John Wesley's Message Today

by Lovett H. Weems Jr.

With its plain, easy-to-understand language, this Pocket Guide will help you understand the major aspects of John Wesley's theology.
You will discover what Wesley believed about...The image of God and original sin Stewardship Justification by faith The witness of the Spirit Social holiness
...and more. This 96 page booklet also offers study questions that will help you or your group discuss the importance of Wesley's ideas for Christians today.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Church

Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

Reviews

[Lyle Hoge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loveddd this tiny book about John Wesley. It was inspiring, convicting, and enlightening! I had forgotten a lot about who Wesley was/what he did other than starting Methodism and wow, I love him and understand the Wesley zeal now. What a faithful man that truly strived to live his life in the way Jesus calls us to live. So many Christians including myself can look at the way Jesus calls us to live and ignore it, think it’s not realistic, justify why we don’t live that way, ignore the hard teachings of Jesus, and/or use “but there’s grace” as an excuse. John Wesley and the early Wesleyan revivalists would say/prove otherwise by the way they lived. Following Jesus is a matter of faith and works… how do we claim to have faith if not striving to live the very way Jesus calls us to? Please note this is a reflection/me just writing my stream of consciousness and not me trying to shame others…. I’m not living this way either.

There’s a lot of things I could quote from the 90 pages but here are three of my favorites from the last two chapters:

1. A CONVICTING quote from C. Eric Lincoln about the gap he was concerned was emerging between Methodists and the poor and marginalized: “You will work for them but not with them. Your heart will bleed for them but not your head or your hands. You will be their advocate but not their friend. You will sponsor them and their causes, but their cause is not your cause anymore because you are middle class.”

2. “We talk about Wesley’s warmed heart but sometimes forget the fire that warmed it. In exhorting people to warmth, we need to remember that a person cannot generate his or her own heart. We must speak words aflame with the love of God in Christ, words which can kindle a fire.”

3. John Wesley’s last words are worth mentioning. He summoned his little remaining strength for these final words: “The best of all is, God is with us.”

Such a good short intro to Wesley!!!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a member of the Wesleyan denomination, this was a FANTASTIC book. Short and sweet, and not a page wasted. This is a great high level summary of the theology behind the church my family and I attend.

[Kathleen Rehagen]

Can't say I remember this book all that well and I read it only a half a year ago. Did not leave an indelible mark.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is small, the reader cannot underestimate the depth and knowledge throughout the pages. This is a great resource for someone wanting a brief overview of John Wesley's theology. Weems devotes much time describing the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Wesleyan theology.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a small book but it contains a lot of information about John Wesley's theology and what that theology should mean for Methodists today.

It is a solid read and well done.

J. Robert Ewbank, author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well done overview of Wesleyan thought and framework.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great short, 89 page, small 4 1/2 x 7, book with a ton of information packed in its pages.

If you are looking for a summary of John Wesley's theology this is it!