Enduring Convictions of a Local Preacher in training

I have now completed all of the reading associated with the final unit of Faith and Worship, the local preachers' training course.  The end of that journey is now in sight and no doubt a new chapter will open up.  I am now contemplating the assignment that is all about enduring convictions and statements of faith, and particularly those that are relevant for a Methodist today.  It's not often that we are challenged to state clearly the convictions that are on our hearts that drive us forward, but having reflected over the last 24 hours, I have come to the conclusion that it is a good thing.

So, what are my enduring convictions?  My enduring convictions relate to the nature of God himself, he is a God of Love who loves us unconditionally.  The Greek word 'agape' is used to describe God's love and it something so much deeper than anything we understand.  He is a God of Grace and for us his grace comes unlimited and free, through the saving work of Jesus.  We cannot earn our salvation, it is a gift we receive by faith and by faith alone.

God gives us assurance of our salvation: through the work of the Holy Spirit that indwells every believer.  We are inspired, we are guided, we are changed.  We become Kingdom people, and will be part of God's kingdom when it is fully realised.

We are adopted as sons - we become part of God's family and are co-heirs with Christ.  That idea of adoption comes from the first century understanding where the old life is completely abandoned and we take on a whole new identity.  We are brought into a life of personal holiness.

We are given gifts, spiritual gifts.  They may be varied in their nature and in their application, but we are called to use those gifts, whatever they may be to God's glory.

We are also empowered, empowered to take the Good News of the Gospel to people who have never heard it.  It's a bit like Quality Street chocolates - made for sharing.  We're meant to be ambassadors for Christ in a world who doesn't  know him.

These are the enduring convictions that influence my life and my preaching.  There are others, but these sum up for me a lot of what my faith is all about - a living faith, and a very dynamic and personal relationship with God.