

Sunrise Service -April 1, 2018

He is Risen!!!   He is Risen Indeed!!!

Come to the Chapel at 6:30 am, April 1, 2018 and join us for a Sunrise service celebration of our Victory in Jesus” … the resurrection over death that Jesus Christ won for us on the cross!

This is special time of worship held outside on the front lawn of the Chapel.  We will be praising the risen Son while we watch the Sun rise!  Pray for good weather and for the Son to rise in the heart of new believers this Resurrection morning.  

Plan to stay following the Sunrise Service for a continental breakfast in the Fellowship Hall.    There is also a 10 am Service.    Christ is Risen!   


 

He-is-Risen-Indeed


The following music was recorded from the 10 am service.

Resurrection Praise Music, “Alleluia, Alleluia”:

Resurrection Praise Music, “O Glorious Day”:

Piano Duet = Charlton and Laura

Choir anthem “Allelua, Jesus is Risen”  with piano and violin accompaniment!

Final closing Hymn “He Lives” = listen to this version


What if the resurrection happened today?

[facebook id=”10154683930731562″]


The Sunrise Service was moved inside today because of rain but this didn’t dampen the spirit of those attending.  He is Risen!   He is Risen Indeed!    He is coming back!  He is coming back indeed!  

[foogallery id=”1470″]

 

2016 - Lori and Anna at the cross

 

 

CBS Super Bowl – March 6

*News Flash*  The CBS Super Bowl football game was “rained” out in February and has been rescheduled for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 6th , Western Park!  

Hey you older young people, don’t forget to bring your knee braces and Advil.

 

Good Friday Service – April 19, 2019 at 7 pm

Good Friday Service:

     April 19th – 7pm to 8pm -Chapel by the Sea, Emerald Isle, NC

Come share in this special time of communion and remembrance of the sacrifice our Lord Jesus Christ made on the cross for our sin.  This program has scripture reading, videos and songs of worship sung by the Chapel Choir.  Begin this weekend remembering “the Cross” and then join us Sunday morning at 6:30 am for Sunrise Service outside on the front yard at the Chapel.  You can also join us Sunday at 10 am to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection. 

         He is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed! 


[youtube id=”HaFYCET-lpA”]

It is Done

 

Good Friday Service – March 30, 2018 at 7pm

Good Friday Service:

March 30th – 7pm to 8pm at Chapel by the Sea, Emerald Isle, NC

Come share in this special time of communion and remembrance of the sacrifice our Lord Jesus Christ made on the cross for our sin.  This program is lead by the Chapel youth with scripture reading, videos and heart felt songs of praise sung by the Chapel choir.  Come begin this weekend remembering “the Cross” and then join us Sunday morning at 6:30 am (Sunrise Service).  You can also join us Sunday at 10 am to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection.  He is Risen!


[youtube id=”HaFYCET-lpA”]

It is Done

 

New Chapel Web Site

Praise the Lord, we are standing on new digital ground … welcome to the new Chapel by the Sea web site!

Many people made this happen but primarily it was Mike Casile who stood up the new web site and migrated most of the content from the old Chapel web site.  Plus Grey Brinson, who managed the old Chapel web site, deserves a great deal of thanks for managing all the content on that site for many years and for helping us move forward to this new environment.  Most of the “widgets” and graphic design for the new site were done by Roger Ricketts.  The front page banner was designed in collaboration with Robert Kornegay.  The Chapel has always been a Lighthouse of God’s word, shining brightly in this stormy world.

By using a “WordPress” powered web site we are able to use an interface that will allow many people to update the content of the site, thus keeping it informative and attractive to the Chapel family and to those who many find us on the Internet.  Some of the new features are:

  •  A slide show gallery of photos on the front page which show life at the Chapel
  •  A list of scrolling important timely announcements and events
  •  A list of the latest Sermon notes
  •  A page for each Ministry program, plus a way for the person who heads up the ministry to update their page
  •  An easy to update Calendar to keep us aware of meetings and events
  •  A way for church leaders to share articles of interest and concern
  •  A way to “share” the sermons, articles and pages from this site to Facebook
  •  A way to translate the content of an article into many different language
  •  A way to easily post photos and videos of Chapel celebrations and events

 

 

Apologetics 101

This is an article to give basic understanding on the ministry of apologetic.  I created this article as an example of how pastor Robert or pastor Clay can publish articles on the Chapel web site.  Note when viewing the article on the web site you can click the Facebook share icon and share this article on your Facebook page.

contradict

Click below to watch a video on the science of Creationism

[facebook id=”909352269107630″]

 

Ratio Christi Rules of Engagement for Students:

Ratio-Christi-Rules-of-Engagement-for-Students
 

 four gospels

Chapel Regular Meetings

Sunday School …… 9 am

Worship Service … 10 am

Youth Group …….. 5:30 pm – 7 pm Sunday

Chapel Island Kids Club …….. 5:30 pm – 7 pm Sunday

Christian Education on Sunday Morning

  • Nursery (10 am until  worship service is complete – about 11:15)
  • 3 to 5 year old Children’s Church (about 10:30 am until completion of worship service)
  • 6 to 8 year old Children’s Church (about 10:30 am until completion of worship service)
  • Preschool – Kindergarten Sunday School (9 am to 9:45 am)
  • 1st to 4th grade  Sunday School (9 am to 9:45 am)
  • Tween (5th to 7th grade)  Sunday School (9 am to 9:45 am)
  • Teen (8th to 12th grade)  Sunday School (9 am to 9:45 am)
  • Adult  Sunday School (9 am to 9:45 am)

CPCC Fund Raiser March 7th, 2019

Coastal Pregnancy Care Center Annual Celebrate Life Fundraising Event

Click here to view on Facebook:  CPCC on Facebook

The annual fund raiser event for CPCC is Thursday March 7th, 2019 at 6 PM – 8 PM at the Crystal Coast Civic Center.    (click here to visit the CPCC web site)

Special Speaker:  Mr. Paul Isaacs – president of Save the Storks 

Contact Robert Kornegay email: pastorrobert@eichapel.org  for information about attending this important event and to reserve your seat.

There is no charge for admission but there will be an opportunity at the end of the event to donate to this worthy and Godly cause.

You can also text 252-247-2273  or  email: cpccenter@hotmail.com  to reserve your seat before March 1st.  There is limited seating for make plans to join and support this important ministry today.

CPCC Fund Raiser March 8th, 2018

Coastal Pregnancy Care Center Annual Celebrate Life Fundraising Event

Click here to view on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/2013735242240227/

The annual fund raiser event for CPCC is Thursday March 8th, 2018 at 6 PM – 8:15 PM at the Crystal Coast Civic Center.    (click here to visit the CPCC web site)

Special Speaker:  David and Jason Benham   (click here to visit their web site)

Contact Robert Kornegay email: pastorrobert@eichapel.org  for information about attending this important event and to reserve your seat.

There is no charge for admission but there will be an opportunity at the end of the event to donate to this worthy and Godly cause.

You can also call 252-247-2273  or  email: cpccenter@hotmail.com  to reserve your seat.  There is limited seating for make plans to join and support this important ministry today.