ABOUT US
VALUES
Our mission is to reach out to produce real disciples of Jesus who change the world.
The East Oakland Church of Christ church family is a group of friendly believers who truly desire to see, speak highly of, and serve the Lord. Please allow us to help you know the Lord and connect with one another.
Our congregation can be viewed as a traditional one with sound Biblical teaching and preaching, as well as acappella worship music (meaning we do not use musical instruments).
Feel free to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for information about who we are.
AM I ON THE RIGHT PATH?
Many people today are asking this question. Some may believe in God, but are not sure how to get to Him. Others may not be sure about whether God exists or not, but would like to know. Still others are simply confused when they see so many churches or faiths around them, and are not sure which one to choose. You may be feeling this way also.
We would like to help you on your journey to knowing God. Here are some resources for you to consider, courtesy of our friends at We Care Ministries.
Click on this link: What If The Lord Were To Come Right Now?
WHAT WE BELIEVE
The Scriptures Inspired. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to man, the authoritative and infallible rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason (2 Tim. 3:15‑17; 1 Peter 1:23‑25; Heb. 4:12). The scriptures are acknowledged as inspired of God, and provide Christians with all things related to life and godliness (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3; 2 Pet. 1:20-21).
The One True Godhead. The triune Godhead is comprised of three (3) separate and distinct personalities, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, who are eternally self‑existent, self‑revealed and function as one entity. Jesus Christ, who is God manifested in the flesh, is the second member of the Godhead, co‑equal and co‑eternal with The Father and The Holy Spirit.
Man, His Fall and Redemption. Man was created good and upright, for God said, "Let us make man in Our image, after Our likeness". But, man, due to being a free moral agent and by voluntary transgression, fell and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ the Son of God (Genesis 1:26‑31, 3:1‑7; Romans 5:12‑21).
The Salvation of Man.
Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. On the cross Jesus Christ became sin and sickness providing both salvation and divine healing for all mankind (Psalm 103:3), being justified freely by His Grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. For by grace we are saved through faith. "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart‑‑that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation" (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:8‑10).
The Evidence of Salvation. The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the indwelling Holy Spirit through faith and obedience (Romans 8:16; Gal 3:2-5; 1 John 3:24). The outward evidence to all men is baptism for remission of sins and a life of righteousness and true holiness. "And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us." (1 John 3:23); ... while you are waiting for these things to happen and for him to come, try hard to live without sinning; and be at peace with everyone so that he will be pleased with you when he returns (2 Peter 3:14).
Faith and Works. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and not by human works; however, our works will determine the rewards in eternity (Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Cor. 5:10; Philip. 2:12; Titus 3:5).
Baptism in Water. The ordinance of baptism by a burial in water with Christ must be observed as commanded in the Scriptures by all who have truly repented of their sins, have truly believed on Christ as Savior and Lord in their hearts, and confessed publicly with their mouths of their acknowledgment of Jesus as their Lord. In so doing, they declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and that they have also been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. They also acknowledge that, upon immersion, their past sins are forgiven and are now new creatures in Christ (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15-16; John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:1-5; 2 Cor. 5:17).
Worship Assemblies. The members of the Lord’s church, following the example of the church in the first century, shall meet every week on Sunday for exhortation, instruction, fellowship, and encouragement (Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:24-25). The acts of communion, the collection of the saints, singing without instrumental accompaniment (a cappella), prayers, and the preaching/teaching of the Word of God are essential, and follow after the pattern and doctrine of the apostles (Acts 2:42; Eph. 5:19; Heb. 13:15).
The Lord's Supper. The weekly ordinance of the Lord’s Supper, with the emblems of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, shall be observed as commanded in the Scriptures by all who have believed in Jesus as the Son of God and been baptized for remission of sins. In doing so, they recognize and remember the sacrifice of Jesus in His death, and proclaim His return. (Matt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 11:23-29).
The Government of the Church. All believers are subject to the authority that God has placed in the church. The evangelist/minister, elders/pastors, and teachers are primarily responsible for maturing, guiding and equipping the members to build up the congregation (Eph. 4:11-12). Those who are under their care are directed by the Word of God to obey and support them, for they have the rule in the church, and are responsible for their souls (Heb 13:17).
The Church. The church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in Heaven (Ephesians 1:22; 2:19‑22; Hebrews 12:23).
Total Health and/or Prosperity. The ministry of Jesus and His church addresses the basic needs of each member in the kingdom of God, as well as other individuals to whom the Lord was sent to minister (Luke 4:16).
Spiritual. John 10:10; 2 Cor. 5:17‑21.
Mental. 2 Tim. 1:7; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3.
Physical. Deut. 28:1-14; Matt. 6:25-34.
Financial. 3 John 1:2; Malachi 3:10‑11; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor. 9:6‑10; Deut. 28:1‑14.
Social. Proverbs 3:4.
Blessed Hope. Jesus is coming again to gather all His Saints to Heaven (1 Cor. 15:51‑52; 1 Thess. 4:16‑17; and 2 Thess. 2:1).
Spiritual Death and Restoration. Separation from God is possible while physically alive when those who are in Christ sin and transgress against Him. Physical death in this state may cause them to forfeit their inheritance and lose their souls (Isaiah 59:1-2; 1 John 1:6, 8, 10; Gal. 5:19-21). When those who sin against God recognize their error and are penitent, forgiveness is provided through acknowledging sins before God, who is able and willing to forgive and cleanse of all unrighteousness; as a result, they are returned to fellowship with God (James 5:16; 1 John 1:7, 9; 1 John 2:1-2).
Eternal Death and the Lake of Fire. Those who have not accepted the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and obeyed His Gospel will suffer eternal separation from the Godhead. The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life, shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. This is the second death, the lake of fire (2 Thess. 1:7-9; Rev. 19:20; 20:10‑15)
The Judging of All Mankind and the Fate of Saints. Those who experience physical death will await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, which will bring about the day of judgment where all men shall give account for everything done while alive on earth (2 Cor. 5:10). Those who die in Christ will be resurrected and be with Him forever; those saints still alive at His coming will be caught up to meet Him in the air to be forever with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:13-19).
Christian Life; Scriptural Conduct. Those who have experienced salvation by grace through faith are to live in accordance with His will, so that they may be separated from the life of sin, and that God may be glorified through holy living (Matt. 5:13-16; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:17-24).