Top Ten of Wesley

Ten things you will love about John Wesley
1. He had an egalitarian spirit – at least some times. Men and women were created equally in the image of God, This is seen in is notes on the Old Testament and is important to the understanding of women in the ministry. The Christian faith transcends tribalism and race. The Christian faith is a universal faith.
2. He was a true contemplative. Wesley was ever trying to win an insight…perceive the presence of God in te mundane activities of life. (read the Practice of the Presence of God – Bro. Lawrence and read Jeremy Taylor)
3. He loved the poor and was generous. He urged his ministers to be among the poor so tat the bonds of love and compassion would arise.
4. He affirmed the reality of spirit and placed a great emphasis of the Holy Spirit. This included the idea of assurance that we are the children of God.
5. He rejected “cheap grace.” He was hard on those ministers who simply polished the chains of sin. The minister should bring a message of liberty…real liberty. He stressed the forgiveness of sins and the transformation of nature (part of the new birth)…justification and the beginning of sanctification.
6. He spoke plain truth for plain people. He spoke and wrote to be understood. He wanted to earnestly communicate the good news
7. He was diligent in spreading the gospel. He had a remarkable record of activity. He did not want his marriage to interfere with his ministry.
8. He was a sensitive man. Wesley understood that the worship of God entails the heart and mind. Te heart is composed of many dispensations…various things the heart loves.
9. He was socially and politically concerned. He believed that the rich were fleecing the poor by their excess consumption. (“The use of money”) One should gain all one can, save all one can, and give all you can. If the Methodists became rich, they would have the form of religion but lack the power.He loved God with all his heart.
10. He never professed sanctification even on his death bed (March 1791). He was likely pure of heart by this time. Wesley was a saint and a prophet (a prophet speaks plain truth to plain people).

Just thought you would like to know! I think that more pastors need to understand most of these!!!