CATHOLICISM

Definition


Catholicism has two main ecclesiastical meanings, described in Webster's Dictionary as: a) "the whole orthodox christian church, or adherence thereto;" and b) "the doctrines or faith of the Roman Catholic church, or church, adherence thereto." 1 The term comes from the Greek adjective (katholikos), meaning "general" or "universal", the feminine form.

History


After Jesus died, Simon Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, became a strong leader in the Jewish Christian movement. Later James, most likely Jesus' brother, took over leadership. These followers of Christ viewed themselves as a reform movement within Judaism yet they continued to follow many of the Jewish laws. At this time Saul, originally one of the strongest persecutors of the early Jewish Christians, had a blinding vision of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, and became a Christian. Adopting the name Paul, he became the greatest evangelist of the early Christian church. Paul's ministry, also called Pauline Christianity, was directed mainly to Gentiles rather than Jews. In subtle ways, the early church was already becoming divided. Another belief system at this time was Gnostic Christianity, which taught that Jesus was a spirit being, sent by God to impart knowledge to humans so that they could escape the miseries of life on earth. In addition to Gnostic, Jewish, and Pauline Christianity, there were already many other versions of Christianity being taught. After the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the Jewish Christian movement was scattered. Pauline and Gnostic Christianity were left as the dominant groups. The Roman Empire legally recognized Pauline Christianity as a valid religion in 313 AD. Later in that century, in 380 AD, Roman Catholicism became the official religion of the Roman Empire. During the following 1000 years, Catholics were the only people recognized as Christians. In 1054 AD, a formal split occurred between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. This division remains in effect today. The next major division occurred in the 16th century with the Protestant Reformation. Those who remained faithful to Roman Catholicism believed that the central regulation of doctrine by church leaders was necessary to prevent confusion and division within the church and corruption of its beliefs.

 

Beliefs and practices



Authority Within the Church - Catholics believe the authority of the church lies within the hierarchy of the church; Protestants believe the authority of the church lies within the believer. Baptism - Catholics (as well as Lutherans, Episcopalians/Anglicans and some other Protestants) believe that Baptism is a sacrament that regenerates and justifies, and is usually done in infancy; Most Protestants believe Baptism is an outward testimony of a prior inward regeneration, usually done after a person confesses Jesus as Savior and obtains an understanding of the significance of Baptism. Visit About.com's Catholicism site to understand more about the Catholic Sacrament of Baptism. Baptism. The Bible - Catholics believe that truth is found in the Bible, as interpreted by the church, but also found in church tradition. Protestants believe that truth is found in Scripture, as interpreted by the individual, and that the original writings of the authors of the Bible are without error. Forgiveness of Sin - Catholics believe forgiveness of sin is achieved through church ritual, with the assistance of a priest in confession. Protestants believe forgiveness of sin is received through repentance and confession to God directly without any human intercessor. Hell - The New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia defines hell in the strict sense, as "the place of punishment for the damned" including limbo of infants, limbo of the Fathers, and purgatory. Similarly, Protestants believe hell is a real physical place of punishment which lasts for all eternity, but reject the concepts of limbo and purgatory.

Immaculate Conception of Mary - Roman Catholics are required to believe that when Mary herself was conceived, she was without original sin. Infallibility of the Pope - This is a required belief of the Catholic Church in matters of religious doctrine. The Lord's Supper (Eucharist/Communion) - Catholics believe this (Eucharist/Communion) sacrifice is Christ's body and blood physically present and consumed by believers ("transubstantiation"). Most Protestants believe this observance is a ("transubstantiation"). meal in memory of Christ's sacrificed body and blood, and it symbolizes only His life now present in the believer. They reject the concept of transubstantiation. Mary's Status - Catholics believe the Virgin Mary is below Jesus but above that of the saints. Prayer - Catholics believe in praying to God and also praying to Mary or a saint to intercede on their behalf. Protestants believe prayer is addressed to God and not to saints. Purgatory - Catholics believe purgatory is a state of being after death in which souls are cleansed by purifying punishments before they can enter heaven. Protestants deny the existence of Purgatory.

