Oak Crest - Midlothian, Texas

Series: The Supremacy of Christ: THE NEWNESS OF CHRIST

Colossians 3: 1-11

This morning we are continuing our series called THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. As we walk verse by verse through the book of Colossians, I am certain that we will see that Jesus is truly the answer. At the time Paul wrote his letter to the Colossian Christians, there was a terrible false teaching being promoted in that church. Scholars are not certain what the teaching was because Paul doesn't tell us directly, but it seems to be very similar to the kind of vain and hollow religions in the world today. Is Jesus really the only way to defeat the kingdom of darkness? Is there any other way to have fulfillment in this life? We will discover the wonderful answers to these questions as we examine Colossians.

Series: THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST: The Freedom of Christ

Colossians 2: 16-23

This morning we are continuing a new series called THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. As we walk verse by verse through the book of Colossians, I am certain that we will see that Jesus is truly the answer. At the time Paul wrote his letter to the Colossian Christians, there was a terrible false teaching being promoted in that church. Scholars are not certain what the teaching was because Paul doesn't tell us directly, but it seems to be very similar to the kind of vain and hollow religions in the world today. Is Jesus really the only way to defeat the kingdom of darkness? Is there any other way to have fulfillment in this life? We will discover the wonderful answers to these questions as we examine Colossians.

Series: "The Supremacy of Christ": THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Colossians 2: 1-15

This morning we are continuing a new series called THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. As we walk verse by verse through the book of Colossians, I am certain that we will see that Jesus is truly the answer. At the time Paul wrote his letter to the Colossian Christians, there was a terrible false teaching being promoted in that church. Scholars are not certain what the teaching was because Paul doesn't tell us directly, but it seems to be very similar to the kind of vain and hollow religions in the world today. Is Jesus really the only way to defeat the kingdom of darkness? Is there any other way to have fulfillment in this life? We will discover the wonderful answers to these questions as we examine Colossians.

Series: The Supremacy of Christ: THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST

Colossians 1:24-29

This morning we are continuing a new series called THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. As we walk verse by verse through the book of Colossians, I am certain that we will see that Jesus is truly the answer. At the time Paul wrote his letter to the Colossian Christians, there was a terrible false teaching being promoted in that church. Scholars are not certain what the teaching was because Paul doesn't tell us directly, but it seems to be very similar to the kind of vain and hollow religions in the world today. Is Jesus really the only way to defeat the kingdom of darkness? Is there any other way to have fulfillment in this life? We will discover the wonderful answers to these questions as we examine Colossians.

Series: The Supremacy of Christ: THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST
Colossians 1: 15-23

This morning we are continuing a new series called THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. As we walk verse by verse through the book of Colossians, I am certain that we will see that Jesus is truly the answer. At the time Paul wrote his letter to the Colossian Christians, there was a terrible false teaching being promoted in that church. Scholars are not certain what the teaching was because Paul doesn't tell us directly, but it seems to be very similar to the kind of vain and hollow religions in the world today. Is Jesus really the only way to defeat the kingdom of darkness? Is there any other way to have fulfillment in this life? We will discover the wonderful answers to these questions as we examine Colossians.

Series: The Supremacy of Christ: THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

Colossians 1: 1-14

This morning we are beginning a new series called THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. As we walk verse by verse through the book of Colossians, I am certain that we will see that Jesus is truly the answer. At the time Paul wrote his letter to the Colossian Christians, there was a terrible false teaching being promoted in that church. Scholars are not certain what the teaching was because Paul doesn't tell us directly, but it seems to be very similar to the kind of vain and hollow religions in the world today. Is Jesus really the only way to defeat the kingdom of darkness? Is there any other way to have fulfillment in this life? We will discover the wonderful answers to there questions as we examine Colossians.

THE ONE WAY TO LIVE

Psalm 2: 1-12

Last week we examined the first Psalm. I stated that Psalm 1 is a good introduction and even a summary of everything that was to come in the book of Psalms, maybe even a summary of the whole message of the Bible. This morning as we look at the very next chapter in Psalms we will further see God's plan of redemption unfolding. As we read the chapter together and as you listen to the sermon, notice how clearly this Old Testament passage points to the messiah who is to come. It is all about Jesus because every verse whispers His name.

