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Basic Beliefs
- The Methodist Church is part of the Whole Church, which is the body of Christ.
- There is only one God who created everything.
- There is nothing we can do to buy our way into heaven.
- Jesus died on the Cross and paid the price for all our sins.
- Jesus was buried in a tomb but rose from the dead.
- When Jesus ascended back into heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to guide and help us.
Portrait of a Methodist by John Wesley
- A Methodist is one who has the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Spirit given unto him.
- One who loves the Lord his God with all his heart and soul and mind and strength.
- He rejoices ever more, prays without ceasing, and in everything gives thanks.
- His heart is full of love to all mankind and is purified from envy, wrath, malice, and every unkind affection.
- His one desire and the one design of his life is not to do his own will but the will of Him that sent him.
- He keeps all God's commandments from the least to the greatest.
- He follows not the customs of the world, for vice does not lose its nature through becoming fashionable.
- He fares not sumptuously every day.
- He cannot lay up treasures upon earth, nor can he adorn himself with gold and costly apparel.
- He cannot join in any diversion that has the least tendency to vice.
- He cannot speak evil of his neighbour any more than he can lie.
- He cannot utter unkind or evil words.
- He does good unto all men, unto neighbours, strangers, friends and enemies.
- These are the marks of a true Methodist.
- By these alone do Methodists desire to be distinguished from all other men.
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