What We Believe
Sola Scriptura (By Scripture Alone)
We believe that the Bible (The Old and New Testaments) are the inspired Word of God and the ultimate source of authority for Christian faith and practice.
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"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." ~2 Timothy 3:16, NLT

THE GOSPEL:
God's forgiveness of sins and the gift of salvation is for all people. The Gospel is the focus of all we do here at St. Luke, when we preach, teach, care for one another, have fellowship, meet, and worship because of the Gospel. We believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead and that is Good News for all. God saved us by His grace when we believed. And we can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. The Gospel binds us in commitment and service. It has been our strength in the past and most definitely it will be our hope for the future.
See John 3:16; Romans 1:16-17; Ephesians 2:8
THE BIBLE:
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Through it, God (The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) reveals Himself to us. The entire Bible is without error in the original manuscripts.The Old and New Testaments are the standard and guide upon which we base our faith and how we are to live our lives.
See 2 Timothy 3:16, Romans 15:4, 2 Peter 1:21
SALVATION:
We believe that all people are sinner. We cannot save ourselves and need Jesus to save us. Salvation is a gift from God and is received when, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we place our personal faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Jesus died so that our sins could be forgiven. We believe that we justified by grace through faith apart from our deeds.
See Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:12, 1 Peter 2:24, Romans 3:23-26
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GROWTH:
Jesus traveled throughout Ancient Palestine, teaching, preaching, caring, loving, and healing. All this was done so that people could grow in their relationship with God. We believe we are call to equip people, both young and old alike, to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
See Hebrews 6:1, 2 Peter 3:18
WORSHIP:
While a personal relationship with Christ is of the utmost importance, we believe God's command is clear that we are to meet together, to celebrate His name, be empowered by His Word, build each other up for the plan He has for each of us, to partake of the sacraments, and to remember and celebrate His day of rest. We value worship because in worship we give thanks to God for all He has given, is giving, and will give us.
See Psalm 95:6, Ephesians 4:13-14, Hebrews 10:25
THE SACRAMENTS:
We believe in and practice the Sacraments of Baptism and The Lord's Supper
BAPTISM:
We believe that by the power of God's Word, we are joined with Christ in the waters of baptism. Through baptism, God gives the gift of new life. We affirm the baptism of all people, including children and infants. If you have any questions please contact Pastor Phil.
See Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12
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THE LORD'S SUPPER (COMMUNION):
The Lord's Supper is for followers of Jesus. When we eat the bread and take the cup we proclaim Jesus' death until He come again. We take communion in remembrance of Him, and what Jesus did for us on the cross. Who can take the Lord's Supper? Those who have accepted Jesus as there Lord and Savior. Who believe that Christ’s body and blood are given to us in, with, and under the bread and the wine. Those who believe that in taking the Lord's Supper their faith is strengthen through the forgiveness Jesus offers. We believe that we take the Lord's Supper as a family of believers.
See Matthew 26:26-29, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
For those who have an intolerance to wine, we offer individual communion glasses in each of the tray filled with white juice. They are in the center of the tray and are recognizable by the difference in the color. We also offer rice wafers for those who have an intolerance to gluten.
It is our practice at St. Luke to instruct our youth prior to taking the Lord’s Supper. That instruction begins in grade six, and youth able to take communion after they are confirmed in the faith at the end of seventh grade. To avoid confusion, we ask that guests and visitors with younger children respect this practice. If you have any questions please speak to Pastor Phil.
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PEOPLE:
We believe in the worth and value of all people. We are all created in God’s image, and every human, no matter their race, background, financial status, or sin they struggle with, matters to God. Your worth is not dependent on your accomplishments, but on God’s love. You matter to God so much that Jesus, God the Son, willingly gave up His life for you. The amazing news of the gospel is that everyone can become a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ. We affirm and acknowledge the dignity of every human being from conception to death.
See Matthew 6:26, Luke 12:27, Romans 5:8
DIVERSITY:
The wonderful news of the Gospel is that because of Jesus all can come to God, and we truly believe all, regardless of age, gender, marital status, racial or ethnic background, social standing, or financial status. Through Jesus Christ, all can become Children of God.
See John 1:12, Acts 2:46-47, Galatians 3:28
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MARRIAGE:
We believe that the scriptures teaches that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, united together as long as they live. If you have questions about this, please talk to the pastor.
See Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:15, Ephesians 5:31
CHILDREN AND YOUTH:
Children are a gift of God, they are not the future of the Church, they are the Church. Children and youth represent the growth of the Christian community. We encourage them to be involved and to play an active part of the ministry here at St. Luke and to grow in their Christian faith.
See Psalm 127:3, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 1 Timothy 2:14
SERVICE:
We believe that God has called us to be servants. He equips each of us with gifts and talents that are to be used to bring Him glory and to share His love with those around us.
See Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12
FELLOWSHIP:
God has created us to be together. We are created not to be alone. Here you will find the bonds of friendship and the warmth of family. Together in fellowship and as partners in Christ, we encourage each other with joy.
See Ephesians 4:1-3, Proverbs 16:4
CHRIST'S RETURN:
We believe in and anticipate the return of Jesus Christ,and the new heaven and new earth He will rule over. While we do not know the day or hour, we look forward to day with hope. For on the day death, mourning, crying, and pain will be gone forever. Therefore, we joyfully proclaim the hope of Jesus to a world that needs hope.
See Matthew 28:19-20, Revelation 21:4, Revelation 22:12
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In all of this, we affirm and identify with the Lutheran confessions and teachings as part of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. We affirm the centrality of grace alone, faith alone, and the Word alone.