Series: "MOMENT BY MOMENT FAITH: LESSONS FROM ELIJAH
God's Faithfulness in Dark Times
1 Kings 19: 1-18

We all have moments of despair. If you have never felt alone, you are an exception to the rule. Even though we know God is there, sometimes it can feel that God is not there. This morning we are going to examine a time in Elijah's life when he certainly felt alone and frightened. Amazingly, he felt this way immediately after a huge demonstration of God's power and might. The same is true of many of us. We can see God work in our lives time and time again, but suddenly we allow circumstances to overshadow God's faithfulness. This morning we are facing significant challenges in our nation. You may be facing challenges in your life. God is faithful.

DYING TO LIVE
Romans 6: 1-11

Baptism is both a gift and an ordinance. It is both a blessing and a command. Why is baptism so important? Is it really necessary, or is it just some meaningless ritual we do because we are Baptists? This morning we are going to examine a passage of Scripture that puts baptism in its proper perspective. The very sad reality of modern times is that baptism has been neglected and minimized. The Bible corrects all misconceptions. Our prayer is that through His word, God will remind us of the privilege we share in being baptized. Most importantly, we will understand the amazing spiritual truth behind baptism.

Series: MOMENT BY MOMENT FAITH: LESSONS FROM ELIJAH
I Kings 17: 1-24

The chorus of the old hymn says, "Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms." The point of that song is that our life in Christ is most fulfilled when we are fully trusting on Him every moment of every day. Most of us would gladly agree with that truth, but living it day by day is a different story. This morning we are beginning a series entitled MOMENT BY MOMENT FAITH: LESSONS FROM ELIJAH. As we follow the life of this great prophet of God in 1 and 2 Kings, we will see that his walk with God was the same roller coaster of ups and downs as our own lives. Through all this, prayerfully we will learn to more fully trust God moment by moment.

A HEALTHY NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Acts 2: 42-47

What is our vision at Oak Crest? That is a question that is often asked. A couple of things should be said in response to the question. First of all, my vision or even our vision is really not relevant at all. I may have grand plans for Oak Crest Baptist Church, but if those plans are not God's plans they are in vain. The better question is: What is God's vision for Oak Crest? Now, there may be many specific answers to that question, but there is only one main, right answer. God's plan is that Oak Crest be the healthiest, most God glorifying New Testament church imaginable. This morning we are going to look at a classic passage of Scripture that provides a model from the early church of a healthy church.

Series: The Christian Life: Riches and Responsibilities
"THE WAR OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE"
Ephesians 6: 10-20

Today we are concluding our series "The Christian Life: Riches and Responsibilities". In our final message, we examine the reality that marks the life of every believer: Spiritual Warfare. The battle is not something we enjoy, but it is reality. This morning let's focus on how God would have us participate in this warfare.

Series: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: RICHES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
"The Walk of the Christian Life", Part 2
Ephesians 5: 1-20

As we have been exploring over the last few weeks, with our life in Jesus Christ comes great wealth and amazing fullness. We have meaning and purpose with an eternal perspective. What we will now see in our study of Ephesians is that with that great wealth comes great responsibility. We have truly been given life by God. We were dead and now we are alive! We could never dream of having such a rich blessing, but to whom much is given, much is required. God did not bring you to be like Christ for nothing. There is a new walk that accompanies our new life. This morning we will examine how to put feet to our faith.

Series: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: RICHES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
"The Walk of the Christian Life"
Ephesians 4: 17-24

As we have been exploring over the last weeks, with our life in Jesus Christ comes great wealth and amazing fullness. We have meaning and purpose with an eternal perspective. What we will now see in our study of Ephesians is that with that great wealth comes great responsibility. We have truly been given life by God. We were dead and now we are alive! We could never dream of having such a rich blessing, but to whom much is given, much is required. God did not bring you to be like Christ for nothing. There is a new walk that accompanies our new life. This morning we will examine how to put feet to our faith.

Series: "The Christian Life: Riches and Responsibilities".
THE FULLNESS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Ephesians 3: 14-21

What would make you happiest in life? That may be a hard question to answer, but it is important to the subject of today's message. The answer is likely different for different people. For the Christian, who has experienced the Wonder of the Christian Life and has the Wealth of the Christian life, there is really only one thing that is all satisfying. This morning we are examining a prayer Paul prays for the Ephesians after he has reminded them of all the riches they have in Christ Jesus. The substance of these verses should bring absolute satisfaction to the Christian life. Prayerfully prepare to receive God's word this morning. He desires you to experience His fullness in life.

