Walking the Jesus Way
Stagione 1
Life is God's Holy Gift
Made in the Image of God
di Rev Samuel L Padgett
Scripture References: 1 Samuel 2:6-8a; Psalm 39:4-5 Discipleship Journey: How do we bring Scriptural Holiness to bear on all stages of life? How are you being the Hands, Feet, and Mouthpiece of Christ for those who cannot protect themselves? References: The Book of Doctrines and Discipline of the Global Methodist Church https://irp.cdn-website.com/1876eae9/files/uploaded/2024-Book-of-Doctrines-Discipline-FINAL-15JAN2025.pdf 302.2 ~ We believe that life is a holy gift of God whose beginnings and endings are set by God, and that it is the particular duty of believers to protect those who may be powerless to protect themselves, including the unborn, those with disabilities or serious illness, and the aged. Music: "Make a Way (Instrumental Version) by Hector Gabriel from Epidemic Sound"
Scripture References: Genesis 1:26-31, 2:4b-7; Colossians 3:8-11; James 2:1-4, 12-13 Discipleship Journey Questions: Do you understand that God’s Image is looking at you through every individual you encounter? Do you understand how any act of discrimination, injustice, or disrespect against anyone is an act against God? How are you living this out in your daily life? References: The Book of Doctrines and Discipline of the Global Methodist Church https://irp.cdn-website.com/1876eae9/files/uploaded/2024-Book-of-Doctrines-Discipline-FINAL-15JAN2025.pdf 302.1 We believe that all persons irrespective of their station or circumstances in life have been made in the image of God and must be treated with dignity, justice, and respect. We denounce as sin racism, sexism, and other expressions that unjustly discriminate against any person. Music: "Make a Way (Instrumental Version) by Hector Gabriel from Epidemic Sound"
Scripture References: Ezekiel 37:1-9; Matthew 25:31-34; James 2:14-18 NLT Discipleship Journey Questions: What works are you doing that are empowered by the Holy Spirit? What evidence of the Holy Spirit is evident in your life through the works that you are doing? If there are no works present in your life, are you really living a committed faith in Christ? Are you ready to commit your life to a deeper walk with the Holy Spirit of both faith and works? References: The Book of Doctrines and Discipline of the Global Methodist Church https://irp.cdn-website.com/1876eae9/files/uploaded/2024-Book-of-Doctrines-Discipline-FINAL-15JAN2025.pdf Paragraph 301.1 OUR SOCIAL HERITAGE Following both the example and teachings of Jesus, we believe that God calls us to love and serve others around the world in his name. Since God first stirred the hearts of John and Charles Wesley to feed the hungry, visit those in prison, oppose slavery, and care for those less fortunate, Methodists have believed in meeting people at their point of need and offering them Jesus. We are convinced that faith if it is not accompanied by action is dead (James 2:17) and that, as Jesus reminded us, when we do not do what is needed to care for the least of our sisters and brothers, we likewise have not done so for Christ either (Matthew 25:45). 2. It was in that spirit that the Methodist Episcopal Church became the first denomination in the world to adopt a formal Social Creed in 1908, spurred by the Social Gospel in response to the deplorable working conditions of millions. Though reflective of its own time, the statement is still remarkably relevant even today, calling for, among other things, “equal rights and complete justice for all men in all stations of life, principles of conciliation and arbitration in industrial dissensions, abolition of child labor, the suppression of the ‘sweating system,’ a reduction of the hours of labor to the lowest practical point, a release from employment one day in seven, and for a living wage in every industry.” In turn, that prophetic witness was subsequently embraced by each of the other branches of Methodism and the Evangelical United Brethren Church and continues this day within the Global Methodist Church. As a global church, our Social Witness represents a consensus vision transcending cultures of what it means to be faithful disciples in a world that remains in rebellion against its Creator, wracked by violence and unfettered greed. It is a summons to prayerfully consider how to “do good” and “do no harm” to all as we put our faith into practice. Music: "Make a Way (Instrumental Version) by Hector Gabriel from Epidemic Sound"