1 Free Methodist Church Membership Class Session 2Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. © 2008 Light and Life Communications, Indianapolis, Indiana. Printed in the U.S.A.

2 Word Association Doctrine Heresy Orthodox

3 Heresy in Modern Culture“The Bible is not the final authority.” “Everyone will eventually go to Heaven.” “There is more than one way to God.” “I don’t need the church — it’s just an organization.”

4 People’s thoughts on Easter, the cross and HeavenVideo Used by Permission. Copyright © 2008 Bluefish TV

5 How do the people in the video say you get to Heaven?“I don’t know.” “Do whatever you believe is right.” “There’s not just one way to get there.” “Be a good person.” “Believe.”

6 The Articles of ReligionHelp us understand what the church believes about basic Christian doctrine. Be sure to read the Articles of Religion. During the membership ritual, you will be asked to affirm your acceptance of these core doctrinal beliefs.

7 The Articles of ReligionThe doctrines of the Free Methodist Church are based upon the Holy Scriptures and are derived from their total biblical context.

8 The Articles of Religion1. God 2. The Scriptures 3. Humankind 4. Salvation 5. The Church 6. Last Things

9 The Articles of Religion: God¶101 The Holy Trinity ¶103 The Son – His Incarnation ¶104 The Son – His Resurrection and Exaltation ¶105 The Holy Spirit – His Person ¶106 The Holy Spirit – His Work in Salvation ¶107 The Holy Spirit – His Relation to the Church Back to main

10 What Christians say about Jesus:Jesus was completely God and completely man. Jesus demonstrated His deity: He committed no sin, He was born of the Spirit not from flesh but from a virgin, He did signs and miracles, He was one with God the Father, He saved people from their sin. Jesus demonstrated His humanness: He was thirsty, He was troubled, He wept, He was deeply distressed, He was overwhelmed with sorrow, He asked for relief. Back to main

11 What other religions say about Jesus: Jehovah’s WitnessJesus is not God. Before he lived on earth, he was Michael, the archangel. Jehovah made the universe through him. On earth he was a man who lived a perfect life. After dying on a stake (not a cross), he was resurrected as a spirit; his body was destroyed. Jesus is not coming again; he “returned” invisibly in 1914 in spirit. Very soon, he and the angels will destroy all non-Jehovah’s Witnesses. Used by permission. Rose Publishing, Inc. ©1996, 2000, 2004, 2005 RW Research, Inc. Torrance, CA Back to main

12 What other religions say about Jesus: Mormonism (Latter-day Saints)Jesus is a separate god from the Father (Elohim). He was created as a spirit child by the Father and Mother in Heaven, and is the “elder brother” of all men and spirit beings. His body was created through sexual union between Elohim and Mary. Jesus was married. His death on the cross does not provide full atonement for all sin, but does provide everyone with resurrection. Used by permission. Rose Publishing, Inc. ©1996, 2000, 2004, 2005 RW Research, Inc. Torrance, CA Back to main

13 What other religions say about Jesus: New AgeJesus is not the one true God. He is not a savior, but a spiritual model, and guru, and is now an “ascended master.” He was a New Ager who tapped into divine power in the same way that anyone can. Many believe he went east to India or Tibet and learned mystical truths. He did not rise physically, but “rose” into a higher spiritual realm. Used by permission. Rose Publishing, Inc. ©1996, 2000, 2004, 2005 RW Research, Inc. Torrance, CA Back to main

14 What other religions say about Jesus: IslamJesus (Isa in Arabic) is one of the most respected of over 124,000 prophets sent by Allah. Jesus was sinless, born of a virgin, and a great miracle worker, but not the Son of God. His virgin birth is like Adam’s creation. Jesus is not God, and God is not Jesus. He was not crucified. Jesus, not Muhammad, will return for a special role before the future judgment day, perhaps turning Christians to Islam. Used by permission. Rose Publishing, Inc. ©1996, 2000, 2004, 2005 RW Research, Inc. Torrance, CA Back to main

15 What other religions say about Jesus: HinduismJesus Christ is a teacher, a guru, or an avatar (an incarnation of Vishnu). He is a son of God as are others. His death does not atone for sins and he did not rise from the dead. Used by permission. Rose Publishing, Inc. ©1996, 2000, 2004, 2005 RW Research, Inc. Torrance, CA Back to main

