JOHN WESLEY | A REVIVALIST AND AN INFLUENTIAL CLERIC

May 17, 2023

JOHN WESLEY | A REVIVALIST AND AN INFLUENTIAL CLERIC

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. John 11:25. This was the response Jesus Christ gave to Martha following the death of Lazarus. Beloved in the Lord, God is ever faithful. You cannot be sold out to him and for the interest of His Kingdom and not stand out in life. Even in death, you are more alive. In Jesus Christ response to Martha, our lives cannot be wiped out totally, but as long as we His covering, our impact still lives on. There have many ambassadors of Christ who have walked the face of the earth. These people were sold out to God and turned many to the way of salvation. What a great joy that even after their death, their good works still follow them. In this little piece, we will talk about a revivalist and an astute cleric in the Body of Christ. From the 18^th century till the 21^st century, the impact of John Wesley still lives on. John Wesley was a prominent 18th-century theologian, clergyman, and founder of the Methodist movement. He was known for his dynamic and charismatic preaching style, which drew large crowds and had a significant impact on the growth of Methodism.

John Wesley's approach to religion was unique for his time, emphasizing personal piety and holiness along with a strong commitment to social justice and activism. He believed that faith and good works were inseparable, and that Christians had a duty to relieve the suffering of the poor and marginalized. Wesley also placed a strong emphasis on education and literacy, founding schools and advocating for broad access to education. He wrote widely on a variety of topics, including theology, hymnody, and social issues, and engaged in extensive correspondence with his followers and peers. John Wesley's unique combination of evangelism, social activism, and intellectual pursuits helped to shape the Methodist movement and has left a lasting impact on Christian practice.

John Wesley was an English theologian who founded the Methodist movement. He was born in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England, to a family of Anglican clergy (1703-1791). He was educated at Oxford University, where he became a member of the Holy Club, a group of students who were devoted to prayer and study. John Wesley's early ministry was focused on evangelism, and he travelled throughout Britain and Ireland preaching to large crowds. He emphasized the need for personal conversion and the importance of living a moral life. Wesley also believed that Christianity should have a practical impact on people's lives, and he was involved in social justice causes such as prison reform and the abolition of slavery.

In 1739, Wesley had a spiritual experience that he described as a "heart-warming" encounter with God. This experience deepened Wesley's faith and led him to develop a theology that emphasized the possibility of achieving Christian perfection. Wesley believed that Christians could attain a state of perfection, or freedom from sin, through prayer, Bible study, and the practice of good works. In 1739 George Whitefield, who later became an important preacher of the Great Awakening in Great Britain and North America, persuaded Wesley to go to the unchurched masses. Wesley gathered converts into societies for continuing fellowship and spiritual growth, and he was asked by a London group to become their leader. Soon other such groups were formed in London, Bristol, and elsewhere. To avoid the scandal of unworthy members, Wesley published, in 1743, Rules for the Methodist societies. To promote new societies, he became a widely travelled itinerant preacher. Because most ordained clergymen did not favour his approach, Wesley was compelled to seek the services of dedicated laymen, who also became itinerant preachers and helped administer to the Methodist societies.

John Wesley died in 1791, but his influence on Christianity continues to be felt today. The Methodist Church is one of the largest Protestant denominations in the world, with millions of members in countries around the globe. Wesley's emphasis on personal conversion, social justice, and the practical application of Christian faith continues to inspire and challenge Christians of all denominations.

Looking at the life and impact of John Wesley, we can clearly tell his love for God and the desire to fulfil his ministry. He didn’t just rise into greatness. He paid the price and sacrificed many things to help spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Some Quotes of John Wesley

1. 1. "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

2. "The best thing of all is God is with us."

3. "Catch on fire and people will come for miles to see you burn."

4. "Give me 100 men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth."

5. "The world is my parish."

6. "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity."

7. "Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry; because I never undertake more work than I can go through with calmness of spirit."

8. "Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."

9. "Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can." 0

10. "Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn."

PICTURE HIGHLIGHTS OF JOHN WESLEY