On the evening of Wednesday, November 13, Olivet University Riverside’s main campus hosted guest preacher Pastor Kevin Watson during the Chapel service. His inspiring message, titled “Holiness," drew from Isaiah 6:1-8 and urged attendees to reflect on the majesty and purity of God, calling them to revere and pursue a life set apart for Him.
Pastor Watson, the senior pastor of Living Hope Christian Fellowship in Anza, has been serving the Anza community since 2008. Under his leadership, Living Hope has flourished, embracing global missions while actively supporting the local community. With a heart for outreach, Pastor Watson has fostered a ministry that emphasizes both spiritual growth and practical support.
In his message, Pastor Watson described God's holiness as an intense, unapproachable brilliance, akin to the blazing sun. He emphasized that God’s holiness transcends human comprehension and is the very core of His nature. Reminding believers that holiness is not just an attribute but the essence of God Himself, Pastor Watson called on Olivet students to approach God with reverence and to seek purity in their lives.
He shared personal reflections on his love for Jesus and his gratitude for the divine path that led him to marriage. Reflecting on his early prayers for Living Hope Anza before it was even established, he expressed his joy in witnessing how God has used the church to fulfill His mission. Drawing from Scripture, he stressed the importance of living a life consecrated to God’s holiness.
Pastor Watson explained that believers are made holy through Christ’s redemptive work and can stand confidently in God’s presence. Holiness, he said, is both the identity and responsibility of Christians. Citing 1 Peter, he urged believers to resist sin, remain set apart from the world, and reflect God’s holy character. He reminded students of their calling to be "salt and light" in the world, embodying Christ’s holiness and glory.
In closing, Pastor Watson shared stories from his mission work in Nepal, India, and local outreach, testifying to the transformative power of God's love and holiness. He encouraged students to consecrate their lives to God, letting go of worldly distractions to follow Jesus with wholehearted devotion. He prayed for the Holy Spirit to renew their hearts, deepening their faith and desire to walk in God's holy light. After the sermon, the congregation gathered in prayer for Pastor Watson and his wife, Cindy, asking for blessings on their family and ministry.
Every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., the Olivet students, faculty, and staff gather in the campus chapel for worship. These services feature sermons from faculty members and guest preachers. From November through January, pastors from churches in Anza are invited to share God’s word during the Wednesday Chapel, fostering fellowship in Christ and strengthening the community’s shared mission and faith.