This is a bit of a worksheet from an intercessory prayer guide. My ministry of intercession: Specific people, concerns, needs I want to lift to the Father. The one burden laying on my heart today is for a couple of young men who were recently killed in a car accident. Their deaths were abrupt and unexpected, and as I attended the funeral of one of these young men today, I couldn't help but feel very sad for the loss they were experiencing. I know these kind of things happen in everyone's life, but it is just such a great tragedy when the very act that brought their death could have been prevented.

Based on the discussion of servant leadership, if I could accomplish three measurable objectives in the next 10 years that would make a 50 percent difference by the end of my life, what would they be? I think the first objective that I could measure would be in my personal time spent in devotion with Jesus. If I can maintain a daily, directed devotion time, I am almost certain that would make a 50 percent difference in my life. Secondly, I would measure time spent praying with my wife and children. If I engage on this in a regular basis, it would make a 50 percent difference in my life. Finally, I would measure time spent engaging in works of service. If I can engage in consistent, regular acts of service, I know it would make a 50 percent difference in my life.

"Christian ministry is the extension of the service of Jesus in our world, incarnating the healing, guiding, sustaining, reconciling work of Jesus in the lives of those with whom we work and live. If you are a Christian, you are called to Christian ministry. ·A servant is one who gets excited about helping someone else succeed. ·Christian leadership is humble service to others in the community of faith whose head is Christ for the purpose of enabling them, through modeling and teaching, to live their lives under the Lordship of Christ, and to understand, accept and fulfill their ministry to each other and their mission in the world. ·If our philosophy of life is based on a biblical theology of church and ministry, then our style of leadership will convictionally focus on the qualitative growth of the led as ministers of Jesus Christ, called to serve others in His name." I love the point made that leaders are to help individuals do three things with their ministry. First they are to help them understand their ministry to each other and their mission in the world. I think it is difficult to arrive at a destination if you do not know the means of getting there. You can certainly try to go, but without the an understanding of how to get there, you could be easily lost. The same is true for ministry. If you do not understand what God is calling you to do, how can you even expect to effectively play a role in the building of the kingdom? A leader must point people towards the mission of God, helping them explore their talents and gifts to understand what God has in store for them. The next point is accepting their ministry and mission in the world. I think this one can be tricky sometimes, because I think the idea of doing something in the name of Jesus can be challenging or scary. I think of a friend who gets shell shocked at the idea of speaking in front of a group of people. In the same way, the thought of stepping out of our comfort zone and getting dirty for the Lord can be tough! The leader must walk alongside these individuals as they test the waters of ministry and mission. Finally, we are called to fulfill our ministry and mission in the world. We understand what God has called us to, we have tested the waters and have accepted his call, now we must be proactive and get out and do it! I think this can be a tough part, often because our lives are filled with so many other obligations and responsibilities, we have a tendency to place the calling of God on level with all the other activities we engage in. We have a mighty calling in serving Jesus Christ, and we must not overburden ourselves with other things in the world to take away from that call.

What is the difference between a manager and a leader? I believe that a manager works to achieve a task or a goal. A manager facilitates assets, including equipment, money, and labor, and uses those to achieve a task, usually to make money. A manager cares only about the bottom line; individuals or assets that no longer benefit the task are upgraded or completely replaced. Accomplishing the task is the bottom line for the manager. A leader, on the other hand, is in individual who is often working in the trenches with those being led. They are usually setting the example for what is expected of the group being led. Even though they are leading, they never lord their leadership over those being led; they are often approachable and willing to pitch in whenever work is needed. Leaders recognize that assets are important and need to be taken care of, they need to be molded and shaped into better workers and better people.

In your experience, whom have you considered the most influential leader? What did that person do that you consider characteristic of a good leader? This could be someone in the church, from work, from school, etc. Since this is a public posted blog, I will refrain from naming a leader, but I will describe the characteristics that I see in a good leader: Compassionate - A genuine love and concern for others. Friendly - Someone who is approachable, and easy to talk to. Driven - Sets out goals, challenges people to partner in the task with them. Flexible - Sees bumps in the road as things to work through, not things to get frustrated at. I think a good and influential leader needs these traits (among others) to be able to lead effectively.

"Every aspect of Wesley’s relentless focus on an individual’s holiness was for the purpose of making that individual an agent of perfect love to those around him or her." I love the connection stated between holiness and love. These concepts are unmistakably connected; I don't believe one can exist without the other. Sure, there are the world's definitions of love: sexuality, passion, having someone make you "feel good", but these are fleeting at best. True, perfect love comes from a unique connection to loving God with our inmost being, and loving others in response to our love for God. In doing this, we are able to live our lives in love the way God is calling us to, no longer thinking about our own needs and feelings, but thinking about other people as well. This is the perfect love God is calling us to.

"Through saving grace we are Christian through and through. And yet we are always in the process of becoming Christian, becoming what we are. Wesley has given us a model that allows for our intentionality that cooperates with God’s gracious initiative. Progressive sanctification, then, is crucial in the Christian life; the process is a crucial follow-up to important moments of commitment. The Wesleyan understanding of the means of grace aims at Christian maturing, which never ceases in the journey." I think this is a point that a lot of Christians miss out on. They claim the salvation power of Christ, but that is as far as they go. I think the great misconception is that accepting Christ as Lord and Savior is the end of the Spiritual Journey, moving simply from death in sin to life in Christ. Truly it is just a small part of the journey. The growth and maturity of faith and relationship with Jesus is something we should engage in for a lifetime, continually being willing to lay on the altar of Christ anything that might get in the way of our ability to serve him in the way he is calling us to serve. I think when we remove ourselves from the equation and let God fill in the blanks, that is when we truly start to see that we are still becoming what God wants us to be.

