Reflect on your life in relation to the biblical concepts of perfection and greatness. I think the most prominent Biblical example of perfection comes from The mouth of Christ: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48 NIV84)." That would appear to be a tall order! How is it possible as a human to gain perfection? I think think of the words of Paul when it comes to seeking perfection: "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you (Philippians 3:13-15)." Perfection walks hand in hand with maturity; those who seek to make God the number one priority in their life are able to press on towards greatness. Those who are immature, who are not able to readily distinguish right from wrong, good from evil, struggle. I think the goal is not so much that we attain perfection, because I don't think that is humanly possible in this life; instead, I think the goal is that we seek to live our lives in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. We live in such a way that we are no longer dragged into the ways of the world, but we are compelled to live outside the influence of our cultural norms and worldly values. A life of perfection seek Christ first and foremost, and everything else is subsidiary to this goal.

Reflect on your sense of hope. Do you tend to be optimistic or pessimistic in most areas of life? How does that affect your faith? I think as I look at this topic, I fall into the optimistic category. I think that in the world that we live in, it is very easy to fall into the pessimistic side of hope; when that happens, I think people are more apt to disengage. We can easily come to a place of resignation, telling ourselves "what difference does it make?" The truth is that we must continue to put our hope in Christ! For me, I always come back to the promise found in Christ, that he will never leave me, and that he has overcome this world and all the dark and pessimistic things it throws at me. Christ is ready and willing to lead me in faith, and I have to put my hope and trust in him alone.

Reflect on your response to this lesson. Were there areas of resistance? Were there moments of enlightenment? How will this lesson make a difference in your life and ministry? This particular lesson was on Biblical Ethics, which can be a very tricky area to navigate, especially when the Bible can seem to be saying two different things. I recall watching a media production against California's Proposition 8 banning Gay Marriage. The production, done in the form of a musical, showed the bigoted Christians fighting against the Gays. In the end, Jesus comes in the scene, with a shrimp cocktail. The justification then becomes, if it wasn't all right to eat shrimp, but now it is, the same logic applies in regard to homosexuality. The issue I have with this logic is the lack of context for those justifications. I think the one thing that is important in regard to Biblical Ethics is context and consistency. If a message or ethical decision has what appears to be a contradiction in the scriptural canon, I think it is important to look at the historical context in which a moral value was given. Often times, the context is more revealing for a specific instance, and not for a universal value. I believe that you can point in many ways to ethical values that do not change regardless of historical context, such as the notion in regard to Gay Marriage; others can look at the same passages and come to a different conclusion. Needless to say, this is not an easy task. Interpretation of ethical values are made by individuals with their own notions and biases. Look at all the denominations in the world that claim Christianity, some divided by a single ethical value, like Gay Marriage. Who is right? Who is wrong? It is definitely murky water to tread.

Does your life reflect the joyous party of God’s grace? How can you change? I think my life does reflect the joyous party of God's grace. As I look at my life, where I have come, and where I think I am headed, all that I see is the power of God transforming my life, renewing me into the image that he intends me to be. As a result, I look at my life as a thrill of riding a roller coaster, filled with ups and downs, yet never lacking in fun and adventure. It certainly makes my life very joyful.

Bitterness

Reflect on the power of bitterness when people refuse to forgive. I think bitterness is something that can completely destroy a person. I have seen people who have been wronged (and have every right to feel upset for what has been done wrong to them) who are not able to give up being wronged. Sadly, the inability to forgive in one instance can quickly effect every other relationship one is involved in. If someone is wronged and loses trust in an individual, it can be difficult for that person to find trust in others. Often when we do not forgive, we are showing that we refuse to let go of the situation, and move on. It is like a good quality steak marinade. The longer you let a steak rest in the marinade, the deeper the flavor, the more tender the meat becomes, the more the marinade permeates the entire steak. In the same way, bitterness clings to the soul like a good steak marinade, permeating the entire human being. When this occurs, it jades every perspective in relationship. I guess the greater question to ask when it comes to bitterness is "Where's the Beef?"