Series: The Christian Life: Riches and Responsibilities
Ephesians 2: 1-10

We are in the midst of a series called THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: RICHES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. It is a series from the book of Ephesians about the nature of the Christian life. Ephesians addresses issues ranging from the wonder of our salvation to the war we wage daily against sin and darkness. Last week we considered the absolute wonder of the Christian life. This week we are thinking about the tremendous wealth and riches we enjoy as a part of the family of God. We are wealthy beyond measure. We were dead, but now we are alive eternally. Prayerfully prepare as we continue to examine what God's Word says about these blessings and challenges of the faith.

"The Wonder of the Christian Life"-Ephesians 1: 1-14

Do you ever struggle in your Christian life? Do you ever wonder how everything fits together? Is being a Christian simply a bunch of dos and don'ts? How does it all really relate to everyday life? If you have dealt with any of these issues, you are certainly not alone. If you have struggled with any of these areas, you will be interested in a series we are beginning today called "THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: RICHES AND RESPONSIBILITIES". It is a series from the book of Ephesians about the nature of the Christian life. Ephesians addresses issues ranging from the wonder of our salvation to the war we wage daily against sin and darkness. Prayerfully prepare as we examine what God's Word says about these blessings and challenges of the faith.

The title of today's message is "THE NEW COVENANT". Have you ever wondered just what the "blood of Christ" really means? Let's find out as we worship God through the Word.

Jeremiah 36

The Bible is not God. We should never be guilty of worshiping the Bible, but at the same time we must remember that we can't truly know God apart from the Bible. This is a delicate tension that we must always be aware of as believers. The Bible is not only the Word of God, but it is actually the words of God as well. Only in the pages of Holy Scripture can we know the absolute revelation and truth of God. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It is THE ETERNAL, INDESTRUCTIBLE WORD.

Ruth 4: 1-22

Today we are concluding a four week series entitled, "THE PROMISE OF REDEMPTION". The Bible is a story of redemption. The entire Bible is a true love story of God's plan of redemption for sinful humans. Just as all the parts of Scripture, the book of Ruth is just part of the whole. This morning we see how all of this beautiful story fits in the big picture of Scripture.

Ruth 3:1-18

We are in the midst of a four week series entitled, THE PROMISE OF REDEMPTION. In Scripture, as well as in our own individual lives, God never ceases to keep the promises He has made. Not only is God always faithful to keep His promises, they are all fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory," (2 Corinthians 1:20). That is what we are seeing in the wonderful Old Testament story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth. This morning we will see how God's perfect plan unfolds.

Ruth 2: 1-23

We are in the midst of a four week series entitled, "The Promise of Redemption". In Scripture, as well as in our own individual lives, God never ceases to keep promises he has made. Not only is God always faithful to keep His promises, they are all fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "For all the promises of God find their yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory," (2 Corinthians 1:20). That is what we are seeing in the wonderful Old Testament story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth. This morning we will see how God's perfect plan unfolds.

RUTH 1

What happens when God's promises and current circumstances don't match up? Have you ever experienced a moment like that? You definitely know God exists. You certainly trust that He has your best interests in mind, but the situation you find yourself in doesn't feel very comfortable. That is precisely the type of situation Ruth and her family found themselves experiencing in the opening verses of the book of Ruth. This morning we are beginning a new series that explores the wonder and goodness of God's promises.

Bro. Del Traffanstedt will be our speaker this morning as Bro. Blain is attending the SBC Annual Conference.

Kingdom Families Share The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Colossians 1: 3-8

Colossians 3: 22-4:1

In these days of economic uncertainty, it is especially important that we understand the Kingdom Family's responsibility in stewardship. We have been entrusted with resources to be used to God's glory. Are you being a good steward? Are you being a good manager of what God has given you? This is not an issue ignored by the Bible. This morning let's continue to think about being a Kingdom Family. If we are truly a Kingdom Family we will practice biblical stewardship.

Kingdom Families Serve Their Church

This sermon is taken from Hebrews 10: 19-25

Kingdom Commitment

I am a member of God's Kingdom Family. I have by faith repented of my sin, believed on Christ as my Lord and Savior, and received His gift of forgiveness and eternal life. By the miracle of God's grace, I am both a citizen of His Kingdom and a member of His family, His subject and His child, His bond slave and a joint heir with Him, His battle-ready soldier and His bride. It is now my desire to glorify the Lord by giving my own earthly family relationships the interest and care they so richly deserve. With the balance of my life and relying on the leadership for God's Spirit, I will commit to God's plan for my life and my family.