16 What other religions say about Jesus: BuddhismJesus Christ is not part of the historic Buddhist worldview. Buddhists in the West today generally view Jesus as an enlightened teacher, while Buddhists in Asia believe Jesus is an avatar or a Bodhisattva (but not God). Used by permission. Rose Publishing, Inc. ©1996, 2000, 2004, 2005 RW Research, Inc. Torrance, CA Back to main

17 The Articles of Religion: The Scriptures¶108 Authority ¶109 Authority of the Old Testament ¶110 New Testament Back to main

18 Wrong thinking about the BibleSome believe that only some parts of the Bible are true. Some believe that every word in the Bible should be taken literally, as if God “transcribed” the exact words of the Bible to those who wrote it. Back to main

19 Literal interpretation of Scripture among Evangelical ChurchesUsed by Permission. View the full U.S. Religious Landscape Survey at From the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, © 2008, Pew Research Center. click for report Back to main

20 Free Methodists and the BibleThe Bible is the full and complete Word of God. God, through the Holy Spirit, helped the writers along as they wrote the Scriptures. God’s Word is the final authority over our lives. When applying the Bible to life, take into account how a particular passage of scripture relates to the rest of scripture; ask yourself if the text is consistent with the rest of what God says in other parts of the Bible or if there are special cultural and literary considerations to take into account. back to survey chart Back to main

21 The Articles of Religion: Humankind¶111 Free Moral Persons ¶112 Law of Life and Love ¶113 Good Works Back to main

22 Calvinism vs. ArminianismIn the 1500s, John Calvin developed a Christian theology outlined below with what is known as “Calvin’s TULIP”. To counter Calvinism, Jacobus Arminius developed a counter theology known as Arminianism. The Free Methodist Church is Arminian in it’s doctrine of salvation. Back to main

23 Calvin’s T.U.L.I.P. Total Depravity: no capacity to respond to God except that we are elected, predestined. Unconditional Election: our election to be saved is based on God’s sovereign decree. Limited Atonement: only the elect. Irresistible Grace: you must say “yes” because you are elected. Perseverance of the Saints: those who are truly among the elect will remain faithful to the end. Back to main

24 Arminian response to CalvinismNOT Total Depravity but Simple Depravity: We can respond to God. We have a free will and an optimistic faith. NOT Unconditional Election but Unconditional Call: All can be saved. NOT Limited Atonement but Unlimited Atonement: Christ died for all — the world and the individual. NOT Irresistible Grace but Resistible Grace: We have the free will to choose against God’s grace. Not Perseverance of the Saints but Assurance and Security: as we continue to walk in the light. Back to main

25 The Articles of Religion: Salvation¶114 Christ’s Sacrifice ¶115 New Life in Christ ¶116 Justification ¶117 Regeneration ¶118 Adoption ¶119 Entire Sanctification ¶120 Restoration Back to main

26 Views of one’s religion as the one true faith among Evangelical ChurchesUsed by Permission. View the full U.S. Religious Landscape Survey at From the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, © 2008, Pew Research Center. click for report Back to main

27 What is Universalism? Universalism is a religious doctrine that believes everyone will eventually be saved — that everyone will make it to Heaven. Our Articles of Religion help us stand against this heresy and ground us in Biblical teachings regarding salvation. See the Book of Discipline paragraphs 114, 115, 126, 129 and 130. Back to main

28 The Articles of Religion: The Church¶122 The Language of Worship ¶123 The Holy Sacraments ¶124 Baptism ¶125 The Lord’s Supper Back to main

29 The Articles of Religion: Last Things¶126 The Kingdom of God ¶127 The Return of Christ ¶128 Resurrection ¶129 Judgment ¶130 Final Destiny Back to main

30 End of Session

31 What We Believe: God The Holy Trinity (¶101)There is but one living and true God, the maker and preserver of all things. And in the unity of this Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are one in eternity, deity and purpose; everlasting, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness. Back to main

32 What We Believe: God The Son – His Incarnation (¶103)God was himself in Jesus Christ to reconcile people to God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, He joined together the deity of God and the humanity of humankind. Jesus of Nazareth was God in flesh, truly God and truly human. 1/2 click for next Back to main

33 What We Believe: God The Son – His Incarnation (¶103) (cont.)He came to save us. For us the Son of God suffered, was crucified, dead and buried. He poured out His life as a blameless sacrifice for our sin and transgressions. We gratefully acknowledge that He is our Savior, the one perfect mediator between God and us. 2/2 Back to main

