Oak Crest Family,
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I am writing with good news.  We are finally at a point when we can begin to transition back into meeting together in person.  I have missed gathering with you!  Although this is good news, we are approaching this transition with care.  Allow me to outline our strategy and hopefully answer any questions you may have.  This Sunday, May 3rd, the service will be live streamed as we have for the last several weeks.  The following Sunday, May 10th, Mothers Day, will be our first in-person gathering.  We will not have Sunday School or evening service on campus.  In the 10:45 service, we will seat congregants, with 6 feet in between each family group, in every other row to accommodate social distancing requirements.  Therefore, we will not be able to seat the full capacity we would normally have on a Sunday morning.  You will be contacted in the coming days as to whether or not you and your family plan to attend this service.  Our goal is to get a good estimate of the number planning to be in attendance.  On May 10th, if we exceed the number allowed in the sanctuary, we will seat overflow in the fellowship hall.  We WILL continue to live stream each week.

Depending on how the situation develops, our hope is that May 10th will be the only day we take the more extreme precautions.  Hopefully, by may 17 we will be able to resume a somewhat normal Sunday morning service.  We will not have Sunday School through May 17th.  We will evaluate the situation at that time as to resuming Sunday School.  So May 10th will be Sunday morning service only.  May 17th and following we will resume in-person Sunday evening as well as Sunday morning, and Wednesday evening services.

We want everyone to participate in this transition at your individual pace and safety.  Although we are resuming services on May 10th, you may not feel comfortable to return at that time.  We don't want you to come back before you feel confident to do so.  If you feel you are in the at-risk category, please stay home.  If you or anyone in your immediate family are not feeling well, please stay home.  We will continue to live stream the services into the future.  Out of love and consideration for your fellow church members, everyone is asked to wear a face covering while in the building.  We are planning to provide face masks on May 10 for anyone that doesn't already have one.  This is uncharted territory for all of us.  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we attempt to return to a full schedule as safely as possible.  We understand that everyone has different opinions about the best timing of a return.  No doubt some will feel we are being too hasty.  Others feel we should never have cancelled service in the first place.  We must bear with one another in love for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God.  God bless you and feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 

Pastor Blain Craig

​Oak Crest Family,
I am writing you in regard to this ever changing situation.  Each day that passes the precautions of local, state, and national governments intensify.  Just as I write this email the governor has eliminated all gatherings of 10 or more in the state of Texas through April 3. This has caused us to find ourselves in a difficult dilemma.  Of course our desire is to meet according to Scripture. (Hebrews 10:25)  We also desire to respect the governing authorities. (Romans 13)  While we attempted to take the situation week by week, the governor's executive order compels us to not gather for a minimum of two weeks. Therefore, we are cancelling all on campus activities for the next two weeks, which includes Sunday mornings on March 22 and March 29.  We are currently making adjustments to continue to function as a New Testament church even though our physical contact is limited.  This includes providing online worship opportunities.  This Sunday you will be able to view my sermon on our website, Facebook, and YouTube.  Should this reality continue into the coming weeks we will attempt to provide a more complete worship experience including worship through music.  This is uncharted territory for all of us.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.  Our goal is to resume our normal worship schedule as soon as possible.  Remember that this is yet another opportunity to exercise our absolute faith in the Lord in the midst of difficulty.  Worry is a sin.  Our actions do not rise from worry, but careful thought and concern for all of our membership.

Pastor Blain Craig

​Oak Crest family,

I am writing you again in just a matter of days since my last email. I, like you, have been monitoring the situation regarding Covid-19.  We recognize that everyone has different convictions regarding the right action in regard to our church family and its services.  As I mentioned in my previous email we should never allow fear to overcome our trust in the Lord, but that being said we can always and should take commonsense precautions in light of the current situation. Therefore, in consultation with the leadership of Oak Crest, we are going to cancel Sunday School tomorrow morning as well as evening activities. We will continue with our normal Sunday Morning worship service at 10:45 a.m. with limited to no physical contact. We believe that this will limit the close quarters contact that occurs in a Sunday School class while also allowing us to worship the Lord and recognize His victory in our lives.  We continue to encourage everyone to use their own best judgment in this situation and decide what is best for you and your family.  Please be assured there is absolutely no condemnation for anyone who decides not to attend even the morning worship service.  We will continue to keep everyone informed of the latest decisions, but we do ask for your help in spreading the word to anyone who does not have access to email or who may not read their emails .  If you have any questions, please feel free to call me or message me in the meantime.