Reflect on how this lesson has helped your understanding of many passages of Scripture. In this particular lesson, the faith chapter (Hebrews 11) has really stuck out to me. Each character in the story acted in faith, and they were rewarded for stepping out and following God, even when the outcome was not certain. I think too often we find our self in a place of having very little faith. We look at the struggles of our lives, the difficulties that come our way, and we look around scratching our heads trying to figure out how we can make things happen. So often the way that things come about is when we step back and stop trying to control the situation and let God do his thing. In this chapter, Abraham is mentioned several times for his faith. It wasn't an easy task for Abraham to maintain his faithfulness. Several times he did not rely on God to see him through; his half-truth to Pharaoh in Egypt and taking Hagar to produce an heir both show times where Abraham tried to control the situation when he could have instead relied on God to see him through. I think this example proves that it can be difficult to let go and let God do his thing. Faithfulness requires letting go of the steering wheel and letting God drive us, often in places and situations we never would have driven ourselves.

Write in your journal. Listen to the “Hallelujah Chorus” by Handel. Reflect on all that you feel as you listen. As I listen to this song, I keep coming back to one specific phrase: And He shall reign for ever and ever." I can't help but think that this sums up the entire song, the entire feeling of what life should be. Our lives should be lived in such a way that we bring glory to the name of the one true God who will reign for ever and ever. We, the beneficiaries of God's great mercy and grace, have the opportunity to serve him, to see his Kingdom built, to see him reign for ever and ever as his people. What a great blessing we have!

Reflect on the difference between discipline and punishment. Who are the people in your life that have positively shaped you by their discipline and holding you accountable? Have you ever thanked them? As a parent, I see that discipline and punishment go hand in hand. I think often times, discipline is a method and means of learning the correct and moral way of doing things. Having discipline is something that has to be worked on; I can't become a good reader without using the discipline of reading, and I can't be a good person if I don't have the discipline to act in a moral and proper way. Punishment is often meted out when a person lacks discipline, or defies discipline all together. Punishment can often be painful or stressful, but it is often a necessary component to get an individual back on track to living a disciplined life. I think I have learned from the discipline of older individuals who have gone before me. Their example of discipline has given me a model to replicate. As I watch those before me show the quality characteristics given by God, I am able to live my life in a similar way.

My Passion

Has Christ’s passion for the lost become your passion? I believe that as I have continued to grow in my knowledge and understanding of Christ, my desire to be a part of his mission has grown. I believe that God is continuing to develop me into the person that he wants me to be, and that as I can continue to grow in my understanding of him, he will continue to reveal to me the work that he has in store for me. It is up to me to follow in his passion for people by working to meet the physical, aesthetic, and spiritual needs of others. When I do this, then I am right where I need to be.

Impacting my life.

How has God used people and/or events to fulfill His purpose for your life? Who are the people around you who most need you to bear witness to God’s goodness in your life? In my early years, my Parents played a significant role in guiding me towards God's purpose for me life. They did this by making sure I went to Church, that I learned about Jesus in the Church and in our home. They weren't perfect, but they excelled at loving me the way that Christ called them to love me, and sharing their faith so I could begin to make a faith of my own. I can remember another individual that God used to fulfill His purpose in my life. He goes by the name of Ben Elery Barnes. The Barnes showed his love for Christ through his love for me. He didn't have to be all preachy and teachy with me; he instead witnessed the love of Christ through his relationship with me. I can't remember a single sermon he preached, except for one that had something to do with toilets. But his love for Christ and his love for me impacted me in such a way that I committed myself to loving Christ and others in a similar fashion. I can think of several people that I need to bear witness of God's goodness. First off, I think of the young people that I minister to on a regular basis. They come from varying degrees of spirituality, and they need a tangible example of God's love for them through my actions. I also think of family and close friends that need this same thing, the same thing I received from those close to me in my younger years.

