What we believe and teach

Click HERE for a Comparison of Teachings


 

WE STILL BELIEVE . . .

In an age of constant change, we still believe in the unchanging Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — three persons in One God.

In an age of Humanism’s confusion, we still believe that God created the universe in six 24-hour days as revealed in Genesis, and that the whole Bible is God’s Word, free from all errors, contradictions or myths.

In an age of doubt, we still believe that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

In an age of fear and guilt, we still believe that Christ died on the cross as payment for the sins of the world, and that the world is declared righteous because of his perfect life and innocent death.

In an age of work-righteous religion, we still believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead because His sacrifice was accepted by God the Father as the full and complete payment for the sins of the world. Heaven is not earned by obedience to the law (good works) but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Nor is man capable of bringing himself to faith, or of making a decision to become a Christian. It is the Holy Spirit alone, working through the Gospel, that creates and sustains saving faith. Human beings cannot save themselves.

In an age of religious unionism, we still believe that to preserve the pure Gospel of Christ for ourselves and others, Christians are commanded by God to test and judge all teachings and philosophies, to hold to whatever agrees with God’s Word, and to avoid all religious fellowship with that which is contrary to that Word.

In an age of “evangelical materialism”, we still believe that the “evangel” is the proclamation of forgiveness and the gaining of heaven through faith in Christ, not the preaching of principles by which one may lead a “good” life and gain earthly wealth.

“If you hold to my teaching, then you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32


 

A Comparison of Teachings

“Test the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1).

From its beginning, our congregation has been determined to teach only what is “of God,” that is, teachings that are recorded in the BIBLE, which is GOD’S WORD. We call ourselves Lutheran because we hold to the historic Lutheran teachings. The BIBLE is the only source for these teachings. Below are some examples of what the Bible teaches, in contrast to the errors that are taught by many of today liberal” churches.


The Way to Heaven

Bible Teaching All people are sinners – faith in Jesus is the only way to heaven. Those who refuse to confess and repent of their sins, die without faith in Him, and are eternally lost in hell.

False Teaching Sincere followers of non-Christian religions may get to heaven, even without believing in Jesus.

“All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast” Ephesians 2:8-9.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 3:23.

“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6:23.

“Therefore repent and convert so that your sins may be blotted out” Acts 3:19.

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Because I live, you shall live also” John 14:6.

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16.


Inspiration of the Bible

Bible Teaching The Bible is the inspired Word of God in its entirety, without error or contradiction.

False Teaching The Bible is a book written by fallible men and therefore subject to error.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” 1 Timothy 3:16.

“When you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

“Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” 2 Peter 1:21.


Creation of the World

Bible Teaching The one almighty and Triune God created the world and everything in it, including man, in six ordinary days.

False Teaching All things have come into being by a process of evolution. Man has evolved from lower forms of life.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” Genesis 1:1.

“For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day” Exodus 20:11.

“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible” Colossians 1:16.

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” Hebrews 11:3.


False Beliefs & Alternative Lifestyles are not pleasing to God

Bible Teaching Every teaching in the Bible is important. Therefore Christians should stand up for the Truth (and not tolerate error). Although God shows His love to sinners (John 3:16), He also hates sin and tells us that willingly following error and living in sin is a tool of Satan to take away our faith.

False Teaching The Bible teachings are either unclear, unimportant, or not valid for our day and age. Following God’s Word is a matter of preference. God does not care what we believe or the lifestyle we choose to live.

“Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines” Hebrews 13:9.

“There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies” 2 Peter 2:1.

“Teach no other doctrine” 1 Timothy 1:3.

“And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” Matthew 15:9.

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and vain deceit” Colossians 2:8.

“Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals…will inherit the kingdom of God” 1 Corinthans 6:9.

“Now I urge you brethern, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them” Romans 16:17.


We believe that Christians ought to be concerned about upholding the truth and rejecting all false teachings. Our Lord Jesus promises: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” John 8:32.


Our congregation is a member of The Church of the Lutheran Confession “CLC”