But these are written that you may believe  that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:31

Frequently Asked Questions

 

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1. How do I know there is a God?

We know there is a God from the things He created.

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2. Does God play an active role in my life?

God gives us all that we need to support our body and life. He promises to be with us until the end of the age.

We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. In the past, He let all nations go their own way. Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. Acts 14:15-17

Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

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3. What is the Bible?

The Bible is the Living, Powerful, Word of God.

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the Word of God, which is at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:1

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4. What is the Old Testament?

The Old Testament was written before Christ was born. God spoke through the prophets of His covenant or promise of a Savior to sinful man. These promises and prophecies contained in the Old Testament date about 1400 years before Christ.

But this is how God fulfilled what He had foretold through all the prophets, saying that this Christ would suffer. Acts 3:18

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. Hebrews 1:2

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5. What is the New Testament?

The New Testament was written after Christ’s birth. It tells how God the Father fulfilled His promise or covenant with His people by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world and rise again.

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. John 20:30-31

For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that Jesus has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9:15

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6. If the Bible was written by nearly 40 men, how do I know it is the True Word of God?

The words written in the Bible are God’s words. The Holy Spirit taught human writers the thoughts and even the exact words to write.

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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7. If the Bible is truly God’s Word, what does this tell me about God?

When Adam and Eve fell into sin, God promised a Savior. Through the years, God prepared the hearts of His people for the Savior’s birth. At the proper time, Jesus came and perfectly fulfilled each and every prophecy. God has proven He is the supreme ruler of all things. He is our refuge and shield.

God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind.  Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your Word.
Away from me, you evildoers,  that I may keep the commands of my God!
Sustain me according to Your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Psalm 119:114-11

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8. Tell me more about God.

In His Word, God reveals He is eternal, almighty, all-knowing and present everywhere.

“Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” John 21:17

“Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see Him?” declares the Lord.
“Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 23:24

And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished; He punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.” Exodus 34:6-7

I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me,  but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. Deuteronomy 5:9-10

God is Holy, just, faithful, good, compassionate, gracious, loving and forgiving.

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
The Lord protects the simple hearted;
when I was in great need, He saved me.

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 116:5-9

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9. Why do we refer to God by the word “Triune?”

God is three distinct persons, yet one divine being.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Deuteronomy 6:4

“I and the Father are one.” John 10:30

We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. 1 Corinthians 8:4

God reveals Himself as three persons at Jesus’ baptism: As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17

Speaking to His disciples, Jesus said: When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about Me. John 15:26 

At His ascension, Jesus tells us us how to speak of God: “Therefore go 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

Paul blesses the churches of Corinth in the name of the Triune God. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

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10. Why do I need to be saved?

We are all lost and condemned by nature. Through the first man, Adam, sin and eternal death entered the world. Without Christ, we would be eternally separated from God. We are slaves to our sins without God’s grace.

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:22-23

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Ephesians 2:1-2

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. John 8:34

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. Romans 5:12

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11. How did Jesus redeem me from the slavery of sin?

The second article of the Apostles Creed says: “I believe in Jesus Christ, His only son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is sitting at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.” 

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-36

But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.1 John 1:7

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, Colossians 2:13

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12. How do I become a Christian?

Through His infinite grace, God gives us faith through the working of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing we can do that could ever free us from sin. Only through faith in Jesus Christ can we have  freedom and eternal life.

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:4-10

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the Word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family. Acts 16:29-34

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13. How will my life change when I become a Christian?

Good works cannot save us, but out of our love for the Savior, we will naturally want to glorify His name. We will not be able to keep silent of His great love for us.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11-13

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

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14. How can I be certain I will receive eternal life?

Christ will judge all people on on whether they believe in Him and His word or not. Those that believe that Jesus Christ is truly their Savior from sin, will spend eternity with Him in heaven.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because He has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16-18

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

You have made  known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Psalm 16:11

I know that my Redeemer  lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27

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15. What is Baptism and why is it  important?

Baptism is water connected with God’s Word. To baptize “in the name of” the Triune God means that God makes us members of His blessed family. Jesus’ command to baptize “all nations” means we are to baptize all who request baptism for themselves or for their children.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39

“Then he said: ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from His mouth. You will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.’ Act 22:14-16

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28

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16. Why is it important to regularly attend church and Sunday School?

In times of hardship, distress, joy, and fellowship, the church should be a place of solace. The strength drawn from the fellowship with other believers will guide us as we travel the uncertainties of life.

Following Jesus death: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20

Peter’s arrest and escape from prison. So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Acts 12:5 An angel guides Peter from prison.  When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Acts 12:12

On the day of Pentecost: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

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17. Why does the Lutheran Church confirm its young adults?

Confirmation is the ceremony following instruction. At this time Christians confess their faith and are acknowledged as communicant members of the church. Following confirmation, these Christians now have the privilege of sharing Holy Communion with the members of the congregation. This instruction equips the Christian for a lifetime of service to the Lord.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17

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18. What does it mean to be a “Lutheran”?

Lutherans are protestants…
Actually, we were the first protestants, and we still insist that Christ rules us all through Scripture alone, and saves us by grace alone, through faith alone.

…BUT not Radical protestants.
We don’t judge Scripture by our personal feelings or private opinions, because we believe that every word of the Bible was given by the Holy Spirit for our salvation, and that everything He tells us there is absolute truth, to be trusted completely – including those loving mysteries of God, like the Sacraments, which are beyond human comprehension.

Lutherans are catholics…
In fact, we are the oldest kind of catholics. We still believe and confess the ancient creeds of the Church, and worship with the Church’s ancient liturgies. We rejoice in our Baptism, in Confession and Absolution, and in the Holy Supper of the Lord, because through them Jesus Himself comes to us with grace and saving power. And we are free to use gladly the whole Church’s heritage of hymns and traditions with which Christians have exalted their Savior for these two thousand years.

…BUT not Roman catholics.
We reject all additions to the teachings of the early Church. Most important, we deny that anything we could do, give, endure, or become could ever earn or deserve God’s love. On the contrary, we depend completely on what Christ alone has done, and given, and suffered in our place, knowing that God does not save us because we’re good – we’re not – but because Jesus has been good enough for all the world.

Lutherans are evangelicals (“people of the Good News”)!
All of us sinners who trust Jesus Christ are judged on His performance, not ours. Everything God’s Law requires of us, Jesus has done. Every punishment our sins deserved, Jesus has already taken. And because of what Christ did and suffered, everyone who believes in Him is found innocent by God! This Good News is all our hope and happiness, the center of our faith, and the reason for our lives. For God has promised in His Word that He will always forgive us and change us, and forgive us and care for us, and forgive us and finally bring us to Heaven for ever -all by His great love for the sake of Jesus Christ, His Son. And every day until Heaven, Lutherans exist to tell this Good News so that through it, God will give our fellow-sinners faith to trust His call:

All is forgiven. Come Home.

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Questions were taken in large part from Luther’s small catechism. All Bible references are from the NIV version.  (New International Version)