"TWO WAYS TO LIVE"
Psalm 1:1:6

There are only two ways to live. If you look at the popular culture around us, you might be led to believe that there are thousands of ways to live. The world is convinced there is no absolute right and absolute wrong. Your morality is what you make it. What we will see together this morning in Psalm 1 is quite the opposite. According to the passage there are only two ways to live-righteously or wickedly.

Champions for Life, By Bro. Bill Glass

Our guest speaker today is Bro. Bill Glass. Bill played College football at Baylor University where he was an All-American guard. He started his professional football career with the Canadian Football League, then Detroit and then with the Cleveland Browns. While playing in Cleveland they won the NFL championship in '64', and the division championship in '65', '67', and '68'.

Bill has been inducted into the "College Football Hall of Fame", the "Texas Sports Hall of Fame", and has received the "Distinguished Alumni Award" from Baylor.

Bill attended Southwestern Theological Seminary and received a degree in theology. At the urging of Billy Graham he became a full-time evangelist and started his own ministry.

He is the author of several books and is now a sought-after speaker and motivator.

Glass and his wife, Mavis make their home in Waxahachie and have 3 grown children and 8 grandchildren.

The backbone of Bill Glass Champions for Life's ministry is its prison ministry. Since 1972, Bill and his crew of volunteer "teammates" have been visiting America's prisons bringing inmates the message of the Gospel in a way like no other ministry on Earth

Athletes, entertainers and musicians bring their testimony of salvation through Jesus Christ in a non-stop stunt and music-driven evangelism event. The teammate volunteers move in at presentation's end and engage inmates in a dialogue about the Gospel.

VICTORY IN CHRIST
Rom 8:28-39

Our guest speaker today is Bro. David Groves. Bro. Groves received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was 18 years of age. David is married to Karen and they have 2 sons and 7 grandchildren.
David received the call from the Lord and surrendered to the gospel ministry at the age of 32. He served as Associate Pastor at Rio Hondo Baptist Church and then Pastor for 6 1/2 years at Twin Springs Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was then called to a Senior Pastor position at Living Word Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri where he served for 18 1/2 years.
He became involved in short-term mission trips to Eastern Europe during his ministry at Living Word.
He is now involved in International Gospel Outreach. David and Karen are excited about the direction the Lord is leading them.

Sermon: YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER

Jude 17-25

Today, as in the first century Church, there are mockers who cause divisions, who are worldly-minded and devoid of the Spirit. We, as servants of our Lord Jesus Christ, must keep ourselves in the love of God.

Series: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: The God Who Spoke and Still Speaks
Exodus 20:18-21

This Morning we are finishing our series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain only by the grace and mercy of Christ.

Series: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: Coveting

Exodus 20:17

This Morning we are continuing our series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain only by the grace and mercy of Christ. This morning we are examining the final commandment.

Series: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: Lying

Exodus 20:16

This Morning we are continuing our series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain only by the grace and mercy of Christ. This morning we are examining the ninth commandment.

Series: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: Stealing

Exodus 20:15

This Morning we are continuing our series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain only by the grace and mercy of Christ. This morning we are examining the eighth commandment.

Series: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: Adultery

Exodus 20:14

This Morning we are continuing our series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain only by the grace and mercy of Christ. This morning we are examining the seventh commandment.

Series: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: Murder

Exodus 20:13

This Morning we are continuing a new series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain only by the grace and mercy of Christ. This morning we are examining the sixth commandment.

Series: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: Mother's Day and Father's Day Everyday
Exodus 20:12

This Morning we are continuing a new series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain only by the grace and mercy of Christ. This morning we are examining the fifth commandment.

Series: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: The Lord's Day

Exodus20:8-11

This Morning we are continuing a new series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain only by the grace and mercy of Christ. This morning we are examining the fourth commandment.

Series: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: A Holy God

Exodus 20:7

This Morning we are continuing a new series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain. This morning we are examining the third commandment.

Series: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: The Living God

Exodus 20:4-6

This Morning we are continuing a new series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain. This morning we are examining the second commandment.

