Have you ever felt that there must be more to life than what you're getting? Are you tired of the race to get ahead, feeling lonely or that life has no purpose? Many people wander through life unhappy and unfulfilled wondering "Is this all there is?" Well, the answer to that question is "no, that is not all there is!"
God has a purpose for your life - that purpose is that you have eternal life with Jesus in heaven. Romans 6:23 in the New Testament of the Bible says, "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." God also wants you to live a full and meaningful life right now - "I have came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
God's purpose for your life if fulfilled by His love through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."
You cannot enter heaven and receive eternal life without the forgiveness of your sins. God is holy and cannot abide the presence of sin. Romans 3:23 says "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." So how do you receive this forgiveness? By turning away from your sins and trusting in Jesus Christ. In Romans 10:9 it says, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Can your life have meaning? Yes, in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you have to go through life lonely? No, Jesus said, "I will be with you always." Can you receive eternal life? Yes, by admitting to God that you are a sinner, turning away from a sinful life, and asking Jesus to forgive you and have control in your life.
The answers are up to you. God is always waiting to hear you. You can receive this free gift of salvation right now, where you are, simply by praying a prayer something like this:
"Dear God, I know that Jesus is your Son, and that He died on the cross and was raised from the dead. I know I have sinned and need forgiveness. I am willing to turn from my sins and receive Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus' name. Amen."
By praying this prayer sincerely, you can be sure that Jesus has heard you and forgiven you. If you would like to talk to someone about this decision please contact one of the ministerial staff.
At the close of each worship service, there is a response time. At this time we look expectantly for people who may come forward to indicate their desire to join the church family:
Prior to joining Oakmont, we ask interested persons to attend the Oakmont 101 class where they will learn more about participation in the Oakmont community of faith.
Individuals may join Oakmont as a full, resident member, either by professing faith in Christ and subsequent baptism, by coming for believer's baptism by immersion, or transfer of your letter of membership from another Baptist church or church from a sister denomination where the person has experienced believe's baptism. Based on our membership policies set from the beginning of Oakmont's formation, our church will receive individuals who received baptism as a believer without regard to the mode - whether it was by immersion, sprinkling, or pouring.
Those persons who come forward will be introduced to the congregation and will be welcomed as new members. Members are not voted upon by our church because we believe it is God's church, and He alone calls persons into our place of service and worship. Our responsibility is simply to welcome them with open hearts, and support them prayerfully as they are assimilated into the ministry of our church family. New members will be asked to sign the church membership roll on that Sunday and join over 2,000 persons who have invested their life in Oakmont during the last 45 years.
We take very seriously the whole matter of membership in the church. It is a deeply significant decision, and we do not encourage people to make it casually, without knowing something of the character and spirit of Oakmont Baptist Church.
The pastor and other ministers welcome meeting with you to answer your specific questions about becoming a part of Oakmont.
The next sessions of Oakmont will be offered in the Fall of 2009.
Prior to joining Oakmont, we ask that persons attend a new member class led by the Pastor and staff called Oakmont 101.
This class will help new people who have come to Oakmont understand the beginnings and history of the church. It will also discuss Baptist history, organization, beliefs, and how we incorporate these Baptist traditions into the unique life of our church's ministry. We'll also look at some of the ways we are similar and yet different from other Christian denominations. You'll also have a chance to take a Spiritual Gifts Inventory, understand how God has gifted you to serve Him for the good of the community and world, and discover those places where God may be calling you to collaborate with Him in His work.
Oakmont 101 is offered three to four times each year, either on consecutive Sundays from 3:30 - 6:30 pm, or during the week of our Vacation Bible School usually in mid June of each year Sunday through Wednesday evenings from 6:15 - 8:15.