My Life Mission

How closely does your life mission approximate the mission statements of Jesus? · To seek and to save the lost (Lk 19:10) · To heal the sick (Lk 4:18) · To minister to the poor (Lk 4:18) · To give life (Jn 10:10) · Not to be served, but to serve (Mk 10:45) I think my mission meets up very well with the mission statements of Jesus. I feel that as I have grown in my faith and understanding of God, that he has enabled me to be a servant, to heal and give life, and to seek the lost. I think he has especially placed a soft spot in my heart for the poor, to minister to them, to be an advocate for their needs.

My First Convert

Recall the first person that you led to Jesus. Pray for that person. Recall the last person that you led to Jesus. Pray for that person. Pray for the family and friends, of those two, who are in need of Jesus. The first person I ever led to Christ was a girl that I went to High School with. She had been going through a rough family situation, and I was able to share about the power of Christ to restore her life. She accepted Christ quickly, and I maintained a good friendship with her until she moved to Texas later on that year. After that, I wasn't able to maintain contact with her. Lord, I pray for this young lady, that you would be with her. I hope she is still following you. Be with her, and surround her with people that will love her, and build her up in Christ. Be with her family and friends, that they may know you as well. The last person I led to Christ was a young man in my youth group. He doesn't come from a Christian family, but is supported by the family of his best friend. Lord, I pray for this young man, that you would be with him. I pray that you will continue to surround him in your love, that he can continue to grow in his faith. I pray that the situation at home would not be a bowl that puts the fire of his conversion out. Rather, I pray that he will be the first of many of his friends and family to accept you as their Lord and Savior.

A prayer for the new believer

Write a prayer for those individuals you have personally led to Christ. Lord, I pray for those that I have helped lead towards a relationship with you. I pray that as each day goes on, that they can grow closer and closer to you. I pray that their desire would be to know you and grow deeper in a personal relationship with. I pray that there faith can continue to grow and mature, and that you will show them the great work that you have set out for them in the body of Christ. Protect them from the evil one, that he may not take away the joy of their salvation. Bless them I pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Hospitality

When was the last time you reached out in hospitality to an unbeliever? The last time that remains fresh in my mind was during our mission trip. I got the opportunity to go to The Bay Area of California and meet and hang out with some cool people. The individuals that I met there had one common trait; they wanted to be accepted and loved. They may have had different walks of life, but they had that individual need to belong. I was thankful to provide that in a variety of ways, through serving food, through hanging out, through playing and having fun... It can sometimes be easy to reach out in hospitality. How is worship a witness? I think when Christians worship together, they exemplify once again to the unbeliever why we are different, why we hold on to the hope that we have. It is a tangible way for the unbeliever to witness our love and adoration towards our savior.

Using My Gifts

Reflect on how God can use your gifts to reach those that you have identified as needing Jesus. I think one of my major gifts is the gift of service. I find that often times, the area where I find myself working in ministry is behind the scenes in acts of service and compassion. I love working with those who have needs, and I enjoy being the hands and feet of Jesus that work to meet those needs. I find that when I am meeting the personal and physical needs of people, I am more apt and able to meet their spiritual needs as well. When I can show love and compassion, that is when I am best able to reach those that need Jesus.

My Attitude towards Evangelism

Reflect on how your attitude or motivation is changing as a result of this class. I think this class has given me an appreciation for how easy and difficult it can be to witness your faith. It is easy, because God gives us all the gifts and talents we need to live our lives the way he wants us to live, but it is also difficult, because there are so many unknowns when it comes to sharing your faith: "Will I be rejected or made fun of? Will they get mad?". There are so many personal inhibitions that could come up and prevent a person from sharing their faith, but if we rely on God, he gives us the strength to tell the Good News in both our words and our actions.

God's Call

How firmly or tentatively have you embraced God’s call to make disciples of others? I think I have firmly embraced God's call to make disciples. There was a point in my life when I was hesitant to follow the call towards discipleship, or even full-time ministry as a career. Yet in this season of my life, God has shown to me time and time again that he has set out something for me to do, and it is my job to simply respond to his call and follow him. I may not be perfect at making disciples, but with his help, I can strive to work towards that end.

