If you know anything about The Message Center and our Pastor, you know that we are not the type of church to get stuck in yearly activities that simply may or may not work. However, our annual beach service is NOT one of those activities! It works. Every single year, it works. Since its conceptual manifestation, it has been a time of great testimonies, experiences, breakthroughs, and fellowship that no other church (at least none like ours) does to the degree in which we do it.

It started with a vision; a thought really, that Pastor Radcliff had while realizing he had never seen something like this done in all his years of preaching and pastoring. He wanted to know how he could incorporate God’s mission. To go out into the world and spread the love and word of Jesus Christ in a way that would capture not only regular church goers, but those who may never want or feel the need to enter the four walls of a traditional church building. So, Bolsa Chica State Beach became our guinea pig and eventually our home away from home one Summer day out of the year!

With songs that we sing together to heartfelt testimonials from those we love and cherish, to a poignant word from our Pastor, we gather as a community to experience the greatness of God. His creation, His children, His purpose all aligning together to spread the experience that we have all come to know and love. Foot washing takes place as elders and deacons wash the feet of the members and pray a small prayer over their life. We have communion together as to pay respect to the ultimate sacrificing of Jesus. It is also the one time of year that we baptize those who want to publicly display the choice they’ve already made in their lives to follow and get closer to God.

For those who have never been and come for the first time, it is always such a spiritual experience. One of surrealism and gratification; this year was no different. Friends and family gathered together to enjoy a true Sunday Fun Day at Bolsa Chica State Beach. One special member got a world of surprise when her boyfriend proposed right after our baptisms! It was definitely the right time to party and celebrate the love of Jesus that was circling that beach. Meat was on the grills, coolers were open (with non-alcoholic drinks of course), music was playing, people dancing and jump roping and doing what families do: laughing and joking while having a good, great time!

As we packed it up to head on home, one thing kept circling through my mind as I looked up at what was the most beautiful sunset I’d ever witnessed. I thought, how precious human life must be for God to create such a beautiful creation and then let another beautiful creation dwell in it. Every day is a gift, every sunset an original hand crafted masterpiece. Every wave is a reminder that things will come and go and often times crash against something that is rough and hard, but in the grand scheme of things it all works within its purpose to perpetuate the beauty and sovereign will of God. I know I’m one of many who are happy and grateful to be part of that will. Until next year….we hope to see you at the beach! Until then stop on by the building. We’re pretty awesome and amazing there too!

To view more pictures of our Beach Service 2015 CLICK HERE!

By Danyol Jaye 

Featured Image Courtesy of Author 
Inlay Images Courtesy of Author 

….and let the Lord fight your battle. YES! You read that correctly. In the infamous words of Mable “Madea” Simmons, “God bless Smith and Wesson!” I know you’re probably thinking that it is unlikely (and moreover unGodly) for a church blog to talk about firearms, let alone talking about actually using one. Well, how do you feel about a church that fellowships at the gun range? A little taken aback? Before you clutch any pearls, lose any lunches or even spit any drinks, let me say that The Message Center doesn’t do anything without great reason. That being said, we’ve always claimed to be a bit unorthodox. This is just the pudding’s proof!

In a world where racism, sexism, and just outright dangerous people roam free, we must not forget that there is a very real danger that people face every day. Gun violence is one of the most crucial issues in America. From gangs to police brutality, and even racism, guns are a part of this countries breathing fabric. You may ask yourself: What does that have to do with churches? June of 2015 marked a very detrimental day for many churches around the world when a young man, Dylan Roof, walked into a prayer meeting and killed nine people. They were the shots heard throughout the country as church goers had to process the idea that a stranger or even someone known, can simply walk into the house of God and commit murder. They simply weren’t prepared for such a tragedy. Even though this was not the first time someone had opened fire inside a house of worship.

We can pray and read our bibles; we can call on the name of Jesus, but there are times when self-preservation comes by doing something a little more “action-esque”. What would have happened if a trained professional or simply a trained civilian, had known what to do in such a violent and life-threatening situation? What if someone was present, who owned a firearm, and could protect the lives of those in danger? Pastor Radcliff and The Message Center church can not afford to live in the “what if’s” of life when hundreds of people every week are seeking a place of refuge. Refuge, albeit, from both the physical and spiritual realms. We welcome everyone with open arms and great big warm hugs, but wisdom is something we are called to have in any situation.