Series: The Ten Commandments-THE ONE GOD

Exodus 20:3

This Morning we are continuing a new series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain. This morning we are examining the first commandment. What is the first word of command God reveals? When we truly understand it, our lives are forever changed.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: Who Is Worthy To Make Law?

Exodus 20: 1-2

This morning we are beginning a new series entitled, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. The "Ten Commandments" are probably the most well known portion of Scripture in the whole Bible. That is not to say that most people actually know all ten of the commandments, but they know of the commandments. They know they exist. As the people of God, we must not merely know about the commandments, but we must understand their importance and apply them to our lives as both the tutor that drives us to Christ and the standard of holiness we strive to attain. This morning we begin by looking at the one who has given the law, God himself. What makes Him worthy to tell humans what is right and what is wrong? Our passage this morning reveals the answer. May God bless the reading and preaching of His Word.

A PLEA FOR FORGIVENESS

Philemon 1

Are we willing to forgive from our heart those who have wronged us? God will!

GRACE IN A WORLD OF UNGRACE
LUKE 15: 11-32

The parable of the Prodigal Son is maybe the most well known short story ever recorded. Many know the details of the story, but do we truly understand its meaning? Even if we understand that the meaning is God's grace, do we truly understand what that means? This morning we will be examining this famous parable of our Lord Jesus. Pray that as we explore God's word together we will grow deeper in the love and grace of Jesus Christ and have a new willingness to share that love with others.

The Mission of Oak Crest: ONE TRUE GOSPEL-TO BE WORD-CENTERED IS TO BE CHRIST-CENTERED

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Series: BY FAITH: Faith In Action

Galatians 6:1-10

Today we are concluding the series BY FAITH. As we have walked through the book of Galatians, we have learned about Paul's overwhelming concern to remind the Galatian Christians that salvation is by Faith Alone in Christ Alone. There is no other way to forgiveness. Now at the conclusion of the letter, Paul gives the most practical admonishment yet. Walking by the Spirit is more than a religious catch phrase. It is truly walking in Christ day by day. That has huge implications for how we live, and how we relate to each other.

Series: BY FAITH: "Spirit or Flesh

Galatians 5:16-24

According to Scripture Alone, salvation is by Grace Alone through Faith Alone to the Glory of God Alone. That is the absolute truth of the gospel. This morning we are continuing a new series entitled, BY FAITH. In this series we are examining the book of Galatians. Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has some very clear teachings for the church at Galatia. We too will learn how our faith in Christ is the one true means of salvation. There is no other way to heaven. There is no other gospel. This truth we must stand firm upon!

Series: BY FAITH: "Freedom"

Galatians 5:1-15

According to Scripture Alone, salvation is by Grace Alone through Faith Alone to the Glory of God Alone. That is the absolute truth of the gospel. This morning we are continuing a new series entitled, BY FAITH. In this series we are examining the book of Galatians. Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has some very clear teachings for the church at Galatia. We too will learn how our faith in Christ is the one true means of salvation. There is no other way to heaven. There is no other gospel. This truth we must stand firm upon!

Series: BY FAITH-"Two Mothers, Two Covenants"

Galatians 3:1-14

According to Scripture Alone, salvation is by Grace Alone through Faith Alone to the Glory of God Alone. That is the absolute truth of the gospel. This morning we are continuing a new series entitled, BY FAITH. In this series we are examining the book of Galatians. Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has some very clear teachings for the church at Galatia. We too will learn how our faith in Christ is the one true means of salvation. There is no other way to heaven. There is no other gospel. This truth we must stand firm upon!

Series: BY FAITH: "LIVING BY FAITH"

Galatians 3:1-14

According to Scripture Alone, salvation is by Grace Alone through Faith Alone to the Glory of God Alone. That is the absolute truth of the gospel. This morning we are continuing a new series entitled, BY FAITH. In this series we are examining the book of Galatians. Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has some very clear teachings for the church at Galatia. We too will learn how our faith in Christ is the one true means of salvation. There is no other way to heaven. There is no other gospel. This truth we must stand firm upon!

