Hey guys, I am going to re-post this not so much out of laziness, but because I think it is worth seeing again, this letter from the Methodist Bishops in 1824. I will be posting on leadership in the Zombie Apocalypse over at Apostolic Obsession-- you can get there by clicking here-- and will be making reference back to this spirit in the bishops of yore. If you are new to these blogs, and are freaked out that I am talking about zombies, you need to click here , here and here I won't say it will make sense, but maybe you'll get where I am coming from.
"If Methodists give up the doctrine of entire sanctification, or suffer it to become a dead letter, we are a fallen people... If the Methodists lose sight of this, they fall by their own weight. Their success in gaining numbers will be the cause of their dissolution. Holiness is the main cord that binds us together Relax this and you loosen the whole system. This will appear more evident if we call to mind the original design of Methodism. It was to raise up and preserve a holy people. This was the principal object which Mr. Wesley, who under God, was the great founder of our order, had in view. To this all doctrines preached in methodism tend. Whoever supposed, or who that is acquainted with the case can suppose, that it was designed in any of its parts to secure the applause or popularity of the world, or a numerical increase of worldly or impenitent men? Are there any provisions made for the aggrandizement of our ministers or the worldly-mindedness of our members?
"None whatever."
Right now, I am thinking about "success in gaining numbers" will be the cause of our dissolution. And yet, that is the sign of success, is it not?
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Blessed Are The Peacemakers
Up to this point, Brother Wesley says, the sermon on the mount has dealt with internal issues, but now it moves to how internal formation yields fruit.
The peacemakers are, indeed, those who seek peace. But Wesley notes that in the Scriptures, peace has a deeper meaning, such that a peacemaker is one who does good to all people, because peace means "all manner of good and every blessing."
The peacemaker seeks the bodily good of all people-- feeding the hungry, clothing the naked...
But the peacemaker especially rejoices when he can do spiritual good in the life of anyone. I find this description of the highest form of peacemaking:
"according to the grace he has received, he uses all diligence, either to reprove the gross sinner, to reclaim those who run headlong in the broad way of destruction; or to give light to them that sit in darkness and are ready to perish for lack of knowledge; or to support the weak; to bring back and heal that which was lame and turned out of the way. Nor is he less zealous to confirm those who are already striving to enter in at the narrow gate; to strengthen those that stand, that they may run with perseverance the race that is set before them...
I suspect that this sounds new to folks-- rarely do we consider Wesley's sermons. But I think here he really challenges us. First in not reducing peacemaking to a kind of generalized sense that we avoid conflict. And second, that peacemaking is really about evangelism and training others to lead godly lives.
The peacemakers are, indeed, those who seek peace. But Wesley notes that in the Scriptures, peace has a deeper meaning, such that a peacemaker is one who does good to all people, because peace means "all manner of good and every blessing."
The peacemaker seeks the bodily good of all people-- feeding the hungry, clothing the naked...
But the peacemaker especially rejoices when he can do spiritual good in the life of anyone. I find this description of the highest form of peacemaking:
"according to the grace he has received, he uses all diligence, either to reprove the gross sinner, to reclaim those who run headlong in the broad way of destruction; or to give light to them that sit in darkness and are ready to perish for lack of knowledge; or to support the weak; to bring back and heal that which was lame and turned out of the way. Nor is he less zealous to confirm those who are already striving to enter in at the narrow gate; to strengthen those that stand, that they may run with perseverance the race that is set before them...
I suspect that this sounds new to folks-- rarely do we consider Wesley's sermons. But I think here he really challenges us. First in not reducing peacemaking to a kind of generalized sense that we avoid conflict. And second, that peacemaking is really about evangelism and training others to lead godly lives.
Monday, October 25, 2010
James Varick, First Bishop of the A.M.E. Zion Church
We don't know an awful lot about James Varick; his importance is as the first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. There were other leaders who came after him, but he is the first.
The AMEZ Church came out of some of the same pressures that led to the AME church; blacks did not feel welcome in the growing segregationist-minded America. While they may have been able to come up with some way of staying in the white Methodist structure, there was worry about what would happen if they did not have control of their property.
What's interesting is how the white church provided initial leadership, including white bishops setting up the organization and helping to ordain new leaders. James Varick was one of the first two elders of the new church.
