What We Believe
Statement of Faith.
Scripture
We believe that the Bible is the true, inerrant, and inspired Word of God.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
God
We believe that God is three persons in one Being: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
Creator
We believe that in the beginning, God created all things.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
Prayer
We believe that prayer is an essential and powerful part of the Christian life.
“Pray continually.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Holy Communion
We believe that in the Lord’s Supper, we receive Christ’s body and blood with the bread and wine for the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our faith.
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 28:19)
Sin
We believe that humankind was created without sin but rebelled against God and that all people are born as sinners.
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)
Baptism
We believe that in baptism God begins or strengthens saving faith.
“Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born of water and the Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of God."” (John 3:5)
Eternal Life
We believe that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ into this world. He lived a sinless life as God in human form. He suffered the punishment for our sin by dying on the cross. We believe Jesus physically rose from the dead. We have forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Him.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
We believe that Christ is coming again to judge all people. All those who have died will be raised from the dead at the end of time. We believe that those who have truly believed in Christ will have eternal life with God. Those who do not believe will be eternally lost.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” (John 3:36)
*A ministry of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod
What Is A Lutheran?
Lutherans are named for the 16th century German Reformer, Martin Luther. Lutherans believe in Luther’s teaching of “Grace Alone,” Faith Alone,” and “Scripture Alone.” Luther re-discovered the truth of God’s Word and God’s free gift of salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, Lutherans are Bible-believing followers of Jesus who place a special emphasis upon the grace of God received by faith.
The heart of Lutheranism is GRACE -- as Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "It is by grace you are saved, through faith, not by works so that no one can boast. It is the GIFT of God.” Through God’s chosen "means” (or avenues) God freely gives His grace to believers. These "Means of Grace” are the working of the Holy Spirit and gifts from God. They are 1) God’s written Word (the Bible); 2) Holy Baptism; and 3) Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper).
Such grace is for all people for "The will of God is this, that all would be saved and come to the knowledge of truth” 1Timothy 2:4. The grace of God in Christ, received through faith, is unconditional – it can’t be earned nor is it deserved. God’s grace is for the hurting and the broken.
Lutherans strive to extend God’s love to all people. Lutherans want all people to know the same grace of God that they themselves have received. Lutherans love the Word of God as the only source of saving faith, life, and direction.
If you would like to know more about God’s GRACE and mercy through faith in Jesus, please contact Pastor Dave Benson or speak to any Lutheran Christian you know.
(Adapted from the website of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Springfield, Missouri)