The Theology of John Wesley


Book Description

A rich articulation of John Wesley's theology that is appreciative of the old and mindful of the new, faithful to the past and attentive to the present. This work carefully displays John Wesley's eighteenth century theology in its own distinct historical and social location, but then transitions to the twenty-first century through the introduction of contemporary issues. So conceived, the book is both historical and constructive demonstrating that the theology of Wesley represents a vibrant tradition. Cognizant of Wesley's own preferred vocabulary, Collins introduces Wesley's theological method beginning with a discussion of the doctrine of God. "In this insightful exposition the leitmotif of holy love arises out of Wesley's reflection on the nature of the divine being as well as other major doctrines." (Douglas Meeks)










Standard Sermons


Book Description

The 18th-century evangelist and revival leader John Wesley changed the face of Christianity almost entirely through his sermons. He recommended the several dozen sermons he regarded as his most definitive, which are all included in these 52 standard sermons. Sermon 1. Salvation by Faith Sermon 2. The Almost Christian Sermon 3. Awake, Thou That Sleepest Sermon 4. Scriptural Christianity Sermon 5. Justification by Faith Sermon 6. The Righteousness of Faith Sermon 7. The Way to the Kingdom Sermon 8. The First Fruits of the Spirit Sermon 9. The Spirit of Bondage and of Adoption. Sermon 10. The Witness of the Spirit (Discourse 1) Sermon 11. The Witness of the Spirit (Discourse 2) Sermon 12. The Witness of our own Spirit Sermon 13. On Sin in Believers Sermon 14. The Repentance of Believers Sermon 15. The Great Assize Sermon 16. The Means of Grace Sermon 17. The Circumcision of the Heart Sermon 18. The Marks of the New Birth Sermon 19. The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God Sermon 20. The Lord our Righteousness Sermon 21. Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Discourse 1) Sermon 22. Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Discourse 2) Sermon 23. Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Discourse 3) Sermon 24. Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Discourse 4) Sermon 27. Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Discourse 7) Sermon 28. Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Discourse 8) Sermon 29. Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Discourse 9) Sermon 30. Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Discourse 10) Sermon 31. Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Discourse 11) Sermon 32. Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Discourse 12) Sermon 33. Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Discourse 13) Sermon 34. The Original, Nature, Property, and Use of the Law Sermon 35. The Law Established through Faith (Discourse 1) Sermon 36. The Law Established through Faith (Discourse 2) Sermon 37. The Nature of Enthusiasm Sermon 38. A Caution against Bigotry Sermon 39. Catholic Spirit Sermon 40. Christian Perfection Sermon 41. Wandering Thoughts Sermon 42. Satan’s Devices Sermon 43. The Scripture Way of Salvation Sermon 44. Original Sin Sermon 45. The New Birth Sermon 46. The Wilderness State Sermon 47. Heaviness through Manifold Temptations Sermon 48. Self-denial Sermon 49. The Cure of Evil-speaking Sermon 50. The Use of Money Sermon 51. The Good Steward Sermon 52. The Reformaton of Manners




Calvin vs. Wesley


Book Description

Congregations are made up of people with all sorts of theologies. Pastor Mike Slaughter even says that these can stand in the way of the church’s mission of social and personal holiness. But most people do not adopt a theology on purpose, mostly they merely breathe in the prevailing cultural air. The theology "de jour" seems to be Calvinist, with its emphasis on “the elect” and “other worldly salvation.” In fact, there is so much Calvinism saturating the culture, that some do not even know there is an alternative way of thinking about their faith. They don’t know where to go to find a viable option; they don’t even know the key words to search Google. So people are left thinking like Calvinists but living with a desire to change the world, offering grace and hope to hurting people in mission and ministry—loving the least, the last, and the lost. In other words, they are living like Wesleyans. This book shows what Calvinist and Wesleyans actually believe about human responsibility, salvation, the universality of God’s grace, holy living through service, and the benefits of small group accountability--and how that connects to how people can live. Calvinists and Wesleyans are different, and by knowing the difference, people will not only see the other benefits of Wesleyan theology but will be inspired to learn more. By knowing who they are as faithful people of God, they will be motivated to reach out in mission with renewed vigor. And they won’t be obstacles to grace and holiness, but they can be better disciples and advocates for Christ through service in this world.




Queering Wesley, Queering the Church


Book Description

Fifty years after Stonewall, the experiences of LGBTQ+ Christians are--rightfully--beginning to be received with interest by their churches. Queering Wesley, Queering the Church presents a prototype for thinking about Wesleyan holiness as an expansive openness to the love and grace of God in queer Christian lives rather than the limiting and restrictive legalism that is sometimes found in Wesleyan theology and praxis. This inventive project consists of queer readings of ten John Wesley sermons. Reading these sermons from a queer perspective offers the church a fresh paradigm for theological innovation, while remaining in line with the tradition and legacy of Wesley that is so central and generative to Wesleyan churches. Arguing that a coherent line of thought can be drawn from Wesley's conception of holiness to the queer, holy lives of LGBTQ+ Christians, Queering Wesley, Queering the Church playfully utilizes queer theory in a way that is fully compatible with Wesleyan teaching. This book aims to be a first step in seriously considering the theological voices of LGBTQ+ Christians in the Wesleyan tradition as a valuable asset to a vital church.




Theology


Book Description

This fourth edition of the international bestseller is the ideal introduction for those who are new to Christian theology. In this revised and expanded edition, the author introduces readers to the central ideas and beliefs, the key debates and the leading thinkers of Christianity. Throughout, the aim is to bring clarity and brevity to the central ideas of theology, both traditional and contemporary. The text comprehensively covers the individual doctrines that form the Christian belief system, weaving together these doctrines, their history, and the intellectual nuance behind them into an inter-connected web. All major Christian denominations are explored, as are their differences and shared customs and beliefs. This rich tapestry results in a clear view of Christianity, providing a coherent vision of the religion in its main forms.




Living Our Beliefs


Book Description

You can believe anything and be a Methodist, just so long as you're sincere. Such a misperception has deep historical and cultural roots. Explore a basic explanation of the beliefs and practices of the United Methodist Church as defined in Part II of The Book of Discipline. Uncover a deeper understanding and experience of Christian faith as you embrace the United Methodist way. "Beliefs are to be lived; doctrine is to be practiced," writes Carder in this updated edition of his 1996 bestseller. "The authenticity of beliefs lie in their ability to shape people and communities into the image of Christ and to promote holiness and happiness. …The important test of the validity of doctrines and beliefs for United Methodists is the kind of character they produce in individuals and communities and the actions they inspire in the world." Living Our Beliefs is essential reading for new members, confirmation classes and small group studies. As one reviewer says, "Bishop Carder invites us to both understand and live our beliefs. With deep understanding of Wesley's teaching, he inspires us to practice what we preach. That is the United Methodist way." The Leader's Guide for this course, Living Our United Methodist Beliefs, by George Hovaness Donigan may be purchased here.




Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision


Book Description

Paul Wesley Chilcote introduces the dynamic faith of John and Charles Wesley, showing how they were able to balance faith and works, Word and Spirit, the personal and the social, head and heart, mission and service.