Pastor Blain Craig

Oak Crest family,

First of all I want to express to you how thankful I am to be back home with our team returning from Israel and the land that Jesus walked and ministered in.  It is always a life-changing experience and a vibrant reminder of our living faith in our living Savior Jesus Christ. But most importantly I want to say a word to you regarding the current attention on the coronavirus. As you know so much is being said and there is so much confusion regarding this infection.  Most recently the governor of Kentucky’s call for churches in his state to not meet for Sunday services has especially gotten my attention.  I am convicted that we cannot in good conscience cancel our services at the current time. I am sympathetic to the fact that each individual and family will have to discern their own susceptibility and risk in attending public venues, but we must never compromise our trust in our sovereign God to the fears that accompany living in a fallen world.  God willing, we will meet this Lord’s Day and celebrate the victory Christ has accomplished over sin, disease and death.  That being said we can be smart in the process. I suggest we avoid intimate interactions such as hugs and handshaking. Let’s instead express our love through the cool and hip means of fist and elbow bumping.  Don’t get used to it- that’s about as hip as we’ll ever be at Oak Crest!!  I love you all and look forward to seeing you this coming Lord’s Day. 
Soli Deo Gloria!


Blain Craig

​At least a couple of times a year, sometimes up to once a quarter, our church hosts the “Welcome Home Class.”  This class is one way our constitution provides for our emphasizing meaningful church membership.  During this four session course, visitors and new members cover a range of issues related to life as a Christian and specifically life at Oak Crest.  The first week is called “Why Christian?” this session reviews the basics of salvation and the gospel.  If a visitor is not a believer, they will certainly hear the gospel in this first session.  The second session is called “Why Church?” it covers the basic biblical teachings about the nature of the church and why membership is needed.  This is a needed session in the midst of increasing individualism in our culture.  The third session is “Why Baptist?” this session covers some of the Baptist distinctives that we hold dear.  Finally, the last session is called “Why Oak Crest?” in this session, some of the unique aspects of life and ministry at Oak Crest are explored and questions are often answered.
          Church membership is a gift from our Lord Jesus Christ, not to be taken lightly.  I am so thankful to be a part of Oak Crest.  God continues to bless our church with new and potential members.  It is vital that we communicate the importance of covenant community to these new members of our family.  Mutual accountability in the church is crucial to discipleship and growth in the word of God.  Maybe you have been a member for quite a long time.  You’re invited too.  We can never be reminded too much of the biblical responsibilities and privileges of church membership.
          I recently read the following quote by Mark Dever, “In one sense, church membership begins when Christ saves us and makes us a member of his body.  Yet his work must then be given expression in an actual local church.  In that sense, church membership begins when we commit to a particular body. . .A recovered practice of careful church membership will have many benefits.  It will make the witness of our churches to non-Christians more clear.  It will make it harder for weaker sheep to stray from the fold and still call themselves sheep.  It will help shape and focus the discipleship of more mature Christians.  It will help church leaders know exactly for whom they are responsible.  In all of this, God will be glorified.”
          Our “Welcome Home Class” is such an important part of our church.  I hope you will pray for our next series of sessions set to begin on this Sunday, July 7th.  The class will meet in the sanctuary during the Sunday School hour at 9:30AM.  You are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions.  If we all have a clear understanding of our identity in Christ as the family of God, we will be better equipped to take the gospel to our friends and family.
 
