About Oakwood Chapel Church of Christ
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Oakwood Chapel Church of Christ is a multigenerational church that exists to help people find and follow God. We seek to provide a safe place for people of all walks of life to experience true life-change through authentic, biblical community with God. Regardless of your story, your doubts, or your struggles,you are welcome at Oakwood Chapel Church of Christ in Norfolk, Virginia. So come as you are. We can't wait for you to visit and to welcome you home. We believe that the Holy Spirit dwells in all believers, and through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, a distinct experience from salvation, believers are empowered for Christian service, and gifted for this service.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
About The Holy Spirit: We believe the Holy Spirit dwells within all believers, empowering our lives with his presence and power to live a godly life and accomplish God's will. (John 16:5-15; Romans 8:10-11; 1 Cor. 3:16)
About Separation of Church and State: We believe that each local church is self-governing, and must be free from interference by any external ecclesiastical or political authority; that every human being is ultimately responsible to God in matters of faith and life; and that each person is free to worship God according to the dictates of his/her conscience. We further believe that governments are established by God; that Christians, as good citizens, should be subject to governing authorities insofar as possible, recognizing our greater allegiance to God and His kingdom in matters wherein human authorities conflict with clear, biblical mandates.