We Believe, Teach and Confess
... that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God and, thus, the only source and norm for Christian faith and practice. (See John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21)
... that God has revealed Himself to be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - one God of three persons. (See Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30; Matthew 28:19)
... that God created man to live forever in perfect harmony with Him. But Adam and Eve brought sin into the world and we daily continue their sinful rebellion by choosing to place other things before God. Our sin separates us from God and leads to death. Furthermore, we are unable to overcome sin. (See Genesis chapters and 3; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:3)
... that Jesus Christ suffered, died and rose again that we might be forgiven our sins and thus receive eternal life and salvation. All this He did, not due to our merit, but purely out of His grace and mercy. So also, Christ will come again to raise all believers to life everlasting. (See John 3:16; 1 John 2:2; John 1:29; Romans 5:1,2; Luke 24:6)
... that the benefits of Christ's sufferings, death, and resurrection are delivered to us through the means which He has chosen - His Word (written and proclaimed), Holy Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. Through these seemingly simple gifts, the Holy Spirit creates and sustains faith. (See Romans 10:17; John 5:39; Matthew 28:19; Luke 24:47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
... that Christ's people regularly gather together (Sunday morning and other special services) to receive Christ's gifts for the strengthening of faith. In response to His great gifts, we offer up our thanks and praise. (See Psalm 150; Hebrews 10:35; Luke 17:16)
What about abortion?
.....We believe, teach and confess that abortion is a sin (5th Commandment). Life is a gift from God and it begins at the time of conception. We fully believe that Jesus Christ has made full atonement for this sin and offers free forgiveness to those burdened by abortion. (See Exodus 20:13; John 3:16; 1 John 2:2)
What about homosexuality and same-sex marriage?
.....We believe, teach and confess that homosexuality is a sin. The eternal consequences for this sin, just like heterosexual immorality, drunkeness, greed, covetousness, etc. is hell. We fully believe that Jesus Christ had made full atonement for the sin of homosexuality and offers full forgiveness for those who repent. (See 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; John 3:16; 1 John 2:2)
....We believe, teach, and confess that marriage is between a man and a woman. This is what God has set forth in His Holy Word. Since God has defined marriage between a woman and a man, we do not bless marriages between two men or two women. (See Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5)
Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church is affiliated with the AFLC (Association of Free Lutheran Congregations).
... that God has revealed Himself to be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - one God of three persons. (See Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30; Matthew 28:19)
... that God created man to live forever in perfect harmony with Him. But Adam and Eve brought sin into the world and we daily continue their sinful rebellion by choosing to place other things before God. Our sin separates us from God and leads to death. Furthermore, we are unable to overcome sin. (See Genesis chapters and 3; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:3)
... that Jesus Christ suffered, died and rose again that we might be forgiven our sins and thus receive eternal life and salvation. All this He did, not due to our merit, but purely out of His grace and mercy. So also, Christ will come again to raise all believers to life everlasting. (See John 3:16; 1 John 2:2; John 1:29; Romans 5:1,2; Luke 24:6)
... that the benefits of Christ's sufferings, death, and resurrection are delivered to us through the means which He has chosen - His Word (written and proclaimed), Holy Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. Through these seemingly simple gifts, the Holy Spirit creates and sustains faith. (See Romans 10:17; John 5:39; Matthew 28:19; Luke 24:47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
... that Christ's people regularly gather together (Sunday morning and other special services) to receive Christ's gifts for the strengthening of faith. In response to His great gifts, we offer up our thanks and praise. (See Psalm 150; Hebrews 10:35; Luke 17:16)
What about abortion?
.....We believe, teach and confess that abortion is a sin (5th Commandment). Life is a gift from God and it begins at the time of conception. We fully believe that Jesus Christ has made full atonement for this sin and offers free forgiveness to those burdened by abortion. (See Exodus 20:13; John 3:16; 1 John 2:2)
What about homosexuality and same-sex marriage?
.....We believe, teach and confess that homosexuality is a sin. The eternal consequences for this sin, just like heterosexual immorality, drunkeness, greed, covetousness, etc. is hell. We fully believe that Jesus Christ had made full atonement for the sin of homosexuality and offers full forgiveness for those who repent. (See 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; John 3:16; 1 John 2:2)
....We believe, teach, and confess that marriage is between a man and a woman. This is what God has set forth in His Holy Word. Since God has defined marriage between a woman and a man, we do not bless marriages between two men or two women. (See Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5)
Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church is affiliated with the AFLC (Association of Free Lutheran Congregations).