In Christ, 
Blain Craig

One of my favorite parts of serving as a pastor of a local church is the opportunity to hear people’s questions about the Bible or doctrine.  I certainly don’t have all the answers to all the questions, but I love to think about the questions and search out the answers.  A lot of our questions have to do with what the Bible allows and prohibits.  For instance, just the other day I was having a conversation with a church member about tattoos.  What does the Bible say about tattoos, and is there not a specific verse forbidding them?  That is a fun discussion to me.
          The issue of tattoos falls into the same broad category as other issues relating to Christian freedom.  In other words, often our questions reflect our desire to know what we can do and what can we not do as Christians.  Is kissing allowed before marriage?  Is dancing permitted?  Should we watch this movie or read that book?  You see, the list goes on and on.  And quite honestly, sometimes the Bible allows for differences of opinion on some of these issues.  So the question remains, what is the solution to this ethical and behavioral dilemma.  I think the Bible is abundantly clear on that issue.
          Read 1 Corinthians 10: 31-33 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.”  I think these verses provide us the answers we are seeking.  We should never reduce Christianity to a list of rules and regulations, dos and don’ts.  It is about a relationship with the savior Jesus Christ.  He has radically and finally set us free from the bondage of sin and death.  Therefore our desire is not to do the minimum in obedience to him, but to have a life that totally glorifies him and makes his name great.
          So back to our illustration, should Christians get tattoos.  Well each person considering this option must ask the simple question or whether or not this action will make God’s name great or not.  Will it glorify God or not?  Will it help the lost love and embrace the gospel or not?  So whether we are talking about tattoos, dancing, movies, or whatever; the glory of God is the supreme factor in the life of the follower of Christ.  This does not mean that these question and issues are not important to talk about and discuss.  I just mean to remind us that as children of God, we have a different worldview.  Everything must be considered in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the glory of God.
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In Christ, 
Blain Craig

This is the final block devoted to the Trinity.  I hope these last few articles have caused us to think more carefully about the wonderful, glorious Trinity.  God is the one and only one God, having three eternal persons of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Another way of saying this is that God is one in essence in three distinct persons.   In hindsight, maybe to tackle the issue of the Trinity in a church newsletter was a little overambitious.  As I look over what we have concluded in these last couple of months, it is clear we haven’t even scratched the surface of the depth of this doctrine.  We have considered how God is one.  We have considered how God is three by seeing that the Father is God and the Son is God.  One person remains, the Holy Spirit.  Do we know that there is a third person of the Trinity, known as the Spirit?  Yes, the Bible is clear.  Is this one called the Spirit just another way of referring to the Father?  No, he is a third person of the Trinity?  What is the role of the Holy Spirit?  He is a helper and a comforter.
          Having an entire article devoted to the Holy Spirit is ironic in itself.  We are shining the spotlight on the Holy Spirit, and that is precisely what he never wants in Scripture.  Everywhere we read of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament he is pointing to Jesus.  He doesn’t enjoy the spotlight, rather he wants to be behind the scenes giving Jesus the spotlight.  Bruce Ware, a brilliant theologian, has said, “In creation, redemption, and consummation, he willingly accepts the role of supporter, helper, sustainer, and equipper, and in all these respects he forsakes the spotlight.”  Paul says that it is by the very power of the Spirit that the Christian is even able to acknowledge Jesus as savior and lord.  “Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says ‘Jesus is accursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.”  How do you say Jesus is your lord?  It is by the power of the Holy Spirit.  He indwells the believer and the church so that we might glorify God.  He is our comforter and help.  He is our empowerment for missions and evangelism.  He is the source of the inspiration of Scripture and source of our illumination of Scripture.  He is an indispensable member of the Trinity seeking no glory for himself, but pointing to Christ to the Glory of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.  May we follow the Spirit’s example of humility and focus on Jesus Christ to the Glory of God the Father.
 
 In Christ, 
Blain Craig

We have been thinking about the Trinity for several weeks.  We have rejected various heresies about the Trinity, while defending the biblical understanding of God.  We have said God is one in nature while having three persons.  We have seen God the Father is God, now we turn to Jesus.  Is Jesus actually God?  For a Bible believing Christian, that is almost a silly question.  Of course Jesus is God. 

Although the divinity of Jesus has been questioned by some throughout the history of the church, for the person who believes the Bible is true and authoritative, there is no question.  He is God.  The book of John is especially clear in teaching Jesus’ divinity.  John 8:56-59 is clear evidence, “‘Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.’ So the Jews said to Him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.’  Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.”  Why did they pick up stones to throw at him?  The answer is simply that he was claiming to be God.
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The greater issue for the Christian is what we can learn from Jesus’ relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit.  It is amazing to consider that Jesus is actually God, yet he “did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,” (Philippians 2: 6b).  That verse certainly does not mean that during his time on earth Jesus ceased to be God.  It does not even mean he gave up his divine attributes.  It does mean that Jesus is the perfect example of humility and submission to the will of the Father.  He who was the very creator of the universe and equal to the Father in every attribute, has eternally humbled himself in obedience to the Father.  In coming to earth, he came to save lost sinners.  He died in obedience to the will of the Father.  He was the ultimate sacrifice for sin.  The only reason his sacrifice was acceptable is that he was both God and man.  He was fully God and fully man.  He was perfect in his obedience.  He was perfect in his death.  He was perfect in his resurrection.  He is perfect now as the eternal prophet, priest, and king.
 