34 What We Believe: God The Son – His Resurrection and Exaltation (¶104)Jesus Christ is risen victorious from the dead. His resurrected body became more glorious, not hindered by ordinary human limitations. Thus He ascended into heaven. There He sits as our exalted Lord at the right hand of God the Father, where He intercedes for us until all His enemies shall be brought into complete subjection. 1/2 click for next Back to main

35 What We Believe: God The Son – His Resurrection and Exaltation (¶104) (cont.) He will return to judge all people. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 2/2 Back to main

36 What We Believe: God The Holy Spirit – His Person (¶105)The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. Proceeding from the Father and the Son, He is one with them, the eternal Godhead, equal in deity, majesty and power. 1/2 click for next Back to main

37 What We Believe: God The Holy Spirit – His Person (¶105) (cont.)He is God effective in Creation, in life and in the church. The Incarnation and ministry of Jesus Christ were accomplished by the Holy Spirit. He continues to reveal, interpret and glorify the Son. 2/2 click for next Back to main

38 What We Believe: God The Holy Spirit – His Work in Salvation (¶106)The Holy Spirit is the administrator of the salvation planned by the Father and provided by the Son’s death, resurrection and ascension. He is the effective agent in our conviction, regeneration, sanctification and glorification. He is our Lord’s ever-present self, indwelling, assuring and enabling the believer. Back to main

39 What We Believe: God The Holy Spirit – His Relation to the Church (¶107) The Holy Spirit is poured out upon the church by the Father and the Son. He is the church’s life and witnessing power. 1/2 click for next Back to main

40 What We Believe: God The Holy Spirit – His Relation to the Church (¶107) (cont.) He bestows the love of God and makes real the lordship of Jesus Christ in the believer so that both His gifts of words and service may achieve the common good and build and increase the church. In relation to the world He is the Spirit of truth, and His instrument is the Word of God. 2/2 Back to main

41 What We Believe: The ScripturesAuthority (¶108) The Bible is God’s written Word, uniquely inspired by the Holy Spirit. It bears unerring witness to Jesus Christ, the living Word. As attested by the early church and subsequent councils, it is the trustworthy record of God’s revelation, completely truthful in all it affirms. It has been faithfully preserved and proves itself true in human experience. 1/3 click for next Back to main

42 What We Believe: The ScripturesAuthority (¶108) (cont.) The Scriptures have come to us through human authors who wrote, as God moved them, in the languages and literary forms of their times. God continues, by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, to speak through this Word to each generation and culture. 2/3 click for next Back to main

43 What We Believe: The ScripturesAuthority (¶108) (cont.) The Bible has authority over all human life. It teaches the truth about God, His creation, His people, His one and only Son and the destiny of humankind. It also teaches the way of salvation and the life of faith. Whatever is not found in the Bible nor can be proved by it is not to be required as an article of belief or as necessary to salvation. 3/3 Back to main

44 What We Believe: The ScripturesAuthority of the Old Testament (¶109) The Old Testament is not contrary to the New. Both Testaments bear witness to God’s salvation in Christ; both speak of God’s will for His people. The ancient laws for ceremonies and rites, and the civil precepts for the nation Israel are not necessarily binding on Christians today. 1/3 click for next Back to main

45 What We Believe: The ScripturesAuthority of the Old Testament (¶109) (cont.) But, on the example of Jesus we are obligated to obey the moral commandments of the Old Testament. 2/3 click for next Back to main

46 What We Believe: The ScripturesAuthority of the Old Testament (¶109) (cont.) The books of the Old Testament are: Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Samuel 1 & 2 Kings 1 & 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes The Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi 3/3 Back to main

47 What We Believe: The ScripturesNew Testament (¶110) The New Testament fulfills and interprets the Old Testament. It is the record of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. It is God’s final word regarding humankind, sin, salvation, the world and its destiny. 1/2 click for next Back to main

48 What We Believe: The ScripturesAuthority of the New Testament (¶110) (cont.) The books of the New Testament are: Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 & 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 & 2 Thessalonians 1 & 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 & 2 Peter 1, 2 & 3 John Jude Revelation 2/2 Back to main

49 What We Believe: HumankindFree Moral Persons (¶111) God created human beings in His own image, innocent, morally free and responsible to choose between good and evil, right and wrong. By the sin of Adam, humans as the offspring of Adam are corrupted in their very nature so that from birth they are inclined to sin. 1/2 click for next Back to main

50 What We Believe: HumankindFree Moral Persons (¶111) (cont.) They are unable by their own strength and work to restore themselves in right relationship with God and to merit eternal salvation. God, the Omnipotent, provides all the resources of the Trinity to make it possible for humans to respond to His grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. By God’s grace and help people are enabled to do good works with a free will. 2/2 Back to main

