What do Lutherans Believe?

Dear Friends,

Greetings in Name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This brief introduction of the faith as lived by Lutheran Christians represents a way we like to share something of ourselves and our faith, We are anxious to tell our story because we have a great story to tell! So, take a few moments, and let us share with you a little about our church.

The Lutheran Church takes its name from the great 16th century Christian reformer, Martin Luther. Luther re-discovered the central place of Scripture in the life of God’s people and especially the importance of trusting only in God’s grace as revealed in Jesus Christ. The Faith of the Lutheran Church is grounded in Holy Scripture as is expressed in the historical creeds and the confessions of the church; a faith which provides stability in chaotic times.

The central teaching of our church is justification by faith and is summed up in the Apostle Paul’s letter the Romans where he writes, “We believe that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” We do not have to “earn” or “accept” God’s grace. lt is only through Jesus’ death on the cross and His glorious resurrection that gives us life in His name. In this respect, we believe that the Gospel … the message of reconciliation between God and His people … is a free gift given by God through faith in Jesus Christ. ln Jesus Christ, God accepts us.

The Lutheran Church does not legislate moral conduct but seeks the motivation of God’s love to help us find an appropriate and responsible way through which we might love and serve our neighbors. We live in the freedom and power of God’s Spirit!

The Lutheran Church is a Sacramental Church stressing Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as means through which the power of Gods Holy Spirit touches our lives with grace, love, and acceptance.

The worship life of the Lutheran church is characterized by both traditional and contemporary elements. In worship, we join voices together in praise to God through our hymns, songs, and prayers as we hear from God His good news that is ours in Christ Jesus.

The Lutheran Church places a strong emphasis on learning for all ages. We believe that the nature of the Christian life is growth. You are invited to join us in our Adult Bible Class and Sunday School.

Our Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is comprised of over 6,000 congregations in the United and is a world-wide fellowship with a strong sense of mission and service to all in Christ’s name.

This is just a brief introduction to our church. To know more about the Christian faith, we invite you to join us regularly in worship, 9:00 a.m. Sunday mornings and 6:00 p.m. Monday evenings. You are also invited to come to the Adult Bible Study and Sunday School on Sunday mornings at 10:15 a.m.

You are indeed welcome to join our midst.

In the Love of Christ,

The Congregation of Bethlehem Lutheran