"It could be said that the experience of entire sanctification is as unique as each individual. While we must certainly find ways to keep the articulation of entire sanctification dynamic, relevant, and realistic, and to allow for differences from person to person, to blend—unite—entire sanctification with progressive sanctification is to separate ourselves from what it means to be a Holiness church. Reemphasizing Wesley’s understanding of the “means of grace” is absolutely crucial to a balanced and healthy proclamation of God’s sanctifying work in the lives of God’s people." I have struggled with a good way to articulate entire sanctification in a way that makes sense. I stumbled upon a good example from the work of H. Orton Wiley: "Peace with God. This peace is the result of a change relationship between God and man. If follows when the sinner surrenders to God, is forgiven of his sins, and restored to the favor of God. This experience is known in both theology and the Scriptures as justification... The Peace of God. This peace is given as a bestowment - that which Christ has in himself, and which He bestows upon us in such a manner that it becomes ours... The peace of God is that which dwelt in Jesus' own breast, the deep tranquility of the soul which springs from resting wholly in God. As peace with God is called justification, so this peace of God is sanctification. It is communicated to us through the gift of the Holy Spirit, which removes all the carnal contradictions of the soul and enthrones in the purified heart the Prince of Peace." I think peace is something that everybody can relate to, and when you put it in the terms of Peace, it seems like an easy way to explain and understand what God is trying to do for us, in us, and through us.

"If we affirm that the reality of what is known as “holiness” or “sanctification”—which we believe was faithfully preached by Wesley and his successors—transcends time and space, we must see it as a vital message to be passed to future generations. This is the challenge: to regain or recreate an ethos, a vision, and a distinctive spirituality as we attempt to articulate the doctrine of holiness in the next century. This is not a task, however, for one theologian or one preacher or one teacher." I have struggled with this as I work with young people. How do I teach them about this idea of Christian Perfection, that Jesus teaches to be "perfect"? How do we tell young people to seek to live their lives this way in the midst of all of their busyness, their (sometimes unrealistic) expectations that are set by them, their families, their teachers, or coaches? How do we tell kids who are constantly told that they are not good enough that God wants them to live a perfect and holy life? How do we show the love of Jesus, and have it translate into growth towards a holy lifestyle? This is certainly a task made out for the Church to engage in!

[Godly] love is as new as every new moment. I love this concept. There is something so comforting about knowing that at each and every moment of the day, God is there, loving me regardless of my shortcomings and failures. Chris Tomlin, who has become the forerunner of modern worship music, portrays it perfectly: "This one thing remains: Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me." If I lose all that I am, all that I have gained in this world, I know one thing will always remain, his great, mighty, powerful, and unyielding love for me. It was that love that led to the suffering on the cross. His love never fails!

Getting Back Into Wesley's Journal: "About a thousand people stood patiently (though the frost was sharp, it being after sunset) while, from Acts 28:22, I simply described the plain, old religion of the Church of England, which is now almost everywhere spoken against, under the new name of Methodism. " I love the satire that I get from these words of Wesley. His work in England was largely chastised by the Anglican Church, although he never yielded his foundational loyalty to the Church of England. Wesley surely laments the fact that the Church of England did not view Wesley's Methodist movement as being a part of the their team. I think we can fall prey to that in our modern day. We live in a consumer-driven world, where people can come and go to restaurants, stores, even churches as they meet or do not meet specific needs. We can become resentful of other denominations or churches that seem to be attracting more people. The truth is that all who claim Jesus Christ as our God, our Lord and Savior must recognize that we are all on the same team! We are all living this life to further the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and to that end we must respect and applaud the work that others are doing in the name of Jesus. I remember Jesus' rebuke of his disciples, who told a man not to cast out demons in Jesus' name because he was not "one of them". How many are there who are not "with us" that have the power to do great things in the name of God, that we hinder because of our own pride, vanity, or ambition?

It is a divine evidence and conviction, first, that God hath promised it in the holy Scripture . . . It is a divine evidence and conviction, secondly, that what God hath promised He is able to perform . . . It is, thirdly, a divine evidence and conviction that He is able and willing to do it now. And why not? Is not a moment to Him the same as a thousand years? He cannot want more time to accomplish whatever is His will. And He cannot want or stay for any more worthiness or fitness in that persons He is pleased to honour . . . To this confidence, that God is both able and willing to sanctify us now, there needs to be added one thing more—a divine evidence and conviction that He doeth it. If you seek it by faith, you may expect it as you are; and if as you are, then expect it now . . . Expect it by faith; expect it as you are; and expect it now. To deny one of them, is to deny them all; to allow one, is to allow them all. I love that point of sanctification: expect it by faith, as you are, right now! We have the ability to live a life of holiness and honor unto God right here, right now! We don't have to wait until we are "mature" Christians, we don't have to wait until we have graduated from the Sunday School curriculum. We have the ability and the power to live a life worthy of God right now! We have the ability to go out, seeking God and serving him with all we are, loving him and loving others with all that we are, in the here and now. God is so good!

It is extremely important to know that the doctrine of holiness is a biblical doctrine. It is no less important to see that it is also a historical one, sewn securely into the fabric of Christian orthodoxy from the beginning. I think the point in this statement about holiness being historical is very significant because I believe that when Holiness has been the focal point of the Church, it has resulted in the great change in the lives of humanity. Often times Christianity gets a pretty harsh treatment in the Historical Context; issues such as the Crusades, Slavery, and Civil Rights have at times thrown Christianity in a pretty poor light. But on the other hand, there are many instances in history when individuals have thrown themselves on the Altar of God, submitting to his will above all else. I think of people like Xavier, Zwingli, Luther, Wesley, and others who, forsaking all else, found no higher calling than to follow God and follow him alone. I think when we set ourselves aside and do the great work that God has called for us, then we have the ability to seek his perfect and pleasing will.

