We Believe ...
In the Triune God. In salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
That the Bible is the infallible Word of God, the only source of authority for all matters of faith and life.
That in Baptism the Holy Spirit gives forgiveness of sins and new life with God.
That in Holy Communion we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, together with the bread and wine, for the forgiveness of sins.
COMMUNION, What Does the Word of God Say?
"Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying,"Drink from it, all of you.
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:26-28)
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayer." (Acts 2:42)
"A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself."
(1 Corinthians 11:28-29)
According to Scripture, Holy Communion should be celebrated by those who are: United in a common faith (1 Cor. 10:16-17, 21-22; Rom. 16:17); Repentant of sins (1 Cor. 5:11, Matt. 18:17- 18); Able to examine their lives (1 Cor. 11:27-29); and believe that in this precious meal they receive the true body and blood of Jesus given and shed for the forgiveness of their sins (Luke 22:19-22). Since Scripture teaches that those people who do not fully understand the meaning of this meal eat and drink to their own harm (1Cor. 11:27-29), and because the Lord’s Supper is the supreme act of stating our unity in faith and doctrine, we would ask those people who are visiting with us to please speak with our pastor or a lay minister, before communing, in order that we might fulfill our responsibility of properly instructing people in the right use of the precious Sacrament.
Our Confessions