In a world that rejects the idea of absolute truth, St. Andrew
Lutheran Church stands unashamedly by God’s Word and the
truth it teaches. Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be
troubled. Trust in God…I am the way and the truth and
the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”
(John 14:1, 6). Many people and groups claim that there
is no God, or that we can’t be sure of whom God is, or
that there must be many ways to God. Jesus Christ, who
is God in the flesh (Emmanuel) is the only way! Jesus’
birth, life, death, and resurrection all point to this
eternal truth.
If you are searching for truth, join us. If you are
feeling empty, alone, or hurting, come and receive the
forgiveness which Jesus Christ offers freely. You were
so important to Jesus that he was willing to give His
life to forgive you. He died for you and by His
resurrection three days later on that first Easter
morning, he gives you eternal life (1 Corinthians
15:3-4, 1 Peter 3:18). Come and receive that eternal
life found in Christ.
The central teaching of the church is the Gospel (Good
News), which is the promise of the forgiveness of sins
won for all who believe in Christ (John 3:15-17, 1
Corinthians 15: 1-2). The prophets (the Old Testament)
and the apostles (the New Testament) all testify (speak)
of the salvation that comes through faith in Christ
(Acts 10:43, Luke 24:27, John 5:39, Acts 4:12). The
Lutheran Church has always taught and confessed that the
main article of the Christian faith is justification
(you are made right or reconciled to God) by grace alone
through faith alone in Christ alone (Romans 3:23-25,
Ephesians 2:8-10, 2 Timothy 1:9-10).
There are many other teachings in the Bible that are
also to be heard. God speaks to us in his Law (what we
are to do and what we fail to do) and the Gospel (what
God has done for us in Jesus to forgive and save us).
Both the Law and the Gospel are to be heard in the
church in their sternness and sweetness. At St. Andrew
Lutheran, we do not reduce the teaching of the Bible to
the least common denominator or to only what is not
objectionable, but rather we proclaim the Bible in its
fullness and completeness. Jesus said, “Teach them to
obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew
28:20). The Apostle Paul “Proclaim(ed)….the whole will
of God” (Acts 20:27). It is by hearing and keeping of
God’s Word that marks you as His people, His sheep.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them,
and they follow Me” (John 10:27).
The question you may be asking is why should I follow or
believe in Christ? It is a question that has eternal
consequences. Why? We are sinners and the punishment for
sin is death!
“I was sinful at birth” (Psalm 51:5).
“No one is righteous, not even one…There is no one
who does good, not even
one…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God” (Romans 3:10, 12, 23).
“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one
point has become accountable
(guilty) for all of it” (James 2:10).
“Cursed be everyone who does not abide by (follow)
all things written in the Book of
the Law, and do them" (Galatians 3:10).
“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).
The Bible paints a bleak picture of our natural human
condition. That is, who we are, sinners and in need of a
savior. We can’t save ourselves from this disease of sin
that infects us all. However…
“If we confess our sins, he (Jesus) is faithful
and just and will forgive us our sins and
will cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John
1:9).
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved"
(Acts 16:31).
That is why Christ came into the world to forgive
you, to save you, to give you eternal life.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
Son, that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have eternal life” (John
3:16).
“God shows his love for us in that while we were
still sinners, Christ died for us”
(Romans 5:8).
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”
(1 Tim. 1:15).
“The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ
Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
There is much more to learn and understand. If you
have any questions please come to Sunday Divine Service
or contact St. Andrew. For more detailed information
about the Bible, Moral/Ethical issues, Denominational
Differences, Doctrinal Issues, etc. please go to
http://www.lcms.org/
and visit the FAQ’s section.
+Soli Deo Gloria+
(To God alone be the glory) |
