What We Believe
Our congregation accepts and preaches the Bible as the true and inspired Word of God. Martin Luther inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century by re-affirming the truths of the Bible. The beliefs and teachings of Luther and other reformers can be summarized by three phases: Grace alone, Faith alone, and Scripture alone.
SOLA GRATIA (GRACE ALONE)
SOLA FIDE (FAITH ALONE)
SOLA SCRIPTURA (SCRIPTURE ALONE)
God created and loves the people of the world, even though we are sinful, rebel against Him and do not deserve His love. As a result of His deep love for us, God sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly.
Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life by His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time. As a result, those who hear this Good News, and believe it, have the eternal life that it offers. God creates faith in Christ and gives people forgiveness through Him.
the Bible is God's inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine.
We are a member of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. See Frequently Asked Questions
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Law and Gospel
The Bible teaches that we are separated from God when we think, say, or do things that are against His will. That's called sin. Therefore, no matter how good we try to be, no one meets God's demand that we be perfect. No one can be 'good enough' to get into heaven. That's the bad news. God's Law shows us our sin and our need for a Savior.
God saw that we had a problem and decided to do something about it. His only Son, Jesus Christ, became a man and perfectly followed God's will. He, then, allowed Himself to be crucified. He died and was buried. On the third day He rose from the dead! The Bible tells us that Jesus took our punishment for sin, and gave us the free gift of eternal life. We are perfect - not because of our own actions, but because the blood of Jesus continually washes us clean. The Gospel and Good News is that we are saved by the grace of through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son.
God saw that we had a problem and decided to do something about it. His only Son, Jesus Christ, became a man and perfectly followed God's will. He, then, allowed Himself to be crucified. He died and was buried. On the third day He rose from the dead! The Bible tells us that Jesus took our punishment for sin, and gave us the free gift of eternal life. We are perfect - not because of our own actions, but because the blood of Jesus continually washes us clean. The Gospel and Good News is that we are saved by the grace of through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son.
Who is God?
The Creeds
As Lutherans, we believe and teach the divine mystery that God is Three in One, that is - Triune. Three distinct persons: First, the FATHER, creator of all that exists. Second, Jesus Christ, the SON, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all humanity and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and the Devil. Lastly, the HOLY SPIRIT, who creates faith through God's Word and Sacraments. The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal. Together, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are ONE God.
A 'creed' is a statement of beliefs. The Lutheran Church joins most other Christian churches in confessing the truth of the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. Further statements of belief are found in the Book of Concord, which is a collection of writings that are in agreement with the teachings of the Bible.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the applying of water (by pouring, sprinkling, immersion, etc.) in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is not just the application of water only. However, it is water connected with the command and the Word of God.
Because of this connection, Baptism is a 'washing of regeneration' (Titus 3:5), or "being born again" (John 3:3-8). Through Baptism, the Holy Spirit brings forgiveness of sins, faith in Jesus Christ, and eternal salvation (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is not something we do for God; it is something God does for us. We encourage Baptism for infants, all children, and adults.
Because of this connection, Baptism is a 'washing of regeneration' (Titus 3:5), or "being born again" (John 3:3-8). Through Baptism, the Holy Spirit brings forgiveness of sins, faith in Jesus Christ, and eternal salvation (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is not something we do for God; it is something God does for us. We encourage Baptism for infants, all children, and adults.
The Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper (or Holy Communion) is the means by which we receive Christ's Body, given for us, and Christ's Blood, shed for us, for the forgiveness of our sins through consuming bread and wine. We believe Jesus' true Body and Blood are present in, with, and under the bread and the wine, just as Jesus said (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-26). The Lord's Supper connects us directly to the life-giving Body and Blood of Jesus, and the saving work of Jesus on the cross. Because of the precious and powerful nature of this gift of God, we ask that those who have not yet received instruction in the Lutheran church to please speak with a pastor before receiving the Lord's Supper.