What is the Gospel
The Gospel (with a capital G) refers to the Good News that we are saved by Christ alone through faith. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith as it is written,
“The one who is righteous will live by faith.” (Rom 1:17)
Faith in Christ is everything! No good deeds, social status, job title, training, intellect, trip or punishment will make us right with God! Jesus died on the cross for your sins and was raised so you will have a new life. That’s enough. In fact, that’s everything. All you can do is say, “I trust Jesus!”
Lutheran Christians emphasize the Gospel. We call ourselves “Evangelical” (from the Greek for “good news").
What is Baptism
Baptism is:
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water
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used with God’s promise of forgiveness and salvation and
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by Christ’s command.
Christ commands us
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19). For more information click below:
What is a Christian
Lutheran Christians are Christians—people who follow Christ.
Christians believe in
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One God, whom we know in Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
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Jesus Christ, who was fully human and fully divine
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The Bible as God’s Word for us
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The Gospel: We are saved by Christ alone through faith
Christians act:
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Worship together
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Study the Bible
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Pray our thanks, praise, and requests to God
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Tell others about God’s love in Jesus
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Serve our neighbors
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Give our time, talents and treasure
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What is Membership
Baptism = Membership in the Church​
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You are made a Member of the one holy Church—the body of Christ—by baptism in the name of the Triune God. This is the most important meaning of “membership”: God has saved you in baptism and made you a child of God! It is a gift from our gracious God—we can’t earn or deserve it!
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This is membership in the Church (capital C) which includes baptized believers from every Christian denomination in every time and place. It’s bigger than simply belonging to a congregation!
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Membership in a Congregation = Commitment to Christ
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At St. John’s, everyone (regardless of membership) is welcome to Worship, hear the Gospel, receive Holy Communion, receive pastoral care, attend Bible Studies and be involved in all the activities of the congregation. All are welcome to receive!
Membership in a Congregation is not about what you get, but what you give!
For more information on what is a member click
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What is a Lutheran Christian
Lutheran Christians are Christians—people who follow Christ.
Christians believe in
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One God, who we know in Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
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Jesus Christ, who was fully human and fully divine
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The Bible as God’s Word for us
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The Gospel: We are saved by Christ alone through faith
Christians act:
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Worship together
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Study the Bible
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Pray our thanks, praise, and requests to God
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Tell others about God’s love in Jesus
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Serve our neighbors
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Give our time, talents and treasure
No Generic Christians
The most important point is that we are Christians—one with all believers in Christ. Yet, there is no such thing as a “generic” Christian. Every Christian has “roots,” a particular history which shapes
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theology (thoughts about God),
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piety (the style of worshiping God),
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discipline (how we live out faith).