The interpretation of issues such as righteousness, holiness, sanctification, and perfection are non-negotiable in maintaining our theological integrity. They are at the very heart of the “analogy of faith,” the primary lens by which Wesleyans interpret Scripture. I like this quote, because I think it points to the fidelity that Wesley had towards the scriptures. Above all else, Wesley maintained his integrity to the word of God: Love God, Love Others, Be Perfect as your father is Perfect. Through this lens, it is easy to see why Wesley thought the idea of Christian Perfection was attainable. If I love God with all that I am, and if my love for him also extends to the people I encounter, then I have no reason to believe that would flow. The issue arises when I allow myself to get in the way, when I start to consider my own interests above God's or other people I am supposed to be showing love to.

The Bible finds its authority in its faithful witness of Christ and in the fact that its truth of salvation and sanctification through Christ has been experienced and verified by believers through the centuries. I think verification is a very important word in this phrase. The Bible by itself is a powerful story, telling the tale of a loving God revealing himself to all the world through a chosen people, culminating in Jesus reconciling the world through a sacrificial death on a cross. Its narrative, drama, and poetry are the things that Hollywood movies are made of; further, many of the Biblical stories have even found themselves on the big screen. The thing that makes the Biblical story greater is the fact that its theme, the message of God reconciling himself to humanity, has been shown and proven in the lives of countless individuals over the last 2000-plus years. The story is living! It lives in the hearts and lives of all of those who have received the loving power of Jesus Christ. Verification is crucial to the credibility of the story, and it has proven to be verified by the experience of individuals across time.

"We do not seek holiness for our own sakes, but for the sake of loving God with our whole being and loving our neighbor as ourselves. When we do this, we are being who God created us to be." I think this is a great way to sum up what it means to seek holiness. The tenets of holiness run counter to the views of this world. The world trumpets personal accomplishments and extravagance, while the viewpoint of holiness is simple: to love God, and loves others, so much that we place our own interests and personal accomplishments on the side as we seek to serve others.

Its a new Class, so its time to restart the old Blog. This term's class is called "Becoming a Holy People". I will freely admit that I am excited for this course. I think it is easy to throw terms around like "Holiness" and "Christian Perfection" and "Entire Sanctification" without knowing how to clearly communicate those in ways that people can understand and hold as their own. My hope is that this course will help me to be able to better explain not only what it means to live a lifestyle of holiness, but what I it is especially beneficial to do so.

Reflect on where you are today in your journey of Christian maturity compared to where you were when this module began. For this particular module, I am thankful that it is over! I took the first section of this course in 2009, and finished the second section almost three years later. I put it off for so long because the content overwhelmed me. In retrospect, I am glad that I did, because I was able to get three more years of maturity and study under my belt before I embarked on the second component of this course. Thankfully, the course work was not as overwhelming as I remember. Further, I found that things were clicking better for me. I don't know if it was a place of maturity, or if I was less stressed out, but I am thankful for taking this course and learning more about who God is and how much he truly loves me.

Have you been exposed to the idea that Satan is the personification of evil? What do you think of the idea? How do you respond? How much of what we think about the devil comes from Milton’s Paradise Lost? I have been exposed to this idea before, and I think a lot of what we see in evil is personified in Milton's portrayal of Satan. Satan had the arrogance to think he could overcome God; humanity has a flair for the prideful and arrogant. Satan is persuasive, as he depicted in the Biblical text as a sneaky snake that can convince humans of doing wrong while thinking it is all right. I think Milton does a great job of showing what truly is difficult about evil: That evil is a very tricky path of life that is filled with deception. Crops up in good intended people doing bad things, all in the name of what they think is right, even though they are very wrong. Far too often do we travel down the road of good intentions, simply seeking out our own best interests, only to fall into a trap of despair.

Reflect on a time when someone reached out to you in loving-kindness. When was the last time that you saw someone in need and responded in loving-kindness? I remember when I was younger, being ministered to by a youth leader. He genuinely was interested in me; he built a relationship with me, got to know me, shared himself with me. I think that is missing in a lot of relationships these days. Many people are hesitant to share themselves with others, I think for fear that they might lose something of themselves. This person looked in a different way, sharing himself for my sake. That is loving-kindness. I think when we are building relationships, we have a variety of opportunities to reach out to others in loving kindness. Too many times we are too busy to look around and see the need around us. I recently went and visited a friend in a nursing home, just to cheer them up. It was a blessing to me that I could be a blessing to them. Often times we don't recognizes the benefits we get of being a blessing to another.

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.

Motivator #11

John Fischer tells of attending a “birthday bash” at the Starplex amphitheater in Dallas. The partygoers were there to celebrate the anniversary of a local alternative rock station. On that summer night the smoke from tobacco “and some other leaves” hung low. One Christian group—Jars of Clay—was the only Christian group to appear. The man next to Fischer had five earrings on his face, only two of which were on his ears. As Fischer looked out over the crowd, six young men—Jars of Clay—slipped onstage and began to sing, “Arms nailed down, are you telling me something?” Fischer said to himself, “We’ve waited a long time for this.”

