Our Wesleyan roots give us the best way to read and apply the Bible faithfully, allowing the Spirit to speak to us, rather than imposing our own agendas.
Scripture Orientation: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG)
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
Theological Perspective: A Dynamic View of Scripture
As Wesleyan Christians we are rooted in scripture. The Bible is both the source of our faith and the measure of our spiritual authenticity. We embrace a dynamic, not a static view of scripture. The Bible becomes the living Word as we engage it under the guidance of the Spirit and are transformed into the image of Christ.
Homiletical Perspective:
Three important points:
- You don’t have to read the Bible literally to take it seriously. (Briefly review some problems with biblical inerrancy, but don’t get stuck here.)
- There is another way! A dynamic view of Scripture: the Bible becomes the living word of God as we interpret it in the light of God’s revelation in Jesus with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- Faithful Reading, Faithful Living: A faithful reading of the Bible shows us how to be like Jesus and empowers us to more deeply love God and neighbor in our daily lives. The more God transforms us through our reading of scripture, the more faithfully we can read the Bible and discern God’s will for us today. Faithful reading leads to faithful living, and faithful living leads to faithful reading.
So what?
As you introduce the sermon, you may want to introduce some passages in the Bible that are troublesome when read literally (see resources below). Raise questions that create anticipation and establish relevance.
As you introduce the sermon, you may want to introduce some passages in the Bible that are troublesome when read literally (see resources below). Raise questions that create anticipation and establish relevance.
Downloadable Resources
Wesley Resources
- John Wesley sermon: The Means of Grace (16)
- Prayer and Charles Wesley hymn - Click here to download.
Sermons
- "Read Faithfully - 2 Timothy 3:16-17" - Sample sermon by Rev. Mark E. Reynolds
- "Read Faithfully - 2 Timothy 3:16,17" - Sample sermon by Rev. Tammie Isidore
Worship and Liturgical Resources
Click here to download traditional and contemporary music suggestions, prayers and liturgies.
Reflection Questions and Spiritual Practices
Click here for reflection questions suitable for individual or small group study, along with suggested exercises for the week.
Small Group Guide - Each guide contains a short introduction to the series/guide, a sample lesson plan and prayers for each week.
Small Group Guide in Spanish.
Bulletin inserts/handouts with discussion questions and scripture readings - courtesy of Centreville UMC, Centreville, MI
Family Resources
A Parent’s Guide to Reading the Bible with Children From a United Methodist Perspective - Hyde Park UMC
Big Hearts, Bright Love: The Wesleyan Adventure of Growing in God's Love tells the story of Sam, Chaz, Suzi, Juan and Wes as they go on an adventure to learn of God's love. The book includes a Family Discussion guide with questions, prayers, challenges and devotions. Created by: Rev Madeline Luzinski (Family Discussion Guide), Rev. Dr. Latricia Scriven (children's story) and Rev. Dr. Hedy Collver (illustrations & design).
Click here to download the "Read Faithfully" section.
Click here to download the "Read Faithfully" section.
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Order your copy and support children in need across Florida.
To order a copy of Big Hearts, Bright Love, click here. Net proceeds from the sale of each book will benefit Residing Hope (formerly the Florida United Methodist Children's Home).
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Sermon Bumper Videos
Click play button, then click the icon in bottom right to download.
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Read Faithfully Sermon Bumper - 0:36 seconds
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Read Faithfully Sermon Bumper with SUBTITLES - 0:36 seconds
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Slide Template
Promotional Graphics
Social Media Story Bundle (3 graphics)
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Instagram Post Bundle (6 graphics)
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