Prayer for the Unsaved

This week, I wrote a paper regarding some individuals that need to know the saving power of Jesus Christ. This is the prayer that I wrote for them: Father God, I pray that these individuals I have discussed would come to a place where they can know you personally. Lord, wherever they are at in their own life, I pray that you would bring them to a place where they can know you on a deeper level today. I pray that your Spirit will continue to work in their hearts to bring them to a place where they can be reconciled with you. I pray that you will place the right people in their lives to witness and minister to them, and that my interactions and encounters with them would bring evidence and glory to your power and your saving grace. In Jesus name, Amen.

Values that compete with Jesus

Reflect on the values you hold that might compete with your love for Jesus. As I think about this prompt, I am drawn to Jesus' strong words regarding this topic: Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple." I think anything that comes between myself and Jesus needs to be addressed, even things that are not intrinsically sinful or evil. The good stuff in life can come between myself and Jesus just as quickly as the bad stuff. I think sometimes the good stuff can be even more of a barrier, because it doesn't often come with guilt. I think any time something comes between my focus and commitment to Jesus, it has to be analyzed. Nothing is exempt when it comes to Christ.

Declaring the Gospel of God

Here it is, another class, and another journal begins. Technically, this class doesn't start for a couple more months, but I am getting a head start because that is how I roll. Here is the first prompt:

Write in your journal. Confess some of the obstacles in your thinking which have kept you from being an eager witness. Write a prayer asking God for His power and grace to break through the barriers to evangelism.

I think the biggest obstacle that keeps people from being an eager witness is the fact that we care a lot about what other people think of us. It is a natural inclination for a human being to feel needed and to belong. A lot of times, our beliefs about Jesus Christ can alienate us from people that we want to be accepted by. All too often our fear of rejection takes precedence over our desire to see the work of Christ done in the hearts of those we care about.

Lord,

I pray that you will help me to overcome any barrier that might keep me from spreading the truth of your word to this world. I pray that you would use me as a witness to your power working in the lives of humanity, and I pray that you will use my life and my testimony to bring those around me closer to you.

Amen

Wesley's Via Media: Concluding Remarks

"Reflect on the wisdom and strength of Wesley’s via media."

As I have gone through the course work required for this module, I have to admit that I am impressed with the flexibility that Wesley's theology grants to all believers. I love that Wesley stays true to the essential tenets of the faith, namely that Jesus Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. As for the non-essential stuff like the end times, age of the earth, even issues of polity and church structure, these he allows to be left up to personal opinion. I think we can truly achieve unity when we don't have to stand behind lines drawn in the sand. Wesley's via media allows us to be united under the Salvation of Jesus Christ even though we might share differences in opinion on a variety of matters. Such unity strengthens us as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.

Setting the tone for Conversion

"Between five and six I called on all who were present (about three thousand) at Stanley, on a little green near the town, to accept of Christ as their only “wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.” I was strengthened to speak as I never did before; and continued speaking nearly two hours: the darkness of the night and a little lightning not lessening the number, but increasing the seriousness, of the hearers. I concluded the day by expounding part of our Lord's Sermon on the Mount to a small, serious company at Ebly."

I love this segment of Wesley preaching in Stanley because he was not hindered by the elements to conclude his preaching. Wesley, feeling moved by the spirit, continued to preach in spite of the dwindling amount of daylight. Wesley charges that the darkness did not hinder his message nor the amount of individuals to hear it, but brought the crowd deeper into the importance of the message being conveyed. In theater, many times you notice the music or the acting as the main message being conveyed, but the subtleties like light and background can truly set the tone for what is trying to be communicated to the audience. During this event, Wesley had the Master Theater Director setting the tone, adjusting the light for Wesley message of salvation. And it was effective!