Series: By Faith-"JUSTIFIED"
Galatians 2:15-21

According to Scripture Alone, salvation is by Grace Alone through Faith Alone to the Glory of God Alone. That is the absolute truth of the gospel. This morning we are continuing a new series entitled, BY FAITH. In this series we are examining the book of Galatians. Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has some very clear teachings for the church at Galatia. We too will learn how our faith in Christ is the one true means of salvation. There is no other way to heaven. There is no other gospel. This truth we must stand firm upon!

Series: By Faith-"ONE TRUE GOSPEL"

Galatians 1:1-10

According to Scripture Alone, salvation is by Grace Alone through Faith Alone to the Glory of God Alone. That is the absolute truth of the gospel. This morning we are beginning a new series entitled, BY FAITH. In this series we are going to examine the book of Galatians. Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has some very clear teachings for the church at Galatia. We too will learn how our faith in Christ is the one true means of salvation. There is no other way to heaven. There is no other gospel. This truth we must stand firm upon!

"Encountering The Living Christ"
Luke 24:13-35

HE IS RISEN!

THE KING OF ROCK
Luke 19:28-40

Can you imagine the excitement that would have been in the air? Jesus was finally coming to Jerusalem. All of the disciples would have been certain their waiting was finished. This was the moment they had been waiting for. They knew He was the promised Messiah, and now was finally going to triumphantly enter the City of David and assume His rightful throne. It was going to be wonderful. Finally, Rome and Herod would get what was coming to them. That may have been the expectation on that Sunday before the crucifixion, but things would turn out another way. This morning we are observing Palm Sunday by examining Jesus' "Triumphal Entry." It was certainly triumphal, but in a way unexpected by the disciples.

The Gospel According To Zephaniah: ETERNAL JOY
Zephaniah 3: 14-20

Can the words of a book penned 2600 years ago have anything to say to us? Are God's words to ancient Judah relevant to our lives? I am convinced they are not only relevant to our lives, but they are more relevant to our lives than anything else we read or watch. The word of God is more important than anything written in the Wall Street Journal or seen on the evening news. It is so important because it is eternal truth. This morning we are continuing a series entitled, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ZEPHANIAH. Let's join together in seeing how this Old Testament book points to our hope in Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ZEPHANIAH-Transformation: Already But Not Yet.
Zephaniah 3: 9-13

Can the words of a book penned 2600 years ago have anything to say to us? Are God's words to ancient Judah relevant to our lives? I am convinced they are not only relevant to our lives, but they are more relevant to our lives than anything else we read or watch. The word of God is more important than anything written in the Wall Street Journal or seen on the evening news. It is so important because it is eternal truth. This morning we are continuing a series entitled, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ZEPHANIAH. Let's join together in seeing how this Old Testament book points to our hope in Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The Gospel According to Zephaniah-"Repentance"
Zephaniah 2: 1-3

Can the words of a book penned 2600 years ago have anything to say to us? Are God's words to ancient Judah relevant to our lives? I am convinced they are not only relevant to our lives, but they are more relevant to our lives than anything else we read or watch. The word of God is more important than anything written in the Wall Street Journal or seen on the evening news. It is so important because it is eternal truth. This morning we are continuing a series entitled, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ZEPHANIAH. Let's join together in seeing how this Old Testament book points to our hope in Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

THE DAY OF RECKONING- The Gospel According to Zephaniah
Zephaniah 1: 1-18

Can the words of a book penned 2600 years ago have anything to say to us? Are God's words to ancient Judah relevant to our lives? I am convinced they are not only relevant to our lives, but they are more relevant to our lives than anything else we read or watch. The word of God is more important than anything written in the Wall Street Journal or seen on the evening news. It is so important because it is eternal truth. This morning we are beginning a series entitled, The Gospel According to Zephaniah. Let's join together in seeing how this Old Testament book points to our hope in Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Our guest speaker this morning is Dr. Mike Taylor. Mike is a Bible teacher for Devoted to the Word Ministries. The Lord has blessed him and his wife with three godly children and four wonderful grandchildren. The Lord has also blessed him by equipping him for this ministry. In November of 2004, the Lord gave him clear guidance that he was to do this ministry of Bible teaching in churches of all sizes and he loves it.