Right to Life - The Roman Catholic Church teaches that ending the life of a prepreembryo, embryo or fetus cannot be allowed, except in very rare cases where a lifelifesaving operation on the woman results in the unintended death of the embryo or fetus. Individual Roman Catholics often take a position that is more liberal than the official stance of the Church. Conservative Protestants differ in their stance on abortion access. Some permit it in cases where the pregnancy was initiated through rape or incest. At the other extreme, some believe that abortion is never warranted, even to save the life of the woman. Sacraments - Catholics believe the sacraments are a means of grace. Protestants believe they are a symbol of grace. Saints - Much emphasis is placed on the saints in the Catholic religion. Protestants believe that all born again believers are saints and that no special emphasis should be given to them. Salvation - The Catholic religion teaches that salvation depends on faith, works and sacraments. Protestant religions teach that salvation depends on faith only. Salvation (Losing Salvation) - Catholics believe that salvation is lost when a responsible person commits a mortal sin. It can be regained through repentance and the sacrament of confession. Protestants usually believe, once a person is saved, they cannot lose their salvation. Some denominations teach that a person can lose their salvation. Statues - Catholics give honor to statues and images as symbolic of the individual saints. Many Protestants consider veneration of statues to be idolatry.

SeventhSeventh-Day Adventist Church

Definition


The term Adventist is used interchangeably with the Seventh-day SeventhAdventist Church. The Seventh-day designation serves as a Seventhreminder that their Sabbath is distinguished by its observance on Saturday, the seventh or last day of the week, instead of a Sunday Sabbath. In fact, the Adventists, like Jews, observe the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. According to the creation story in the Bible, Saturday was instituted by God as the day of rest, and the commandment concerning Sabbath rest is part of God's eternal law. Adventism is one of a group of Protestant Christian churches with a belief in the Second Coming, with firm roots in the Hebrew and Christian prophetic tradition. They believe that when Christ returns he will separate the saints from the wicked. The founder of the faith, William Miller (1782 1849), was a Baptist preacher. His followers were called Millerites. Miller came to the conclusion that Christ would arrive sometime between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. Though he was encouraged in this view by some clergymen and followers, Miller was also accused of being a fanatic because he insisted that Christ would arrive on schedule with a fiery conflagration

History


The Seventh-day Adventist Church is the largest of several Adventist groups SeventhYork, which arose from the Millerite movement of the 1840s in upstate New York, a phase of the Second Great Awakening. Miller predicted on the basis of "dayAwakening. dayyear principle" that Jesus Christ would return to Earth between the Spring of principle" 1843 and the Spring of 1844. In the summer of 1844, Millerite Adventists came to believe that Jesus would return on October 22, 1844, understood to be the Biblical Day of Atonement for that year. When this did not happen, most of his happen, followers disbanded and returned to their original churches. Some Millerites came to believe that Miller's calculations were correct, but that his interpretation of Daniel 8:14 was flawed as he assumed it was the 'earth that was to be cleansed' or Christ would come to cleanse the world. These Adventists arrived at the conviction that Daniel 8:14 foretold Christ's entrance into the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary rather than his second coming. coming. This new awareness of a sanctuary in heaven became an important part of their thinking. Over the next few decades this understanding developed into the doctrine of the investigative judgment: an eschatological process judgment: commencing in 1844 in which Christians will be judged to verify their eligibility for salvation and God's justice will be confirmed before the universe. This group of Adventists continued to believe that Christ's second coming would be imminent. They resisted setting further dates for the event, citing Revelation 10:6, "that there should be time no longer."[12] longer."[12]

As the early Adventist movement consolidated, the question of the biblical day of rest and worship was raised. The foremost proponent of Sabbath-keeping among early Adventists SabbathBates. was Joseph Bates. Bates was introduced to the Sabbath doctrine by a tract written by Millerite preacher Thomas M. Preble, who in turn had Preble, Preston, been influenced by Rachel Oakes Preston, a young Seventh Day Baptist. This message was Baptist. gradually accepted and formed the topic of the first edition of the church publication The Present Truth (now the Adventist Review), Review), which appeared in July 1849.

Beliefs


Adventists claim but one creed: The Bible, and the Bible alone. Adventist doctrine resembles trinitarian Protestant theology, with premillennial and Arminian emphases .

