Oak Tree Church :: Ordinary People Worshipping an Extraordinary God

About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ if the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
(Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30: Hebrews 4:14, 15; I Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13)

About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. (II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16: Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)

About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21; II Timothy 1:13; Pslam 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)

About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s Creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
(Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2)

About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into their life by faith.
(Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:89,9; John 4:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5)

About Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose it”. Salvation is maintained by Grace and power of God, not by self-effort or the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. (John 10:29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10,14: I Peter 1:3-5)

About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
(John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18;
Revelation 20:15; I Corinthians 2:7-9)

Bible as our Sole Authority
Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe. (II Timothy 3:15)

Autonomy of Each Local Church
Christ is recognized as head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.

Priesthood of Every Believer
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading. (Revelation 1:6 & I Peter 2:9)

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Tithing
At Oak Tree Church we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s body, the church, as God Commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving. (Leviticus 27:30)

Immersion
We practice baptism by immersion under water – the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands. (Colossians 2:12)

Spirit-Led Living
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (John 15:5; Phillipians 2:13; Ephesians 5:18

Telling Others About Christ
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church. (I Peter 3:15)