51 What We Believe: HumankindLaw of Life and Love (¶112) God’s law for all human life, personal and social, is expressed in two divine commands: Love the Lord God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. These commands reveal what is best for persons in their relationship with God, others and society. They set forth the principles of human duty in both individual and social action. They recognize God as the only Sovereign. 1/2 click for next Back to main

52 What We Believe: HumankindLaw of Life and Love (¶112) (cont.) All people as created by Him and in His image have the same inherent rights regardless of gender, race or color. All should therefore give God absolute obedience in their individual, social and political acts. They should strive to secure to everyone respect for their person, their rights and their greatest happiness in the possession and exercise of the right within the moral law. 2/2 Back to main

53 What We Believe: HumankindGood Works (¶113) Good works are the fruit of faith in Jesus Christ, but works cannot save us from our sins nor from God’s judgment. As expressions of Christian faith and love, our good works performed with reverence and humility are both acceptable and pleasing to God. However, good works do not earn God’s grace. Back to main

54 What We Believe: SalvationChrist’s Sacrifice (¶114) Christ offered once and for all the one perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. No other satisfaction for sin is necessary; none other can atone. Back to main

55 What We Believe: SalvationNew Life in Christ (¶115) A new life and a right relationship with God are made possible through the redemptive acts of God in Jesus Christ. God, by His Spirit, acts to impart new life and put people into a relationship with Himself as they repent and their faith responds to His grace. Justification, regeneration and adoption speak significantly to entrance into and continuance in the new life. Back to main

56 What We Believe: SalvationJustification (¶116) Justification is a legal term that emphasizes that by a new relationship in Jesus Christ people are in fact accounted righteous, being freed from both the guilt and the penalty of their sins. Back to main

57 What We Believe: SalvationRegeneration (¶117) Regeneration is a biological term which illustrates that by a new relationship in Christ, one does in fact have a new life and a new spiritual nature capable of faith, love and obedience to Christ Jesus as Lord. The believer is born again and is a new creation. The old life is past; a new life is begun. Back to main

58 What We Believe: SalvationAdoption (¶118) Adoption is a filial term full of warmth, love, and acceptance. It denotes that by a new relationship in Christ believers have become His wanted children freed from the mastery of both sin and Satan. Believers have the witness of the Spirit that they are children of God. Back to main

59 What We Believe: SalvationEntire Sanctification (¶119) Entire sanctification is that work of the Holy Spirit, subsequent to regeneration, by which the fully consecrated believers, upon exercise of faith in the atoning blood of Christ, are cleansed in that moment from all inward sin and empowered for service. 1/2 click for next Back to main

60 What We Believe: SalvationEntire Sanctification (¶119) (cont.) The resulting relationship is attested by the witness of the Holy Spirit and is maintained by faith and obedience. Entire sanctification enables believers to love God with all their hearts, souls, strength, and minds, and their neighbor as themselves, and it prepares them for greater growth in grace. 2/2 Back to main

61 What We Believe: SalvationRestoration (¶120) Christians may be sustained in a growing relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord. However, they may grieve the Holy Spirit in the relationships of life without returning to the dominion of sin. When they do, they must humbly accept the correction of the Holy Spirit, trust in the advocacy of Jesus, and mend their relationships. 1/3 click for next Back to main

62 What We Believe: SalvationRestoration (¶120) (cont.) Christians can sin willfully and sever their relationship with Christ. Even so by repentance before God, forgiveness is granted and the relationship with Christ restored, for not every sin is the sin against the Holy Spirit and unpardonable. God’s grace is sufficient for those who truly repent and, by His enabling, amend their lives. 2/3 click for next Back to main

63 What We Believe: SalvationRestoration (¶120) (cont.) However, forgiveness does not give believers liberty to sin and escape the consequences of sinning. God has given responsibility and power to the church to restore penitent believers through loving reproof, counsel and acceptance. 3/3 Back to main

64 What We Believe: The Church (¶121)The church is created by God. It is the people of God. Christ Jesus is its Lord and Head. The Holy Spirit is its life and power. It is both divine and human, heavenly and earthly, ideal and imperfect. It is an organism, not an unchanging institution. It exists to fulfill the purposes of God in Christ. It redemptively ministers to persons. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it that it should be holy and without blemish. 1/2 click for next Back to main

