OUR LIFESTYLE STATEMENT

What we practice

Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following seven practices:

  1. Bible as our sole authority.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for the doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;” 2 Tim: 3:16 (KJV)

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 reading, Bible Study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

  1. Autonomy of each local church.

"And he is the Head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Col. 1:18 (KJV)

Christ is the recognized 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. In relating to our “daughter churches”
that we sponsor, we encourage each congregation to determine its own strategy,
structure, and style.

  1. Priesthood of every believer

"And hath made us kings and priest unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." Rev. 1:6 (KJV)

'But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”  I Peter 2:9 (KJV)

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.

  1. Tithing

“And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s:  it is holy unto the Lord.” Lev. 27:30 (KJV)

At Round Oak 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.

  1. Immersion

'Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the Faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.  Col. 2:12 (KJV)

We practice baptism by immersion under water – the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.

  1. Spirit-led living

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5(KJV)

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. (Phil.2:13; Eph. 5:18 (KJV))

  1. Telling others about Christ

'But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” I Peter 3:15 (KJV)

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.