About Saint John The Baptist 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 John The Baptist Lutheran Church in Emporia, Virginia. 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.
At Saint John The Baptist Lutheran Church in Emporia, we believe in the bodily resurrection of the saved and lost; in divine judgments leading to punishments or rewards. We further believe in the eternal existence of all human beings, either in hell or in the new heavens and new earth. Every person, age, & season of life is a vital part of a healthy church. We believe in the miraculous power of God, and through him all things are possible.
About Religious Liberty: God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others.
About Generosity: Give it away - You can give without living, but you can't love without giving. 'The son of God... loved me and gave himself for me.' - Galatians 2:20