OUR STAFF
Senior Pastor: John Carlson
John is the founding pastor of OVC. He has been a pastor for 31years. John began his first ministry staff position when he was 20 years old in 1978 at Village Bible Church in Garden Grove, CA. He started with College/Singles ministry, then Jr High through Singles. He also served as Music Director and eventually as Interim Senior Pastor for almost 2 years. John and his family moved to Santa Clara, CA where he helped to plant Bay Horizons Church, where he served as the Outreach Pastor and eventually serving as the Music Director for a short time. They moved to Hemet, CA where in 1998, with two other families, they started OVC in their living room. He and his wife Mary have been married for 29years, and they have 3 adult children. John is a graduate of Biola University.
Pastoral Intern / Children's Director: Geoffrey Shultz
Geoffrey is a graduate of Biola University, and a student at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He and His Wife Melody have been married for 7 years, and have 3 young children.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
About God: God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. References:
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; and 2 Corinthians 13:14.
About Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again some day to earth as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. References:
Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; and Titus 2:13.
About the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. References:
1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:13-14, 5:18; and Galatians 5:25.
About the Bible: The Bible, composed of 66 books, is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the inspiration (supernatural guidance) of the Holy Spirit. It is our supreme source of authority and truth for belief and life. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any error in the original manuscripts. References:
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; and Proverbs 30:5.
About Human Beings: People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, when Adam disobeyed God he became spiritually dead and all men sinned in him. Man is sinner both by nature and by personal acts of sin. His heart is deceitful and he is unable by himself to please God. References:
Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6, 51:5; Isaiah 53:6, 59:1-2; Romans 3:23, 5:12-21; 1 John 1:10; and Jeremiah 17:9.
About Salvation: Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it! We can never make up for our sin by “self-improvement” or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. References:
Romans 5:1, 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12, 14:6; Titus 3:5; and Galatians 3:26.
About Eternal Security: Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. References:
John 10:28-29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; and 1 Peter 1:3-5.
About Eternity: People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation in Christ. To be eternally separated from God is death. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. References:
Matthew 25:41; John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Galatians 6:8; and Revelation 20:15.
About Satan: Satan is a created being and a fallen angel. He is the enemy of God and the believer. He was defeated by Jesus Christ on the cross. References:
Ezekiel 28:13-15; Hebrews 2:14; and 1 John 3:8.
About the Last Days: The returning of Jesus could be at any time. When He does return, He will come for His Church, and those who have believed and physically died, will be resurrected. He will return visibly and personally at His second coming with His saints (true believers) to judge the nations and establish His kingdom on earth. After the “Millennium” (the thousand year reign of Christ on earth), God will bring believers into a new heaven and unbelievers into eternal punishment in hell. References:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:31-46; and Revelation 20:4-6, 10, 15.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; and Proverbs 30:5.
CORE VALUES
• We believe that anointed teaching is the catalyst for transformation in individuals’ lives and in the church.
• We believe that lost people matter to God, and therefore, ought to matter to the church.
• We believe that the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure.
• We believe that Christ followers should manifest authenticity and yearn for continuous growth.
• We believe that the church should operate as a unified community of servants stewarding their spiritual gifts.
• We believe that loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life.
• We believe that life-change happens best in small groups.
• We believe that excellence honors God and inspires people.
• We believe that churches should be led by those with leadership gifts.
• We believe that full devotion to Christ and His cause is normal for every believer.
STEPS TO PEACE WITH GOD
Step 1: GOD'S PURPOSE: PEACE AND LIFE
God loves you and wants you to experience peace and life—abundant and eternal.
The Bible says ...
Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (NASB)
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (NASB)
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (NASB)
Why don't most people have this peace and abundant life that God planned for us to have?
Step 2: THE PROBLEM: OUR SEPARATION
God created us in His own image to have an abundant life. He did not make us as robots to automatically love and obey Him. God gave us a will and a freedom of choice.
We chose to disobey God and go our own willful way. We still make this choice today. This results in separation from God.
The Bible says ...
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (NASB)
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NASB)
Our Attempts to Reach God
People have tried in many ways to bridge this gap between themselves and God ...
The Bible says ...
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way {which seems} right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (NASB)
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. (NASB)
No bridge reaches God ... except one.
Step 3: GOD'S BRIDGE: THE CROSS
Jesus Christ died on the Cross and rose from the grave. He paid the penalty for our sin and bridged the gap between God and people.
The Bible says ...
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, {and} one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (NASB)
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; (NASB)
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (NASB)
God has provided the only way. Each person must make a choice.
Step 4: OUR RESPONSE: RECEIVE CHRIST
We must trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receive Him by personal invitation.
The Bible says ...
Acts 16:31 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." (NASB)
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, {even} to those who believe in His name, (NASB)
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus {as} Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;Where are you? (NASB)
Will you receive Jesus Christ right now?
Here is how you can receive Christ:
1. Admit your need (I am a sinner).
2. Be willing to turn from your sins (repent). 3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave.
4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit.
(Receive Him as Lord and Savior.)
SAMPLE PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Thank You for hearing my prayer. I know that I am a sinner and deserve judgment. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I believe that You did that for me, and that You rose again. Please come in to me, save me and make me Your child. I give You my life. Please help me to live according to Your will, and to grow to know You better. In Jesus' name, Amen.
If you prayed to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please contact us at Oasis Valley Church by e-mail salvation@oasisvalleychurch.com
or better yet, come next Sunday and see us. Either way we would like to send some free materials to help you as you begin your new life with Jesus Christ.