His experience in ministry includes thirty years full-time service as pastor in Illinois, Oklahoma and Arkansas; several writing assignments for Lifeway Publications; and short term trips to Africa and The Philippines training new pastors in how to study and preach God's Word.

"CHAMELEON CHRISTIANS"
1 Corinthians 9: 19-27

This morning we are concluding a brief three-part series on being Slaves of Christ. Slaves of Christ imitate Jesus, they serve Jesus, but they also are committed to the gospel of Jesus. This morning we will explore Paul's great desire to see people know Jesus Christ. He literally became a slave of the gospel for their sake. Are you and I willing to be slaves to the gospel of Jesus? Are we willing to put our desires aside so that people might be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ?

IMITATING CHRIST
Philippians 2: 1-11

If we ever hope to be pleasing in our service to Christ, we must have attitudes of humility. This morning we are going to spend time examining one of the greatest psalms about Jesus Christ in all the New Testament. Let's allow this beautiful description of Jesus Christ to conform us into the very image of Christ. We desire not only to know Him more intimately, but we desire to be like Him in every way. As Oak Crest takes on the image of Christ, as we imitate Christ, we will find ourselves making a difference in our families, our communities, and the entire world.

Trusting in God
Numbers 13: 25-33

Our guest speaker today is Dr. Mike Smith. Dr. Smith is the Director of the Minister/Church Relations Department of the SBTC. From 1995 to 2008, he served as Director of Missions of Dogwood Trails Baptist Area in Jacksonville. Prior to that, Mike was Director of Missions at Double Mountain Baptist Area in Stamford. Mike has also pastored churches in Gatesville, Frost, Valley View, Edom and Terrell as well as serving with the Home Mission Board of the SBC as a church planter in Illinois. Mike also currently serves as a Trustee for the International Mission Board and as an Adjunct Professor for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Mike has a B.A. from Baylor University, an M.Div. and M.R.E. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a D. Min. from Luther Rice Seminary, and a Ed.D. and Ph.D. from Southern Theological Seminary.

Mike has been married to his wife, Susan, for 34 years and has two grown children and five grandchildren.

SLAVES SERVE
John 13: 1-17

Jesus is Lord and Master. According to Scripture, "All authority has been given him." By that fact, we would expect Jesus to be sitting on a grand throne being served by His disciples. That is not the picture of Jesus we have in the gospels. This morning we are going to be challenged to truly look and act like Jesus. That means becoming a slave, becoming a servant. Not just serving when it is convenient, but always. There are so many ways to serve. I hope you will be convicted this morning to serve the Lord at Oak Crest and in your daily life.

THE DIVINE STRESS TEST-Power Play
Matthew 4: 8-11

In the wilderness, Jesus demonstrated that He was the promised Christ by obediently following the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the will of the Father. This morning we examine the final of three temptations offered by the Devil. How important is power? Who has ultimate power? What is the Kingdom of God? Is that different than the kingdoms of this world? These are all questions that are answered in Matthew 4: 8-11. As we conclude this series, let us pray that God will show us clearly who Jesus is and who we are in relation to Him.

Series: THE DIVINE STRESS TEST
Daring God

Matthew 4: 5-7

In the wilderness, Jesus demonstrated that He was the promised Christ by obediently following the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the will of the Father. This morning we examine the second of three temptations offered by the Devil. There are important implications for each of us. When times are difficult, should we test God? Should we "put out a fleece" so that God can prove His faithfulness? We will see in the gospel of Matthew that Jesus understands clearly what the Father expects in times of trouble.

Series: THE DIVINE STRESS TEST-Part 1:"Delicious Stones"

Matthew 4:1-4

The Israelites failed to obey God. So many times the temptation to disobey proved too great. Jesus was no ordinary Israelite. He was and is the True Israel of God. This morning we are beginning a three part series examining the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. As we do, we will see that Jesus Christ is the only hope for overcoming temptation and demonstrating obedience to God. Pray God will illumine his beautiful Word this morning by the power of the Holy Spirit.

