Lutherans Look Like You

Lutherans Know Jesus Christ

Lutherans build their lives on Jesus Christ. They believe that Jesus died for them and for every person in the world. And Lutherans believe that Jesus rose from the dead and lives for them - and for all people who believe in Him as their Savior.

Jesus brings people close to God. Lutherans believe their lives - today, tomorrow, and eternity - depend on Jesus.

Lutherans live with a sure hope of eternal life because of Jesus Christ. They know they're not perfect, that they stumble and fall in their daily walk with God. But they also know that their forgiveness has been won and paid for by Jesus Christ and when they repent and seek forgiveness, God will forgive them because of Jesus.

And they want to tell others about that hope!

Lutherans Are Christians

Lutherans hold beliefs that are shared by many Christians:

• God is three persons in one: the Father, who created the world; the Son, who lived as a human being, died, and rose from the dead; and the Holy Spirit, who works God's will in the world.

• The Bible is God's word, spoken through human writers.

• Sin exists in every person. It is the cause of the bad things people do to each other

• Everyone will have existence after death - either heaven of hell - forever.

• God has a plan to end the world, when He will judge everyone - both living and dead.

Lutherans proudly display the sign of the cross, a symbol used by all Christians. The cross symbolizes the atoning death that Jesus suffered as punishment for their sins. The cross is the place of God's glory on earth and includes the wonder of Christ's resurrection.

How Lutherans Got Started

Lutherans take their name from Martin Luther. He was a German priest who sought to return his church, the Roman Catholic Church, to its apostolic roots.

Sadly, the Pope rejected this teaching and excommunicated Luther. He and his supporters were forced to organize separately from the Roman church.

Lutherans Trust the Bible

Lutherans often refer to three "solas" as a summary of the faith that gives the hope:

• Grace alone - God loves the world, through we do not deserve His love. He sent his Son to love the unlovely and save the ungodly.

• Faith alone - Jesus had provided for our forgiveness and life; for those who hear this promise and believe it, have what it offers. People don't "get" faith; God gives it as He gives us His promise.

• Scripture alone - The Bible is the only source that shows God's will and the only basis for faith.

Lutherans talk about Law and Gospel. The Bible gives the Law, showing God's expectation of people and the terrible consequences for not following His commands. But the Bible also reveals the Gospel - the "good news" of Gods love and forgiveness.

Lutherans Are Congregational Based

Lutherans have other distinctive beliefs:

• They view Baptism and the Lord's Supper as means by which God offers people His grace. They call them sacraments. Through them and the preaching of the Gospel, God gives forgiveness and eternal life.

• Local churches, or congregations, are the central community for faith and practice. Congregations choose a trained person to be their pastor.

• Christian education is important. Lutherans provide Sunday schools, Bible classes, home-study groups, preschools, elementary, high schools, and colleges and universities.

• They share their faith with individuals. Collectively, they sponsor mission programs worldwide.

• They care about people in need - providing hospitals, help for children and families, and worldwide relief for the hungry, homeless, and helpless.

• Their worship style, which includes a lot of music and singing, is often "liturgical," following the worship form handed down from the early Christian church. It is often expressed in contemporary forms.

Please join us for worship and Bible studies.

The following Bible reading will tell you more about the "good news":