Welcome back to our membership journey at the Hinesville First United Methodist Church.
This is Lesson Two: “What United Methodists Believe.”
If you ever feel like theology is complicated, you’re not alone. But at its heart, our faith is built on a simple, powerful idea: God’s grace is with us at every step.
Let’s start with a practical guide that has shaped Methodists for centuries. Our founder, John Wesley, gave us what he called “Three Simple Rules.” They are: Do no harm — do good — and stay in love with God.
First, “DO NO HARM.” This means we actively avoid causing hurt to others, ourselves, or God’s creation, through our words, actions, or even our silence.
Second, “DO GOOD.” This isn’t just about avoiding the bad; it’s about actively seeking opportunities to serve others, show compassion, and make our community a better place, reflecting God’s love in tangible ways.
And third, “STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD.” This is the heart of it all. We are called to nurture our relationship with God through practices like prayer, worship, and studying Scripture. These are not obligations, but they are ways we connect with the source of our strength and purpose.
In the Wesleyan Tradition, we see grace working in three distinct ways throughout our lives.
It begins with what is known as PREVENIENT GRACE. This is God’s love that is actively seeking us out, even before we are aware of it. It’s the grace that surrounds us from birth, preparing our hearts to receive God’s love. Understand that NO ONE is ever outside the reach of God’s love and grace.
And then comes JUSTIFYING GRACE. This is the moment we say “YES” to God. It’s when we accept God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ and are put in a right relationship with Him. It’s the powerful, freeing Experience of being accepted and loved, just as we are.
And finally, there is SANCTIFYING GRACE. This is the lifelong process of becoming more like Christ. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God continues to shape and transform us, healing us and helping us grow in love, patience, and kindness. It’s God’s grace working in us every single day.
So, how do we navigate this life of faith? We use what’s often called the “Wesleyan Quadrilateral,” or a “Four-Fold Lens,” to understand God and the world.
First and foremost is SCRIPTURE. The Bible is our primary source for understanding God’s story and His promises.
Then, we look through the lens of TRADITION. We learn from the wisdom of the countless Christians who have come before us over the last two thousand years.
We also apply – REASON. God gave us minds to think, question, and understand our faith. We are encouraged to explore our beliefs thoughtfully.
And finally, we rely on EXPERIENCE. We pay attention to how we experience God’s presence and work – in our own lives and in the world around us.
Together, these four elements—Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience—give us a balanced and rich way to grow in our understanding. That means our faith is not private — it’s public. It shows up in the way we love our neighbors, feed the hungry, teach our children, and work for justice and mercy. When we live our faith this way, we’re participating in what God is doing to renew the world. Grace changes us so that we can help change the world.
As you reflect on what we believe, I want you to remember this: You don’t have to understand it-all at once. Faith is not about having perfect answers; it’s about trusting the One who walks beside you. In this church, you are free to ask questions, to wrestle with your faith, and to grow at your own pace. That’s the Methodist way — a journey of open hearts, open minds, and open doors.
God of grace, thank You for loving us first. Thank You for the gift of forgiveness, for the joy of growing in Your likeness, and for the call to share Your love with others. As we continue this journey, please help us to live with compassion, curiosity, and courage. Teach us to do no harm, do good, and stay in love with You. For this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Now, in our next lesson, we’re going to look at the beginning of the Methodist Movement and John Wesley’s Adventure to Georgia. Now remember, faith is not a finish line — it’s a lifelong relationship with God. We’ll see you next time!