Called By Conviction

“If you ask on what principle I acted, it was this: ‘A desire to be a Christian; and a conviction that whatever I judge conducive thereto that I am bound to do; wherever I judge I can best answer this end, thither it is my duty to go.’ On this principle I set out for America; on this I visited the Moravian church; and on the same am I ready now (God being my helper) to go to Abyssinia or China, or whithersoever it shall please God, by this conviction, to call me."

It is neat to read about Wesley's willingness to follow God wherever he might choose for him to go. I actually had to Google Search where Abyssinia was; turns out it is modern day Ethiopia. I love the strength of his conviction; Wesley understood that it was not a choice for him to follow the Cross of Christ where ever it led him; he was "bound" to do what ever was conducive to his calling as a Christian, he had a "duty" to follow God's will for his life. I think a lot of times people encounter Jesus and they want to fit him in to everything else they have going on in their life. They don't feel like they it is their duty to follow Christ's way, that they are bound to his will for their life. Our desire to follow Christ should come with this type of conviction, this type of willingness to see the Kingdom of God built.

To see versus to hear

"Several ladies following me into Mr. Merchant’s house, the servant told me there were some wanted to speak to me. I went to them and said, “I believe, ladies, the maid mistook: you wanted only to look at me.” I added, “I do not expect that the rich and great should want either to speak with me or to hear me; for I speak the plain truth—a thing you hear little of and do not desire to hear.” A few more words passed between us, and I retired."

I love the somewhat cutting words of Wesley in this encounter. Here were these ladies of pomp and circumstance, who wanted to see this John Wesley, this street preacher gaining prominence and notoriety. They were more interested in the personal association with someone of prominence, not so that they could hear what Wesley had to say, but only to add that to their list of social encounters and stories. I find Wesley's words cutting, but I think that doesn't make them any less true. Those who are wealthy, or who live in a prosperous land, often determine to make truth for themselves instead of allowing the truth of God to overflow their lives. How difficult it is for the rich to get into heaven indeed!

Wesley's Redemption Stories

“I will show you him that was a lion till then and is now a lamb; him that was a drunkard and is now exemplarily sober; the whoremonger that was who now abhors the very ‘garment spotted by the flesh.’ These are my living arguments for what I assert, namely, ‘that God does now, as aforetime, give remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost even to us and to our children; yea, and that always suddenly as far as I have known, and often in dreams or in the visions of God.’ If it be not so, I am found a false witness before God. For these things I do, and by His grace, will testify.”

I love being able to read the redemption stories that Wesley experienced. It is my hope that as I continue to grow in my ministry that I can recall individuals that I have encountered who have similar stories happen in their lives. I want to be able to look back and give God the praise for the life-changing work he is doing through me in the lives of the young people that I am engaged in ministry with.

Investment and Risk

"I accordingly yielded to their advice, and calling all the feoffees together canceled (no man opposing) the instrument made before, and took the whole management into my own hands. Money, it is true, I had not, nor any human prospect or probability of procuring it; but I knew “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof,” and in His name set out, nothing doubting."

Wesley writes this passage in regard to financing the first Methodist building. Wesley puts it on himself to take the bulk of the investment risk, with no income nor any means of attaining the funding to manage the project. Yet, in faith, Wesley followed in doing what was called on his life to do. I think often times in our modern day we allow ourselves to get comfortable with life, especially in a prosperous land. We aren't often willing to take a risk with our money, our time, and our talents to see the kingdom of God built. Wesley's example shows us that we must be willing to step out in faith when we are called to do something.

Field Preaching

"I left London and in the evening expounded to a small company at Basingstoke, Saturday, 31. In the evening I reached Bristol and met Mr. Whitefield there. I could scarcely reconcile myself at first to this strange way of preaching in the fields, of which he set me an example on Sunday; I had been all my life (till very lately) so tenacious of every point relating to decency and order that I should have thought the saving of souls almost a sin if it had not been done in a church."

I find it interesting that we are called to go out and make disciples, yet Wesley points out that he was used to people coming to him to be made disciples. Who would have thought that what would be seen as a novel and new way of fulfilling the Great Commission would be the very way that Christ had intended it all along! In our days, I think we still suffer from this problem. We can fall prey to the assumption that the lost will come our way to our Church, and when they get there we can minister to them. The opposite is true; we are to go out and minister to them, to preach in the fields, if you will.

