Our Statement of Faith
To view the Our Journey document, which serves as the Leadership Framework for Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church, click on the title.
(See also the Book of Discipline’s Articles of Religion and Confessions of Faith)
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About God
God is the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of the Universe. God has eternally existed, expressed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
- About Humanity
We are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme objects of God’s creation. Although we have tremendous potential for good, everyone is marred by an attitude of rebellion toward God called sin. Sin separates people from God and from one another. Humanity is intrinsically interconnected…what one person does affect all others; what happens to one person affects all people.
- About Eternity
God’s majesty and mystery hold the keys to eternity and the “end times.” Every person has the opportunity to enjoy the blessings of God for eternity through forgiveness and salvation...not earned on our own merits, but received as a gift from God.
- About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary by miraculous conception, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days, demonstrating His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory where He is the only Mediator between God and people. He will return again to earth and will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
- About Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to all people. Men and women can never make up for their sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can a person be saved from sin’s penalty. When God has begun a saving work in the heart of any person, He gives assurance in His word that He will continue performing it until the day of its full consummation.
- About God’s Dependability
Because God gives man and woman eternal life through Jesus Christ, and adopts them as His own, salvation is received and maintained by the grace and power of God -- not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives believers the assurance of salvation. No power in the universe can separate God’s children from Him.
- About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
- About the Bible
The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is God’s word to all. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. The scriptures are inspired by God, and are the unique, full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God.
- About Faith and Practice
Scripture is the primary resource and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. This church recognizes the value of the traditional “Wesleyan Quadrilateral” (scripture, reason, experience, and tradition) in interpreting and applying scripture in our daily lives. Ultimately, each believer is to be led in those areas by the Lord, to whom he or she alone is ultimately responsible.
We believe this Statement of Faith to be an accurate summary of what Scripture teaches. All members shall refrain from advocating teachings, practices, or doctrines that are not included in this Statement of Faith in such a way as to cause dissension.
