About Saint Stephen Lutheran Church
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Many of you who are visiting this page already know Jesus, and are familiar with the precepts of Christianity. If, however, the language of formal "doctrinal creeds" seems a bit strange or foreign to you, please be reassured - your uncertainty, doubt and skepticism are openly received here at Saint Stephen Lutheran Church in Defiance, Ohio. As an expression of that welcome, we have outlined below some of the core concepts of our faith, in order to provide you with some simple reference points as you visit among us. We hope these will be 'conversation starters' and that you will halp us move the Christian conversation forwards.
We believe that every human being is created and valued by God; therefore, people of every race, ethnicity, age, gender, background, ability and disability are invited to be a part of this faith community. We believe that we need each other. No matter who you are, it's a lot easier to follow God with friends than it is by ourselves.
About Jesus Christ: We believe that Jesus Christ is God's Son and was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, was resurrected from death, and ascended to heaven where he sits at the Father's right hand. We believe that Jesus will come again to claim his bride, the church. (John 3:16; Matthew 1:18; Romans 5:6-11; John 20:24-31)
About Love: God is love. He loves us and wants for us to spend eternity with Him. He also wants for us to express His love to others by meeting them where they are in life with the message of salvation.