Wesley's Four Resolutions

"1. To use absolute openness and unreserve with all I should converse with.

2. To labor after continual seriousness, not willingly indulging myself in any the least levity of behavior, or in laughter; no, not for a moment.

3. To speak no word which does not tend to the glory of God; in particular, not to talk of worldly things. Others may, nay, must. But what is that to thee? And,

4. To take no pleasure which does not tend to the glory of God; thanking God every moment for all I do take, and therefore rejecting every sort and degree of it which I feel I cannot so thank Him in and for."

I think Wesley put forth these resolutions in response to the ridiculously horrible time he had in Georgia. He sets himself up to be a very straight, to the point type of man, one who will only take joy in seeing the work of Christ done. I especially like his point that he will not engage in laughter or talk of worldly things. I would argue that a man who resolves to live this way is not a very fun guy to be around, and he is not somebody that a non-believer would want to engage in conversation with.

A good summary of his American work

From Wesley:

"I went to America, to convert the Indians; but oh! who shall convert me? who, what is he that will deliver me from this evil heart of mischief? I have a fair summer religion. I can talk well; nay, and believe myself, while no danger is near; but let death look me in the face, and my spirit is troubled. Nor can I say, 'To die is gain!'

I think Wesley's words speak to a lot of individuals in this world. It is easy to be a fair weather Christian, to follow the teachings and principles of God when life is good and all is well. I think many fall astray when difficulties arise, but it is when life is difficult that we need to cling heavily to the Lord. Wesley left America after less than two years of ministry, and left behind a cloud of controversy and court allegations. I think its possible that Wesley needed an experience like Georgia to come to a place where he could fully engage in ministry the way God wanted him to.

Things Get Ugly In Georgia

Sunday, August 7.—I repelled Mrs. Williamson from the holy communion. and Monday, [July] 8, Mr. Recorder, of Savannah, issued out the warrant following:

“Georgia. Savannah ss.

“To all Constables, Tithingmen, and others, whom these may concern:

“You, and each of you, are hereby required to take the body of John Wesley, Clerk:

“And bring him before one of the Bailiffs of the said town to answer the complaint of William Williamson and Sophia, his wife, for defaming the said Sophia, and refusing to administer to her the sacrament of the Lord’s supper in a public congregation without cause; by which the said William Williamson is damaged one thousand pound sterling; and for so doing, this is your warrant, certifying what you are to do in the premises. Given under my hand and seal the 8th day of August, Anno. dom. 1737.

Tho. Christie.”

Tuesday, 9.—Mr. Jones, the constable, served the warrant, and carried me before Mr. Bailiff Parker and Mr. Recorder. My answer to them was that the giving or refusing the Lord’s supper being a matter purely ecclesiastical, I could not acknowledge their power to interrogate me upon it. Mr. Parker told me: “However, you must appear at the next Court, holden for Savannah.” Mr. Williamson, who stood by, said: “Gentlemen, I desire Mr. Wesley may give bail for his appearance.” But Mr. Parker immediately replied: “Sir, Mr. Wesley’s word is sufficient.”

Thursday, 11.—Mr. Causton came to my house and, among many other sharp words, said: “Make an end of this matter; thou hadst best. My niece to be used thus! I have drawn the sword and I will never sheath it till I have satisfaction.”

Soon after, he added: “Give the reasons of your repelling her before the whole congregation.” I answered: “Sir, if you insist upon it, I will; and so you may be pleased to tell her.” He said, “Write to her, and tell her so yourself.” I said, “I will”; and after he went I wrote as follows:

“To Mrs. Sophia Williamson

“At Mr. Causton’s request, I write once more. The rules whereby I proceed are these:

“’So many as intend to be partakers of the holy communion, shall signify their names to the curate, at least some time the day before.’ This you did not do.