The early black Methodists had to rely on white preachers until they could ordain their own preachers. James Varick, even though we know little about him, must have been a man of character and integrity to be the first ordained in the new church, and to be elected their first bishop.
I wish I had better resources and more time to give, because I am very surprised by the cordial relations between black and white Methodist leaders, in spite of what I perceive to be difficult times.
And I have to say that in my heart, I hope that the various Methodist bodies can reunite. I suspect that black Methodists do not want to deal with some of the foolishness in the United Methodist Church. I think, thought, that maybe they could reinfect us with real zeal for the work of the Lord.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The AMEZ Church came out of some of the same pressures that led to the AME church; blacks did not feel welcome in the growing segregationist-minded America. While they may have been able to come up with some way of staying in the white Methodist structure, there was worry about what would happen if they did not have control of their property.
What's interesting is how the white church provided initial leadership, including white bishops setting up the organization and helping to ordain new leaders. James Varick was one of the first two elders of the new church.
The early black Methodists had to rely on white preachers until they could ordain their own preachers. James Varick, even though we know little about him, must have been a man of character and integrity to be the first ordained in the new church, and to be elected their first bishop.
I wish I had better resources and more time to give, because I am very surprised by the cordial relations between black and white Methodist leaders, in spite of what I perceive to be difficult times.
And I have to say that in my heart, I hope that the various Methodist bodies can reunite. I suspect that black Methodists do not want to deal with some of the foolishness in the United Methodist Church. I think, thought, that maybe they could reinfect us with real zeal for the work of the Lord.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, October 11, 2010
Apology
I am in clergy school for two days... and I just don't think I will get to posting a biographical sketch. Up next is James Varick. I think... So check back in a few. Blessings.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Letter from the Methodist Bishops, 1824
Ok, so you'll say, that was then, this is now. Fine. But the Gospel is the Gospel always and everywhere.
"If Methodists give up the doctrine of entire sanctification, or suffer it to become a dead letter, we are a fallen people... If the Methodists lose sight of this, they fall by their own weight. Their success in gaining numbers will be the cause of their dissolution. Holiness is the main cord that binds us together Relax this and you loosen the whole system. This will appear more evident if we call to mind the original design of Methodism. It was to raise up and preserve a holy people. This was the principal object which Mr. Wesley, who under God, was the great founder of our order, had in view. To this all doctrines preached in methodism tend. Whoever supposed, or who that is acquainted with the case can suppose, that it was designed in any of its parts to secure the applause or popularity of the world, or a numerical increase of worldly or impenitent men? Are there any provisions made for the aggrandizement of our ministers or the worldly-mindedness of our members?
"None whatever."
What do we want?
More people?
More money?
Bigger buildings?
Or holiness, without which, no one will see the Lord?
"If Methodists give up the doctrine of entire sanctification, or suffer it to become a dead letter, we are a fallen people... If the Methodists lose sight of this, they fall by their own weight. Their success in gaining numbers will be the cause of their dissolution. Holiness is the main cord that binds us together Relax this and you loosen the whole system. This will appear more evident if we call to mind the original design of Methodism. It was to raise up and preserve a holy people. This was the principal object which Mr. Wesley, who under God, was the great founder of our order, had in view. To this all doctrines preached in methodism tend. Whoever supposed, or who that is acquainted with the case can suppose, that it was designed in any of its parts to secure the applause or popularity of the world, or a numerical increase of worldly or impenitent men? Are there any provisions made for the aggrandizement of our ministers or the worldly-mindedness of our members?
"None whatever."
What do we want?
More people?
More money?
Bigger buildings?
Or holiness, without which, no one will see the Lord?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Blessed Are The Pure in Heart
Sorry I have been chumping out on my stated goal of dealing with perfection and some of Wesley's teachings on the Sermon on the Mount. What can I say? Sometimes it gets busy. And on top of that, I am not feeling that I am giving this the time it deserves... something will work out here....
From Sermon 23 (and again, Wesley's 52 Standard Sermons are foundational for our doctrine.)
The pure in heart are they whose hearts God has purified as He is pure, who are purified through faith in the blood of Jesus from every unholy desire.
