Core Beliefs

Who We Are

We are a Lutheran Church, affiliated with two lutheran bodies: LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) and the NALC (North American Lutheran Church).

Our Vision

To share the love of God through Jesus Christ with all people, and to grow in the knowledge of God and a relationship with Him.

Mission

To reach all people with the Gospel of Christ, making disciples of Christ of all nations, starting in our own town and the surrounding area.

Statements of Faith:

In the following links, you will find the Statements of Faith from LCMC and the NALC church bodies, which we believe and profess as a Lutheran Church.

Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ - https://www.lcmc.net/statement-of-faith/231

North American Lutheran Church - https://thenalc.org/confession-of-faith/

What We Teach:

Below are some of the core beliefs of what we teach, written in a way for all people to understand.

God the Father

We believe in the one true eternal God, Father of all creation, creator of Heaven and earth. The Father has supreme rule and reign over all things, and sustains all life. God the Father in all knowing, all powerful, and always present. The Father lives in a triune relationship with the Son and the Holy Spirit. God was never made, but has always existed. God is the source of all truth, love, grace, forgiveness, and peace.

God the Son

We believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God who comes from the Father, and is the second person in the Trinity. We believe Jesus was born and became human by the virgin Mary, was crucified and was buried, and raised to life on the third day. Jesus gave His life to pay for our sins, and now rules and reigns with God in Heaven. All who believe in Him will have eternal life.

God the Holy Spirit

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Son, and is the third person in the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is given as a gift from Christ, and dwells within those who believe in Christ. The Holy Spirit guides a believer's life, convicts a believer of sin, and fills a believer with the love of God and the fruit of the Spirit.

The Holy Scriptures

We believe the Bible is God's written word. The Bible is without error, inspired by God, and infallible. The Bible was written by men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit.

The Church

We believe God has called all believers to be part of a local church. The church is the body of Christ here on earth, and those who have been redeemed by Christ are God's children.

Communion

Jesus commanded that we continue to remember Him by partaking in Communion. Through communion we remember the sacrifice He made on the cross by giving His body and blood, and receive His grace and forgiveness. We do this by eating bread and drinking wine at communion. We practice open communion. All those who profess faith in Christ, and that they have received forgiveness from Him, are welcome to join in communion.

Baptism

We believe and practice infant and adult baptism. Baptism is the sign of the covenant promise, and so we baptize all children brought to the waters by their parents. We also baptize all adults who profess faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins, the inner filling of the Holy Spirit, and the inclusion into the church.

The Gospel

We believe that all people have sinned, or done wrong, and need the forgiveness of God. By our sin we are condemned to life without God, but the good news of Jesus is He pays the penalty for our sins. He washes our hearts clean, and gives us new life in Him as we follow Him as Lord.

1901 Rolling Street, Ruthven, IA 51358 | 712-837-5531

Office Hours: Monday & Thursday Closed

Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday 1:45 pm - 5:00 pm

Facebook: Zion Lutheran Church Ruthven Iowa