Noticing Fischer’s backstage pass, the man with the facial jewelry asked Fischer, “Are you with Jars?” “Yes,” Fischer answered. The man continued, “If you’re going to see them afterwards, would you thank them for me? I became a Christian listening to their CD. I played it over and over and figured out just about everything. I went and got a Christian friend of mine—pulled him out of a party—and told him I wanted to get saved right away. He didn’t believe me. You wouldn’t have either. I hated Christians.” (John Fischer, Fearless Faith: Living Beyond the Walls of “Safe” Christianity (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2002), 221-23.)

I think this is a testimony of the power of the Gospel to be proclaimed through a variety of mediums. The man in this story probably would never receive belief in Christ in a traditional way, from a church service or a bible study. He received the message through a medium that was culturally applicable to him: music. The Gospel of Christ was communicated to this young man through the lyrics and music of Jars of Clay, a medium that only Jars of Clay could uniquely portray in the way that they did. Jars of Clay did what they were called to do as followers of Christ: proclaim the Gospel of God. They did it in a way that reaches a unique group of people, and I believe that is the beauty of the unique differences that make up the body of Christ.

Motivator #10

“Would not openness to other religions relativize the truth claims of Christianity? How can Christians be [attentive, respectful, and patient toward] persons of other faiths without undermining their own convictions not only [regarding] the validity of Christianity, but the importance of efforts to reach non-Christians with the good news of Jesus Christ? Is there any way to combine strong conviction with genuine [respect and patience]?” (Runyon, The New Creation, 215.)

I would respond that there is a way to combine conviction with genuine respect and patience. It comes from appreciating the fact that God made each person with a unique and free will, and they have the right and ability to choose to live and believe that which is incorrect. It is up to us as Christians to communicate in love the truth of Christ to them while respecting their right to believe what they want to believe. At the same time, we must live our lives in a way that communicates the Gospel of Christ; we must choose to follow his call for our lives, we must live according to his word, we must be transformed by his way, so that we do not conform to the cultures around us, but transcend them. We must live, act, and do what we believe, and we must be readily available to communicate the power of the Gospel.

Motivator #9

“What, if I were to see a Papist, an Arian, a Socinian casting out devils? If I did, I could not forbid even him, without convicting myself of bigotry. Yea, if it could be supposed that I should see a Jew, a Deist, or a Turk, doing the same, were I to forbid him either directly or indirectly, I should be no better than a bigot still.

“O stand clear of this! But be not content with not forbidding any that casts out devils. It is well to go thus far; but do not stop here. If you will avoid all bigotry, go on. In every instance of this kind, whatever the instrument be, acknowledge the finger of God. And not only acknowledge, but rejoice in his work, and praise his name with thanksgiving. Encourage whomsoever God is pleased to employ, to give himself wholly up thereto. Speak well of him wheresoever you are; defend his character and his mission. Enlarge, as far as you can, his sphere of action; show him all kindness in word and deed; and cease not to cry to God in his behalf, that he may save both himself and them that hear him.” (Wesley, “Against Bigotry,” Sermon 38, IV, 4-5.)

I think this is a problem that a lot of people can run into. An individual may see the way a particular person is communicating the Gospel of Christ, decide that they are not doing it in the "correct" or "appropriate" kind of way, and we respond in an act to shut down what they are doing. I think often times God uses a variety of people to reach a variety of people in a variety of ways that make no sense to most. God has uniquely gifted individuals to reach particular individuals; we hinder the message of God when we try to stop its proclamation just because it is not in our particular style or taste.

Motivator #8

“What makes Wesley’s theology distinctive is his ability to hold together in a working union two fundamentally important factors in the Christian life that have often been disconnected, the renewal of this relation (justification) and the living out of this relation (sanctification), neither of which is possible apart from the other.” (Runyon, The New Creation, 222.)

I think this is an important concept to understand because it is essential to understand the difference between justification and sanctification. These two concepts are not the same thing, and they are very closely related, and I believe a basic understanding of the two is essential if we are to communicate the Gospel to a lost world. We must explain the two part work of pardoning of sin and purifying the heart for works of service. Without a clear understanding of both of these, we preach a message that pardons for sin, but does not change the lifestyle. If all we get is the pardon, and not the purification, we sell the power of the Gospel short.

Motivator #7

“The renewal of the creation and the creatures through the renewal in humanity of the image of God is what John Wesley identifies as the very heart of Christianity.” (Theodore Runyon, The New Creation: John Wesley’s Theology Today (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998), 8.)

“John Wesley is convinced that God’s Spirit is at work everywhere in the world extending God’s prevenient graciousness among all peoples.” (Ibid., 33.)

I think this is a call for us to be prepared to give our account of the power of Jesus Christ living in the lives of all who might be called to believe. The spirit is working in the hearts of all humanity, and it is our job to be able to proclaim the message of Christ at any moment that the spirit might move. The harvest of souls is plentiful because the Holy Spirit is going out before us; it is up to us to harvest that crop and cultivate it to produce fruit. We are called to go out as the Spirit goes out, live our lives according to his word, and lead people towards the paths of righteousness.

Motivator #6

The following statement comes from The Myth of God Incarnate, edited by John Hick, an influential book in the debate over religious pluralism. The book denies the incarnation of God in Christ the New Testament affirms, and hence sets the stage for one way of responding to religious pluralism. Will the New Testament permit Hick’s “solution”?

The Christians of the early church lived in a world in which supernatural causation was accepted without question, and divine or spiritual visitants were not unexpected. Such assumptions, however, have become foreign to our situation. In the Western world, both popular culture and the culture of the intelligentsia has come to be dominated by the human and natural sciences to such an extent that supernatural causation or intervention in the affairs of this world has become, for the majority of people, simply incredible.

