Why UMC?

Why UMC?



Adam Hamilton's Journey and His Commitment to the United Methodist Church

Introduction: Adam Hamilton, the senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, shares his personal journey and reasons for staying committed to the United Methodist Church. He responds to the ideas presented in Rob Renfro's videos, discussing topics like faith, the Bible, and the church's stance on social justice and evangelism.

1. A Personal Journey:

Hamilton starts by sharing his own faith journey, highlighting how he was initially skeptical about religion and became an atheist during his early teenage years. However, he eventually found his way to Christianity and was drawn to the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the Gospel of Luke.

"I got down on my knees next to my bed... and I said, 'Jesus, I want to follow you. I want to be your disciple.'"

2. Discovering the United Methodist Church:

While studying theology and grappling with theological questions, Hamilton found the United Methodist Church and was attracted to its blend of grace and holiness, a commitment to both evangelism and social justice, and its emphasis on intellectual engagement.

"It was a church that was filled with grace and at the same time called people to holiness."

3. Embracing an Open Faith:

Hamilton appreciates the United Methodist Church's openness to questions and intellectual exploration within the context of faith. He believes in reading the Bible critically while considering its historical and cultural context.

"I love the fact that it was okay to ask questions and to read it critically in the light of its historical and cultural context."

4. Why Stay United Methodist:

Hamilton expresses his commitment to the United Methodist Church and encourages others to understand why he and many others choose to remain within the denomination. He suggests that the church offers a unique blend of tradition and open-mindedness.

"I'd like for you to know why I and many other countless others are not only staying United Methodist but why we're proud to be United Methodists."

In the face of challenges and questions raised by the Global Methodist Church, Adam Hamilton's perspective sheds light on the enduring appeal of the United Methodist Church. Each video in this series delves into various aspects of faith, theology, and commitment, offering valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand the reasons behind staying within the United Methodist Church.


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Beyond the Whale: The Real Story of Jonah We've all heard the story of Jonah and the whale. It's a tale that has captivated imaginations for centuries, often reduced to a simple narrative about a man swallowed by a giant fish. But what if I told you that the whale is not the most incredible part of this story? What if there's a message of grace so profound and unexpected that it challenges our very understanding of God's love? The book of Jonah, though only four chapters long, carries a weight far beyond its size. It's a story set against a backdrop of national tragedy and bitter enmity. Imagine a prophet being sent to the heart of Nazi Germany in 1939 to proclaim God's judgment and call for repentance. That's the emotional equivalent of Jonah's mission to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria – a nation that had destroyed Israel's northern kingdom and taken its people into exile. In this context, Jonah's reluctance to go to Nineveh becomes understandable. Was it fear that drove him to flee in the opposite direction? Or was it something darker – a desire to see his enemies destroyed rather than given a chance at redemption? Whatever his reasons, Jonah boards a ship bound for Tarshish, as far from Nineveh as he could get. “But the Lord provided a large fish to swallow up Jonah; and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” – Jonah 1:17 But here's where the story takes an interesting turn. Even as Jonah flees from God's command, he still identifies himself as a follower of the very God he's disobeying. When a storm threatens to sink the ship, Jonah doesn't hesitate to tell the sailors that his God is responsible. It's a stark reminder of how we often try to compartmentalize our faith, claiming to follow God while actively running from His will. God's Unyielding Grace The sailors, interestingly, show more compassion than the prophet. They try desperately to save the ship without harming Jonah, even after he tells them to throw him overboard. It's a poignant moment that challenges our assumptions about who truly demonstrates godly behavior. When Jonah is finally cast into the sea, God's grace makes its first dramatic appearance. Instead of letting His wayward prophet drown, God sends a great fish to swallow Jonah and carry him to safety. It's a miraculous rescue, but more importantly, it's a powerful illustration of God's unwillingness to give up on us, even when we've given up on Him. After this dramatic intervention, Jonah finally goes to Nineveh. His proclamation of impending judgment is brief – perhaps just ten words – yet its impact is nothing short of revolutionary. The entire city, from the common people to the king himself, repents in sackcloth and ashes. It's one of the most successful prophetic missions in the entire Bible, and it happened through the most reluctant of messengers. “Should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left?” – Jonah 4:11 But the story doesn't end with this mass conversion. In a twist that reveals the true heart of the narrative, Jonah becomes angry at God's mercy. He sets up a shelter outside the city, seemingly hoping to still see it destroyed. It's a shocking reaction that forces us to confront our own attitudes towards those we consider beyond redemption. Takeaways from Jonah's Story God’s grace is relentless, reaching out even to those we might deem unworthy. We should examine our own hearts for any reluctance or bias that might hinder God’s work through us. God’s mercy challenges our assumptions and invites us to expand our understanding of His love. Every person, regardless of background or past, is within the reach of God's grace. We are called to be bearers of God’s grace, extending compassion even to those we consider "beyond hope." As we go about our lives, may we be mindful of the Ninevehs around us – the people and places that seem too far gone. And may we, unlike Jonah, rejoice when we see God's grace at work, transforming lives and bringing hope where there was none before. The story of Jonah invites us into a grander narrative of redemption. It calls us to turn away from our own limited understanding and step into the boundless grace of God. In doing so, we might just find ourselves part of a story far more amazing than we could ever imagine – a story of grace that changes everything.
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