God
There is only one God, who has eternally existed and has three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. God created everything, both visible and invisible, and sustains everything and is therefore worthy of all glory and praise. God does not change is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
The Bible
The Bible (also referred to as Scripture) is the sole rule and norm of our faith. It is God’s inspired and infallible word and without error. It reveals God’s divine plan for salvation in Jesus Christ. We seek to conform our lives to the teachings it contains. It infuses our entire life together as a congregation.
Salvation
God originally made all things good. However, mankind brought sin into our world, corrupting everything. The result of sin is death, and everybody is under that penalty. God, in His love, has paid that penalty through Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection. God now offers eternal life with Him to any who would believe in Christ as Savior and God. Learn more about Jesus.
The Church
"Church” is a word with many definitions today.
As a place: where the word is rightly preached and the sacraments rightly administered.
As a people: the visible body of Christ sent into the world to proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus. This church is eternal.
Baptism
Scripture tells us that all people are sinful, even children. The Bible also tells us that Baptism is a Means of Grace, in other words, it gives the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation to those who are baptized in God's Triune name - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Further, this promise is for people of all ages, including infants and young children.
We maintain the historic and Biblical practice of baptizing infants, children, and adults. Baptisms are scheduled throughout the year as people wish to be baptized or have their children baptized. If you have not been baptized and desire to be, please contact Pastor Heckmann (revheckmann@gmail.com) or our church office (405 263 7311) for more information.
The Lord's Supper
After God makes us His children through the gift of faith in Baptism, He continues to nourish this faith through various gifts. One of those gifts is the Lord's Supper. Another Means of Grace alongside of Baptism, the Lord's Supper was instituted by Jesus as a means by which God forgives the sins and strengthens the faith of those who receive it according to His institution.
While this gift is of utmost importance and God desires for all to receive it, He gives particular directions for how to receive it. The Lord's Supper is first of all for those who know they are sinners and believe this Sacrament forgives their sins. If you do not believe the Lord's Supper to be the true body and blood of Jesus which give forgiveness to those who eat and drink of it, we ask you to refrain from participating, as reception would be a danger to your soul (1 Corinthians 11:23-32).
The Lord's Supper is also a confession of the faith of the church in which it is celebrated (1 Corinthians 11:26), and thus to be taken by those who confess the same things, since God desires that there be no division among us (1 Corinthians 1:10). We ask that if you are not a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod that you would refrain from taking the Supper until you have spoken with the Pastor. This is a difficult and controversial teaching, but we truly believe it is the will of God through His Word.
Once more, we want as many people taking the Lord's Supper as possible. Yet, we desire to take it the way the Lord wants us to take it, as it is His Supper and not ours.
What is a Lutheran?
In the 1500’s a monk, Martin Luther, started what became known as the Protestant Reformation. Luther wrote against the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church at the time. His followers became known as “Lutherans”. Lutherans hold to the Scriptural teaching that we are saved by grace through faith and not our works. The three pillars of Lutheran teaching are: Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone. It is only the grace of God that saves. This is given only through faith. And, only Scripture is the sole rule and norm of our faith. For more about the beliefs of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, click here.
