What we believe
Whether you're already a Lutheran, don't have much experience with churches, or a spiritual person looking to return to the church, we invite you to explore our beliefs further.
“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 2:8-10
Our Faith
We believe that the Bible is God's word, and determines what we teach and how we apply those teachings. Sometimes those teachings and applications contradict human logic, popular opinion, or cultural acceptance, but all of those things have been corrupted by sin. Because of that, they serve God's Word instead of rule over it.
Our sin broke our relationship with God, but in love, He sent His Son to do what we could not—to live perfectly and die for our sins. Through faith in Jesus, God restores us, giving us His forgiveness and the full benefit of Christ’s perfect life and sacrifice.
We exist to grow closer to the God who saved us by growing in our understanding of the Word he gave us and the sacraments with which he supplied us. We also want to share those gifts with the people of Apache Junction, East Mesa and you.
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The Bible and Lutherans teach that the Bible is the true word of God. It is inspired by the Holy Spirit. This means that God breathed into the writers the exact thoughts and words they were to write. As a result every statement in the Bible is the truth. One part of the Bible explains another part. It is the only guideline for the faith and life of Christians. We are to read and study it diligently. It clearly teaches all we need to know in order to obtain our eternal salvation.
2 Peter 1:21 · 1 Corinthians 2:13 · 2 Timothy 3:16 · 2 Timothy 3:15 · Luke 11:28 · John 5:39 · John 17:13-17
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The Bible and Lutherans teach that there is only one true God. This God is invisible, holy, eternal, and has all power and wisdom. In the Bible God reveals himself as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is why he is called “Triune.” These three persons in one God are all God. They are equal in power, glory, and in every other quality. To deny or ignore one person is to deny all of them. It is God who created, redeemed, and sanctified us.
Deuteronomy 6:4 · Matthew 28:19 · John 5:23 · Genesis 1:1 · 1 John 2:2 · Romans 15:13
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The Bible and Lutherans teach that God the Father is one of the three persons who are the Triune God. God is a spirit. This means that he cannot be seen or confined to one place. He is called Father because he is the Father of Jesus Christ and of all who believe in Jesus. He has created all things. He is holy, loving, and just. He continues to take care of all creation and all human beings.
Matthew 28:19 · John 4:24· John 20:17 · Leviticus 19:2 · Malachi 2:10 · Exodus 34:6,7 · Romans 8:32
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The Bible and Lutherans teach that Jesus Christ is the Savior of everyone. He is the eternal Son of God, equal to the Father and the Holy Spirit. He is also the son of the Virgin Mary. He became man to redeem all people. Taking our place, he lived a perfect life keeping the law of God for us. He also died as our innocent substitute on the cross to pay a price sufficient for everyone’s sin. After rising from the dead, Jesus ascended into heaven. On the Last Day he will judge all the people who are still living and those whom he will raise from the dead.
1 John 5:20 · Matthew 1:23 · Ephesians 1:7 · Galatians 3:13 · Hebrews 4:15 · Romans 1:4 · Acts 10:42
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The Bible and Lutherans teach that the Holy Spirit is true God equal to God the Father and God the Son. He has names and characteristics which belong only to God. The Holy Spirit creates faith in our hearts through the gospel. He also keeps us in the faith and motivates us to do good works.
Acts 5:3,4 · 2 Corinthians 13:14 · Psalm 139:7,8 · Job 33:4 · Titus 3:5 · Ephesians 3:16 · Galatians 5:24,25
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The Bible and Lutherans teach that at the beginning of time God created heaven and earth and all creatures. He did this in six days. He spoke his almighty word to create all things. He made everything out of nothing. But man and woman are God’s special creation.
Genesis 1:1 · Genesis 1:31 · Exodus 20:11 · Psalm 33:6,9 · Psalm 124:8 · Mark 10:6 · Hebrews 11:3
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The Bible and Lutherans teach that men and women are a special creation of God. The first man was created from the dust of the earth. The first woman was made from the rib of man. They were created in God’s image. This means that they were without sin and had a perfect knowledge of God. That image was destroyed when Adam and Eve first sinned. People have a soul which no other creature has. God gave us rule over all of his creation. Human beings have a free will in works of this life. But only the Holy Spirit, working through God’s Word, can lead a person to love God.
Genesis 2:7 · Genesis 2:22 · Genesis 1:26 · Ephesians 4:24 · Colossians 3:10 · 1 Corinthians 2:14
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The Bible and Lutherans teach that the first man and woman lost the image of God when they gave in to the temptation of Satan and disobeyed God’s command. This brought on them the judgment of God. Since that time all people are conceived and born in sin, desire to do what is evil, and are dead spiritually. Therefore, we are unable to reconcile ourselves to God by our own efforts and deeds.
Genesis 2:17 · Psalm 51:5 · Ephesians 2:1 · John 3:6 · Psalm 5:4 · Romans 5:12 · 1 John 3:4 · Romans 8:7,8
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The Bible and Lutherans teach that already before the world was created, God chose those individuals whom he would in time convert through the gospel and preserve in the faith to eternal life. This choosing is in no way caused by qualities or actions God had foreseen in the people whom he chose. This shows how completely salvation is ours by God’s grace alone. Grace is God’s undeserved love and mercy that he shows to all mankind through Jesus Christ.
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The Bible and Lutherans teach that faith is a repentant sinner’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as his only Savior and full trust in his worthiness for forgiveness of sins and salvation. Such faith is not a personal achievement or an act of human worthiness. The Holy Spirit creates faith. Whoever remains in this faith to the end of life will be saved eternally. Salvation is not possible without faith.
John 1:12 · Acts 10:43 · Galatians 2:16 · Acts 16:30,31 · John 3:36 · Matthew 24:13
Our pastor leads an informal class for adults who want to explore the core teachings of the Bible. Whether you’re looking for a refresher, want to deepen your faith, or are considering membership in our congregation, this class provides a welcoming, no-obligation way to learn what we believe and why.