Visit Coronavirus updates to see the latest communications from our Pastors. 

To join the Coronavirus & Church Updates email distribution list, you can sign up under the "Join a Mailing List" module on the homepage or email the church at christlc@christlc.com.

Dear Church Family,

Ever wonder what it means to be a witness? The following looks at what this word means in the Bible. As Christians, we are called to be witnesses for Christ our Lord. Let’s take a closer look…

The word “Witness” is from a Greek word, martyria. You may notice that this word sounds like martyr – one who loses his or her life for the sake of Jesus. In fact, the death of Jesus was a witness: “For there are three that testify (martyria): the Spirit and the water and the blood: these three agree” (1 John 5:7-8). This same Greek word is used by the ancient Greeks for testimony in a courtroom. When one is called to testify as a “Witness,” they are put before the judge and jury as someone who speaks the truth about a certain matter. Being a witness is a matter of fact!

For example, in Act 1:8 Jesus said to His disciples, “You shall be My witnesses…” Please note that what He said was, “Shall be”! That is a matter of fact. It is a statement of being. It is not, on our Lord’s part, a wish or a hope. And further, note that He said that we shall be His “Witnesses.” That belongs to us.

Sometimes there is confusion about this matter. St. Paul did not say that all of us shall be EVANGELISTS. What He did say about Christians being evangelists is that He “gave some to be evangelists” (Eph. 4:11). We are not all evangelists. However, as Christians, we are all witnesses. The vocation of Evangelists (proclaimers and bringers of the Good News) has been given to some, according to Christ. Being a Witness (tellers and showers of what Christ has done and means to us) is what He has made us all to be.

The reason why we are ALL witnesses is because WITNESS and CONFESSION go together. This aspect of martyria is seen in the preaching of John the Baptizer. When the priests and Levites came to the Jordan River to question John the Baptizer, the Gospel writer reports “the testimony of John” (John 1:19). The text continues, “He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed…” (John 1:20). Here John testified about what he knew and believed. These two important parts, Witness and Confession, cannot be separated from each other. Hence, as Christians we are ALWAYS witnesses and confessors together.

How does this translate into our lives as members of Christ-Parish? Great question! Take a look at all we do and offer through your Church – Christ’s Church. Worship and Bible study are, of course, central. But also we share our faith because confession goes along with faith. We confess to others what we believe about our Savior Jesus. We witness by telling our friends and neighbors where we receive the Lord’s precious blessings and forgiveness by inviting them to do the same. May God richly bless you and keep you as WITNESSES of Christ’s true Word and promise.

God’s richest blessings to you all,

Pastor Arnold

In the Name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, it is a pleasure to have you visit our website.

Christ Lutheran is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. We conform to the Word of God in doctrine and practice.  We offer Christ-centered worship through traditional liturgy and the proclamation of Grace alone, Scripture alone, and Faith alone.

 As Lutherans, we profess to be "Confessional." Christ Lutheran Church holds to the Lutheran Confessions as the correct interpretation and presentation of Biblical doctrine. Contained in The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, these statements of belief were put into writing by church leaders during the 16th century. (The simplest of these is Luther's Small Catechism.) The Augsburg Confession gives more detail on what Lutherans believe. 

Our parish is diverse in age and background and we invite you to attend family-oriented Sunday morning or Wednesday evening worship services, events, and other opportunities as a guest or to join us as a member of our church family.  More information on Christian education, youth activities, opportunities to get involved with the church, as well as visiting, communing, and joining can be found here.

 We invite you to explore our site and contact us if you have any questions.

May the Lord of the Church bless you in all you do!