“’And if any of these have done any wrong to his neighbors, by word or deed, so that the congregation be thereby offended, the curate shall advertise him that in any wise he presume not to come to the Lord’s table until he hath openly declared himself to have truly repented.’

“If you offer yourself at the Lord’s table on Sunday, I will advertise you (as I have done more than once) wherein you have done wrong. And when you have openly declared yourself to have truly repented, I will administer to you the mysteries of God. [1]

“John Wesley

“August 11, 1737”

Mr. Delamotte carrying this, Mr. Causton said, among many other warm sayings: “I am the person that is injured. The affront is offered to me; and I will espouse the cause of my niece. I am ill used, and I will have satisfaction, if it be to be had in the world.”

Which way this satisfaction was to be had, I did not yet conceive; but on Friday and Saturday it began to appear; Mr. Causton declared to many persons that “Mr. Wesley had repelled Sophy from the holy communion purely out of revenge, because he had made proposals of marriage to her which she rejected, and married Mr. Williamson.”

At this point, I would imagine Mr. Wesley to be very discouraged at his work in Georgia. So far, he has not been able to do anything he intended to set out to do, and now he finds himself in the middle of a drama fit for a daytime soap opera. I can imagine that he was very frustrated with the situation, and with his call to work in Georgia.

Conflict Amongst the Parishioners

"Sunday, July 3.—Immediately after the holy communion, I mentioned to Mrs. Williamson (Mr. Causton’s niece) some things which I thought reprovable in her behavior. At this she appeared extremely angry; said she did not expect such usage from me; and at the turn of the street, through which we were walking home, went abruptly away. The next day Mrs. Causton endeavored to excuse her; told me she was exceedingly grieved for what had passed the day before and desired me to tell her in writing what I disliked; which I accordingly did the day following."

I picked this passage because Wesley's account gives me the impression that he was incredibly out of touch with his people skills. To translate, Wesley basically comes out right after church and says, "Oh by the way, you need to quit acting like a heathen with your sinful ways." Not exactly people friendly. No wonder she went abruptly away. I take it at this point in his ministry, he had the "speak the truth" part down pat, but was not yet too keen on speaking that truth in love. A little tact and planning goes a long way when you are trying to confront someone.

Struggles at Sea

Monday, 26.—My brother and I set out for Charleston, in order to his embarking for England; but the wind being contrary, we did not reach Port Royal, forty miles from Savannah, till Wednesday evening. The next morning we left it. But the wind was so high in the afternoon, as we were crossing the neck of St. Helena’s sound, that our oldest sailor cried out, “Now everyone must take care of himself.” I told him, “God will take care for us all.” Almost as soon as the words were spoken, the mast fell. I kept on the edge of the boat, to be clear of her when she sank (which we expected every moment), though with little prospect of swimming ashore against such a wind and sea. But “How is it that thou hadst no faith?” The moment the mast fell, two men caught it and pulled it into the boat; the other three rowed with all their might, and “God gave command to the wind and seas”; so that in an hour we were safe on land.

I love the depiction of being saved at sea, and the parallels that Wesley places with the story of Jesus calming the storm. I love the Wesley was able to experience for himself and event similar to one of the most powerful moments in the ministry of Jesus Christ. I love his fearful response; Wesley has read the story of the storm, has seen how the disciples responded, knows what Jesus did, yet still falls under the block of "How is it that thou hadst no faith?" I think oftentimes when in the perils of nature, we are quick to forget the one that created and can control the very nature we are afraid of.

Wesley's Struggles

"Tuesday, 22.—Observing much coldness in M ----‘s behaviour, I asked him the reason of it. He answered, “I like nothing you do. All your sermons are satires upon particular persons, therefore I will never hear you more; and all the people are of my mind; for we won’t hear ourselves abused.

“Besides, they say, they are Protestants. But as for you, they cannot tell what religion you are of. They never heard of such a religion before. They do not know what to make of it. And then your private behaviour: all the quarrels that have been here since you came, have been ‘long of you. Indeed there is neither man nor woman in the town who minds a word you say. And so you may preach long enough; but nobody will come to hear you.”

