Missionary Renegade: The United Methodist Church Prays in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Wednesday, 28 June 2017 "Where Jesus Reigns Alone"

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

The United Methodist Church Prays in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Wednesday, 28 June 2017 "Where Jesus Reigns Alone"

The United Methodist Church Prays in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Wednesday, 28 June 2017 "Where Jesus Reigns Alone"

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017

A Word from John Wesley:
Q. Are we not apt to have a secret distaste to any who say they are saved from all sin?
A. It is very possible we may; and that upon several grounds: partly from a concern for the good of souls, who may be hurt if these are not what they profess; partly from a kind of explicit envy at those who speak of higher attainments than our own; and partly from our natural slowness and unreadiness of heart to believe the works of God. [John Wesley, The Character of a Methodist, ¶ 17.]

Hymn from Charles Wesley:O for a heart to praise my God,
A heart from sin set free!

A heart that always feels thy blood,
So freely spilt for me!

A heart resigned, submissive, meek,
My great Redeemer’s throne,
Where only Christ is heard to speak,
Where Jesus reigns alone. (Collection-1781, #334:1 & 2)

Questions for Reflection:

In John Wesley’s description of The Character of a Methodist he asks, “Are we not apt to have a secret distaste to any who say they are saved from all sin?” How would you answer this question today?
The gift and the challenge of the Wesleyan way of discipleship is the desire to be spiritually mature and complete in Christ. Do you find in your heart a “natural slowness and unreadiness of heart to believe the works of God”? Why?
What is the meaning for us today when Charles Wesley guides us to sing the words above? What is the promise?
Reflect on the meaning of this season in the Christian year—the mystery of the power of Pentecost. What does the final stanza of the hymn above mean to you?

Prayer:
God of strength and courage, in Jesus Christ you set us free from sin and death, and call us to the risk of faith and service. Give us grace to follow him who gave himself for others, that, by our service, we may find the life he came to bring. Amen.