A CHRISTIAN FIRST, THEN, A METHODIST
Walter W. Pigg – edited for space

Some time ago an individual made a most interesting comment concerning her religion when I introduced myself to her as a preacher of the church of Christ. Her comment was that she was, “A Christian first, then, a Methodist.” To hear someone say that he or she is a member of the Methodist Church is quite common, especially in the South where I grew up. But for one to make such a clear distinction between being a Christian and being a Methodist was most unusual to me.

Reasoning from the above, one can rightly conclude that being a Christian and being “a Methodist” are two entirely different things. It would follow, then, that one can be “a Christian” and not be “a Methodist” or, one could be “a Methodist” and not be “a Christian.” Interestingly enough, that is exactly what the Bible teaches! It is our intention to show that to be the case in the following remarks. We begin by considering this important matter:

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN
Acts 11:26 informs us that “the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” The term Christian is also found in Acts 26:28 and I Pet. 4:16. The term means an adherent or follower of Christ. It carries a meaning of honor and respect when correctly applied to Christ's true followers. To better understand the meaning of the term Christian we need to look at how people became Christians in the first century.

When studying the conversions recorded in Acts, a distinct pattern of how people became Christians is noted. It will be observed that in every single case the convert first heard God's word. It was from the hearing of God's word that faith came, as Paul points out in Rom. 10:17 when he said, “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” God's word called upon people to repent. Christ said it is repent or perish (Luke 13:3), and Paul said that God, “now commandeth all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). Paul also speaks of confession when he said, “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10). The Ethiopian was asked by Philip to confess his faith in Christ before he was baptized (Acts 8:37). In every conversion, baptism of the individual took place. In Acts 2:38, the inquiring listeners were told to “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...” In the Great Commission, as recorded in Mark 16:15_16, salvation was promised to those who believed the gospel and were baptized.

 When people today follow this same pattern that we have noted above, they, too, become Christians. At that point the Lord adds them to the church (Acts 2:47), of which Christ is the head and savior (Eph. 5:23). The Bible reveals no other way by which people became Christians. Now, that we have seen what it means to become a Christian, let us consider:

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A METHODIST
As we have noted already, when people follow the Bible pattern they become Christians. That is what God wants and what Christ died on Calvary to make possible. But being “a Methodist” is something entirely different. The Bible knows nothing of people becoming Methodists, and history knows of none before the 1700s. The Bible does say, however, that people would “teach(ing) for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9). Our Lord goes on to say that “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:13). In the great “Sermon on the mount,” Christ says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). This tells us that there will be religious people who will not be acceptable to the Lord.

To be a Methodist is to be a member of the Methodist Church, which had its beginning in 1739 A.D. as a result of the teaching of John Wesley. One can be a Methodist and never be a Christian. To be a Christian one must follow God's instructions; to be a Methodist one need only follow the teachings of men. In fact, one cannot be a true Christian and a Methodist at the same time! It is a fact, however, that some Christians have departed from the faith and became Methodist, but not with God's approval. Such people will not find salvation in the Methodist Church. It can be found only in the blood-bought institution, the church or body of Christ (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18).

To see further how that being a Methodist is entirely different from being a Christian, note the following:
1. The Methodist Church was established 17 centuries this side of the establishment of the church which Christ built (Matt. 16:18).
2. Methodists generally sprinkle water on individuals instead of “burying” (immersing) them in water. This act is called baptism.
3. Methodists sprinkle (call it baptism) infants and small children who are incapable of believing in Christ and the Gospel, which is God's power to save people (Rom. 1:16).
4. The Methodist church is governed by their Discipline, which contains various manmade doctrines. One example is that of the “faith only” doctrine, found in Article IX. It states, þWherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort.” This is a direct contradiction of what James says on the subject: “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). Another manmade doctrine is that of original sin. Also, the form of government of the Methodist Church is completely foreign to the New Testament.

Conclusion
Indeed, people ought to be Christians! And, this should be first and last. This is the only way God can be pleased and salvation enjoyed. There never has been nor will there ever be a God-given reason for being a Methodist. A faithful Christian is all anyone will ever need to be, and what an exalted privilege that is! Why would anyone ever opt for a manmade religion rather than the blood purchased one?

Family Bulletin Board

Remember those who have chronic illnesses with prayer, visits, phone calls, and cards. Jamie Farmer, Delsie Bishop, Lola Mae Hamlett, Fern Boynton, Ella Brumitt, Louise Hunt, Reva Brewer, Savannah Green, and Elizabeth Fowler.

DAVID VILLANUEVA was baptized on December 20th. We welcome him and rejoice in his salvation from sin.

ELDERS & DEACONS – meet today at 5:00.

POTLUCK next Sunday. In charge of the kitchen:
Mariann Stillwell
Betty Beatty

ELEMENTARY YOUTH GROUP MEETING – January 14th – 6:45

PANTRY ITEMS needed: Soup & all canned vegetables except green beans and corn.