Perhaps you’ve asked yourself what exactly United Methodists believe. Pasadena Boulevard United Methodist Church embodies the core tenets of this global faith. It is a place where hearts and minds meet. Doors are open to all through active engagement with the world.
United Methodists share common ground with all Christians. They describe God in three persons. These are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Some use other terms such as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
United Methodists believe God is sovereign. God is the ruler of the universe. They believe God is love. People can experience God’s love and grace. They also believe in one God who created the world and all that is in it. All that He creates is good.
They believe Jesus was human. He lived as a man and died when he was crucified. They also believe Jesus is divine. He is the Son of God. God raised Jesus from the dead. The risen Christ lives today. Christ and Messiah mean the same thing. It means God’s anointed. They believe that Jesus is their Savior. In Christ, they receive abundant life and forgiveness of sins.
They believe that Jesus is their Lord. People are called to pattern their lives after Him. They believe that the Holy Spirit is God with them. The Holy Spirit comforts them when they are in need. The Holy Spirit convicts them when they stray from God. The Holy Spirit awakens them to God’s will. It empowers them to live obediently.
They believe God created human beings in God’s image. Humans can choose to accept or reject a relationship with God. All humans need to be in relationship with God. Only then can they be fully human. The church is the body of Christ. It is an extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the world today. The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
The church is the communion of saints. It is a community made up of all past, present, and future disciples of Christ. The church is called to worship God. It supports those who participate in its life. It helps them grow in faith.
United Methodists believe that the Bible is God’s Word. The Bible is the primary authority for their faith and practice. Christians need to know and study the Old Testament. They also need to study the New Testament. These are the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Scriptures.
They believe that the kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and a future hope. Wherever God’s will is done, the kingdom or reign of God is present. It was present in Jesus’ ministry. It is also present in the world. This happens whenever persons and communities experience reconciliation, restoration, and healing.
The fulfillment of God’s kingdom, the complete restoration of creation, is still to come. The church is called to witness the vision of what God’s kingdom will be like. It should participate in helping to bring it to completion.
The reign of God is both personal and social. Personally, people display the kingdom of God. Their hearts and minds are transformed and they become more Christ-like. Socially, God’s vision for the kingdom includes the restoration and transformation of all of creation.
United Methodists recognize the two sacraments in which Christ participated. These are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Through baptism, people are joined with the church and with Christians everywhere. Baptism is a symbol of new life. It is a sign of God’s love and forgiveness of sins. Persons of any age can be baptized. People baptize by sprinkling, immersion, or pouring. A person receives the sacrament of baptism only once in his or her life.
The Lord’s Supper is a holy meal of bread and wine. It symbolizes the body and blood of Christ. The Lord’s Supper recalls the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It celebrates the unity of all the members of God’s family. By sharing this meal, people give thanks for Christ’s sacrifice. They are nourished and empowered to go into the world in mission and ministry. They practice open Communion. All who love Christ, repent of their sin, and seek to live in peace with one another are welcome.