Discipleship Guide
What do we believe about the Bible? This is a very important question for those who choose to follow Jesus. As United Methodists, we align with a broad Christian consensus in viewing the Bible as the divine revelation of God’s Word, essential for our salvation. We affirm that the Holy Scriptures hold a place of primary importance in our spiritual lives, offering us a means to encounter the living Christ and experience profound transformation.
The Bible, comprised of sixty-six books split between the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible (39) and the New Testament (27), is indeed an ancient anthology. Yet, it is also a living document. We recognize that the authors of these texts were inspired by God, serving as instruments through whom God’s self-revelation was recorded. While the Bible was written by human hands, we believe the Holy Spirit guided its authors, making the Bible a vessel of truth and divine encounter.
In the Wesleyan perspective, we understand that the Bible should not necessarily be interpreted as the literal words of God. This view does not lessen the Bible’s sanctity or efficacy. Instead, it emphasizes that the God revealed within its pages is not confined to history but is dynamically engaged with us in the present. The Scriptures, therefore, are not just a record of past revelations but are a continuous and living conversation, inviting us into an active and transformative relationship with God.
Thus, we approach the Bible not simply as a historical document but as a means of grace. Through it, we seek to understand God's will, to live out Christ-like love, and to grow in holiness, as John Wesley so fervently taught. The power of the Scripture lies not in its literalness but in its capacity to speak to our condition, to challenge, to comfort, and to call us to live as citizens of God's kingdom. In this light, the Bible is indeed 'sufficient'—it is the wellspring from which we draw the waters of eternal life, ever fresh and ever renewing.
Questions:
How has your understanding of the Bible evolved as you've encountered it at different stages in your life?
In what ways has discussing Scripture within your community deepened your insights or challenged your preconceptions?
Can you share a recent moment when Scripture directly influenced a decision or action in your life?
How can we, as a community, better support each other in not only reading but living out the teachings of the Bible?
What passages of Scripture speak most powerfully to the issues we face in our society today?
Reflect on a time when engagement with Scripture led to a significant transformation in your character or perspective. How did this change manifest in your daily life?
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