We Christians are always looking for an easy way to describe our doctrine and beliefs to others but, unfortunately, we often get "hung up" on long winded descriptions which leave people cold. One early leader in Protestantism actually took the time to lay down who we are and what we are supposed to do very succinctly.
The man I am referring to is John Wesley (1703-1791), the generally accepted founder of the Methodist Church. The name of the church comes from Methodism, as in the method that we Methodists practice to show and experience our relationship with God and Christ.
Wesley offered a simple explanation of what was expected of Christians.
"Do no harm, do good and always stay in love with God." Now you can go into much more detail and discussion of these three things, but suffice it to say that they do offer in a small nutshell the essence of Christianity. And they sound very simple, but we know that loving your neighbor, meaning your fellow man, can be very difficult particularly when referring to those who have done you wrong. But if you are truly in love with God, The Father, Son and the Spirit, then your love gives you the ability to overcome all obstacles and do His bidding. And your acts of kindness and goodness, doing good in small and large steps wherever you might find yourself, shows your spirit and soul to others and acts as a beacon for God's light while helping those in need.
Even though Wesley never renounced his priesthood in the Church of England, he did practice Methodism in his preaching and actions. Over his lifetime he preached over 40,000 sermons and trekked 4,000 miles annually preaching and teaching the Methodist way. He believed in taking the Gospel to those who needed it where they were and was fond of saying "The world is my parish." And along with his brother, Charles, the famed hymn writer, the Wesleys did much to spread the word of Christ to the people who desperately needed it.
Thank you, Lord, for the early church leaders like John Wesley who worked tirelessly to spread Thy love both far and near. All of these early leaders worked hard, sacrificed much, and were devoted to Thee and Thy grace. Let us use them as an example for our own lives as we strive to serve Thee, honor Thee, and love Thee, and may Thy presence always be felt in America and the world to guide the lives of mankind and may we always retain the freedom to openly worship and praise Thy name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
The man I am referring to is John Wesley (1703-1791), the generally accepted founder of the Methodist Church. The name of the church comes from Methodism, as in the method that we Methodists practice to show and experience our relationship with God and Christ.
Wesley offered a simple explanation of what was expected of Christians.
"Do no harm, do good and always stay in love with God." Now you can go into much more detail and discussion of these three things, but suffice it to say that they do offer in a small nutshell the essence of Christianity. And they sound very simple, but we know that loving your neighbor, meaning your fellow man, can be very difficult particularly when referring to those who have done you wrong. But if you are truly in love with God, The Father, Son and the Spirit, then your love gives you the ability to overcome all obstacles and do His bidding. And your acts of kindness and goodness, doing good in small and large steps wherever you might find yourself, shows your spirit and soul to others and acts as a beacon for God's light while helping those in need.
Even though Wesley never renounced his priesthood in the Church of England, he did practice Methodism in his preaching and actions. Over his lifetime he preached over 40,000 sermons and trekked 4,000 miles annually preaching and teaching the Methodist way. He believed in taking the Gospel to those who needed it where they were and was fond of saying "The world is my parish." And along with his brother, Charles, the famed hymn writer, the Wesleys did much to spread the word of Christ to the people who desperately needed it.
Thank you, Lord, for the early church leaders like John Wesley who worked tirelessly to spread Thy love both far and near. All of these early leaders worked hard, sacrificed much, and were devoted to Thee and Thy grace. Let us use them as an example for our own lives as we strive to serve Thee, honor Thee, and love Thee, and may Thy presence always be felt in America and the world to guide the lives of mankind and may we always retain the freedom to openly worship and praise Thy name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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