With over 10 years of training and field work as a Los Angeles Country Sheriff, Pastor Radcliff accompanied a group of members who were interested in learning how to shoot a gun. It was the understanding that though we stay true to our Christian values, we won’t be accepting any life-ending bullets flying our way either. Pastor was very thorough and sensitive for those who were a bit nervous. I myself, have only ever shot a gun once in my life, however, I’d never been to a gun range. I can’t say that I was nervous so much as excited, but I knew that I wasn’t there for play. I (like most who joined the group) was there to learn how to handle a weapon in the event we need to use one to save a life; whether ours or someone else’s.

We sat on a couch as hundreds of rounds could be heard behind us. Gunmen (and women) all in different lanes shooting all manner of firearms. It was exciting yet intimidating. However, before a gun was placed in our hands, the rules had to be set first. Pastor let us know the number one rule at the gun range: ALWAYS point your gun DOWN the lane! We won’t mention a (now) funny incident of a Message Center family member who was so excited as to wave their gun screaming, “Look! I did it! I did it, brother!” Oh, how we love our family! **INSERT SMILES AND LAUGHS** We went through the steps of safety and it was time to load up and head to our lanes. Goggles and earmuffs to protect our ears and eyes were distributed and we were off. About 9 people or so, most of whom had never shot a gun before, were getting ready to jump a hurdle for the sake of knowledge, experience, and protection.

If you’ve never shot a gun before you might assume that the loading process is much easier than it seems. Well, you’d be wrong! This sure wasn’t the movies! From loading the bullets into gun clips (many sore thumbs from that wretched process) to finding our stances, lining up sight points, pulling triggers, and trying not to get hit with flyby shells, we were handling business. One after another, we hung our little green paper men and riddled them with bullets. I must say (and much to our Pastor’s surprise) for first timers, we were pretty good marksmen and women. From chest shots to head shots and a few to the ear (that poor, poor paper man) we conquered our nervousness and felt confident enough to be a part of a body of believers that could physically protect those who call (and could call) Message Center home.

Pressures were lifted, anxieties removed, and most importantly there was a camaraderie that was built in knowing that, if need be, we have each others backs. As Christian believers, it is not our intent to cause anyone harm. However, as human beings we know that one of the most powerful gifts God gave us was choice. Some people make bad choices. That’s just the reality. So it is in our best interest to know how to battle the spirit as well as protect ourselves, and others, from the physical dangers of this world. I know it’s a strange concept; a church going to the gun range to hang out. However, we make it clear and concise: We may not be orthodox, but we are always sincere! With a bible, a bullet and some good old-fashioned prayer, we can take care of one another when need be.

By Danyol Jaye

Featured Photo Courtesy of Author
Inlay Photos Courtesy of Domineque Radcliff 

Who knew that the mention of a split veil could turn into such a poignant message of realizing that things will never be the same again? Pastor Radcliff! Just in case you were wondering. It was another awe-inspiring Sunday as the shepherd of the Message Center hit us with another installation of his Ready to Die sermon series, entitled, Things Done Changed.

Throughout the sermon series, Pastor has spoken to the death of Jesus, specifically the things surrounding his death. The past few weeks have been quite the journey through Matthew 27. It’s as though Pastor has taken a piece of Van Gogh art and forced us not to simply see the blending of colors, but to notice and acknowledge the minute intricacies we may have missed by the marvel of the overall masterpiece itself. He brought to life the idea that what happened to Jesus is an event for which we may recognize and honor, but in application have no true reference for.

His examples of old stores, banks, and markets that were around 10 or 20 years ago, but that have long since been closed or shut down, proved to be more than effective. “You might know the names of these stores,” says Pastor, “…but you’ll never know the experience.” It was such a realistic and relevant analogy for how we view Christ. We have no reference to being at Calvary and watching this phenomenal prophet, teacher, and ultimate son of God die for our sins.

Yet, what’s so important about the veil? Great question! In a time where clothing is nothing more than a credit card swipe away, we often forget that clothes (and even their colors) represented more than just a fashion statement. It was a sign of position. From a servant to royalty, clergy to a thief, clothes played a significant part in biblical cultures. It was common for a father to rip his outer robe at the news of a son’s death. A point that Pastor so eloquently explained as he helped us to see that the ripping of the veil during Jesus’ death was about the ripping of a representation of position or status. It was God’s way of ridding himself of pomp and circumstance to reveal the ultimate sacrifice and glory that was, and is, Jesus Christ. It is God’s naked exposure to the people He has declared to love and bring back to Him.

