Whether you are new to the faith or a life-long Lutheran, these definitions provide a common understanding of the language of the Lutheran church.
Reflections
What does Grace mean to you?
Do you believe God graces you regardless of how you respond? Why or why not?
Who first told you about Jesus?
How did you picture him then? How about now?
How do you see the Holy Spirit at work in your daily life?
When have you been most aware of the work of the Holy Spirit?
Who has brought God's word to you? How?
What does it mean to you that the Gospel makes you "free"?
Who gave you your first Bible?
How do you care for God's Creation?
The Reflections are offered as thought-provokers to be used as starting points on your spiritual journey. Ponder them and if you have questions or need to talk with someone, call the church office 1-602-258-3787 or send an e-mail to the church
- absolution: the forgiveness of our sins in the name of Jesus
- atonement: the work of Jesus to restore our relationship with God
- church: all who have been called by the Holy Spirit and belong to Christ; the body of Christ
- confession of sins: acknowledging before God our sins against God in thought, word, and deed
- creed: a statement of belief, especially one of the three historic statements of the Christian faith (Apostles; Nicene, Athanasian)
- disciple: one chosen by God to follow Jesus and share the gospel with others
- faith: a relationship with God based on trust in God's saving promise
- gospel: the good news of salvation through Jesus; one of the first four books of the New Testament
- grace: God's gift of love and forgiveness freely given to undeserving sinners
- justification: God's declaration that our relationship with God has been made right because of the work of Jesus
- reconciliation: God's action through Jesus to restore our relationship with God and our neighbor
- repentance: turning from sin; feeling sorry for our sins and resolving to change
- sacrament: an act that imparts God's grace, it uses visible means, is connected with the word of God, and is commanded by Christ; for Lutherans, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion
- salvation: God's work to rescue us from the consequences of our sin, so that we might live in restored relationships on this earth and eternally
- sanctification: the work of the Holy Spirit to call us daily to new life in Christ
- sin: self-centeredness; placing self in God's place, resulting in total alienation from God
- Trinity: the doctrine reflecting God's revelation that God is three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-who are fully God and eternal
- word of God: God's revelation to us through the person of Jesus Christ and through the Bible, which points us to Jesus
- worship: God's people coming together to acknowledge God with praise and thanks