Vol 5 No 22 - Do I Have To?

In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans.  About a quarter before nine, while we was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed.  I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.

In his own hand, from his journal entry for May 24, 1738, Rev. John Wesley records the account of his assurance of salvation in Christ.

Worship this Sunday will focus on the joy of celebrating Pentecost Sunday, and I think it is wonderful that our secondary observation will be Heritage Sunday, that time every year on the Sunday before May 24 where we give thanks to God for the life and ministry of John & Charles Wesley.  The events of one of these days, the sending of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, directly influenced the other - for the assurance that was given to Wesley was indeed the work of the Holy Spirit.

To me the most striking thing about this is his attitude.  Wesley wasn't seeking to go hang out with this group of people, joining together for study.  He was, as he said, going 'very unwillingly' to a society (think modern-day small group), and wound up with the assurance of salvation through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

There's a strong word in this that has nothing to do with the institution of Methodism or it's history or even John Wesley himself: The Holy Spirit acted to bring about the assurance of salvation to a man who wasn't even wanting to be there.

This is probably the most important thing to remember in a society (and even some of us who are reading this e-mail) wherein we'll 'go to church' or 'go to Bible study' when 'I feel like it' or 'the Spirit moves me.'  THANK GOD John Wesley didn't use his emotions as a barometer to measure whether or not he should engage in the life of the Christian community.  

The question is, do you? And if you do, then ask yourself if you have any idea what you may be missing?  Wesley went 'very unwillingly' and wound up, through the grace of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, literally changing the world, including YOUR life.

Wonder what the Holy Spirit has in store for us this week?  Bring a friend for worship this week, and be sure to stay afterward for the joy of fellowship over our covered dish lunch (main course provided).

See You Soon!

Lamar