The Story

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral was initiated as part of the 1972 Theological Task and is meant to firmly embed the United Methodist Church in the broader Christian tradition and experience. It holds that the living core of the Christian faith was and is revealed in Scripture, illuminated by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason. However these are not equals!

Scripture is the primary source for doctrine; it has the first and last word in all things. We are called to read Scripture in community while avoiding the notion it is either exhaustive or always clear. Scripture says it is sufficient for teaching the matters necessary for salvation, but it is also a revealed text and must be approached with some measure of humility. Beginning June 4 and throughout the summer, Jones UMC will experience The Story by Max Lucado in worship and class as we immerse ourselves in scripture reading.

“The Story is an abridged, chronological Bible that reads like a novel. There are no verse references, and Scripture segments are seamlessly woven together with transition text into a single grand narrative. For those intimidated or overwhelmed by the unabridged Bible, The Story helps people understand God’s Word more fully and engage with it more easily.

Simple, accessible, and easy to use, churches are finding The Story a powerful way to engage people in Bible reading like never before. As The Story brings the Bible to life, the broad scope of God’s message will penetrate hearts. People of all ages will be swept up in the story of God’s love and God’s plan for their lives.”

The Holy Spirit revealing God’s word to us is key to becoming disciples of Jesus. This beautiful and ancient text has the power to break through our hurts and hangups making room for healing and redemption. I would like to personally invite you to join in The Story. Books are available on Amazon.com, calling the Church Office at 399-2926 and by pre-orders placed at rev.shyloe@gmail.com by May 14. Hardback books cost $10, and will be available by May 31st.