"GOD BREATHED"

II Timothy 3: 10-17

The Word of God is so precious and perfect and true. I am sad to confess how often I take it for granted. Today we are focusing on the Bible. Tonight two men will be ordained to the gospel ministry. Their only hope for success in that Call is faithfulness to the Word of God. This morning we are going to think about the wonderful words of life found in the pages of Scripture. We certainly don't worship the Bible, but we can't rightly worship without it. C.H. Spurgeon said, "To me the Bible is not God, but it is God's voice, and I do not hear it without awe." I hope each of us will be awed by the power and truth of Scripture.

HAVE AN OBEDIENT NEW YEAR
Deuteronomy 11:8-25

Obedience is not popular today. Our old sin nature would have us believe the greatest good is to do whatever we want. The Bible would teach something quite different. This morning we are going to learn from the example of the Israelites. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10: 11-12, "Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." In learning obedience, we strive to give more glory to God in 2009 than we did in 2008.

THE HOLY SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PAST

Matthew 1:18-2:12

What a wonderful time of the year! There is no doubt that for most of us, Christmas is the most meaningful and special time of the year. Also, there is no doubt that we who are believers know that Jesus is truly the reason for the season. At Christmas the focus is on Jesus as God in the flesh, but we should also recognize that the Trinity, God Himself, was at work on that first Christmas and every one since. The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is not neglected in Scripture, nor should He be neglected in our thoughts. This morning we are beginning a three-part series on the role of the Holy Spirit in this special season.

"A MOMENT IN TIME" - Bro. Jerry Barnwell

Ephesians 5: 15-17

Jerry and his wife Tina have been Southern Baptist International Missionaries since 1999 and are currently located in Prague, Czech Republic. Jerry graduated from Dallas Baptist University and from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Tina maintains their home in a cross-cultural environment. This is a huge task that helps make their home a light for the Gospel in a dark world (Prague is 75% atheists.).

A focus on prayer is a top priority in this region, and Jerry serves as the regional prayer advocate. He coordinates prayer advocacy-the making of prayer partners for the peoples of CEE. Jerry's team offers prayer training to both missionaries as well as to stateside prayer partners.

"CHRIST-CENTERED THANKSGIVING"

Luke 17: 11-19

Later this week, millions will gather around tables for the day we call Thanksgiving. All of those millions will have received untold blessings from God, who is the giver of all good things. They will have eaten all year. They will have had plenty of clothes to wear. Many of them will have been restored to health after a severe illness. All will have received blessings from the Lord, but will He get the credit? This morning we are looking at a passage of scripture where 10 people receive a blessing and demonstrate a level of faith, but only one has faith unto salvation. This morning we will be reminded that there is only one proper object of our faith and our thanks, His name is Jesus!

"RELIGION DOESN'T MAKE RIGHT"
ACTS 17: 22-34

There are few things more dangerous than a false sense of security when it comes to religion. The world around us is filled to the brim with religion. "Spirituality" abounds in the earth. Sadly for many, this spirituality is not scriptural. It is not grounded in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only way. This morning we are going to be reminded of that truth as we examine Paul's encounter with the various religions of his day. Prepare for what God might reveal to you from His powerful and eternal word this morning.

"THE POWER OF THE CROSS"
1 Corinthians 1: 18-25

The Cross of Christ is powerful. Although that is certainly a true statement, sometimes we misunderstand what that really means. We might be guilty of buying into a Hollywood version of the powerful cross. We might begin to believe that if we wear a cross or hold a cross the forces of evil will be held at bay. That is not the kind of power the cross has according to the Word of God. This morning we are going to consider the power of God that is manifest in what the world considers foolishness. The gospel may be silliness to many, but for us it is the power of salvation.

MOMENT BY MOMENT FAITH: Lessons From Elijah "The Moment Faith Becomes Sight" 2 Kings 2: 1-14 This morning we are concluding"Moment by Moment Faith: Lessons From Elijah". It is fitting that a series examining Elijah's life of faith would end with his faith becoming sight. None of us will see our loved ones enter heaven in a whirlwind, but we will lose loved ones. This morning Scripture has an important word for us about death and the legacy left behind when faith becomes sight. Prepare your heart this morning as we think about this reality of losing those we love, and how we carry on the work after they are with the Lord.

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.

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!