The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts,
Our Christian Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of Paris First United Methodist Church, Inc. based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in, and flows out of, these biblical doctrines.
God
When we say the Apostles' Creed, we join with millions of
Christians through the ages in an understanding of God as a
Trinity—three persons in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God,
who is one, is revealed in three distinct persons. "God in three
persons, blessed Trinity" is one way of speaking about the
several ways we experience God (Genesis 1).
Christians through the ages in an understanding of God as a
Trinity—three persons in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God,
who is one, is revealed in three distinct persons. "God in three
persons, blessed Trinity" is one way of speaking about the
several ways we experience God (Genesis 1).
Jesus
We believe in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ. God became human in Jesus of Nazareth; and his life, death and resurrection demonstrate God's redeeming love. We believe God was in the world in the actual person of Jesus of Nazareth (John 1:1).
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God's present activity in our midst. When we sense God's leading, God's challenge, or God's support or comfort, it's the Holy Spirit at work (Acts 1:8).
Human Beings
We believe that God created human beings in God's image. We believe that humans can choose to accept or reject a relationship with God. We believe that all humans need to be in relationship with God in order to be transformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Genesis 1:27 asserts that we've been made in the image of the Creator. Like God we have the capacity to love and care, to communicate, and to co-create.
The Church
The church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ’s
life and ministry in the world today.
life and ministry in the world today.
The Bible
We believe that the Bible is the primary authority for our faith and practice. It is God’s inspired words (2 Timothy 3:16).
God's Reign
The kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and future hope. For Jesus, the shalom of God was the kingdom of God, the coming reign of God in human hearts and in all human affairs. In fact, He proclaimed that this reign already "has come near" (Mark 1:15) and that the decision about one's part in it was an urgent necessity: "Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).