65 What We Believe: The Church (¶121)The church is a fellowship of the redeemed and the redeeming, preaching the Word of God and administering the sacraments according to Christ’s instruction. The Free Methodist Church purposes to be representative of what the church of Jesus Christ should be on earth. It therefore requires specific commitment regarding the faith and life of its members. In its requirements it seeks to honor Christ and obey the written Word of God. 2/2 Back to main

66 What We Believe: The ChurchThe Language of Worship (¶122) According to the Word of God and the custom of the early church, public worship and prayer and the administration of the sacraments should be in a language understood by the people. 1/2 click for next Back to main

67 What We Believe: The ChurchThe Language of Worship (¶122) (cont.) The Reformation applied this principle to provide for the use of the common language of the people. It is likewise clear that the Apostle Paul places the strongest emphasis upon rational and intelligible utterance in worship. We cannot endorse practices which plainly violate these scriptural principles. 2/2 Back to main

68 What We Believe: The ChurchThe Holy Sacraments (¶123) Water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the sacraments of the church commanded by Christ. They are means of grace through faith, tokens of our profession of Christian faith, and signs of God’s gracious ministry toward us. By them, He works within us to quicken, strengthen and confirm our faith. Back to main

69 What We Believe: The ChurchBaptism (¶124) Water baptism is a sacrament of the church, commanded by our Lord, signifying acceptance of the benefits of the atonement of Jesus Christ to be administered to believers as declaration of their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. 1/2 click for next Back to main

70 What We Believe: The ChurchBaptism (¶124) (cont.) Baptism is a symbol of the new covenant of grace as circumcision was the symbol of the old covenant; and, since infants are recognized as being included in the atonement, they may be baptized upon the request of parents or guardians who shall give assurance for them of necessary Christian training. They shall be required to affirm the vow for themselves before being accepted into church membership. 2/2 Back to main

71 What We Believe: The ChurchThe Lord’s Supper (¶125) The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of our redemption by Christ’s death. To those who rightly, worthily and with faith receive it, the bread which we break is a partaking of the body of Christ; and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of Christ. The supper is also a sign of the love and unity that Christians have among themselves. 1/2 click for next Back to main

72 What We Believe: The ChurchThe Lord’s Supper (¶125) (cont.) Christ, according to His promise, is really present in the sacrament. But His body is given, taken and eaten only after a heavenly and spiritual manner. No change is effected in the element; the bread and wine are not literally the body and blood of Christ. Nor is the body and blood of Christ literally present with the elements. The elements are never to be considered objects of worship. The body of Christ is received and eaten in faith. Back to main 2/2

73 What We Believe: Last ThingsThe Kingdom of God (¶126) The kingdom of God is a prominent Bible theme providing Christians with both their tasks and hope. Jesus announced its presence. The kingdom is realized now as God’s reign is established in the hearts and lives of believers. 1/3 click for next Back to main

74 What We Believe: Last ThingsThe Kingdom of God (¶126) (cont.) The church, by its prayers, example and proclamation of the gospel, is the appointed and appropriate instrument of God in building His kingdom. 2/3 click for next Back to main

75 What We Believe: Last ThingsThe Kingdom of God (¶126) (cont.) But the kingdom is also future and is related to the return of Christ when judgment will fall upon the present order. The enemies of Christ will be subdued; the reign of God will be established; a total cosmic renewal which is both material and moral shall occur; and the hope of the redeemed will be fully realized. 3/3 Back to main

76 What We Believe: Last ThingsThe Return of Christ (¶127) The return of Christ is certain and may occur at any moment, although it is not given us to know the hour. At His return He will fulfill all prophecies concerning His final triumph over all evil. The believer’s response is joyous expectation, watchfulness, readiness and diligence. Back to main

77 What We Believe: Last ThingsResurrection (¶128) There will be a bodily resurrection from the dead of both the just and the unjust, they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. The resurrected body will be a spiritual body, but the person will be whole and identifiable. The Resurrection of Christ is the guarantee of resurrection unto life to those who are in Him. Back to main

78 What We Believe: Last ThingsJudgment (¶129) God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness in accordance with the gospel and our deeds in this life. Back to main

79 What We Believe: Last ThingsFinal Destiny (¶130) Our eternal destiny is determined by God’s grace and our response, not by arbitrary decrees of God. For those who trust Him and obediently follow Jesus as Savior and Lord, there is a heaven of eternal glory and the blessedness of Christ’s presence. But for the finally impenitent there is a hell of eternal suffering and of separation from God. Back to main