Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of St. John's Lutheran Church based on the foundational truths taught in the Bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these Biblical truths.
God
There is one eternally existing God who has three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is the creator of all that exists, both visible and invisible, and is therefore worthy of all glory and praise. God is perfect in love, power, holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, justice, and mercy. God -He is unchangeable and the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Salvation
Salvation is found through Jesus Christ alone. He came to reconcile us with God by living a life without sin and willingly dying on the cross to pay the penalty for our transgressions. God raised Him from the dead and now, by grace, offers eternal life as a free gift to all who follow Christ, by faith, as their Lord and Savior.
The Church
The Church is the visible body of Christ, sent into the world to glorify God and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Communion
Participation in Holy Communion at St. John's is offered to baptized Christians who understand and believe a few Biblical truths listed below.
Adults that may be unable or do not yet fully understand these Biblical truths , or children who have not yet received instruction regarding Holy Communion are still encouraged to come forward and receive a blessing.
Biblical truths:
1. I believe I am a sinner who has received Jesus Christ in faith and trust in Him alone for forgiveness and eternal life.
2. I believe the Risen Christ is really present in this meal and with the bread and wine, He gives me His true body and blood.
3. I resolve, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to sincerely turn from sin and live a God-pleasing life in His service and in fellowship with His people.
We offer both individual and common cups. Simply decline the individual cups as they are offered if your desire is to receive the common cup.
White non-alcoholic wine is available in the center of the individual cup tray and gluten free wafers are available upon request.
Adults that may be unable or do not yet fully understand these Biblical truths , or children who have not yet received instruction regarding Holy Communion are still encouraged to come forward and receive a blessing.
Biblical truths:
1. I believe I am a sinner who has received Jesus Christ in faith and trust in Him alone for forgiveness and eternal life.
2. I believe the Risen Christ is really present in this meal and with the bread and wine, He gives me His true body and blood.
3. I resolve, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to sincerely turn from sin and live a God-pleasing life in His service and in fellowship with His people.
We offer both individual and common cups. Simply decline the individual cups as they are offered if your desire is to receive the common cup.
White non-alcoholic wine is available in the center of the individual cup tray and gluten free wafers are available upon request.
Baptism
The LCMS does not believe that Baptism is ABSOLUTELY necessary for salvation. All true believers in the Old Testament era were saved without baptism.
Mark 16:16 implies it is not the absence of Baptism that condemns a person, but the absence of faith. There are other ways of coming to faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Still, Baptism dare not be willfully neglected, since it is explicitly commanded by God and has His precious promises attached to it. It is not a mere “ritual” or “symbol,” but a powerful act of faith by which God grants the forgiveness of sins.
Mark 16:16 implies it is not the absence of Baptism that condemns a person, but the absence of faith. There are other ways of coming to faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Still, Baptism dare not be willfully neglected, since it is explicitly commanded by God and has His precious promises attached to it. It is not a mere “ritual” or “symbol,” but a powerful act of faith by which God grants the forgiveness of sins.