Why do you have a section about your “beliefs?”
In this case it's important to define the word “belief.” Sometimes the word “belief” can be equated with “opinion.”
But in this context, we are not talking about opinions. Rather, we use the word “belief” to mean a public profession of what God says in the Bible. We do this because Jesus himself commanded us to “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:16-17). God commands us to teach and proclaim his truths to everyone.
Therefore as you look through the beliefs professed on this website, they will be accompanied by Bible references. These beliefs aren't just our opinions. These are truths that God expresses clearly in the Bible. That is what makes them worth sharing.
Statements of Belief
We encourage you to spend some time perusing our detailed statements of beliefs that can be found here. We have also included in our section on beliefs the three ecumenical Creeds (Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed), which we use regularly to confess our faith during our worship services.
We use these ancient Creeds still today because the truth of God never changes. The truths of God confessed by Christians in the 3rd century AD are every bit as true today. These Creeds are not considered superior to or equal to the Holy Scriptures. Rather, they are held subject to the Holy Scriptures.
Much time and thought went into the words used in these Creeds, and since they accurately summarize and outline the truths of the Bible, we need not change them. And as we speak these Creeds in our worship services, we unite our voices to proclaim God's truths not just with those present in the room, but with Christians everywhere across the ages.
If you have any questions about our beliefs, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Also, we invite you to visit us in person to learn more about our beliefs. We offer Sunday worship and many opportunities to study the Bible throughout the week. Everyone is always welcome!
Lutherans and the Bible
Nearly 500 years ago, the Christian church was corrupted by many false teachings. A man named Martin Luther led people back to the teachings of the Bible. His work, and that of his friends, is called the Reformation. Through Luther God restored the church to purity of doctrine and a new life of faith in Christ. The doctrines of the Lutheran Church are not new. They are the teachings of the Bible. Thus the Lutheran Church is not a new church. It is a church whose teaching is based on the words written by the prophets of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New Testament. The Bible tells us about Jesus Christ. The teachings of the Lutheran Church are those of the original, ancient church of the apostles and early Christians.
What is meant by a Triune God or the Trinity?
No where in the Bible will you be able to find the word triune or trinity. These are words created by theologians to describe how God reveals himself in the Bible.
God is very clear in the Bible that there is only one God. He is also very clear that the one God is also three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Scripture clearly identifies all three as separate and distinct persons and all as True God.
We as humans are not able to rationalize how a single God can have three distict persons and still be just one God. But, this is what Scripture teaches and this is what we confess and believe. We as Christians can never fully comprehend the Trinity. But, we know it is true because God has assured us that it is true.
For a fuller discussion of the topic of the Trinity with Bible references that clearly state these principles, please click here.