In addition, there is a generally recognized set of "distinctive" doctrines which distinguish Adventism from the rest of the Christian world, although not all of these teachings are wholly unique to Adventism: Law (fundamental belief 19) the Law of God is "embodied in the Ten Commandments", Commandments", which continue to be binding upon Christians. Sabbath (fundamental belief 20) the Sabbath should be observed on the seventh day of the week, specifically, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. Second Coming and End times (fundamental beliefs 25 28) Jesus Christ will return visibly to earth after a "time of trouble", during which the Sabbath will become a worldwide test. The second coming will be followed by a millennial reign of the saints in heaven. Adventist eschatology is based on the historicist method of prophetic interpretation. Wholistic human nature (fundamental beliefs 7, 26) Humans are an indivisible unity of body, mind and spirit. They do not possess an immortal soul and there is no consciousness after death (commonly referred to as "soul sleep"). (See also: Christian "soul sleep"). anthropology) anthropology) Conditional immortality (fundamental belief 27) The wicked will not suffer eternal hell, torment in hell, but instead will be permanently destroyed. (See: Conditional immortality, Annihilationism) immortality, Annihilationism)

Great Controversy (fundamental belief 8) Humanity is involved in a "great "great controversy" controversy" between Jesus Christ and Satan. This is an elaboration on the common Satan. Christian theory that evil began in heaven when an angelic being (Lucifer) rebelled (Lucifer) against the Law of God. Heavenly sanctuary (fundamental belief 24) At his ascension, Jesus Christ commenced an atoning ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. In 1844, he began to cleanse sanctuary. Atonement. the heavenly sanctuary in fulfillment of the Day of Atonement. Investigative Judgment (fundamental belief 24) A judgment of professed Christians began in 1844, in which the books of record are examined for all the universe to see. The investigative judgment will affirm who will receive salvation, and vindicate God in the eyes of the universe as just in his dealings with mankind.

Remnant (fundamental belief 13) There will be an end-time remnant who keep the endcommandments of God and have "the testimony of Jesus" (Revelation 12:17 ). This (Revelation messages" remnant proclaims the "three angels' messages" of Revelation 14:6 12 to the world. "three

Spirit of Prophecy (fundamental belief 18) The ministry of Ellen G. White is commonly referred to as the "Spirit of Prophecy" and her writings are considered "a "Spirit Prophecy" continuing and authoritative source of truth",[21] though ultimately subject to the Bible. truth",[21] White) (See: Inspiration of Ellen White)

Culture and practices

 

Sabbath activities To keep the weekly Sabbath holy, Adventists abstain from secular work on Saturday. They will also usually refrain from purely secular forms of recreation, such as competitive sport and watching nonnonreligious programs on television. However, nature walks, familyfamilyoriented activities, charitable work and other activities that are compassionate in nature are encouraged. Much of Friday might be spent in preparation for the Sabbath; for example, preparing meals and tidying homes. Some Adventists gather for Friday evening worship to welcome in the Sabbath, a Vespers. practice often known as Vespers. Saturday afternoon activities vary widely depending on the cultural, ethnic and social background. In some churches, members and visitors will participate in a fellowship (or "potluck") lunch. "potluck")

 

Worship service The major weekly worship service occurs on Saturday, typically commencing with Sabbath School which is a structured time of small-group study at church. Most Adventists make use smallof an officially produced "Sabbath School Lesson", which deals with a particular biblical text or doctrine every quarter. Special meetings are provided for children and youth in different age groups during this time (analogous to Sunday school in other churches). After a brief break, the community joins together again for a church service that follows a typical evangelical format, with a sermon as a central feature. Corporate singing, Scripture collection), readings, prayers and an offering, including tithing (or money collection), are other standard features. The instruments and forms of worship music vary greatly throughout the worldwide church.[28] Some churches in North America have a contemporary Christian church.[28] music style, whereas other churches enjoy more traditional hymns including those found in Hymnal. the Adventist Hymnal. Worship is known to be generally restrained. Holy Communion Adventists usually practice communion four times a year. The communion is an open service that is available to members and Christian non-members. It commences with a foot nonwashing ceremony, known as the "Ordinance of Humility", based on the Gospel account of John 13. The Ordinance of Humility is meant to symbolize Christ's washing of his 13. disciples' feet at the Last Supper and remind participants of the need to humbly serve one another. Participants segregate by gender to separate rooms to conduct this ritual, although some congregations allow married couples to perform the ordinance on each other and families are often encouraged to participate together. After its completion, Supper, participants return to the main sanctuary for consumption of the Lord's Supper, which consists of unleavened bread and unfermented grape juice.

