We are forgiven sinners who are united together through faith in Jesus Christ. We believe the Bible is the inerrant, infallible, and inspired Word of God. It is our authority, both in what we believe, and in how we live. We accept the historic Lutheran confessions as an accurate exposition of God’s Word. The central message of the Bible is God’s action to redeem us through the perfect life, death, and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. For this reason, the central focus of our worship and teaching is Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. Since our founding in 1963, we have been a member congregation of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations.
Confession of Faith
From our constitution:
1: This congregation believes and confesses that the Holy Scriptures, that is, the Canonical Books of the Old and New Testaments, are the Word of God, revealed for the salvation of man, and hence the only source and rule of faith, doctrine, and life.
2: This congregation receives and adheres to the Apostolic, the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds, and especially to the unaltered Augsburg Confession and Luther’s Small Catechism; nothing contrary to these confessions shall be taught in the congregation, either in preaching or in the instruction of children and youth.
3: This congregation subscribes to the Fundamental Principles of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations.
Summary of Doctrine
God
There is one God in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each of the three persons are of the same essence and power.
Sin
All humans are conceived with original sin and are guilty before God. We lack a natural fear, love, and trust for God. Therefore, we also commit actual sins of thought, word, and deed.
The Son of God
The eternally pre-existent Son of God assumed human flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus Christ is fully divine and fully human (one person, two natures). He suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried to reconcile God and man. He also descended into hell, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. He presently reigns over all creation. He will come again to raise all the dead and judge all mankind.
Justification
This is the article upon which the Church stands or falls:
“People cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works. People are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake. By his death, Christ made satisfaction for our sins. God counts this faith for righteousness in his sight (Romans 3 & 4)” (Augsburg Confession, “Article IV: Justification”).
The Ministry
God instituted the ministry of teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper). The Holy Spirit uses these means to create and strengthen faith.
New Obedience
Our obedience does not earn us any favor with God. However, it is still necessary to do works of love in obedience to God, because it is his will. The faith created by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel is bound to bring forth good works.
The Church
The Church is the congregation of saints (believers set apart to belong to God) where the Gospel is purely taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered. In this life, every saint is also a sinner and continually depends on the mercy of God through Jesus Christ.
Baptism
“Baptism is not simply water, but it is the water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s Word” (Small Catechism, “Part IV: Baptism”).
Gifts include the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 2:38; Eph. 5:26), the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), new life (John 3:3-6; Col. 2:11-12; Titus 3:5), resurrection from the dead (Rom. 6:3-5), and eternal salvation (1 Peter 3:21).
Baptism is not a magic ticket to heaven that saves apart from faith. The baptized can fall away and be lost (e.g., Judas Iscariot). Rather, it is the beginning of the life of faith, which a child of God should live in through daily repentance.
Following the promise of the apostles (Acts 2:39) and the pattern of the Church fathers, we joyfully include children of all ages in the Church through Baptism.
The Lord’s Supper
The body and blood of Christ are truly present in the elements of bread and wine when consecrated by the Word of God (i.e., not mere symbols). The benefit is the forgiveness of sins (Matt. 26:26-28; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:23-30).
If you are baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith, believe that Jesus is present with his body and blood, and desire to receive the forgiveness of sins, we invite you to join us.
Because Scripture also warns against eating and drinking in an unworthy manner (1 Cor. 11:27-30), we consider it prudent that each person should receive instruction before presenting for the Lord’s Supper. Those who refuse to repent of their sins or who doubt the bodily presence of Christ should refrain and seek further instruction.
Confession
We retain the practice of private confession and absolution for the comfort of burdened consciences. It is not necessary to name every sin, but it is helpful to name those that burden your conscience so that you can also hear the clear promise of God that your sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake.
Repentance
Repentance consists of two parts: contrition over sin and faith in Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Good works follow as the fruit of repentance.
Civil Government
God instituted civil government. Therefore, Christians should honor all in authority, even if they are not believers (Rom. 13:1-7). It is also right for Christians to engage in government by holding political office, serving in the military, serving as a police officer, etc.
Christ’s Return for Judgment
We teach a simple and biblical eschatology. At the end of the world, Christ will appear for judgment and will raise all the dead. He will give eternal life and everlasting joy to those who trust in him, while the devil, his demons, and unbelievers will be cast into eternal torment.
Free Will
While the human will has some freedom to do good works in the eyes of man, it has no power to love God or trust him (Eph. 2:1-5; 1 Cor. 2:14). Faith and love are worked by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel.
Contemporary Issues
Life
Every human is created in the image of God and is precious to him. Therefore, every human life is worthy of protection and love.
Man
God created man in his image as male and female (Gen. 1:27). Both male and female reflect the image of God in good and distinct ways.
Marriage
God instituted marriage as the one-flesh union between husband and wife, which is to last until death separates them (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:4-11; Mark 10:6-12; Luke 16:18).