First Methodist Church Maiden Core Beliefs

(Please note that First Methodist Church of Maiden, NC was at one time associated with the United Methodist denomination. The Church withdrew in January of 2023 and in the absence of any denominational establishment is in the process of formatting foundational doctrine and leadership guidelines. Our basic beliefs are herein stated in summation and are in the process of being expanded in accordance with the principles on which Methodism was established and in accordance with Biblical truth.)

Bible

We believe the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, to be the complete Word of God, inspired by the Spirit of God. It is the plan of God, for the people of God and it reveals the purpose of God. The Bible establishes the way of salvation, and is the final authority for the life of the believer. The Bible provides the foundation for teaching and preaching regarding the kingdom of God.

God

We believe in God, that He is holy, sovereign, eternal, and that He is Creator of all that is both seen and unseen. We believe that God has revealed Himself in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ

We believe in Jesus Christ, that He is fully God and fully man. We believe that Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life. On the cross, Jesus died for the sins of all men, was buried, was resurrected on the third day, and ascended back to continue His eternal existence with the Father. Jesus will intercede for believers until He returns for those who believe in Him.

The Holy Spirit

We believe in the deity of the Holy Spirit who came from and is at one with the Father and the Son. He convicts the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He indwells the lives of believers to provide power, comfort and the gifts necessary glorify the Father and the Son.

The Church

We firmly believe that the Church was established by God, for the worship of God, by the people of God. It exists to provide fellowship for believers and to administer the sacraments as ordained by God. The two sacraments ordained by God are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The Church will encourage believer to participate in regular worship and promote an ongoing effort to reach those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Salvation

We believe that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. The sacrificial death of Christ on the cross is sufficient for the sins of all humanity, so that no other sacrifice is necessary.

          *We believe justification is by faith and not by works or personal achievements.

          *We believe regeneration is the process by which a person is made righteous by Jesus Christ.

          *We believe our relationship with God is made possible by His grace.