Embedded Files
From the United Methodist Church:
From the United Methodist Church:
Honoring our history July 4th, to all brave me and women from the Boston Tea Party to the American Revoloutionary War, we continue to defend our freedoms every day and remain strong.
From the Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government-
The Christian faith includes both personal and public ramifications. However, most churches in America overemphasize personal faith and underemphasize public faith. For example, all churches care deeply about individual moral behavior, which is obviously important.
But Scripture teaches us that God also cares passionately about public matters like poverty, the environment, race relations, peacemaking, health care, immigration, taxes, debt relief, just court systems, fair wages, prisons, and hunger. Since these issues matter to God, they should also matter to God’s people.
Kingdom of Jesus Christ
Kingdom of Jesus Christ
A central concern of Jesus was advancing “the kingdom of God.” The kingdom of God is what the world would look like if God’s will was done “on earth as it is in heaven.” A great biblical example of this can be found in Isaiah 65.
In this passage Isaiah says, “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days” (v. 20). In God’s kingdom infant mortality does not exist. Therefore, issues like health insurance and prenatal care are kingdom issues.
Isaiah then says, “Never again will there be . . . an old man who does not live out his years” (v. 20). In God’s kingdom senior adults live long, productive, and healthy lives. Therefore, issues like Medicare and Social Security are kingdom issues.
Isaiah adds, “They will build houses and dwell in them” (v. 21). In God’s kingdom every person lives in a decent house. Therefore, issues like fair mortgage rates and affordable housing are kingdom issues.
Isaiah continues, “They will plant vineyards and eat their fruit” (v. 21). In God’s kingdom food is plentiful. Therefore, healthy, accessible, and affordable food are kingdom issues.
Isaiah goes on to say, “They will long enjoy the works of their hands. They will not labor in vain” (vv. 22–23). In God’s kingdom people get fairly compensated for their work. Therefore, issues like minimum wage and employee benefits are kingdom issues.
Then Isaiah says, “They will not bear children doomed to misfortune” (v. 23). In God’s kingdom children thrive. Therefore, issues like child nutrition and early education are kingdom issues.
Finally, Isaiah dreams of the day when “the wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox... They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain” (v. 25). In God’s kingdom violence and warfare are contraband. Therefore, peacemaking between peoples and nations is a major kingdom issue.
Our priorities are clear
Our priorities are clear
Because these kinds of social issues are priorities for God, they should also be priorities for the people of God. Individual Christians, local churches, denominations, and the entire worldwide Christian community must constantly seek ways to advance God’s kingdom—personal and public—both locally and around the world.
Years ago, while driving to a meeting, I noticed a little white church on the side of the road. A huge sign in front of the church said, “A Full Gospel Church.” I thought to myself, That’s exactly what the world needs. We need full-gospel Christianity that emphasizes personal faith like loving Jesus and living ethically.
But we also need full-gospel Christianity that emphasizes public faith like caring for God’s creation, seeking peace, fighting poverty, and treating immigrants compassionately. In short, we need to become “full-gospel” Christians. May that be true in your life and in mine.
This commentary has been reprinted with permission from DoubtersParish.com, which helps readers navigate faith in the 21st century.
The Rev. Martin Thielen is an author and a retired United Methodist pastor. He also worked as a national denominational editor, consultant, workshop leader, and adjunct seminary professor.
Lenten Message from Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President of the Council of Bishops
Lenten Message from Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President of the Council of Bishops
As we enter the sacred season of Lent today, we are invited into a time of returning—returning to prayer, to God’s word, to simplicity, trusting God beyond what we can see.
As we enter the sacred season of Lent today, we are invited into a time of returning—returning to prayer, to God’s word, to simplicity, trusting God beyond what we can see.
The Lenten Season reminds us that discipleship is rooted in connection and relationships. Lent draws us into community—into shared prayer, shared repentance, and shared hope. We bear one another’s burdens, encourage one another in faith, and remind one another that God’s promises are trustworthy and true. The apostle Paul urges us, “Encourage one another and build up each other” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Lent strengthens our communal witness as we seek to embody Christ’s love together.
The Lenten Season reminds us that discipleship is rooted in connection and relationships. Lent draws us into community—into shared prayer, shared repentance, and shared hope. We bear one another’s burdens, encourage one another in faith, and remind one another that God’s promises are trustworthy and true. The apostle Paul urges us, “Encourage one another and build up each other” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Lent strengthens our communal witness as we seek to embody Christ’s love together.
