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. (Gen. 1:1, 26-27; 3:22; Ps. 90:2; Matt. 28:19; 1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Cor. 13:14) We believe in the Triune God - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We acknowledge one God in these three persons. We believe that God the Father created the universe. More than that, He created us and continues to provide for and protect His creation. About Jesus Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the 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 someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Matt. 1:22-23; Isa. 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Heb. 4:14-15; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Rom. 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Tim. 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)

We believe that Jesus Christ is God's only Son - true God and true Man. Jesus lived a perfect life, took the punishment we deserved for our sin and died for us on the cross, rose again on Easter, and lives and rules in heaven.

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 his/her baptism and faith. 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. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. (2 Cor. 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:12; 3:16; Eph. 1:13; Gal. 5:25; Eph. 5:18)

We believe that the Holy Spirit changes lives, brings people to faith and keeps them in faith, and is alive and active through the Word and the Sacraments.

ABOUT THE BIBLE

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 1:13; 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21)

ABOUT US

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. We also believe, as the Scripture says, that all of us are sinful people. We cannot earn or achieve our forgiveness or salvation. We are solely dependent on God for a saving relationship. By faith in Jesus Christ we have forgiveness of sin, life with God now, and the promise of life with Him forever in heaven. (Gen. 1:27; Ps. 8:3-6; Isa. 53:6a; Rom. 3:23; Isa. 59:1-2)

ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is God’s free gift to us through faith in Jesus Christ. We can never make up for our sin by selfimprovement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ does God offer forgiveness from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment faith begins in one’s life. (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9; John 1:12; 14:6; Titus 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. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; 14:17; Rom. 6:23; 8:17-18; 1 Cor. 2:7-9; Rev. 20:15)

ABOUT THE SACRAMENTS

We believe that God uses a "delivery system" to bring His kindess and love to us. Besides the spoken and written Word of God, God comes to us in Baptism and Holy Communion. We believe that through the waters of Baptism, God forgives us our sin and adopts us as His own. Through Baptism, God gives the gift of new life. We affirm the baptism of infants. We believe that in Holy Communion Jesus is really present with His body and blood in the bread and wine. In Holy Communion Jesus brings us forgiveness of sin and the promise of life and salvation. (Rom. 6:1-11; I Cor. 11:17-34; Matt. 26:26-29; John 6:48-58)

ABOUT THE CHURCH

We believe that the church is not a building but people joined together by God around His Word and Sacraments. We are passionate about the mission God has given us to bring His love and message to all people. We are committed to share the message of Jesus Christ with those not yet connected to Him so that they will know Him. We are dedicated in discipling people so that they will know more about Jesus, serve Him more effectively, and join us more fervently in that mission. (Rom. 12)

Core Tenets of Lutheran Christianity

Grace Alone

God loves the people of the world even though our sin separates us from Him. He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly.

Faith alone

By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for them. 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.

Scripture Alone

The Bible is God's inspired Word through which He speaks to us and reveals Himself, His love, and His desire for us.