Olivet Baptist Church

Identity matters. It affects beliefs and it affects actions. And at the start of the book of Ephesians, Paul describes his identity and the identity of the recipients of this letter.  Pastor Kevin Craft

In this section we talk about the sacrament of penance, including Ash Wednesday and Lent. Pastor Kevin Craft

Satan's strongholds in this world are not physical. These verses says that they are thoughts, ideas, and arguments. And Christians are instructed to tear down these ideas and worldviews so that we may have a sincere and pure devotion to Jesus.  Pastor Kevin Craft

In this study we see the differences between the Catholic and Baptist understanding of Baptism Pastor Kevin Craft

When Nehemiah comes back from his trip to see the king, he finds himself having to address several issues that have arisen during his time away. We also have to be diligent individually and as a church to not drift into the ways of the world but to stay committed to God in these ways.  Pastor Kevin Craft

Do we cooperate with grace in order to be justified?

God reveals Himself and we respond. That is what worship is, and that is what we see in this passage. Specifically, the people respond in two ways: service and singing. Pastor Kevin Craft

When the people renewed the covenant, they focused on three areas: Honoring the Lord's Day, not committing to the world, and taking care of the house of God. These are the same commitments that we must have as Christians. Pastor Kevin Craft

How do faith and works fit into the conversation about justification? Pastor Kevin Craft

When we are in trouble, we naturally cry out to God, and that is for good reason. God is powerful enough to deliver, and we can look at history and see that God is good and merciful to save, even when people continue to turn against Him. Pastor Kevin Craft

In this section, we start looking at justification and the concept of imputation.  Pastor Kevin Craft

Thriving and flourishing is about more than health and possessions. The core of flourishing is spiritual renewal. And that starts with the Bible and with salvation. Pastor Kevin Craft

This is part 2 in our study examing the differences between Catholics and Protestants. Pastor Kevin Craft

Some things are never finished. Education is like that. We finish milestones in our education (like graduation), but really we never stop learning. That's where the people of God were as they continued to reestablish life in Jerusalem and count the people.  Pastor Kevin Craft

This is pt 1 in our study.  Pastor Kevin Craft

Satan prowls around like a lion seeking someone to devour - 1 Peter 5:8. You are not the exception to that verse. The enemy is after you. We shouldn't be ignorant of His schemes. But as we are aware of our enemy, we are also aware of the truth, specifically, the truth about God.  Pastor Kevin Craft

It's against the backdrop of darkness that we see the beauty of the light. The good news of Jesus is no different, it shines it's brightest when we understand the depths of what the Savior and Lord delivers us from.  Pastor Kevin Craft

Zechariah heard that Jesus was coming, and he rejoiced. Why? Because he had read the Old Testament and knew that Jesus was the one who would bring the promises to pass, the promises that had been given long ago to Abraham.  Pastor Kevin Craft

Why was Mary highly favored? Why her and not someone else? What does it even mean to be favored by God? These questions are important because Jesus is the eternal King, and it matters whether the King looks on us with favor or not.  Pastor Kevin Craft

When Christians do not love their brothers and sisters, then not only does it create strife and disunity, but it also brings incredible dishonor to God. But the people of God exalt God through their love for each other which is empowered and modeled by God so that we might practically meet the needs and seek the growth of fellow church members. Pastor Kevin Craft

Christians work hard. It's possible to work hard and not be doing anything meaningful. But the Christians work has meaning and motivation because it is connected, motivated, and empowered by God.  Pastor Kevin Craft

Christians shouldn't be surprised by opposition. It is something that is promised to those who desire to live a godly life. In this passage, Nehemiah and the people show us what standing against opposition looks like. Pastor Kevin Craft

Why did the people build a wall? That is the heart of what is going on in this passage, and the answer to that question is how we apply this passage to our own life as the people of God. Pastor Kevin Craft

Wakeup calls can come in many forms and fashions. In this passage, Nehemiah gets a wakeup call, and that leads him to respond in a certain way - faith. Pastor Kevin Craft

Why are we still saved whenever we wake up in the morning? The foundational truths that answer this question are what gave David confidence and give us confidence that God's goodness and mercy is guaranteed to us.  Pastor Kevin Craft