Our Beliefs

Bethel is a diverse, multicultural community of Jesus followers, who live to honor God and love all people. What follows is a brief introduction to our beliefs. If you're not sure about some of this stuff; that's ok! Jesus always invited people to follow Him first and then unpack what that meant as they continued in that journey. We invite you to join us as we together seek to grow in our understanding of who God is, and the amazing life that we have been called to live.

Throughout the past 2,000 years, Christians have used "Creeds" as short, memorable statements that summarize the hope that we have learned from God's Word. The Apostle's Creed is one of the oldest and most concise:

"I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth,

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from there He shall come to judge thn. e living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen."

We are part of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, and associated with the Texas District of the LCMS, a church body that confesses the core teachings of the church as found in the Bible and the Creeds. These are centered on the good news or gospel of the life and teachings of Jesus while on earth as the Word of God made flesh. The Lutheran church started with the efforts of Martin Luther to reforms some harmful practices within the church in the 1500’s. These efforts of Luther and others led to what has become known as the Protestant Reformation.

Our Beliefs as Lutheran Christians include the following:

• We believe in God revealed as Trinity: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.

• We believe that this God is the creator of all things, and this creation was perfect, without fault.

• We believe that humans have disobeyed God and through our disobedience God’s good creation is now corrupted. This disobedience is called Sin.

• We believe that sin is to be understood as both original and actual. Original Sin is a condition we are born into. We also believe in Actual Sins, or individual acts of disobedience and harm against God and each other.

• We believe that because of this Sin, we are by nature separated from God and cannot fix this condition by our own actions or desires.

• We believe that God sent his Son, Jesus, 2000 years ago to live as a person, walk this earth, and ultimately take the punishment for our Sin by dying on the cross.

• We believe that three days after his death Jesus rose from the dead: thereby declaring victory over death, sin and all evil.

• We believe that all who believe and proclaim this Jesus as Lord and Savior are forgiven of their sins and now have the promise of eternity with him in the new heavens and earth.

• We believe that Jesus will return someday as promised in full glory as the ultimate judge of all humanity.

• We believe that life on this broken earth is difficult and that following Jesus is not an easy journey.

• We believe in two Sacraments (sacred acts) Baptism and Communion that are commanded by God and hold the blessing of the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of faith.

• We believe that all of us have a part to play in sharing God’s Love Story to the world.

• Finally, we believe that followers of Jesus should be known for their love and service to each other and the whole of God’s creation.