In speaking of adultery, and the purity of not committing adultery, Wesley says somethings that impinge on holiness and perfection as well as the specific case of adultery. If anyone [or anything] is an occasion of sin, of impure desire, even though it never got beyond the heart or imagination, never coming out in word or action, commit yourself to a complete separation; get rid of them [or the thing in particular that is an occasion for sin], give them up for God's sake. Any loss of pleasure, friends, or prosperity is better than losing your soul.
There are two steps to take in such a situation. First, see if prayer and fasting can rid you of the temptation. Carefully abstain from every activity or conversation or situations that you have found to be an occasion for temptation. And if this does not work, try second to talk to your pastor or at least some who have experience in the ways of God, to discuss the ways and times you are tempted.
But do not confer with worldly [that is to say, non-Christian or barely Christian friends], otherwise you may be misled to believe what is not true about holiness.
A personal word: when I was a new Christian, I had some uncomfortable moments when I realized that while I trusted God to save me, there were still unholy parts of my life. Some things improved, other stayed the same. And sometimes it seemed to me that some things were worse. And perhaps new problems had arisen.
I spoke to some who did not have sufficient maturity. They told me that in Romans 7, Paul says that there is sin that we do not want to do, but we keep on doing.
I could not believe that. I could not believe that Jesus died on the Christ for me to remain as I was, or to carry on in sin. Luckily I sought out a Methodist pastor who told me that I should look to Romans 8 and the obligation and power to live according to the Spirit, not the sinful nature.
i guess what attracts me most in Methodist theology is the idea that it is possible to be pure in heart. May it be!
From Sermon 23 (and again, Wesley's 52 Standard Sermons are foundational for our doctrine.)
The pure in heart are they whose hearts God has purified as He is pure, who are purified through faith in the blood of Jesus from every unholy desire.
In speaking of adultery, and the purity of not committing adultery, Wesley says somethings that impinge on holiness and perfection as well as the specific case of adultery. If anyone [or anything] is an occasion of sin, of impure desire, even though it never got beyond the heart or imagination, never coming out in word or action, commit yourself to a complete separation; get rid of them [or the thing in particular that is an occasion for sin], give them up for God's sake. Any loss of pleasure, friends, or prosperity is better than losing your soul.
There are two steps to take in such a situation. First, see if prayer and fasting can rid you of the temptation. Carefully abstain from every activity or conversation or situations that you have found to be an occasion for temptation. And if this does not work, try second to talk to your pastor or at least some who have experience in the ways of God, to discuss the ways and times you are tempted.
But do not confer with worldly [that is to say, non-Christian or barely Christian friends], otherwise you may be misled to believe what is not true about holiness.
A personal word: when I was a new Christian, I had some uncomfortable moments when I realized that while I trusted God to save me, there were still unholy parts of my life. Some things improved, other stayed the same. And sometimes it seemed to me that some things were worse. And perhaps new problems had arisen.
I spoke to some who did not have sufficient maturity. They told me that in Romans 7, Paul says that there is sin that we do not want to do, but we keep on doing.
I could not believe that. I could not believe that Jesus died on the Christ for me to remain as I was, or to carry on in sin. Luckily I sought out a Methodist pastor who told me that I should look to Romans 8 and the obligation and power to live according to the Spirit, not the sinful nature.
i guess what attracts me most in Methodist theology is the idea that it is possible to be pure in heart. May it be!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Richard Allen, Methodist Preacher
I am not sure how to gauge Early American race relations, so I am not sure if we can say that Methodism was more integrated than other institutions. Let's say this. In the early days, blacks and whites were together in worship in some places, especially some places that we have records for.
But that did not last long. Somehow or other, the initial enthusiasm that allowed folks to worship together gave way to segregation. The St. George Church in Philadelphia had been more or less integrated. But in 1787, pressure to segregate became more intense. Blacks, who had sat in the main gallery were not asked to sit in the balcony. The change in circumstance did not sit well and many black members walked out and began to worship separately.
Bishop Asbury appointed a separate place for them to worship, but the black Methodists were not keen to use the usual Methodist model of deeding the church property to the denomination; the only way they were going to have a church they could not be run out of was to have their own denomination, and so in 1796 an African Methodist Episcopal Church was formed, leading to a new denomination in 1816.
