Holy Baptism
We believe what Scripture teaches in regards to Holy Baptism – to baptize all nations in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Titus 3:5-8 and Romans 6:4). This includes both adults and children.
In baptism, we are connected with Jesus Christ and with His death and resurrection. As Romans 6:1-5 says, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his."
We are made a new creation, giving us the hope and assurance of eternal life. As Titus 3:5-7 says, “…[H]e saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Is the water of baptism magical? No, not at all. The power of baptism comes from God’s word and his promise attached to the water.
As Martin Luther explains in his Small Catechism, Holy Baptism is “not just water, but the word of God in and with the water [that does these great things], along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water.” For more information on Baptism, click on the link taking you to Luther’s Small Catechism
In baptism, we are connected with Jesus Christ and with His death and resurrection. As Romans 6:1-5 says, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his."
We are made a new creation, giving us the hope and assurance of eternal life. As Titus 3:5-7 says, “…[H]e saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Is the water of baptism magical? No, not at all. The power of baptism comes from God’s word and his promise attached to the water.
As Martin Luther explains in his Small Catechism, Holy Baptism is “not just water, but the word of God in and with the water [that does these great things], along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water.” For more information on Baptism, click on the link taking you to Luther’s Small Catechism
Holy Communion
Communion, the Lord’s Supper, and the
Eucharist are some of the names which are used to refer to a special meal which
God gives to His people. On the night when Jesus was to be betrayed and
crucified on the cross, He celebrated the Passover meal with His disciples, and
there He presented the disciples with a “new covenant in His blood.” In Matthew
26:26-28, we read, “Now as
they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it
to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup,
and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of
you, for this is my
blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of
sins.”
We continue to celebrate this meal, and we believe what Scripture teaches in regards to Holy Communion, namely that the body and blood of Christ are truly present "in, with and under the bread and wine” believe the words that when Jesus says, “This is my body…this is my blood,” we take Him at His word. What does this mean? It means that the bread and wine do not merely symbolize Christ’s body and blood, nor are they simply a reminder of Him. Christ's body and blood are truly present in the bread and the wine. 1 Corinthians 10:16 says, “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (see also John 6:54-58, Luke 22:19, Matthew 26:26, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25). How this all takes place is a mystery, but through the gift of Christ’s true body and blood, we receive the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith. This meal is not to be taken lightly either. As we read in 1 Corinthians 11:29 "anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:29)
In the early church, those who had not yet been instructed in the teachings about communion waited to receive communion until proper instruction, and those who communed together were acknowledging that they shared a common confession. If you are not a member of an LCMS congregation or a confessional Lutheran church and wish to commune, please speak with our Pastor or an Elder prior to the service. For more information on Communion, click on the link taking you to Luther’s Small Catechism
We continue to celebrate this meal, and we believe what Scripture teaches in regards to Holy Communion, namely that the body and blood of Christ are truly present "in, with and under the bread and wine” believe the words that when Jesus says, “This is my body…this is my blood,” we take Him at His word. What does this mean? It means that the bread and wine do not merely symbolize Christ’s body and blood, nor are they simply a reminder of Him. Christ's body and blood are truly present in the bread and the wine. 1 Corinthians 10:16 says, “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (see also John 6:54-58, Luke 22:19, Matthew 26:26, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25). How this all takes place is a mystery, but through the gift of Christ’s true body and blood, we receive the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith. This meal is not to be taken lightly either. As we read in 1 Corinthians 11:29 "anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:29)
In the early church, those who had not yet been instructed in the teachings about communion waited to receive communion until proper instruction, and those who communed together were acknowledging that they shared a common confession. If you are not a member of an LCMS congregation or a confessional Lutheran church and wish to commune, please speak with our Pastor or an Elder prior to the service. For more information on Communion, click on the link taking you to Luther’s Small Catechism
