Methodist Christians are heirs to the renewal ministry of John Wesley, an 18th century priest in the Church of England. While he was heir to the catholic (universal) tradition of the church, his was a distinctive ministry that involved a "method" for personal and social holiness. Wesley established a network or "connection" of local societies and small groups that sustained a vibrant Christian revival in England and eventually led to the founding of the Methodist Church.
John Wesley believed that the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ could and should make a difference in the world. His urgent, evangelical message to early Methodist preachers was: "Spread Scriptural holiness over these lands." At heart, it was a missionary movement, spreading the gospel not only for conversion of hearts, but also for the healing of the nation.
Methodist Christians - both pastors and lay people - must study the scriptures in order to interpret them. In fact, every time we open the Bible to read the scriptures, seeking understanding for today, we are involved in the church's theological work. It is the task of drawing out truth for Christians today, in today's circumstances, facing today's reality. We must decide how our sacred scriptures and the time-honoured doctrines of the church can relate to our contemporary scene.
Who is Jesus?
The Bible records that Jesus was born to a virgin (Mary), lived a sinless life, taught throughout Palestine for about three years, was crucified and then rose back to life three days after his death. The Bible claims that more than 500 people saw him alive after this miraculous event. How could a mere man have lived such a life? The miracles Jesus performed, his death on the cross, his resurrection, his ascent to heaven -- all point to the fact that he was no ordinary leader.
Hundreds of years before Jesus' birth, prophets predicted his coming. The Old Testament, written by many people over a period of 1,500 years, contains more than 300 such prophecies. All of these details came true, including his miraculous birth, his sinless life, his many miracles, his death and his resurrection.
By his own account, Jesus claimed he had the power to forgive sins, to cast out demons, and to determine people's eternal destiny. He even declared he himself was God!
Declaring that he was God so angered the religious and political leaders of his day that they had him crucified. They buried him in a borrowed grave, and three days later, he rose from the dead.
The resurrection of Jesus is what makes Christianity unique and radically different from other religions. In fact, the validity of Christianity hinges on the proof of the resurrection of Jesus. If the resurrection never took place, then the Christian faith is based on a lie and people have no true hope for life after they die. But if it is true, then we can do nothing else but accept Jesus as Savior and Lord and receive his gift of love and forgiveness.
Throughout the centuries, most great scholars who have considered the proofs of the resurrection have believed, and still believe that Jesus is alive.
To read more about who Jesus is, go here.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Roman Christians: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." He also taught that being saved from sin’s penalty is simple: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." You can pray the following prayer in faith, believing every word.
"Dear God, I know I have sinned. Please forgive me. I believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died to take the punishment for my sin. I believe Jesus came back to life from the dead and has the power to forgive my sin and change my life. I accept you as my Lord and Savior. I want to live for You and follow Your plan for my life. I believe You have forgiven me, and I thank You for hearing my prayer, in Jesus’ name. Amen."
If you had prayed the prayer, the next step is to link up with a community of faith to help you grow in your relationship with God. Please drop us a message here and we will get back to you as soon as we can!
OUR VISION
A glorious church for God.