Richard Allen was the leader. He was a former slave who bought his freedom, and was converted under Methodist preaching, becoming a preacher himself, ordained by Bishop Asbury--preachign even at St. George's, the church he would need to leave later. Allen led many efforts to improver the lives of blacks, especially through the Free African Society, the first organization of its kind. He led the walkout from St. George's Church
I am not sure how Methodism has managed to handle its various splits. Where they seemed to start in some kind of rancor, generally good relations were preserved. But as time has passed, the Wesleyan Church, Free Methodist Church, AME Church, etc are pretty far away. not so much in theology, but in organizational ties. It's sad, because two pastoral colleagues I gain a lot from are AME pastors, esp Pastor E, who lets me "ear hustle" his sermons!
[historical information is from Norwood's Story of American Methodism]
But that did not last long. Somehow or other, the initial enthusiasm that allowed folks to worship together gave way to segregation. The St. George Church in Philadelphia had been more or less integrated. But in 1787, pressure to segregate became more intense. Blacks, who had sat in the main gallery were not asked to sit in the balcony. The change in circumstance did not sit well and many black members walked out and began to worship separately.
Bishop Asbury appointed a separate place for them to worship, but the black Methodists were not keen to use the usual Methodist model of deeding the church property to the denomination; the only way they were going to have a church they could not be run out of was to have their own denomination, and so in 1796 an African Methodist Episcopal Church was formed, leading to a new denomination in 1816.
Richard Allen was the leader. He was a former slave who bought his freedom, and was converted under Methodist preaching, becoming a preacher himself, ordained by Bishop Asbury--preachign even at St. George's, the church he would need to leave later. Allen led many efforts to improver the lives of blacks, especially through the Free African Society, the first organization of its kind. He led the walkout from St. George's Church
I am not sure how Methodism has managed to handle its various splits. Where they seemed to start in some kind of rancor, generally good relations were preserved. But as time has passed, the Wesleyan Church, Free Methodist Church, AME Church, etc are pretty far away. not so much in theology, but in organizational ties. It's sad, because two pastoral colleagues I gain a lot from are AME pastors, esp Pastor E, who lets me "ear hustle" his sermons!
[historical information is from Norwood's Story of American Methodism]
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Blessed Are The Merciful
Ok, this week got crazy and i did not get to the Wednesday post on the Sermon on the Mount, nor to any thoughts on perfection from Methodist Divines.
Blessed are the Merciful
Wesley really drops a bomb on us here. He, in his sermons on the beatitudes, lays them out as a progression, a series of steps that as these blessings fall upon us, they lead directly to the next one.
So, those who are meek, that is, those who are fully resigned to God's will being done in their life, begin to hunger and thirst for righteousness, the fullness of God in their lives. And then, their hearts are filled with compassion and concern for those who do not have the love of God in their lives.
This is the truest mercy! As I have said before, if, as Christians, we will not share the love of God and the salvation from sin in Jesus Christ, we are cold, heartless, and ruthless.
Wesley goes on to note that this mercy has its root in the love described in 1 Corinthians 13, and that this love, too, is progressive, building in us a maturity that believes, and hopes when it seems to be beyond belief, and endures past hope..
Let me have this mercy! But I must be merciful and seek for all to find The Good News of Jesus Christ! Don't let me take these for mere words, some gift from the sky, but let the love of God dwell in my heart to the extent I won't keep quiet that I know my sins forgiven and you can, too!
Blessed are the Merciful
Wesley really drops a bomb on us here. He, in his sermons on the beatitudes, lays them out as a progression, a series of steps that as these blessings fall upon us, they lead directly to the next one.
So, those who are meek, that is, those who are fully resigned to God's will being done in their life, begin to hunger and thirst for righteousness, the fullness of God in their lives. And then, their hearts are filled with compassion and concern for those who do not have the love of God in their lives.
This is the truest mercy! As I have said before, if, as Christians, we will not share the love of God and the salvation from sin in Jesus Christ, we are cold, heartless, and ruthless.
Wesley goes on to note that this mercy has its root in the love described in 1 Corinthians 13, and that this love, too, is progressive, building in us a maturity that believes, and hopes when it seems to be beyond belief, and endures past hope..
Let me have this mercy! But I must be merciful and seek for all to find The Good News of Jesus Christ! Don't let me take these for mere words, some gift from the sky, but let the love of God dwell in my heart to the extent I won't keep quiet that I know my sins forgiven and you can, too!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)