 

 

Health and diet Since the 1860s when the church began, wholeness and health have been an emphasis of the Adventist church.[ Adventists are known for presenting a "health message" that recommends vegetarianism and expects adherence to the kosher laws in Leviticus 11. 11. Obedience to these laws means abstinence from pork, shellfish, and other foods proscribed as "unclean". The church discourages its members from the use "unclean". alcohol, alcohol). of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs (compare Christianity and alcohol). In addition, some coffee, tea, cola, caffeine. Adventists avoid coffee, tea, cola, and other beverages containing caffeine. The pioneers of the Adventist Church had much to do with the common acceptance of breakfast cereals into the Western diet, and the "modern commercial concept of cereal food" originated among Adventists. John Harvey Kellogg was one of the early founders of Adventist health work. His development of breakfast cereals as a health food led to the founding of Kellogg's by his brother William. In both Australia and New Zealand, the William. Zealand, churchchurch-owned Sanitarium Health Food Company is a leading manufacturer of health and Weetvegetarianvegetarian-related products, most prominently Australia's national breakfast cereal, WeetBix. Bix.

Adventists live longer because they do not smoke or drink alcohol, have a day of rest every week, and maintain a healthy, low-fat vegetarian diet that is rich in nuts and beans. lowHe cites the Adventist emphasis on health, diet, and Sabbath-keeping as primary factors Sabbathfor Adventist longevity.An estimated 35% of Adventists practice vegetarianism, according to a 2002 worldwide survey of local church leaders.

Ethics and sexuality

The official Adventist position on abortion is that "abortions for reasons of birth control, gender selection, or convenience are not condoned." At control, selection, times, however, women may face exceptional circumstances that present serious moral or medical dilemmas, such as significant threats to the pregnant woman's life or health, severe congenital defects in the fetus, and pregnancy resulting from rape or incest; in these cases individuals are incest; counseled to make their own decisions. According to official statements from the General Conference, heterosexual marriages are the only biblically ordained grounds for sexual intimacy. Adventists do not perform same-sex intimacy. samemarriages and practising homosexuals cannot be ordained. An extramarital affair is one of the sanctioned grounds for a divorce, although divorce, reconciliation is encouraged whenever possible. Adventists believe in and encourage abstinence for both men and women before marriage. The church disagrees with extra-marital cohabitation. The New Testament extracohabitation. texts are interpreted to teach that wives should submit to their husbands in marriage. The Adventist church has released official statements in relation to other ethical issues such as euthanasia (against active euthanasia but permissive of passive withdrawal of medical support to allow death to occur), birth control (in favor of it for married couples if used correctly, but against abortion as birth control and premarital sex in any case) and human cloning (against it while the technology is unsafe and would result in defective births or abortions).

Dress and entertainment

Adventists have traditionally held socially conservative attitudes regarding dress and entertainment. These attitudes are reflected in beliefs: one of the church's fundamental beliefs: Accordingly, many Adventists are opposed to practices such as body piercing and tattoos and refrain from the wearing of jewelry, including such items as earrings and bracelets. Some also oppose the displaying of wedding bands, although banning wedding bands is not the position of the General Conference. Conservative Adventists avoid certain recreational activities which are considered to be a negative spiritual influence, including dancing, rock music and secular theatre. However, major studies conducted from 1989 onwards found the majority of North American church youth reject some of The Adventist church officially opposes the practice of gambling.

 

Pathfinders The Youth Department of the Adventist church runs an organization Pathfinders, for 10- to 16-year-old boys and girls called Pathfinders, which is 10- 16-yearsimilar to the Scouting movement. After a person turns 17 he or she is no longer considered a Pathfinder but considered staff. Pathfinders exposes young people to such activities as camping, community service, personal mentorship, and skills-based education, and trains skillsthem for leadership in the church. Yearly "Camporees" are held in individual Conferences, where Pathfinders from the region gather and participate in events similar to Boy Scouts' Jamborees.

"Adventurer" (ages 6 9), "Eager Beaver" (ages 4-5), and "Little 4Lambs" (ages 3-4) clubs are programs for younger children that feed 3into the Pathfinder program. Those above 16 are eligible to become "Master Guides" (similar to Scout Master) and will begin to take on leadership roles within the club.

