Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church is a part of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. LCMS congregations accept and preach the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century.
WE BELIEVE:
- God is three persons in one: the Father, Who created and sustains the world; the Son, Who lived as a human being, died, and rose from the dead; and the Holy Spirit Who works God’s will in the world. (Matthew 28:18-21)
- The Bible is the infallible word of God, spoken through human writers. It is the sole authority, guide and standard for all that we do. (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- Sin exists in every person. It is the cause of the bad things people do to each other. (Romans 5:12, 18-19)
- Everyone will have existence after death – either in heaven or hell – forever and without end. (Revelation 21:1-7, Mark 9:43-47)
- God has a plan to end the world, when He will judge everyone – both the living and the dead. (Matthew 25:31-46)
- We believe in the sign of the cross; it is a symbol used by all Christians. The cross symbolizes the terrible death that Jesus suffered as punishment for our sins. The empty cross is a symbol of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. (Colossians 2:13-15)
WE BELIEVE IN:
- Grace Alone: God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful, rebel against Him and do not deserve His love. He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
- Faith Alone: By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for them. Those who hear this Good News and believe it have the eternal life that it offers. God creates faith in Christ and gives people forgiveness through Him. (Romans 1:16-17)
- Scripture alone: The Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
WE BELIEVE THAT:
- Baptism and communion are a means by which God gives people His grace. (Acts 2:38-39; Matthew 26:26-28)
- God is loving and that He offers forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift because of Jesus Christ. Salvation is a free gift – We believe that no matter how hard we try, we cannot earn God’s forgiveness or a place in heaven. It is a free gift we receive only through faith in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 2:15-21)