This morning we are continuing our series called KINGDOM FAMILIES. During these weeks we are simply allowing God's perfect Word to show us how we can honor and glorify God in our own families. This morning we are thinking about the fact that Kingdom Families use the King's time wisely. Do you make the most of the time God has given you? It may seem like a simple concept, but it is an important concept. Using time wisely is more than a category on your child's report card. Let's see what God will do in our time this morning. Would you right now pray that God would do something miraculous in your life this morning to His glory?

Kingdom Commitment

I am a member of God's Kingdom Family. I have by faith repented of my sin, believed on Christ as my Lord and Savior, and received His gift of forgiveness and eternal life. By the miracle of God's grace, I am both a citizen of His Kingdom and a member of His family, His subject and His child, His bond slave and a joint heir with Him, His battle-ready soldier and His bride. It is now my desire to glorify the Lord by giving my own earthly family relationships the interest and care they so richly deserve. With the balance of my life and relying on the leadership for God's Spirit, I will commit to God's plan for my life and my family.

Kingdom Commitment

I am a member of God's Kingdom Family. I have by faith repented of my sin, believed on Christ as my Lord and Savior, and received His gift of forgiveness and eternal life. By the miracle of God's grace, I am both a citizen of His Kingdom and a member of His family, His subject and His child, His bond slave and a joint heir with Him, His battle-ready soldier and His bride. It is now my desire to glorify the Lord by giving my own earthly family relationships the interest and care they so richly deserve. With the balance of my life and relying on the leadership for God's Spirit, I will commit to God's plan for my life and my family.

Kingdom Commitment

I am a member of God's Kingdom Family. I have by faith repented of my sin, believed on Christ as my Lord and Savior, and received His gift of forgiveness and eternal life. By the miracle of God's grace, I am both a citizen of His Kingdom and a member of His family, His subject and His child, His bond slave and a joint heir with Him, His battle-ready soldier and His bride. It is now my desire to glorify the Lord by giving my own earthly family relationships the interest and care they so richly deserve. With the balance of my life and relying on the leadership for God's Spirit, I will commit to God's plan for my life and my family.

This morning we are beginning a new series called, KINGDOM FAMILIES. You are a part of a family. Families come in all sizes. A single is a family. A young married couple is a family. A couple with children is a family. A couple with grand-children and great grand-children is a family. Regardless of your stage in life, God desires your family to be a Kingdom Family. What does that mean? We are going to spend the next several weeks discovering how we can honor and glorify God in our families.

The Word of God is nothing less than God's revelation of Himself to mankind. Since that is the case, it is a shame that so many Christians take the Bible for granted. Are we so jaded to the power of God's Word that we value it less than our cell phones? Friends, we should constantly remind ourselves that cell phones (along with everything else) will soon fall away, but the Word of our God stands forever. Not only will God's Word stand forever, but most importantly it will never fail. This morning we will be thinking about how important the Bible really is and how desperately every man, woman, and child needs access to it.

Have you ever wondered what kinds of things Jesus thought about while He was on earth? What were His thought processes? Wouldn't it have been amazing to read His mind? We don't have to fantasize about these things. The seventeenth chapter of John is maybe the most wonderful glimpse into the heart and mind of Christ we have in Scripture. Today, we are finishing our journey into THE HEART OF JESUS in John 17. As we finish this passage, we see Jesus pray for us, the future church. I hope and pray today will mark the beginning of a week of celebration unlike any throughout the year. This is Passion Week. This is the holiest week of the Christian year. Let's celebrate it together.

Have you ever wondered what kinds of things Jesus thought about while He was on earth? What were His thought processes? Wouldn't it have been amazing to read His mind? We don't have to fantasize about these things. The seventeenth chapter of John may be the most wonderful glimpse into the mind and heart of Christ we have in scripture. Today, we are continuing our journey into THE HEART OF JESUS in John 17. We will see Jesus pray for His own disciples and understand important implications for our own lives. Together we will discover the truths of God from this magnificent passage as we draw closer to Resurrection Sunday.