Lent also invites us to remember the wideness of God’s mercy. In a world often marked by division, harshness, and fear, we are called to be signs of God’s reconciling grace. We are called to forgive as we have been forgiven, to love as we have been loved, and to extend compassion even when it is difficult. Jesus’ words echo through this season: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Mercy is not weakness—it is the courageous work of those who trust in God’s transforming power.
Lent also invites us to remember the wideness of God’s mercy. In a world often marked by division, harshness, and fear, we are called to be signs of God’s reconciling grace. We are called to forgive as we have been forgiven, to love as we have been loved, and to extend compassion even when it is difficult. Jesus’ words echo through this season: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Mercy is not weakness—it is the courageous work of those who trust in God’s transforming power.
This sacred season challenges us to confront the idols that compete for our attention and allegiance. Whether it is the idol of certainty, the idol of control, or the idol of self-sufficiency, Lent calls us to lay them down. We remember the words spoken through the prophet: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). Lent is a time to re-center our lives on the One who alone is worthy of our devotion.
This sacred season challenges us to confront the idols that compete for our attention and allegiance. Whether it is the idol of certainty, the idol of control, or the idol of self-sufficiency, Lent calls us to lay them down. We remember the words spoken through the prophet: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). Lent is a time to re-center our lives on the One who alone is worthy of our devotion.
Lent also teaches us to hope with resilience. Hope is not naïve optimism; it is the steady conviction that God is faithful, even when circumstances are not. It is the assurance that God is working for good in ways we cannot yet see. The apostle Paul reminds us, “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us” (Romans 5:3–5). Lent shapes us into people who can hold hope with courage and generosity.
Lent also teaches us to hope with resilience. Hope is not naïve optimism; it is the steady conviction that God is faithful, even when circumstances are not. It is the assurance that God is working for good in ways we cannot yet see. The apostle Paul reminds us, “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us” (Romans 5:3–5). Lent shapes us into people who can hold hope with courage and generosity.
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, we say that it's the Holy Spirit at work.
In Hebrew, the words for Spirit, wind, and breath are nearly the same. The same is true in Greek. In trying to describe God's activity among them, the ancients were saying that it was like God's breath, like a sacred wind. It could not be seen or held: "The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes" (John 3:8). But the effect of God's Spirit, like the wind, could be felt and known. Where do we find the evidence of the Spirit at work?
In the Bible
The Spirit is mentioned often throughout the Bible. In Genesis a "wind from God swept over the face of the waters," as if taking part in the Creation (1:2). Later in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible), we often read of "the Spirit of the Lord."
In Matthew's account of Jesus' baptism, Jesus "saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him" (3:16) and he "was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted" (4:1). After his Resurrection Christ told his disciples, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you" (Acts 1:8). A few weeks later, on the Day of Pentecost, this came to pass: "And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind....All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:2, 4). As the Book of Acts and Paul's letters attest, from that time on, the early Christians were vividly aware of God's Spirit leading the new church.
In guidance, comfort, and strength
Today we continue to experience God's breath, God's Spirit. As one of our creeds puts it, "We believe in the Holy Spirit, God present with us for guidance, for comfort, and for strength" (The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 884). We sense the Spirit in time alone—perhaps in prayer, in our study of the Scriptures, in reflection on a difficult decision, or in the memory of a loved one. The Spirit's touch is intensely personal.
Perhaps we're even more aware of the Holy Spirit in the community of believers—the congregation, the church school class or fellowship group, the soup kitchen, the planning committee, the prayer meeting, the family. Somehow the Spirit speaks through the thoughtful and loving interaction of God's people. The Holy Spirit, who brought the church into being, is still guiding and upholding it, if we will but listen.
In the gifts we receive
How does the Holy Spirit affect our lives? By changing us! By renewing us and by strengthening us for the work of ministry.
Fruits: Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16). What sort of fruit? Paul asserts that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22).
Gifts: Paul also writes that the Spirit bestows spiritual gifts on believers. In 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 he lists nine, which vary from one person to another: the utterance of wisdom, the utterance of knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, the discernment of spirits, various kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.
These fruits and gifts are not of our own achievement. They and others are the outgrowth of the Spirit's work in us, by grace, through our faith in Jesus the Christ. And they are not given for personal gain. Through these fruits and gifts, the Holy Spirit empowers us for ministry in the world.
From United Methodist Member's Handbook, Revised by George Koehler (Discipleship Resources, 2006), pp. 84-85. Used by permission.
Articles of Religion
Article IV — Of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God. Learn more
Confession of Faith
Article III — The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who proceeds from and is one in being with the Father and the Son. He convinces the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He leads men through faithful response to the gospel into the fellowship of the Church. He comforts, sustains and empowers the faithful and guides them into all truth. Learn morere Christian Beliefs
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