I don't think the New Testament permits the solution Mr. Hick has provided. I think the New Testament speaks to the power of God exemplified on this Earth in ways that cannot be explained by the human or natural sciences. If we believe that God is all powerful, and that he given to us in the person of Jesus Christ, then it is not a reach to believe that the supernatural is possible both in the Early Church days and in our day today.

Week 5 Reading Excerpt

From this week's reading, originally cited in a 2003 edition of Christianity Today in regard to Mary Poplin:

"In January my mother wanted to go to North Carolina to where she had grown up. We went to this little Methodist church, not because she was religious; she just wanted to see her friends.

When we got there, I was really moved to just go up to the altar and give my life to the Lord. It wasn’t even an altar call. It was a communion call. The guy said, you don’t have to be a member of any church to take communion. You just have to believe that Jesus Christ lived, that he died for your sins, and you have to want him in your life. And when he said that, I was so powerfully moved that I actually thought, even if a tornado rips through this building, I’m going to get that communion.

I took the communion, and I didn’t even listen to the guy. I knelt down and I said, “Please come and get me. Please come and get me. Please come and get me.” And when I took the communion and I said that, I felt free. I felt like tons of things had been lifted off of me. And I began to have an insatiable desire to read the Bible.

Romans 1 says God is obvious to everyone and people’s minds who deny him become darkened. And though they think themselves wise they’re actually foolish. That was me. But the Scriptures began to heal my mind so I could actually think again."

I think this is a powerful story of the Spirit of God moving in the hearts of people. The spirit was working in the heart of this person, and she was moved to participate in the communion. That is half of the work. The second half was that there was a person (a pastor in this case) who was ready, willing, and able to preach the Gospel of Christ and give this person an opportunity to receive it. We are coworkers with the Spirit, it goes out before to work in the hearts of all humanity; we have to be prepared to move when the spirit moves, to preach when we are called to preach, so those that have the spirit working on them can be moved to believe.

Motivator #5

Dr. Truesdale writes, “Each time Dr. Ron Benefiel and I conduct the Nazarene Theological Seminary Doctor of Ministry Seminar, ‘The Theological Development of the Minister,’ the seminar members, Dr. Benefiel, and I attend Sabbath (Shabbat) service at Beth Shalom Congregation, a conservative Jewish synagogue in Kansas City. Alan Cohen is the senior Rabbi. The ‘contemporary’ service begins with joyous singing, accompanied by guitars, tambourines, a violin, and drums. Talented musicians lead the music. As the service proceeds, the liturgy—heavy with Torah readings—repeatedly refers to the holiness of God and to God’s command that His people live righteously before him. Over and over one hears reference in the liturgy to the love and grace of God. As the Torah scroll is taken throughout the congregation, the congregants move to the aisles so they can touch the Torah either with their prayer shawls or their scriptures.”

The question: Soteriologically, what is going on there? Nothing? Something? If so, on what basis?

I think there is some genuine heart felt worship of God going on, but it is going on the basis of a covenant understanding that I as a Christian believe is no longer applicable. Its like the Jews are acting under the bylaws of an old contract, when a new contract has been put into place by the Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are certainly glorifying God, but they are missing part of the picture in the person of Jesus Christ.

Motivator #4

Prince Albert of England organized the Crystal Palace Exhibition in 1851 in Hyde Park. His public speech on the opening day voiced the modern confidence in human progress through the use of reason. “Nobody who has paid any attention to the peculiar features of our present era will doubt for a moment that we are living at a period of most wonderful transition, which tends rapidly to accomplish that great end to which indeed all history points—the realization of the unity of mankind.” Prince Albert’s words identified the achievements of the 19th century as the zenith of human reason and progress. Quoted in J. Richard Middleton and Brian J. Walsh, Truth Is Stranger than It Used to Be (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1995), 18-19.

I think the use of reason is a double edge sword. The use of reason has certainly brought lots of human progress in the modern world, but lots of individuals have used reason to bring about great human atrocities. It would only be several decades after Prince Albert's speech that reason and logic would be used to annihilate entire populations of individuals in Germany and other parts of Europe. Reason would be used to spark revolutions and take away individual's freedoms and rights. It must be noted that reason may or may not walk hand in hand with wisdom; I think reason is best used when it does not veer from wisdom.

Motivator #3

The following story appeared in the Washington Times on December 8, 2002. “Suit Seeks to Allow Wiccan’s Invocation,” written by Mary Shaffrey. Mention of the ACLU in the story is not meant to speak negatively of its role in defending the civil rights of Americans.

The Virginia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is suing the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors for refusing to allow a Wiccan leader to give the invocation at the start of its meeting.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Richmond and says the Board of Supervisors is violating the constitutional ban on state-sponsored religion by denying Wiccan priestess Cynthia Simpson the opportunity to offer an invocation.

The lawsuit also says the board’s policy violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection. “They are supposed to be making laws, not theological judgments,” said the Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, which has joined in the suit with the ACLU. “They do not believe Wicca to be a religion like Christianity, but government officials cannot be making these decisions.”

The board regularly opens its meetings with a voluntary invocation by a leader of a Judeo-Christian denomination. Earlier this year, Miss Simpson asked the Board of Supervisors to allow her to give an invocation. She was denied. “Chesterfield’s nonsectarian invocations are traditionally made to a divinity that is consistent with the Judeo-Christian tradition,” wrote Chesterfield County Attorney Steven Micas in a letter to Miss Simpson denying her request.

