is written that we might believe in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. It speaks powerfully to the forgiveness of sins which is in Him alone. It teaches what it means to live a life of love toward God and others, as well as a life of integrity and purpose concerning God’s design for each of us. It was written by men as God’s Holy Spirit directed them, and so it is timeless truth without error or contradiction.

John: 20:31; Psalm 139:17-18; II Timothy 3:14-17

is the community of all who have come to faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. It is more than one local congregation or individual denomination. It is the object of God’s eternal, unconditional love. God has given the Church two great grace gifts to continue its growth: the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. In both, God’s Spirit is present, along with visible elements, to bring forgiveness of sins and strengthen faith.

Matthew 16:15-18; Ephesians 2:19-22; 5:25-27; Matthew 28:16-20; I Corinthians 11:23-26

revealed Himself as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All three Persons participated in the creation of the world. The Father, the First Person of the Triune God, continues to care and provide for people. Lutheran Christians say, “All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy.” The Father’s passion is that all people receive salvation from sin through Jesus Christ, His Son.

Genesis 1:1-2, 26-27; Psalm 19:1; John 1:1-3, 14; 3:16; II Peter 3:9

are Called to live for Jesus Christ, seeking to love, serve, and honor Him with their lives. Their devotion is in fundamental commitments of faithfulness to Him, His Word, His Church, and His work. These commitments are both a privilege and expression of the purpose which God has for all Christians. Christians understand that they are “saved to serve.

Matthew 22:37-39; 25:14-30; Ephesians 2:8-10; 4:11-16

is God the Son, the Second Person of the Triune God. He is an eternally true God. In His birth and death, He was also a true man, but without sin. By His death on the cross, Jesus took sin upon Himself. By His Easter Resurrection, He gained victory over sin and death. So God shares with all who believe in Him. At His Second Coming, all history will have its completion in Him.

Matthew 1:20-23; John 1:1-2, 14; Acts 4:12; Romans 6:23; Philippians 2:5-11

is the condition of all people that separates them from God. Sin entered into the world through the disobedience of the first man and woman. It continues today as disobedience toward God, discord, and dysfunction among people, and personal pain, distress, and death. No matter how hard a person tries or how good that person lives, there is no escape from sin apart from the redemption of Jesus Christ. Corruption always results in eternal death and separation from God. Therefore, every person has an essential need for the Savior.

Genesis 3:1-15; Psalm 51:1-5; Acts 2:36-38; Romans 3:23

is the Third Person of the Triune God. He is the One Who builds faith, hope, and love into the lives of people as they hear God’s Word and come to know Jesus Christ in a profound, personal way. The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin and reassures them of God’s gift of justification. He gathers people into the Church. He gives skills to empower people for Christian witness and service. As people continue to hear, read, study, trust, and obey God’s Word, He brings them to spiritual maturity.

John 14:16-17; Romans 10:9-17; John 16:8; Colossians 1:13-14; Acts 2:38-42; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 12:1, 4-7; Hebrews 5:11-6:1

is the gift and promise of God through Christ that the Savior has bridged the separation of God and people. To be sure, Christians are not perfect and need forgiveness. However, there is comfort and joy in knowing this gift is extended for all to receive by genuine faith. This gift distinguishes the Christian faith from those religions or philosophies that emphasize the works and obligations of people to please God somehow.

Psalm 103:8-13; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 8:31-39; Luke 18:9-14

means death is no longer something to be feared. Instead, all those who trust in Jesus will live in joy with Him in heaven for eternity. Death is simply a doorway to that place that He has prepared and purchased for all believers through His death and Resurrection victory!

John 11:25-26; 14:1-6; I Corinthians 15:54-56; Revelation 21:4-5