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A Word From Our Elders
September is one of those transition months. Summer begins to fade, school is underway, and familiar routines return. Most of us appreciate that steady weekly rhythm. God has woven rhythm into creation: seasons come and go, days follow nights, our hearts beat, and our lungs draw breath. Yet there is also a rhythm to spiritual life, and this is often where consistency proves most difficult!
If our physical hearts and lungs depended entirely on our conscious effort, we would not have survived the first day outside the womb. In a far greater way, spiritual life cannot begin or continue by our strength alone.
God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10)
By His Spirit, He called us to Himself, washed us, clothed us in Christ’s righteousness, and promised to bring us safely to glory. (Rom 8)
Considering all that God has done, is doing, and will do for His people, is there anything we should be doing? Scripture answers: absolutely! My heart doctor tells me that although my heart beats without conscious effort, I still need cardio exercise to strengthen it. My lung doctor tells me much the same about my lungs. When I look honestly at my exercise routine, I should not be surprised when my heart and lungs are not functioning at full capacity these days! The same principle applies to the spiritual heart and soul.
The ordinary habits of Christian life certainly do not keep us saved or earn God’s favor. They are means through which the Spirit strengthens those Christ has already made His own. We need the Word, prayer, gathered worship, the Lord’s Supper, and the fellowship of the saints. One of the great dangers of the Christian life is not always that we openly reject Christ, but that we slowly allow the noise and pleasures of ordinary life to crowd our blessed Bridegroom from our attention.
Do you ever go to worship without truly listening, and then walk through the week without responding in obedience? Do you ever pass the place where you pray and think, “Maybe tomorrow”? Do you see your Bible on the desk and tell yourself, “I’m too tired; I’ll read it later”? In Scripture, the living God speaks to us through His written Word. When we pray, we come to a Father who never leaves or forsakes us, who knows our hearts completely, and who answers every need with perfect wisdom.
James warns that we often do not have because we do not ask—and that even our asking can be corrupted by wrong desires (James 4:2–3). That is what happens when we live outside the will of God revealed in His Word. Sin deceives and hardens the heart; therefore, Scripture tells us to guard it. Hold fast your confession that Christ is Savior, Lord, and King, dear brother and sister. By the Spirit, be killing sin through daily repentance and setting guards at the door of your heart.
Draw near to God through Christ, our great High Priest, Mediator, and Bridegroom, who loves us and gave His life as a ransom for our sins. His mercies are new every morning, and His grace is sufficient for each day. We must respond while it is still called “today.” Pray for me, as I pray for you, that neither of us would put off what may appear to be the “plain ol manna” today. Once we taste and see today, we find that God’s Word is sweeter than honey and more precious than gold. May He Bless and Keep You each day this month! Bro Tony
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- Regulative Principle of Worship
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- Expository, Christ-Centered Preaching
- Congregational and Christ-Centered Singing
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Statement of Faith
What We Teach
From the time of the Apostles to today, Christians have laid out doctrine (beliefs) in brief, definitive statements. As those who know God, we believe it necessary to set forth in a concise fashion the cornerstone truths that our church teaches as guided by Scripture. Our Doctrinal Statement summarizes essential Christian beliefs, shows unity in Christ, and affirms our belief in the Christian truths which have been held by the church throughout the ages and particularly since the Protestant reformation, including believer’s baptism, and congregational polity (government).
The Freeness of Salvation
We teach that the blessings of salvation are freely offered to all by the gospel, that it is the immediate duty of all to accept the gospel with a glad, obedient faith and Godly sorrow, and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth other than his own inherent depravity (sinfulness) by which he refuses to listen and suppresses the truth in unrighteousness thereby rejecting the gospel which makes him wholly responsible for his just condemnation.
Grace in Regeneration
We teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again. This results in the mind being spiritually and savingly enlightened to understand the Word of God which is accomplished in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit and the divine truth of the Word of God. This is done in a way that brings about voluntary obedience and faith which is evidenced by fruits worthy of repentance as demonstrated in righteous attitudes and conduct.
Faith and Repentance
We teach that faith and repentance are required by Scripture and inseparably linked graces that are granted to us as a gift by the regenerating Spirit of God that deeply convince us of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ. We then turn to God with true repentance, confession of sin, and pleas for mercy while whole heartedly receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all sufficient Savior.
Adam Fitzgerald
Primary Preaching and Teaching Elder
THE CHURCH
We are a church that believes in Jesus & loves God and His people
Adam joined the elders at Oak Grove Baptist Church in August of 2022. Prior to that, he served as the Associate Pastor at Sardis Baptist Church in Swansea, SC. Before entering full-time ministry, he taught social studies and coached football in both the Bismarck and Sheridan public school districts.
Adam grew up just outside of El Dorado, AR, graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, and eventually went on to complete both a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Arts in Religion/Biblical Studies from Liberty University Online.
He and his wife Kelly have three children (AJ, Eddie, and Halle), and they all enjoy spending time doing anything outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing, gardening, hiking, or working with the dogs or horses. They are always up for an adventure and see the greatest adventure of all as having their lives spent in service to the savior.