Our church is a member of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. With the universal Christian Church, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod teaches and responds to the love of the Triune God: the Father, creator of all that exists; Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satan; and the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God’s Word and Sacraments. The three person of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal, on God.
Our congregation accepts and preaches the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century. The teachings of Luther and the reformers can be summarized in three phrases: Grace along, Faith, Scripture alone.
SOLA GRATIA – Grace Alone
God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful, rebel against Him and do not deserve His love. He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9-ESV)
SOLA FIDE – 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.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1-ESV)
SOLA SCRIPTURA – Scripture Alone
The Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17-ESV)
The Lord’s Supper is celebrated on the first and third Sundays of the month. We confess it is the body and blood of Jesus, as He promised, given and shed for the forgiveness of our sins. In accord with the mandate of our Lord, and the teaching of the Apostles, we know that examination is part of this sacrament. Therefore we practice closed communion. If you would like partake of this sacrament with us, talk with Pastor before service. If you would like to learn more about what we confess in the Lord’s Supper, please talk with an elder or the Pastor.
Our church holds to the Lutheran Confessions. You can find these online at:
http://www.lcms.org/page.aspx?pid=414
A great reference of our beliefs can be found in a series of pamphlets called the “What About?” Series. These pamphlets were written by former Synod President Rev. Dr. A.L. Barry. In plain language, they address doctrinal topics, moral issues, and concerns in the church to help Christians grow in their understanding of these important questions. You can find these online at:
http://www.lcms.org/belief-and-practice
If you have any questions, please contact our church by phone or by using the “Contact Us” form on our website.