In response to this article, I have mixed feelings. My first thought is that why is there a big hub-ub over a County Government meeting? It seems to me to be a little nit-picky. My second response is that the equal protection of religion that our country guarantees should be protected; If I was living in a country like Saudi Arabia, where my religion was a minority, and I had equal protection of religion, I would like that. The next question I have is whether or not the County Government is imposing a Judeo-Christian viewpoint on the population of Chesterfield. It doesn't seem like that is the case.

In the end, I think that the county either has to let everyone of every religion have an opportunity to pray, or not do it all. As a Christian, I would love to see only Christianity be the predominant religion in my country, but being that there are other religions, we have to be respectful of them. The beauty is that we can be respectful without supporting or agreeing with their beliefs.

In Response to Horace Kallen

"In 1915 the sociologist Horace Kallen, a Jewish immigrant, wrote a much-discussed article in The Nation, taking issue with the melting-pot vision of America. He may well be the first to use the term “pluralism” to describe an alternative vision. The article was titled “Democracy versus the Melting Pot.” In it he argued that the “melting pot” ideal is inherently anti-democratic. It collides with America’s foundational principles. After all, one of the freedoms cherished in America is the freedom to be oneself, without erasing the distinctive features of one’s own culture. Kallen saw America’s plurality and its unity in the image of the symphony, not the melting pot. America is a symphony orchestra, sounding not in unison, but in harmony, with all the distinctive tones of our many cultures. He described this as “cultural pluralism.” (Diana Eck, “A New Religious America: Managing Religious Diversity.”)"

I can see the viewpoint of Mr. Kallen, but I think his viewpoint on the melting Pot being un-democratic seems a little unfounded. When I think of the Melting Pot, I think of the fact that the thing that makes an individual distinctly "American" is the fact that there is a giant mixture of geographic and cultural influences in each person, blended together! When each individual American is combined together in one pot, it is the differences that make us American, not the similarities (inherent or otherwise). I look at my family, and I descend predominantly from England, while my wife has Norwegian, Italian, and Irish in her background. Those geographic differences blended together make each one of us American, even though they are not quite the same. The viewpoint that everyone will become American by absorbing the dominant culture does seem anti-democratic, but I think you can work around that without having to abandon the Melting Pot metaphor all together.

Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World

Well it is that time again... I have started a new module in the Nazarene Course of Study. This one is entitled "Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World". The course seeks to look at the dynamic of spreading the great message of Jesus Christ to a world that very often sees life from a relativistic viewpoint. The argument is that it does not matter what you believe as long as you do good and noble things and live an upstanding life that doesn't hurt or encroach on other people's lives. A relativistic viewpoint makes no room for the Gospel Message of Christ and the kind of life that one is called to live as a follower of Christ. Following a belief system with rules and doctrines and trying to get others to follow it is viewed as imposing and oppressive to those who are just trying to make their own way on the road to Rome. The truth is that Jesus is the only way, the only real truth, and the only guarantor of life; not just eternal life, but the absolute best life possible, right now! The word of God and the story of Jesus has a great hope for those who live in this "my life, my way, my rules" kind of world we live in today.

I will freely admit that journaling is my weakness when it comes to these modules. This is my attempt to meet this component of the course that is very difficult, almost grueling for me to accomplish. Lord willing, I will succeed.

Read the fictional, journalistic-style description of the execution of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Consider the depth of his devotion to the will of God and his willingness to sacrifice. Relate this to your own life—what is God’s will for you, to what lengths would you be willing to go to fulfill this call, how has God promised His faithfulness and sufficiency to us in times such as these, how was Bonhoeffer an “imitator of Christ” for us, how might our witness—like that of Bonhoeffer—impact others?

DISTANT DATELINE: Theologian Bonhoeffer Executed on Order from Hitler

FLOSSENBURG PRISON April 9, 1945. Today the controversial theologian,
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, along with other members of the Admiral Canaris
resistance group, was executed here by hanging.

Bonhoeffer went calmly to his death. This morning as he was led out of his cell,
he was observed by the prison doctor who said, “Through the half-open door I
saw Pastor Bonhoeffer still in his prison clothes, kneeling in fervent prayer to
the Lord his God. The devotion and evident conviction of being heard that I saw
in the prayer of this intensely captivating man moved me to the depths.”

The prisoners were ordered to strip. Naked under the scaffold, Bonhoeffer knelt
for one last time to pray. Five minutes later, he was dead.

Bonhoeffer was condemned for his involvement in “Operation 7,” a rescue
mission that had helped a small group of Jews over the German border and
into Switzerland. The 39-year-old theologian had also been involved in planning
an unsuccessful assassination attempt on the life of Adolf Hitler. His
participation in the murder plot obviously conflicts with Bonhoeffer’s position as
a pacifist. His sister-in-law, Emmi Bonhoeffer, cited his reasoning. He told her,
“If I see a madman driving a car into a group of innocent bystanders, then I
can’t, as a Christian, simply wait for the catastrophe and then comfort the
wounded and bury the dead. I must try to wrestle the steering wheel out of the
hands of the driver.”

Interestingly, Bonhoeffer had safely escaped the troubles in Europe and gone
to teach in New York in June, 1939. He abruptly returned less than a month
later saying, “I have had time to think and to pray about my situation, and that
of my nation, and to have God’s will for me clarified. I have come to the
conclusion that I have made a mistake in coming to America. I shall have no
right to participate in the reconstruction of the Christian life in Germany after
the war if I did not share in the trials of this time with my people. Christians in
Germany face the terrible alternative of willing the defeat of their nation in
order that civilization may survive, or willing the victory of their nation and
thereby destroying civilization. I know which of these alternatives I must
choose. But I cannot make that choice in security.”

