WHAT WE BELIEVE
While each of the following can be elaborated on in great detail (and have in our Lutheran Confessions and other writings), these summaries articulate main points of each topic.
GRACE ALONE
God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace can be described as receiving God’s goodness that we don’t deserve. God loves all people even though our nature is sinful, we rebel against Him and do not deserve His love. Nevertheless, Jesus was sent on a mission to save us from our sins. (see Matthew 1:21; John 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:8-10)
SCRIPTURE ALONE
The Bible is God’s Word written by more than 40 authors over 1,000+ year span of time. The Bible is His message for us regarding salvation primarily, and then also for holy living. God’s Word is the ultimate source for Truth as it is written in the original language. Throughout the Bible, we see Christ on every page. Even though the Bible may not answer every question we come up with (i.e., “What was Noah’s wife’s name?”), the Bible does reveal all we need for salvation and righteous living. In general, our English Bibles are translations of God’s original message, yet some are less accurate to the original text than others. When struggling with specific doctrinal issues, we may need to turn to the Greek and Hebrew for clarity. (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21)
FAITH ALONE
Faith is a gift from God and it holds fast to the Truth of the Trinity as expressed in Scripture. Faith believes that all things are created by God the Father. Faith clings to the truth of God the Son, the Word made flesh (Jesus) who lived a perfect life on our behalf and suffered the sacrificial death that forgives us our sins. Faith also rejoices in the resurrection of Jesus and looks forward to His return on the Last Day. Those who have this faith and believe in Christ receive forgiveness and eternal life. Finally, faith rejoices in the God the Holy Spirit who is at work in our lives producing sanctification and good works through us. (see Genesis 1:1; Psalm 121:2; John 3:16-17; John 20:30-31; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13)
SACRAMENTS
These are sacred mysteries found in God’s Word that have three characteristics:
1. Commanded by Jesus
2. For the forgiveness of sins
3. Uses a tangible element
We acknowledge two sacraments: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, both briefly described below.
HOLY BAPTISM
We believe the biblical teaching of baptism that Jesus instituted just before His ascension. Baptism connects us with Christ’s death and resurrection and seals us with the Holy Spirit granting the faith for eternal life. If you are not baptized and are interested in learning more, please make an appointment with Pastor Doria. (see Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 6:1-5; Ephesians 1:11-14; Revelation 7:14)
HOLY COMMUNION
We believe the biblical teaching that in communion we receive the true body and blood of Jesus Christ along with the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins. As Pastor Doria likes to say, “Real Presence for Real Forgiveness.” If you are a baptized Christian who has been instructed in the biblical teaching of Holy Communion and other basic doctrines of the Christian faith and agree with our confession of faith, please feel free to commune with us. If you have questions, please make an appointment to talk with Pastor Doria. (see Matthew 26: 26-28; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
GOD
We believe the biblical teaching that there is only one God. We also believe in the biblical teaching of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This is another mystery of the Christian faith which we accept because the Scriptures reveal this even though our brains can’t grasp the fullness of God’s divinity. While the word Triune or Trinity are not found in the original languages, examples of the Trinity are indeed evident. The Trinity is a mystery we accept in faith often described as one God, three Persons. (see Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:26; John 15:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2)
MARRIAGE
We believe in the biblical teaching that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. This is to be a life-long commitment under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Throughout scripture the images of Groom and Bride are used to describe the Son of God (groom) and the Church (bride). Marriage demonstrates to society the beauty of Jesus Christ’s relationship to His bride, the Church. Unfortunately, divorce continues to stain this beauty making it more difficult for the world to see God’s unconditional love for His people. Furthermore, acceptance of same sex unions as marriage also disrupts and stains God’s beauty and design for marriage. (see Genesis 2:18; Matthew 19:4-6; Romans 1:26-27; Ephesians 5:22-33; 2 Corinthians 11:1-4; Revelation 21:9-11)
PARENTING
We believe children are gifts of God and parents are given a great responsibility to raise them in the faith. Children are to respect and honor their parents and parents are to nurture, discipline, and educate them so they are productive members of society sharing the love of Christ through their witness and vocation. (Exodus 20:12; Psalm 27:3-5; Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:1-4)
Denomination Affiliation
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School is a member of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. www.LCMS.org within the Texas District www.txlcms.org
For other topics/issues of interest, make an appointment with Pastor Doria. He’ll be happy to chat with you.