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The 4 Great Emphases of Methodist Christianity
- God's love includes everyone! (Universal Atonement)
- Though tragically separated from God by sin, we can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ! (Salvation Faith)
- God's spirit brings assurance that we belong to Him! (Witness of the Spirit)
- A life dominated by perfect love is the goal of Christian experience (Perfect Love)
Personalise these four emphases and use these suggested prayers accordingly.
THIRD EMPHASIS
God's spirit brings assurance that we belong to Him! (Witness of the Spirit)
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"The Spirit itself bears witness with our Spirit, that we are children of God." (Romans 8:16) The "Witness of The Spirit" is more than an emotion that we feel, or a voice that we hear. It is an inner confidence that God is faithful, and that He does indeed keep his promise with us! This inward confidence is confirmed by outward change - i.e. a new style of life. As John said: "We know that we have passed from death to life…because we love the brethren..." (1 John 3:14)
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Preface to the Book of Romans: "...about a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart, through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation: and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death." (Wesley's Journal, May 24, 1738)
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John Wesley, founder of Methodism, received this witness at a meeting on Aldersgate Street, London, as he listened to one reading Luther's.
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For some, this confidence dawns gradually. For others, it is a sudden discovery at the moment of faith.
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Each of us can be assured of our acceptance with God!
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