Have you ever wondered what kinds of things Jesus thought about while He was on earth? What were His thought processes? Wouldn't it have been amazing to read His mind? We don't have to fantasize about these things. The seventeenth chapter of John may be the most wonderful glimpse into the mind and heart of Christ we have in scripture. Today, we are continuing our journey into THE HEART OF JESUS in John 17. We will see Jesus pray for His own disciples and understand important implications for our own lives. Together we will discover the truths of God from this magnificent passage as we draw closer to Resurrection Sunday.

Have you ever wondered what kinds of things Jesus thought about while He was on Earth? What were His thought processes? Wouldn't it have been amazing to read His mind? We don't have to fantasize about these things. The seventeenth chapter of John is maybe the most wonderful glimpse into the mind and heart of Christ we have in Scripture. Today, we are beginning a three-week journey into The Heart of Jesus in John 17. Together we will discover the truths of God from this magnificent passage as we draw closer to Resurrection Sunday.

Have you ever wondered what kinds of things Jesus thought about while He was on Earth? What were His thought processes? Wouldn't it have been amazing to read His mind? We don't have to fantasize about these things. The seventeenth chapter of John is maybe the most wonderful glimpse into the mind and heart of Christ we have in Scripture. Today, we are beginning a three-week journey into The Heart of Jesus in John 17. Together we will discover the truths of God from this magnificent passage as we draw closer to Resurrection Sunday.

The Bible assures us that if we are in Christ we are a "New Creation." Wonderfully, the old has gone and the new has come. We are eternally transformed in Christ. That is the truth of the gospel, but if you are like most Christians, you still struggle with temptation and sin all the time. How should we think of sin? We should think very seriously about sin. This morning let's consider together what the Bible says about the ongoing and frustrating struggle we have with sin.

From the youngest child to the oldest adult everyone has a concept of love. The first words we want our children to learn are "I Love You." Love may be one of the most used words in our vocabulary. The problem is that the one word "love" is filled with so many different meanings. This morning as we conclude our series on being the church that God has called us to be, we have a better, more biblical understanding of love.

As we have been in this series called, Body Building, we have used that word "body" over and over again. It is certainly the New Testament's choice description of what it means to be the church. This morning in our passage, Paul gets specific about what it means to be the body. The Holy Spirit is our common DNA in this spiritual body of the church. We can't afford to miss the blessing God has in store for us as we truly function as a healthy body.

How important is it for a Christian to be 100% committed to the church to which God has called him or her? The culture says, "Don't commit to anything!" Who knows, something better might come along. Sadly, if we take that attitude toward the church of Jesus Christ we have horribly misunderstood what it means to be the body of Christ. This morning we are continuing a series entitled, Body Building, in I Corinthians. In this series, we will consider what church membership means and entails. At Oak Crest, we are in covenant relationship with one another. When we truly understand the weight of that truth, Oak Crest will be forever changed.

How important is it for a Christian to be 100% committed to the church to which God has called him or her? The culture says, "Don't commit to anything!" Who knows, something better might come along. Sadly, if we take that attitude toward the church of Jesus Christ we have horribly misunderstood what it means to be the body of Christ. This morning we are continuing a series entitled, BODY BUILDING, in I Corinthians. In this series, we will consider what church membership means and entails. At Oak Crest, we are in covenant relationship with one another. When we truly understand the weight of that truth, Oak Crest will be forever changed!

How important is it for a Christian to be 100% committed to the church to which God has called him or her? The culture says, "Don't commit to anything!" Who knows, something better might come along. Sadly, if we take that attitude toward the church of Jesus Christ we have horribly misunderstood what it means to be the body of Christ. This morning we are beginning a series entitled, "Body Building", in Corinthians. In this series, we will consider what church membership means and entails. At Oak Crest, we are in covenant relationship with one another. When we truly understand the weight of that truth, Oak Crest will be forever changed!

There is a sin present within almost every church that is the greatest of all threats to the church. It is overwhelming in its temptation. It is deadly in its result. It is not adultery. It is not murder. It is more subtle than these, but may be more damaging. It is gossip. This morning we are going to be reminded of the danger of the sin of gossip in the church. It is only when a church begins to be free of gossip, that it becomes free to bring glory to God.

Today, we continue with the second part of our series. Who were the first Christians? You may be in for a surprise!

We're beginning a new series today beginning in Luke 19: 1-10, where we look at the character. Zaccheus, who was a tax collector. In Jesus' time, tax collectors were thought of as the epidemy of what the "establishment" believed were sinners. They were ranked in the group of the lowest-of-the-low! However, we see that even the most sinful ( or perceived sinful) of people, has a place in God's heart!