Even while in prison, Bonhoeffer maintained his pastoral role. Those with him
spoke of the guidance and spiritual inspiration he gave, not only to fellow
inmates, but to prison guards as well.

In a letter smuggled out of prison Bonhoeffer showed no bitterness but rather
explained how, “We in the resistance have learned to see the great events of
world history from below, from the perspective of the excluded, the ill treated,
the powerless, the oppressed and despised . . . so that personal suffering has
become a more useful key for understanding the world than personal
happiness.”

EDITOR’S POSTSCRIPT: In the same month Bonhoeffer was hanged, on April
30, 1945, Hitler committed suicide. Seven days later Germany surrendered.

When I look at the story of Bonhoeffer, I have to admit that I stand in awe of a man with that much commitment. He left the comforts of the United States, went back to his home nation that was run by an oppressive regime, and defiantly stood for the Gospel up until his last moment on this Earth. I think it is a tall order to die for what you believe in, and I think there are many individuals who attend Church on a regular basis who would not be willing to die for their faith. As I reflect on my own life, I know there is a fear of death and the "unknown". It was something that I struggled with greatly when I was younger. Now as I look at where I have come and where I think I am headed in this life, I would be amiss to say I don't struggle to come to this conclusion. I would truly sacrifice my life for what I believe in, but I would hope that it would not have to come down to that. I would love to spend my life preaching the word of God well into my 80s and 90s and dying peacefully and pain free, but the truth is that I don't know what the Lord has in store for me five minutes from now, let alone 60 years from now. I think I will continue to follow the example of Paul and Bonhoeffer in that I will work to have every part of my life infiltrated by the mission of Jesus Christ, and to live my life according to his word all of my days, however long they might be.

Focus on Christian unity and Christ’s prayer to “make them one.” Read the portion of John 17 that speaks of Jesus’ desire that His disciples be one as He and the Father were one. What lay at the heart of Jesus’ prayer? How can the church of today fulfill this prayer? In a spirit of confession, how have we contributed to division?

I think the heart of this prayer is that those who choose to follow in Christ may be in one accord in the mission to see the Gospel Message redeeming the lives of humanity. I don't think his prayer is that we all look the same as one, we all play the same music, we all preach the same sermons and styles, etc. I think Jesus Christ wants to see the church working as one towards the same purpose. I think where it gets different is when that purpose has to adapt to the culture trying to be reached; the purpose is the same, but the means of getting to that purpose must adapt.

How are we to be salt and light in our world? How do we counter the negative influence of fundamentalism in our own lives?

I think the best way to be salt is to look at what salt does:

First off, it adds flavor. We can add flavor to the world around us by allowing ourselves to transform the world through our message of Christ. There is nothing quite like adding salt to a bland soup to give it flavor, much like there is nothing quite like adding Jesus Christ to the heart of a bland human.

Secondly, salt preserves. We have the opportunity to preserve the Gospel Message by standing up for what we believe, becoming defenders of the faith like so many have before us. We must preserve the Gospel message through sound doctrine, teaching, and training, so as not to be led astray.

Finally, salt help fight infections. We have an opportunity to bring out the worst in people so that Christ can bring out the best in them. Sometimes we have to attack the rough parts of peoples lives before we can get connected to the source, the heart.

We can also be light much like we can be infection fighting salt. Darkness shrouds the senses, confusing judgment and decision making. Our light can shine and give guidance and direction in a world full of dark discrpeancies and misleadings.

We fight fundamentalism by showing ourselves trained and approved in the Gospel message, and subscribing to sound doctrine that can be backed up by the Word of God, by our traditions as a church, by our experiences, and by the use of reason. If we can use the 3 latter to support the former, we can effectively fight the misleadings of fundamentalism and liberalism, and continue to put out the track that God has set for our denomination.

Read scriptures on worship and praise of God. Reflect on a recent worship experience where you were fully engaged in worship and praise. Read the following selections and reflect on them.

When I think of Worship and Praise, I think of the 150th Psalm:

"Let Everything that has breath Praise the Lord (Verse 6)."

I can remember a service a couple of months ago where I felt like everything that had breath in the building was praising the Lord. I can remember the particular song that was being played coming to a crescendo of sorts, finding myself basking in the glory of the Father... it brought me to tears to think of the Amazing and Powerful Love that the Savior has for me. It brings my heart to praise his name in all aspects of my life. As the band Ever Stays Red says: "Every single breath that is in my chest is for you to glorify your name, I want to scream your name at the top of my lungs, until there is none."

God is so Very Good indeed!

Read biblical passages related to reason or the mind—love God with our minds; have the mind of Christ, etc.—and meditate on the role of reason or the mind in the Christian life. Read biblical passages that describe decisive spiritual experiences—Moses at the burning bush or Paul on the road to Damascus—and mediate on the nature of spiritual experience. Relate from your own spiritual journeys on these points—reason and experience.

As I look at these two different concepts - reason and experience, I find myself being attracted to both. I think the only thing that I am hesitant on when it comes to these two things is putting them on equal playing field with Scripture. I think often times reason and experience can be used to try to usurp the foundational Word of God. I think reason has been used to justify acts that the word of God has very strong language against, and I think experience is often used to view the Bible as an antiquated text that is no longer applicable to the "modern times" we live in. The truth is that scripture was revealed to man through experiences and through reasoning with the Lord; but our ideas and our ways of thinking should not overcome the word of God by any means.

Imagine yourself as a missionary in one of the areas that was explored in this lesson. Imagine how you would pray. What would be your focus? What would be your passion?

