What Is A Lutheran?
The Lutheran Church accepts and follows the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century. The teachings of Luther and the reformers can be summarized in these short phrases:
Scripture alone. Grace alone. Faith alone. Christ alone.
Guided by Faith, Rooted in Love
At Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, our beliefs form the foundation of who we are as a faith community. Rooted in the teachings of Christ and guided by the Word of God, we uphold a Christ-centered understanding of faith, where the Gospel of Jesus Christ is at the center of all we do. With nearly 40 years of service in Menifee, California, we have grown together in the love of Christ, fostering a welcoming, compassionate, and spiritually enriching environment. We believe that each person is valued by God and is called to experience His love and grace, which is extended to all. Through worship, fellowship, and service, we are committed to growing in faith and living out the values that Christ has called us to. Our beliefs are simple yet profound, as we strive to live out the commands of Jesus in our everyday lives.
The Bible: Our Inerrant Guide
At Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, we believe that the Bible is the true, inerrant Word of God. Through the Scriptures, God reveals His law and the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is not just a historical document but a living guide that instructs us on how to live in a relationship with God. The Bible, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, serves as the ultimate authority in all matters of faith, and we turn to it for wisdom, comfort, and direction in every aspect of our lives.
The Triune God: One God, Three Persons
We believe in one true God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, revealed to us as a triune God. The Father is the Creator of all, the Son is our Savior, and the Holy Spirit works within us, guiding and empowering our faith. The doctrine of the Trinity is essential to our understanding of God’s nature and how He works in the world and in our lives. As believers, we experience God’s love, grace, and power through each Person of the Trinity.
Jesus Christ: Our Savior and Redeemer
At the heart of our faith is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came into the world to save us. We believe that Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins, offering us forgiveness and eternal life. Through His resurrection, we are given the hope of new life, both here and in the life to come. Salvation is a gift from God, given by grace alone, received through faith alone. We believe in Jesus' divine nature and His role as the Savior of humanity, bringing all people into a reconciled relationship with God.
The Holy Spirit: Working Within Us
We believe that the Holy Spirit is active in the lives of believers, leading, guiding, and empowering us in our walk with God. The Holy Spirit calls us into a relationship with God, gifts us for service, and strengthens our faith through the means of grace. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are enabled to live out our calling as followers of Christ, participating in His mission of love, justice, and mercy in the world.
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper: Means of Grace
We believe in the sacraments of Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, both of which are vital in our Christian life. In Baptism, God’s Word, along with water, brings forgiveness, new life, and salvation. Baptism is an outward sign of God’s inward grace, where we are marked as His own. In the Lord’s Supper, we receive not only bread and wine but the true body and blood of Christ, given for the forgiveness of sins. Through these sacraments, we are nourished in faith, strengthened in our relationship with God, and renewed in the grace of Jesus Christ.
Join Us In Our Faith
Our beliefs shape everything we do at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. We are called to live in the grace of Jesus Christ and to share His love with others. Whether in worship, community service, or outreach, we are committed to living out our faith in practical ways. As a congregation, we strive to be a reflection of God’s love and mercy in the world, inviting all people to experience the transformative power of the Gospel. We welcome you to join us on this journey of faith, where we grow together in Christ’s love and share His message of salvation with the world.