Can you imagine someone in your life with a high-paid position, who loved you so much that they would bare all for the world to see? Who would do this simply because they love you so intimately and intricately? All because you mean that much to them? That is what God did with Jesus and the ripping of the veil. It was the release of God’s glory and presence being able to flow freely throughout the world. It was a representation that God is not simply bound by four church walls or the songs in the key of E flat, but that He is everywhere; accessible to all who believe in and love Him. His presence can abide in any place that needs Him, through His son, Jesus. The ripping of the veil and the sacrifice of Christ represented a time of change that can not be undone. A promise and a declaration of love that we should not allow to fade and dissipate back to business as usual.

As Pastor Radcliff brought his sermon to an end, he reminded us that a life with Christ is one with many peaks and valleys. Some humbling lows and more than rewarding highs. However, when we walk with Christ, a decision of great magnitude must be made. We must ask ourselves, “Am I ready to die?” We know that death is a mortal part of living. It can be a detrimental moment for many of us, but what a joy to know that those who are prepared to die with Christ can and will live with Him in glory!

There are a lot of things this writer is prepared to do: be successful, live life in a forward motion, and finally see the wonderful streets of Paris. I’d even give up on Coke-Cola and Reece’s (ok maybe ONE Coca-Cola and Reece’s for my birthday). However, leaving this earth without knowing Christ or exemplifying him through my actions is simply not something I’m prepared to do. Pastor Radcliff may have only been the messenger, but this installment of his Ready to Die sermon series was a call to action that many of us simply will not be ignoring. I’m sure I’m not by myself when I say, “I’m ready to die with Christ…..I hope!” Now....what on earth is next week going to bring? 

By Danyol Jaye

For a packaged copy of the complete Ready to Die sermon series please contact our CD ministry at info@mcwchurch.com.

“It is only in your death that you can operate in your authority.”
-Pastor Dwight Radcliff

It was a riveting Sunday afternoon as The Message Center used  Hip-Hop legend Biggy Smalls album as a gateway of relevance to see God’s word with a new perspective. Using Smalls’ first album recording, Ready to Die, as the title for his new series, Pastor Dwight Radcliff asked the people of God one serious question: Are you ready to die for the glory of God? 

Though we often say to ourselves, and others, that we love God (cue to Erica Campbell), there are so many times in which our actions simply don’t add up to the words we speak. We often forget that our call to the Christian faith is one that merits both words and actions together; one completely (and/or partially) ineffective without the other. As Pastor Radcliff used the 22 Psalm (verses one through 18, 22, and lastly verse 25), he painted an analogous picture of the death of Christ that I’m sure most of us had never taken the time to truly see.

“As I read this scripture I want you guys to close your eyes and picture Jesus on his way to Calvary.” A simple instruction that warranted a mountain of emotional emergency care as we were forced to imagine all that Jesus must have endured for the sake of each and every one of us.

Christianity is a road that we are called to, however, still one we must choose to place our feet on and then continue to choose to keep our feet on. As Pastor read the Psalm, you could see the faces change as the congregation imagined the pain and turmoil Jesus had to have faced on his day of death. The beating and ripping of his flesh. The ongoing torment of insults and taunts that were thrown at him as he dragged his very own crucifix up to the place for which he was to die. As Pastor finished the reading he placed yet another question upon our ears, “What does God sound like when he cries?”

It was a poignant question; a more so poignant message that not only challenged but provoked a hardcore call to either put up or shut up. It was a plea for those who go through hard times to stick it out as the very reward for our sacrifice is just over the momentary pain; no matter how brutal that moment is in the interim. We were challenged to think about where our praise is birthed as Pastor gave us yet another nugget of truth, “Your victory, your sanity, your deliverance; everything is in your praise!” WHAT?! You mean that you want me to praise God through my pain? Praise God through everyone talking about me? You want me to lift my hands and voice and praise Him even when I feel like I’m going to die? Pastor are you serious?

The short answer was a simple and deliberate YES! The death of Jesus proves not only as a story for which we are to remember and give thanks for, but it is the most excruciating example of how we are to live for God. It shows us that those who are against God, who do not believe in our very salvation, will try to put us to death. Furthermore, in order for God to gain the ultimate victory, we must allow them to kill us. God says it in his word and Pastor Radcliff took that word and made it relevant for those of us living in 2015. However, whether said in the age of old or in the time of new, there is one thing that never changes from being true, and Pastor Radcliff seemed to say it best, “The will of God must be done; you can either die in it or die from it.” So ask yourself, are you ready to die yet?

By Danyol Jaye 

Sermon Series: Ready To Die 
Photo Courtesy of Author