September Edition 2025

Hold on to Your Crown

by J. Smith
September has been a month of life changing proportions. Going into it, we never imagined how it would play out. Usually, it is a month full of storm worries and preparations, and yet, this month has been strangely calm by God's mercy and grace - at least weather-wise.
   However, another storm was brewing the second week in September. A spiritual battle storm that would reveal itself before a nation and the world.
    The demise of Mr. Charlie Kirk came abruptly causing shock and heartache to many- especially to those in the Christian community. Mr. Kirk was in the adversary's sight - the adversary who goes about like a roaring lion (I Peter 5:8). Why? One reason was because he was bold for Christ Jesus, and he encouraged others to be as well. Satan cannot stand that.
   Since Mr. Kirk's untimely passing, his faithful witness for his Savior has only been broadcast all the more. And like a young Egyptian statesman told his guilt sick, shepherd brothers - what you meant for evil God meant for good. That statesman was Joseph, Jacob's son. So, as in Joseph's case, it has been seen these past few weeks what was born out of evil and hate only caused the gospel and the life changing effects of Christ in one's life to be all the more proclaimed.
   Even after watching the memorial Sunday, Bro. Chip admitted he's never heard so many political figures proclaim Christ Jesus. And only by being filled with God's Holy Spirit could a grieving widow, Mrs. Kirk, have the strength to speak before myriads of souls and declare Jesus Christ who forgives, and because of His forgiveness, she could forgive the man who assassinated her husband. That was the Lord in His people on display for a viewing world to see.
   Are we living so closely to our Lord Jesus that we think like He wants when the tragedies of life are allowed to strike? (Even in Job we see that satan claimed Job's devotion was merely store bought but bring agony and he would curse and abandon God. God knew the character of Job, and that His man's faith was genuine and would prove satan wrong.)
   The days are short. Evil men will grow worse and worse according to scripture.  Jesus exhorts us to know He is coming soon and let no one detour you and take your crown by wrong teaching or lethargy for Him. (Rev. 3:11)
   Let us repent, believe and live for the Lord who died to save us from an eternity of torment meant for the devil, and may we be found faithful to hear Him say to us, "Well done good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matt. 25.23).

Business Meeting @ A Glance

The September business meeting had...
Old Business: The benevolence has been cleaned.
New Business: Nominatons for Deacons- have at least 3 men nominated. Vote will take Sunday morning, Sept. 28.

SRBA Annual Meeting - Oct 19 - need 5 church messengers. There will be no PM service that night. The even will be held at Cora Baptist in Jay FL. Messengers to represent Olivet: Bro. Chip and Janet F., Tim and Susan T., Shirley P.,  and alternate Keith T., Motion to accept these names to be messengers for Olivet made by Mike W., 2nd by Charles G., Motion approved.

Committee Changes- Donna C. announced for Security Team, that Scott R. had stepped down from his positions. Keith T. agreed to join the committee and now just needs to be approved by the nominating committee.

Also, Ed W. is nominated as an Assistant Treasurer. Motion to approve him for the position if the Nominating Committee agrees - Mike W. 2nd Shirley P. Motion approved.

Being no other business, the meeting came to an end.

Announcements:

Ladies Morning Out - Oct. 14, 10:30AM
Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.)
Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM
Church Council: Oct. 13, 11:30AM
Deacon Meeting: Oct 14, 6PM
Business Meeting: Oct. 15, 6PM
Food Pantry: Prep Day - Oct. 23 at 9:30AM & Distribution Oct 25, 9- 11AM

Prayer Needs:

*God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders
* God's protection on our military.
*God's Mercy and protection on Israel
*Salvation Awakening at home and abroad.