OUR BELIEFS

Our teachings will give you much more information. We appreciate your interest in growing in the things of the Lord!

Scripture

We believe the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, is inspired and empowered by God, infallible, and our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. It is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

We believe that the Scriptures do not simply contain the Word of God but are the very Words of God, inherently possessing His life and authority. They bring faith, revelation, and healing to those who choose to receive them (Matthew 4:4; Matthew 22:31; Romans 1:17; Romans 15:4; 2 Corinthians 4:13; Hebrews 10:7; Proverbs 4:20–22).

God

We believe in one true and eternal God, one in essence, nature, and attributes, who eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (1 John 5:7).

Jesus

We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life on earth, demonstrated the authority and power of God in works and speech, died on the cross at Calvary shedding His blood for the forgiveness of our sins, rose from the dead on the third day, and is now seated at the right hand of God, having accomplished all that is necessary for the salvation of mankind.

We do not accept the doctrine that He is merely “a” way to the Father but believe He is the only way through which we can receive righteousness, regeneration, sanctification, and glorification. He is, in fact, our salvation (1 Corinthians 1:30–31).

Salvation

We believe it is essential for mankind to repent of sin and, by faith, receive the finished work of Jesus Christ by confessing with one’s mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in one’s heart that God raised Him from the dead. This results in salvation and regeneration by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:20–21; Romans 10:9–13; John 3:5–6).

We believe salvation is offered to all mankind by God’s grace but is only effectual for those who believe (Ephesians 1:13). We reject the doctrines of universalism, ultimate reconciliation, and inclusionism.

Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and is God, coequal with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3–4; Acts 28:25–26; 1 Corinthians 12:4–6; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

We believe the Holy Spirit continues the work He began at Pentecost, empowering believers to live godly lives and continue the works of Jesus. We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, expressed through speaking in tongues (Acts 1:8; 2:4; 9:17; 10:44–46; 11:15–16; 19:6). This baptism is distinct from the new birth and can be received by faith (Galatians 3:2).

We believe that spiritual gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit are available and active today for the common good and the building up of others (1 Corinthians 12:7). We do not accept the doctrine that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased.

The Second Coming of Christ and the Resurrection

We believe in a literal, physical, second return of the Lord Jesus Christ, a future event that did not occur in A.D. 70 (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:16–17; Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7).

We believe Jesus’ return is imminent. Upon His return, those who have believed in Him will be resurrected to a heavenly dwelling in an incorruptible body, and those who do not believe will join Satan and his host in everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; 1 Corinthians 15).

We believe that hell, as described in Scripture, is a literal, eternal destination for all who reject the gift of salvation (Luke 12:5; 2 Peter 2:4–9).

The Church

We believe the true Church is comprised of all born-again believers who have received salvation through Jesus Christ, regardless of denominational affiliation (Ephesians 1:22–23).

All born-again believers are commissioned to share and proclaim the complete Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world (Matthew 28:16–20). We also encourage fellowship with a local church (Hebrews 10:25).

Healing

We believe the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross has provided healing for the human body (Matthew 8:16–17; Isaiah 53:4; 1 Peter 2:24). It is God’s will for everyone who is sick or diseased to receive bodily healing by faith.

Marriage, Gender Identity, and Sexual Relations

We believe God instituted marriage between a male and a female as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society (Genesis 2:24).

Therefore, Oak Life Ministries will only sanction or conduct marriages between one man and one woman, as biologically designated at birth. God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity occur outside the context of marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 19:5; 26:8–11; Leviticus 18:1–30; Romans 1:26–29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8; Hebrews 13:4).

God created each person as male or female, and these two distinct, complementary genders reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26–27). We reject the notion that other genders exist or that a person can become a gender other than that biologically designated at birth.

Sanctity of Life

We believe unique human life bearing the image of God begins at the moment of conception. God alone is the Author of life and numbers our days from conception until natural death.

All human life is sacred, and every person possesses a God-given, inalienable right to life. The Church must defend, protect, and value the weak, vulnerable, infirm, handicapped, elderly, and pre-born (Psalm 39:4; 127:3; 71:6; 139:14–16; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:44; 1 Corinthians 11:12; Job 14:5–7; Galatians 1:5).