He was too warm for hearing an answer. So I had nothing to do but to thank him for his openness and walk away."

It would appear that Wesley went to minister to a place where he wasn't gifted to minister to. I imagine that it was very discouraging for him to hear such scathing remarks in regard to his ability to clearly communicate the Gospel to these people. How hard must it have been to hear "And so you may preach long enough; but nobody will come to hear you".

It makes me wonder if this was a mistake Wesley made by impulsively embarking to Georgia without any prayerful consideration, or whether this was an event that God wanted Wesley to go on so that he could experience difficulty and be a better preacher because of it. Either way, in the broad scope of Wesley's life, it was probably a good endeavor to go on, being that it seems to bring him back down to Earth in regard to his viewpoints on salvation and ministering to others.

Wesley arrives in Georgia

"Saturday, 7.—Mr. Oglethorpe returned from Savannah with Mr. Spangenberg, one of the pastors of the Germans. I soon found what spirit he was of and asked his advice with regard to my own conduct. He said, “My brother, I must first ask you one or two questions. Have you the witness within yourself? Does the Spirit of God bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God?” I was surprised, and knew not what to answer. He observed it and asked, “Do you know Jesus Christ?” I paused and said, “I know He is the Saviour of the world.” “True,” replied he; “but do you know He has saved you?” I answered, “I hope He has died to save me.” He only added, “Do you know yourself?” I said, “I do.” But I fear they were vain words."

In reading this passage from Wesley's journal, I find it amazing that Wesley has decided to embark on a treacherous journey across the sea to preach salvation to the heathens, yet he is uncertain about his own standing with Christ. It appears that he has an academic knowledge of Christ, a head knowledge of his salvation, yet he is uncertain whether he has any personal heart knowledge of his salvation. He seems to know a lot about God, but he doesn't seem to really know him personally.

On board a ship to Georgia

Here is an excerpt I found interesting:

Sunday, November 23, 1735: At night I was awakened by the tossing of the ship and roaring of the wind, and plainly showed I was unfit, for I was unwilling, to die.

I find if very interesting that the fear of death creeps in on Mr. Wesley. He states that he is unwilling to die, unwilling to come to meet eternity. At this point Wesley is in his 30s, and he is well educated man in the things of God, especially knowing the teachings of life after death. Yet here we find a man unwilling to meet his maker. I think this is a good example of what Wesley characterized as being unsure of his salvation; he would later attest to this assurance at the Aldersgate meeting a couple of years later.

Exploring John Wesley's Theology

Greetings my mom, my mother-in-law, and anyone who might stumble upon this blog!

I'm back, and badder than ever, and This course will be dealing with John Wesley's Theology.

This module will mostly cover excerpts from the Journal of John Wesley, noting my insights and feelings from particular readings. The first of which is this:

Upon his (Wesley's Father) encouragement we still continued to meet together as usual; and to confirm one another, as well as we could, in our resolutions to communicate as often as we had opportunity (which is here once a week); and do what service we could to our acquaintance, the prisoners, and two or three poor families in the town.

This particular excerpt dealt with the origins of the Holy Club. I like this excerpt because Wesley clearly communicates to me the art of living in Christian fellowship with other believers. He spells out three things that I believe are significant:

1) Meeting Together: I think it is important for Christians to meet together on a regular basis, both in and out of the church service. I have had the privilege of meeting with my Pastor and other men from our church for coffee every once in a while, and the times I get to do that lift me up and affirm my call to ministry.

2) Confirm one another & communicate: I believe that it is important as a Pastor to meet with other pastors and confirm the work we are doing. I think a lot of laypeople do not fully understand the amount of energy that is put into being a minister, and I believe Pastors need regular support and confirmation from their peers.

3) Service: Wesley outlines engaging in service to acquaintances, prisoners, and to the poor. I think all three of these areas are great opportunities for individuals to engage and support those who may or may not believe in Christ.