I think if I were a missionary in any of these areas I would be focusing my prayers on an ability to effectively communicate the Gospel to the people I was called to minister to. This could mean effectively learning a new language or customs, being prepared to blend in with the local culture, and speaking the Gospel message in ways that are easy to understand. I think often times the Word of God can be complicated by poor communication, and I would pray for quality, efficient communication.

I think my passion would be to ascertain the culture group I was ministering to and be willing and able to immerse myself in their culture, to become like them as Paul did to win them over. If that means compromising on everything that makes me comfortable in my culture except the values of the Gospel Message and the Word of God, then that is what I would have to do.

Write a prayer for personal or corporate spiritual renewal:

Father God, I pray for you to bring renewal! I pray for renewal in my own life, renewal in priorities, in my goals, and in my desires so that they can better match your will and your ways. I pray for renewal in the life of your Church, that it can further your kingdom through your message of good news in authentic, creative ways that will reach the people of this modern world we live. I praise your name for the great and mighty work your spirit can and will do in the hearts of humanity, and we praise your name for the great miracles that we will get to be a part of as joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

Amen

Wesley was a spiritual mentor to many of his followers—dialogue about the features of his mentoring and how it would impact your life.

I think Wesley's mentorship was much like the relationship Paul had to Timothy. Wesley was able to appoint, send out, and encourage individuals to build up the Kingdom of God. He was able to put together a systematic ministry, not just a simplistic, itinerant preaching ministry. Because of his organization and mentorship style, he was able to greatly impact England and North America, and the ancestors of his ministry are still reaching lives today. I think if I were to be mentored by Wesley, I would be more assured in the things I was preaching, I would be more emboldened to go out and fulfill the call given to me knowing that such a pillar in the history of the Church had my back. Its kind of hard to not see a very effective ministry coming out of Wesley's mentorship.

Focus on one of the hymns that was sung at the beginning of this lesson. What response did the hymn invoke in you?

A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill:
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Master’s will!

Arm me with jealous care,
As in Thy sight to live;
And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare
A strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,
And on Thyself rely,
Assured, if I my trust betray,
I shall for ever die.

I think the thing that resonates with me in this song is the high standard that the follower of Christ is held to. I have a charge to follow the will of Christ in my life, I have to be ready and willing to defend and account the Gospel Message at all times. I have to be willing to do the work of the Lord, not by my own strength, but on the shoulders of his strength. I have to be willing to run the race set out for me. It is a high call, a high standard, and a high charge to keep indeed.

Reflect on the sermons that you have read for this lesson. How have they made an impact on you personally? In what way have they influenced your life and ministry?

An Excerpt From Wesley's "The Scripture Way Of Salvation"

It is thus that we wait for entire sanctification; for a full salvation from all our sins, —from pride, self-will, anger, unbelief; or, as the Apostle expresses it, “go unto perfection.” But what is perfection? The word has various senses: here it means perfect love. It is love excluding sin; love filling the heart, taking up the whole capacity of the soul. It is love “rejoicing evermore, praying without ceasing, in everything giving thanks.”

I like this particular sermon because of the power given to sanctify the individual, not just to cleanse of sin, but to create a new mind set, to "transform" the mind as the apostle Paul details it. This sanctification creates a new way of living a perfect life, a life experiencing the love of Jesus Christ in a relational way. It is a love so powerful that it takes of the whole capacity of the soul, spilling out into the individual's relationships with others. Talk about some great sanctification power!

Footwashing

Reflect on the footwashing ceremony. How might you use this ceremony in your ministry?

I have a really hard time with footwashing. I have only done it once before, and it made me incredibly uncomfortable. I would have to get to a place where I was o.k. with it before I was willing to do it as an activity in my youth ministry. I think the best way to do it would be during a night of worship, where there is an opportunity for the teens to just contemplate and reflect on the power and grace of God. I think if it was done in the context of a special worship service, the teens might be more receptive to participate, and not get freaked out about it.

Refelecting on Saint Francis Xavier

Prayer by Saint Francis Xavier

Eternal God, Creator of all things, remember that You alone has created the souls of unbelievers, which You have made according to Your Image and Likeness. Behold, O Lord, how to Your dishonor many of them are falling into Hell. Remember, O Lord, Your Son Jesus Christ, Who so generously shed His Blood and suffered for them. Do not permit that Your Son, Our Lord, remain unknown by unbelievers, but, with the help of Your Saints and the Church, the Bride of Your Son, remember Your mercy, forget their idolatry and infidelity, and make them know Him, Who You have sent, Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, Who is our salvation, our life, and our resurrection, through Whom we have been saved and redeemed, and to Whom is due glory forever. Amen.
Xavier’s Poem of Love (1552)

My God, I love thee: not because I hope for heaven thereby, nor because they who love thee not must burn eternally.

Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me upon the Cross embrace; for me didst bear the nails and spear, and manifold disgrace.

And grief and torments numberless, and sweat of agony; yea, death itself; and all for me who was thine enemy.

Then why, O Blessed Jesus Christ, should I not love thee well? Not for the hope of winning heaven, nor of escaping hell;

Not with the hope of gaining aught, not seeking a reward; but as thyself hast loved me, o ever-loving Lord!

Even so I love thee and will love, and in thy praise will sing, solely because thou art my God, and my eternal King.

I love this prayer and poem because it gives the proper reasoning for loving God. It is not for the sake of gaining the retainer on a hell insurance policy, nor is it for gaining prominence or reward; it is because God loved us so much that he sent his son to die on a cross so we could have a reconciled relationship with him. It was not because of who were are, or some sort of special connection we have, but because the creator desires to be reconciled to his creation in humanity. Amazing love, that thou my God would die for me indeed!