Our Beliefs

From the time of John Wesley, Methodists have believed in the concept of agreeing
upon the essentials of the Christian Faith while allowing for diversity of beliefs in non-
essentials. In that spirit, at Nebraska City First UMC you will find a variety of beliefs
among the members on many topics. Listed here are some relevant things we strive for
unity on.

The primary essential belief is belief in the statements of the Apostle’s Creed. In our
Traditional Service we say the Apostle’s Creed each week, and we affirm our belief in its
tenants each time we welcome a new member. Many of the sections of the United
Methodist Articles of Religion and Confession of Faith come from these beliefs.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;*
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic (universal) church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

United Methodists believe that the Bible is a Holy writing, inspired by God in its writing
and preservation, and is sufficient for Salvation. We believe “the Old Testament is not
contrary to the New; for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to
mankind by Christ.” (UM Book of Discipline 2020/2024 page 67).

We believe in two Sacraments ordained of Christ. These are Baptism and the Supper of
the Lord, otherwise called Communion or the Eucharist. These sacraments are not our
acts, but God’s, and are means by which God grants Grace to those who serve Him.
We strive to not deny these to those whom Christ has called to them. As such we
practice an open Communion table and do not refuse communion to anyone who
comes forward to receive. We ask that those who come forward have a heart toward
serving Christ.
As Baptism is an outward sign of God’s inward work within us, and God is working
within us before we can know or understand his work, we practice the baptism of infants
and children, with guardians promising to raise them in the Faith. They then confirm
their own faith when reaching an appropriate age.

United Methodists believe God seeks to grant Grace to all, and does so in three basic
ways:
God gives us Grace “preveniently,” or before we know we need it or can recognize it.
God is already at work within us from our first days, drawing us toward his love and
salvation.
God’s Grace justifies and saves us through the acts of Jesus Christ.
God gives us Grace throughout our lives to mold, shape, and Sanctify our souls as we
move closer to perfection in Christ.

If you wish to go deeper, you can find more