COMMUNION
We practice an open communion with the belief the invitation to receive communion is an invitation to Christ’s table, and that it is not the province of human beings to interfere between an individual and Christ.
Crossville First Methodist Church
The Trinity – We believe in the One True God, Creator of all, eternal in three persons as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
God the Father – We believe that the Creator God, Father Almighty, by the power of perfect love, gave Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the salvation of the world.
God the Son – We believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, God the Son. We believe Jesus came as one truly human and truly divine. He lived a sinless life. He revealed God, the Father, taught perfect moral and spiritual truth, died on the cross as an offering for human sins, and thus made possible forgiveness and redemption. On the third day after his death, he rose from the dead, appeared to many witnesses for forty days, and then ascended to sit in heaven at the right hand of God. We believe he will come again to judge all.
God the Holy Spirit – We believe that the Holy Spirit is the spiritual presence of God who convinces of sin, righteousness and judgement. The Holy Spirit is Advocate, Counselor, Comforter, and Teacher who witnesses to and glorifies the Son and the Father, exhorting humans to live a holy life.
Man – God created man, “male and female.” (Genesis 1:27 NIV) They chose sin and disobedience. Since then, no one can free themselves from the power of sin without God’s grace.
Salvation – We believe salvation results from the unearned favor of God (grace) given by Divine love in the ministry, death, and resurrection of the Son, Jesus. Salvation is available to all and is possible through faith In Jesus, the Son. All are accountable to God and will be judged by the Son upon His return.
The Bible (Holy Scripture) – We believe that the Holy Scriptures (the Old and New Testaments of the Bible) contain “all things necessary for salvation” and are inspired by God. The Bible is the supreme authority in matters of faith and conduct. God has further given us reason, tradition, and experience to enlighten our understanding of the Bible.
The Church – We believe the church is the body of Christ comprised of Christian believers for the worship of God, the administration of the sacraments, the preaching of the word of God, the strengthening and encouragement of believers, and the redemption of the world.
Two Sacraments – Jesus ordained two sacraments; Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion). Baptism is the rite of initiation into the body of Christ. We baptize in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20). Holy Communion is an act of remembrance of Jesus’ death for us. The elements received are an outward and visible witness to an inward and spiritual grace.
Living as a Christian – Being a member of the priesthood of all believers, each church member has direct and personal access to God through Jesus Christ. The Christian believer must strive to obey God in every aspect of life. Obedience begins with the two great commandments; to love God with all your heart, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