 
In Christ, 
Blain Craig

​Last week we examined the fact that God is one in both the Old and New Testaments.  This week we will consider the other side of the coin that God is also three distinct persons within the one God.  Our confession is this, “God is a Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each an uncreated person, one in essence, equal in power and glory.”  Therefore in addition to teaching that God is one, the Bible should also teach that God is three.  The best way to understand this truth is to examine each of the persons in turn to discover whether or not the Bible actually makes the claim of deity for the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
          This week we will consider the Father.  For everyone who believes in God, the deity of the Father is never called into question.  It would be meaningless to try to prove the deity of the Father as we will the Son and the Spirit because we believe everywhere in the Bible God is mentioned at least the Father is being referred to.  The bigger problem related to the person of the Father is to think he is more God than the Son or the Spirit.  In other words, God the Father does not have more divine attributes than any other member of the Trinity.  What he does have is a different role.  His role is unique as Father.  Jesus prays that the will of the Father would be accomplished and that the kingdom of the Father would come, (Matthew 6: 9-10).  We have another example of the “positional supremacy” of the Father in 1 Corinthians 15: 28 which says, “When all things are subjected to him (speaking of Jesus), then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.”  What does that mean?  It simply means that there is a role of authority which the Father holds over the Son and the Spirit.  That does not mean the Father is more God than the Son or the Spirit, nor does it mean that there is not perfect harmony in the Trinity.  It is not as if the Father gets two votes and the Son and the Spirit get one vote each.  No, there is no voting in the Trinity.  There is pure, unadulterated unity in all things.  This is complicated and heavy no doubt.
          The important thing for us to remember is that the Trinity is not just some mysterious part of the Christian life for theologians to debate.  The perfect relationship between the members of the Trinity is a model for us to follow.  How perfect the Father’s love is.  That should be an example for earthly fathers in their love.  How willing the Father is to shine the spotlight on the Son, and how willing the Son is to shine it back on the father.  Our God is perfect beyond our comprehension.
 
In Christ,
Blain Craig

​How do we know God is a Trinity?  Everything we know about God must be grounded in the truth of his word.  God has written us a personal love letter in the pages of Scripture.  Just as we might reveal things about ourselves in a letter to a loved one, God has revealed some things about himself in his letter to us.  God tells us he is one and he tells us that he is three.  Many would say that is a nonsensical statement.  They would say he is either one or three, he cannot be both.  The simple truth is that the Bible has clearly said God is both one and three.  Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to think about what the Bible says that helps us know God is one and three.
          God is one.  The most famous verse telling us this truth is Deuteronomy 6:4, “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!”  This verse is the clearest statement of the truth that separated Israel from all of the other nations around them.  Israel was monotheistic.  That means they not only were supposed to trust in one God, they were supposed to believe in one God.  Now, often they were guilty of breaking God’s command to believe only in him, but that doesn’t mean there are really any gods other than Yahweh, the one true and living God.  Over and over throughout the Old Testament God reminds his people that he alone is to be worshipped.   "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me.  Who is like Me? Let him proclaim and declare it; yes, let him recount it to Me in order; from the time that I established the ancient nation. And let them declare to them the things that are coming and the events that are going to take place. Do not tremble and do not be afraid; have I not long since announced it to you and declared it?  And you are My witnesses is there any God besides Me, Or is there any other Rock? I know of none.'" (Isaiah 44: 6-8).
          The New Testament does not change the fact that God is one.  James says, “You believe that God is one You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” (James 2: 19)  Even though Jesus is obviously God, and the Holy Spirit is God, never does the New Testament say, “You know, we were wrong, we thought there was one God, but now we see there are three.”  That never happens because God has always been one and will always be one.  Next week we will see from Scripture how He is three.
 
In Christ,
Blain Craig