How to become a Christian
God gave us himself in Jesus. We have to do something to accept God’s gift. This is an act of believing. The disciple John writes, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
United Methodist Beliefs
Unlike some Christian movements, the Methodist Movement was not born because of a debate over doctrine. John Wesley and the founders of Methodism upheld the doctrines of the Church of England. Instead, they were concerned that the established church was out of touch with ordinary or poor people and was merely a servant of the upper class. It was not proclaiming the message of salvation in a way that gave ordinary people a chance to experience its power.
Other doctrines of the Methodist movement were somewhat unique in the beginning but they were embraced by other Christian groups as time went on.
God gave us himself in Jesus. We have to do something to accept God’s gift. This is an act of believing. The disciple John writes, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
United Methodist Beliefs
Unlike some Christian movements, the Methodist Movement was not born because of a debate over doctrine. John Wesley and the founders of Methodism upheld the doctrines of the Church of England. Instead, they were concerned that the established church was out of touch with ordinary or poor people and was merely a servant of the upper class. It was not proclaiming the message of salvation in a way that gave ordinary people a chance to experience its power.
- The Bible is the written word of God and is sufficient to be the only rule and authority of Christian faith and practice.
- God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Salvation from sin and death is God’s work and is God’s gift to everyone who trusts Jesus Christ as Savior.
- The Church is made up of all those who trust in Jesus. It is not limited to any one denomination.
- Jesus brought God’s kingdom or reign to earth. It is already powerful but will be fulfilled at the end of time.
- All baptized Christian are ministers of Jesus Christ and are responsible to make disciples for Jesus Christ of all people .
Other doctrines of the Methodist movement were somewhat unique in the beginning but they were embraced by other Christian groups as time went on.
- New Life in Jesus is available to all people. Everyone is free to accept or reject God’s gift. God chooses as his own those who respond to his call.
- People who trust Jesus can expect to have an assurance that God has accepted them and rescued them from sin and death.
- Genuine faith will show itself in a life that is being transformed and producing good works for God.
- We are not saved for ourselves alone but to have an impact on our society and community.
- Faith in Jesus will have an impact on our minds and hearts, our desires and emotions, and on our behavior.
- Christians should expect to be completely saved from sin and should be moving toward being made perfect in love like Jesus.
- Christians need to be connected in a tangible way that makes it possible for them to cooperate in ministry to the world.