![]() ![]() On the other hand, it was not uncommon for his audience to throw stones and garbage at Wesley, and other Methodist preachers, while witnessing to Christ and salvation by grace through faith. His preaching was received as good news by some while many listened with indifferent curiosity. The Scripture on which I spoke was this (is it possible anyone should be ignorant that it is fulfilled in every true minister of Christ?): “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19). On April 2, 1739, the day he first preached outdoors he recorded in his journalĪt four in the afternoon, I submitted to be more vile and proclaimed in the highways the glad tidings of salvation, speaking from a little eminence in a ground adjoining to the city, to about three thousand people. John Wesley knew very well the blessings and challenges of living as a witness to Jesus Christ in the world. ![]() He also gives them the power of the Holy Spirit to inspire and guide them along the way. He equips them with his peace, which is his presence alongside them. In this encounter with the risen Christ the disciples are commissioned to go into the world as witnesses to him and his good news for the world. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” He then breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:21-22). That is why he appeared to them saying, “Peace be with you. Jesus’ knew his disciples would face fear and opposition. At times it will bring violence and persecution upon the witness. At times witnessing to Jesus Christ and his gospel of God’s coming reign is not welcome. They are seen as curiosities or light entertainment, but not taken seriously. Other times witnesses are received with indifference. They are celebrated and honored as truth-tellers. Their testimony is received as good news that brings joy and liberation. Christians are witnesses to Jesus Christ because they know him, experience his love, and testify to what he is up to in their lives, in the church, and in the world. The following is an excerpt from my forthcoming book, Disciples Making Disciples: A Guide for Covenant Discipleship Groups and Class Leaders, to be published by Discipleship Resources in July:Ī witness has personal knowledge and experience of a person, place, thing, or event and is prepared to give evidence. In the next series of posts I will "unpack" the General Rule of Discipleship. This simple rule is rooted in the General Rules of The United Methodist Church, it presents a Christ-centered balanced discipleship, and it is easily learned and memorized by members of the congregation. To witness to Jesus Christ in the world and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I recommend the General Rule of Discipleship In my previous post I argued that United Methodist congregations need to adopt a rule of life that shapes how they form mission-shaped disciples.
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