Youth Camp The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates youth Seventhcamps all over North America and many other parts of the world. Each camp varies in the activities they manage but most have archery, swimming, horses, arts and crafts, nature, high ropes challenge course, and many other common activities. In addition to regular camps some have specialty camps, or RAD camps, which vary from either a week of surfing, waterskiing/wakeboarding, rock climbing, golf, skateboarding, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, cycling, basketball, and many others.

Baptist

Definition


Baptists are Christians who comprise a group of denominations and churches that subscribe to a doctrine that baptism should be performed only for professing believers (believer's baptism, as opposed to infant baptism), and that it must be done by immersion (as opposed to affusion or sprinkling). Baptists recognize two ministerial offices, pastors and deacons. Baptist churches are widely considered to be Protestant churches, though some Baptists disavow this identity.

The Baptists consider the Scriptures to be the sufficient and exclusive rule of faith and practice. In the interpretation of them, every individual enjoys unrestricted freedom. No non-Scriptural scheme of nondoctrines and duty is recognized as authoritative. They agree in the rejection of infant baptism as contrary to the Scriptures, and in the acceptance of immersion as the sole valid mode of baptism. All children who die before the age of responsibility will nevertheless be saved. Baptism and the Eucharist, the only two sacraments, or ordinances as they call them, which Baptists generally admit, are not productive of grace, but are mere symbols. Baptism does not bestow, but symbolizes, regeneration, which has already taken place.

Beliefs


Bible - The Bible is inspired by God and is the sole rule and authority for faith and practice in the church. Communion - Primitives practice closed communion, only for baptized members of "like faith and practice." Heaven, Hell - Heaven and hell exist as real places, but Primitives rarely use those terms in their statement of beliefs. Jesus Christ - He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and rose from the dead. His sacrificial death paid the sin debt of his elect in full. Limited Atonement - One of the doctrines that sets Primitives apart is Limited Atonement, or Particular Redemption. They hold that the Bible says Jesus died to save only his elect, a specific number of people who can never be lost.

Ministry - Ministers are males only and are called "Elder," based on biblical precedent. They do not attend seminary but are self-trained. Some Primitive Baptist churches pay selfsupport or a salary; however, many elders are unpaid volunteers. Missionaries - Primitive Baptist beliefs say the elect will be saved by Christ and Christ alone. Music - Musical instruments are not used in Primitive Baptist churches because they are not mentioned in Scripture in New Testament worship. Pictures of Jesus - The Bible forbids images of God. Christ is the Son of God, is God, and pictures or paintings of him are idols.

Practices


Sacraments - Primitives believe in two ordinances: baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper. Both follow New Testament models. Baptism of people of the age of accountability is performed by a qualified elder of the local church. The Lord's Supper consists of unleavened bread and wine, the elements used by Jesus in his last supper in the Gospels. Feet washing, to express humility and service, is generally a part of the Lord's Supper as well. Worship Service - Worship services are held on Sunday and resemble those in the New Testament church. Primitive Baptist elders preach for 45 to 60 minutes, usually extemporaneously. Individuals may offer prayers.

Episcopalians

Definition


Episcopal comes from the Greek word for bishop. This church preserves the ancient Catholic faith and sacraments, and the historic ministry of bishops as its chief pastors; and it is at the same time Protestant, focusing on the basic authority of Holy Scripture and the priesthood of all believers. The Episcopal Church in America is often described as a bridge church because it includes both Catholic and Protestant traditions. We are strongly committed to the faith and mission of the whole Christian Church of all languages and denominations, and we work and pray for its unity. The Episcopal Church in United States is one branch of the world-wide worldAnglican Communion, which now numbers more than 80 million Christians. Established just after the American Revolution, the Episcopal Church was the first of many branches to emerge over the years from our mother Church, the Church of England. Many of the founders of our nation were members of the new Episcopal Church, which incorporated the traditions of Christians over the centuries into a truly democratic structure.

The Episcopal Church is a democratic church with a government much like the government of United States. In each congregation, ministry is shared by lay people and ordained clergy. In each diocese (regional divisions of the national church), bishops give pastoral care and oversight, and both clergy and lay people are elected to represent their congregations in the life of the diocese. In the national church, the Presiding Bishop, other bishops, clergy and lay leaders work together in legislative bodies and administrative committees to oversee the life and mission of the wider church.

