Theology in the Wesleyan Spirit - Sermon 3

The third in our series is Wesley’s sermon “The Circumcision of the Heart” which was originally preached in 1733. 

In 1732, a derogatory letter appeared in a weekly London publication that spoke about the "Sect called Methodists."  While it was a work designed to defame the group, Wesley utilized the aroused curiosity of the public to offer this sermon that focuses on the doctrine of holiness.

Knowing people might be hearing him for the first time because of the curiosity stemming from the article, Wesley spent over forty hours crafting and refining this sermon.

The sermon, preached in January of 1733, contains one of Wesley's most distinctive doctrines: Christian perfection understood as perfect love of God and neighbor, rooted in a radical faith in Christ's revelation of that love and power.

Wesley's basic understanding of salvation can be heard here: original sin, the redemptive act of God in Christ, and justification by faith which leads to a fundamental change of heart as well as participation in the renewal of self through the power of the Holy Spirit.

It is important to note that while Wesley emphasizes our sin, his emphasis is not to draw attention to our "utter depravity in sin," but rather he wishes to emphasize the grace and mercy of God that overcomes our sin.  As Rev. Kim Goddard once said, the emphasis in Wesley's theology is "not man, oh so bad, but God, oh so good."

- Pastor Charles

Theology in the Wesleyan Spirit - Sermon 2

The second in our series is Wesley’s sermon “A Caution Against Bigotry” which was originally preached in 1750.  During that time in England, there was a fear that the Methodist revival should cause ‘disruptions’ among the people who were still struggling with the peace founded after the Civil War and Restoration.  Part of the price of that peace was a lessening of partisan zeal and bigotry.  Methodism as a movement threatened to be a ‘new’ partisan group that could well threaten the peace.  Part of that fear was the fact that Wesley himself had a tremendous disregard for parish boundaries.  “The world is my parish,” Wesley famously said.  Yet that attitude did not set well with the established Christian churches who saw their parish as a fixed area of turf on which Wesley was often trespassing.  His use of lay pastors (persons not ordained as clergy) was also disturbing in that it threatened to overturn the hierarchical order of church structure the country was so very used to.

Methodist were actually the ones who were seen as the bigots in the sense that they were viewed as ‘irrational’ or ‘excessive’ in their movement.  They were a partisan group of zealous preachers and people.  Wesley could have well taken the movement in that direction, abandoning concern for the precepts and traditions of other denominations across England and claimed to be the “one true faith.”  However, Wesley took the opposite approach and studiously avoided taking such a stance.  To make that point he took the text from Mark 9 to argue that valid ministry should be measured by the fruits of its activity rather than its form (style). He also argued that those of more established traditions might be grateful for the works of the Methodists and that, in turn, Methodists should renounce all bigotry towards those who were not Methodists – even those who might not be Christian.  What he sought to do was to provide a positive plea for a carefully considered religious pluralism in theology and practice or, in other words, an open mind when it comes to the works of God in ourselves and others.

Wesley did not want to be viewed by other Christians as the founder of a zealous bunch of bigots.  Nor did Wesley wish Methodists to feel themselves to be superior to others.  In this sermon, Wesley sought to stress the fact that we all have to learn to work together for the greater good which is the establishment of the Kingdom of God.

- Pastor Charles

Theology in the Wesleyan Spirit - Sermon 1

The first sermon in the series is based on Wesley's sermon, "Catholic Spirit."  Preached several times between 1740 and 1749, this sermon focuses on the idea of finding common ground among Christian denominations.  

During Wesley’s time there was a great division among Christians over the issues of doctrine, creeds, and those who were indifferent or dismissive of creeds altogether.  Some churches insisted on creeds as the ground of belief and others refused to say any creeds at all, considering them too close to the “Roman Church.”  It should be noted that “catholic” means universal and only pertains to the Roman Church when capitalized with the words, Roman Catholic Church.  “Universal” is how Wesley utilized this word in his sermon.

What Wesley was attempting to do in this sermon was to mediate the conflict between clear doctrinal standards (in which he believed) and his conviction that true religion was “heart religion” shaped by Christian love.  It was a difficult middle ground Wesley sought, and many disagreed with his attempt to bridge the gap of what we might call High Church on one side and Independent churches that had no liturgy or creeds.  It was a bold attempt to walk a fine line between polar opinions.  The idea, however, of focusing on a middle way that looks for unity amid diversity took hold and shaped our denomination.

As professor Morris Davis at Drew University wrote, “The United Methodist Church, like the Methodist movement of Wesley’s day, struggles over doctrinal disagreements. How should the Church approach such problems? How did John Wesley deal with such conflicts? While Wesley would have sympathized with calls for doctrinal standards, he would have been more concerned with relationships between believers. Wesley’s suspicion of human ability to fully know truth convinced him that hearts striving in perfecting love were more important than heads unified in doctrinal agreement. This “catholic spirit” might be a helpful stance today.”

As a reminder, as I preach these sermons, I have adapted them for time, changed the language to be a bit more modern, but I haven't changed the tone.  I have condensed them to the critical ideas Wesley sought to convey.  I would encourage you to read the originals as they are the thoughts and writings of the founder of our denominational movement.  There are several books containing Wesley’s sermons or you could go online (such as http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley) and read them all.  Well worth it.

- Pastor Charles

August Sermon Series - Theology in the Wesleyan Spirit

During the month of August, I am going to be doing something a little different for my sermons.  I am going to be reworking and preaching four of John Wesley's sermons.  The reworking is merely editing for time (these sermons were LOOOOOOONG) and making the language a little more contemporary without sacrificing the point and meaning of the sermons.  I am doing this for a few reasons.  First, these sermons are from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church.  We don't often hear much about him except the historical stuff in confirmation.  We need to be familiar with his thinking, theology, and tone.  Second, these are important messages that went to the foundation of our denomination. These ideas transformed the world and are a part of our rich theological history.  

I am going to be utilizing the following of Wesley's sermons:  The Catholic Spirit, A Caution Against Bigotry, The Circumcision of the Heart, and Christian Perfection.  These sermons can be found in their entirety in print, such as in John Wesley's Sermons: An Anthology or online.  They certainly merit a thoughtful read.  So come and join us in August as we hear from our denominational founder. 

- Pastor Charles