Introduction to

Methodism
Session Two:

Common Christian Affirmations

 Topics
Methodists’ common affirmations with historic
Christianity:

’God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit

’The human condition
’The church
’The Scriptures
’The church
’Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit
We affirm the Trinitarian nature of God

’The Apostles Creed

’God:
’ Creates
’ Sustains
’ Loves
’ Suffers
’ Judges
’ Redeems
’ Reigns
 Jesus

’Son of God
’Son of Man
’The Christ
’Risen Lord
’Savior
 Holy Spirit

’God with us.

’Comforts us
’Convicts us
’Awakens us
’Empowers us
 The human condition
’ God created human beings in God’s
image.
’We can choose to accept, or not, right
relationship with God.
’All people need right relationship with
God in order to be fully human
’Human beings are of sinful nature
 The Church
’The body of Christ
’Extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the
world today
’Mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
’“The communion of saints”
’Called to worship God
’Support those who participate in its life as
they grow in faith
 The Scriptures

’God’s Word
’ Primary authority for faith and practice
’Equality of both Testaments
 Baptism
’Joins us with the church and Christians
everywhere
’The covenantal sign of new life, God's
love and forgiveness of our sins
’ Persons of any age can be baptized
’ We baptize by sprinkling, immersion or
pouring
’ Baptism only once
’God is the primary actor in baptism
 Holy Communion
’Holy meal representing the body and blood
of Christ.
’Recalls the life, death and resurrection of
Jesus
’Celebrates the unity of the Church.
’Obeys & gives thanks for Christ's sacrifice
’Spiritually nourishes and empowers us for
mission and ministry.
’"Open Communion"