Saturday, March 3, 2012

Calendar of the Saints (March 3) - John & Charles Wesley


Today on the calendar of saints we give thanks to God for John and Charles Wesley who started the Methodist movement in 18th century England to renew the Church of England.  Known for their emphasis on classes or what we would call today, small groups the Wesley brothers helped to start a revival that eventually made its way to America.  Many religious bodies including the United Methodist Church started because of their ministry and outreach.

John was the chief preacher/organizer/theologian and Charles included the theology of the Methodist movement into his song lyrics.  In just a few Sundays when we celebrate Easter Sunday, we will be singing one of his hymns, "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today."

As we pause to reflect on John and Charles Wesley today, here are some foundational parts of what it means to live out the Christian faith from a Wesleyan perspective:
  • Practice the "Means of Grace" on a regular basis which includes communal/private worship, prayer, scripture reading, acts of social justice/compassion, fasting, etc.
  • Participate in a class/small group where people can "check in" with each other for encouragement and accountability in living out our walk with Christ.
  • Live out the General Rules (The Three Simple Rules) of 1) Do no harm. 2) Do good.  3) Stay in love with God.
  • Emphasize God's grace in all that we do which includes God's prevenient grace (the grace that goes before us,) God's justifying grace (the grace that saves us from our sins,) and God's sanctifying grace (the grace that leads us on to perfection and roots out the sin in our lives.)
Prayer
Lord God, who inspired your servants John and Charles Wesley with burning zeal for the sanctification of souls, and endowed them with eloquence in speech and song: Kindle in your Church, we entreat you, such fervor, that those whose faith has cooled may be warmed, and those who have not known Christ may turn to him and be saved; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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