Police say a North Country church was targeted and burned, because the alleged arsonist did not agree with its teachings.

Christ Church in Warren County burned in May, and from the moment the fire started, arson was suspected. Now, police have a man in custody who they say is behind this, and another church fire.

The six-month investigation started in the hamlet of Pottersville, near North Creek. Just one mile away, is the Bible institute where the suspect was living and studying. And as NEWS10's Latricia Thomas reports, it was the suspect's religious convictions that may have sparked the whole thing.

"(He) put a warning in (the Bible), 'you've been warned', and then the fire was done," says Christ Church Warden Jack Watson.

Investigators say the church was warned by 20-year-old Caleb Lussier, a Word of Life Bible Institute student, because of the message they taught. Police say Lussier also broke in twice before the fire.

"He had a very strict, narrow interpretation of what he believed the Bible spoke to how people should conduct themselves...he didn't think the church was following that," Warren County Sheriff Larry Cleveland says.

Ultimately, Sheriff Cleveland says, Lussier doused the church with gasoline and sent it up in flames, so they would stop practicing their faith.

"It's unreal to see a kid from Word of Life do this, and I'm hoping he gets his just reward...what he's supposed to get," says Pottersville resident Dave Green. "And if it is not in the court, I hope that God takes care of him."

Authorities say Lussier also admitted to a similar church arson in his hometown of Plymouth, Massachusetts in December.

"We'll pray for the perpetrator," Warden Jack Watson says.

Christ Church leaders are already planning to rebuild their house of worship, saying that the intent of one can not outweigh the faith of many.

"If Christ can forgive people putting him on the cross, I can't see what we can't forgive," says Warden Jack Watson.

Lussier was a second-year student at the Word of Life Bible Institute, which is less than a mile from the Christ Church. They sent NEWS10 this statement:

"Word of Life condemns this reprehensible act and this student will be expelled immediately."

Police also say they are not sure how a 15-year-old, who already faces charges in this arson, is connected to Lussier.