How do Episcopalians worship? Anglicans around the world, including Episcopalians in the United States, worship using a version of the Book of Common Prayer, Prayer, which was first published in English in 1549. Our Sunday worship is through the Eucharist (also called the Lord s Supper, the Holy Communion, and the Mass). Eucharist comes from the Greek for thanksgiving. During the first half of the Eucharist, we listen to the Word of God through Bible readings and a sermon, and then we respond to what we have heard with our prayers and affirmation of faith. During the second half of the Eucharist, we give thanks for our redemption through our Lord Jesus Christ, as we celebrate Holy Communion together. In the Episcopal Church, everyone who seeks God and who is drawn to Christ is welcome to receive Holy Communion. Episcopal Churches usually offer two services of the Eucharist each Sunday morning: an early, quiet service and a later service with music.

Beliefs
 

Episcopalians believe in one God: the Father who creates us and all things; the Son who redeems us from sin and death; the Holy Spirit who inspires and sustains us as children of God.

Episcopalians promise to follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We believe that trusting in Christ ends our tragic separation from God, and begins a new relationship with God and with one another. Episcopalians believe the Holy Scriptures to be the Word of God and to contain all things necessary for salvation. We believe God inspired the Bible s human authors in their own day, and that God continues to speak to us through the Bible today.

Episcopalians affirm their faith through the historic Creeds (the Apostle s Creed and the Nicene Creed), and Creed), through the words and prayers of the Book of Common Prayer.

    

All Episcopalians promise to follow Jesus Christ Savior and Lord, by putting their whole trust in Christ s grace and love. Episcopalians also promise, in the Baptismal Covenant, to Continue in the apostles teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers. Persevere in resisting evil, and whenever we fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord. Proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ. Seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as themselves. Strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.

Methodist

Beliefs and Practices

Wesley's three basic precepts that began the Methodist tradition consisted of:  Shun evil and avoid partaking in wicked deeds at all costs,  PERFORM KIND ACTS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, AND  ABIDE BY THE EDICTS OF GOD THE ALMIGHTY FATHER.

The Methodist branch of protestant religion traces its roots back to 1739 where it developed in England as a Wesley. result of the teachings of John Wesley.

METHODIST DOCTRINE:
   

    

 

God is all-knowing, possesses infinite love and goodness, is all-powerful, and the creator of allallall things. God has always existed and will always continue to exist. God is three persons in one, the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. one, God is the master of all creation and humans are meant to live in a holy covenant with him. Humans have broken this covenant by their sins, and can only be forgiven if they truly have Christ. faith in the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus was God on Earth (conceived of a virgin), in the form of a man who was crucified for the sins of all people, and who was physically resurrected to bring them the hope of eternal life. The grace of God is seen by people through the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives and in their world. Close adherence to the teachings of Scripture is essential to the faith because Scripture is the Word of God. Christians are part of a universal church and must work with all Christians to spread the love of God. Baptism is a sacrament or ceremony in which a person is anointed with water to symbolize being brought into the community of faith. Communion is a sacrament in which participants eat bread and drink juice to show that they continue to take part in Christ's redeeming resurrection by symbolically taking part in His body (the bread) and blood (the juice). Wesley taught his followers that Baptism and Communion are not only sacraments, but also sacrifices to God. People can only be saved through faith in Jesus Christ, not by any other acts of redemption such as good deeds.

Methodist Distinctions from Other Protestant Faiths:

 

The most fundamental distinction of Methodist teaching is that people must use logic and reason in all matters of faith. ALSO IMPORTANT IS THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF "PREVENIENT," "JUSTIFYING," AND "SANCTIFYING" GRACES. IT "JUSTIFYING," IS TAUGHT THAT PEOPLE ARE BLESSED WITH THESE GRACES AT DIFFERENT TIMES THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
PREVENIENT GRACE IS PRESENT BEFORE THEY ARE SAVED FROM THE ERROR OF THEIR WAYS.

 

Justifying grace is given at the time of their repentance and forgiveness by God. AND SANCTIFYING GRACE IS RECEIVED WHEN THEY HAVE FINALLY BEEN SAVED FROM THEIR SINS AND THE SINS OF THE WORLD. And lastly, the Methodist Church puts a great emphasis on missionary work and other forms of spreading the Word of God and His love to others.