Lutherans are the first Protestants. In 1517 Luther posted the 95 Theses or statements about his concerns for certain teachings and practices in the Roman Catholic Church. Luther did not want to start a new church, only to correct abuses that had developed over the years. When he was excommunicated (kicked out) from Roman Catholic Church, the people that left with him were called Lutherans. Calvin and Zwingle were two other reformers who began other denominations about the same time.

In many ways Lutherans are like other Christian denominations (organizations of  congregations holding the same teachings). We believe that Jesus Christ is God's son who became a human, took upon himself the sins of the world, was crucified and buried. He rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven as Lord  of the universe. He promised that all who believed He has secured their forgiveness from God and follow his teachings would also rise from the dead on the final judgment day and enter into paradise. Luther stressed that we are saved by grace alone through faith not by our good works.

There are also some major differences between Lutherans and other Christian denominations. We believe that Scripture is the Word of God and is the sole source and authority for all knowledge of our relationship with God. We do not modify scripture to fit our ideas of what it should be. For instance, when Jesus blessed the bread and wine at  the Lord's Supper saying "This is my body, this is my blood" we believe that He meant it. We don't fully understand how this mystery takes place, but we don't change the words to fit our limited human understanding. We also believe that Jesus included infants in his command to baptize. The book of Acts records that entire families were baptized (Acts 2:39,16:15, 16:33), and Jesus himself said that unless a person is baptized he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God (John 3:3).

There are several different Lutheran groups in the United States. Lord of Life is a member of the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod (LCMS). The other major Lutheran group is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The LCMS does not agree with the ELCA in approving homosexuality and several other issues.

We hold classes that review the major teachings of the Scripture. You are welcome to attend without obligation to join or support the congregation. Please contact us via mail, phone, or email for information on an upcoming class.