Podcast appearances and mentions of John Wesley

Romans 8:16 — Continuing his sermon series on the Holy Spirit, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers an important theological question: does the sealing of the Spirit actually exist? The short answer, he says, is yes. In his sermon on Romans 8:16 titled “The Witness of History,” he combs through historical accounts of Christian thinkers, pastors, and theologians who have experienced God's sealing of the Spirit to give evidence for this Christian phenomenon. Many of the names are recognizable as Dr. Lloyd-Jones quotes these famed Christians through the centuries. He reads the works of George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, D. L. Moody, Charles Spurgeon, and many more. He remarks on how astonishingly similar are these accounts of God's sealing of the Spirit. These theologians write about being overwhelmed by emotions, a profound sense of peacefulness, and a life-changing understanding. Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones explains that the sealing of the Spirit is an emotional understanding of a Christian's salvation that might occur within a believer's life. It is not necessary to a person's salvation but it is a great gift of God's choosing to give. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

Psalm 119:114-117, Lamentations 1:1-20, Titus 3:1-14. 8,14) To quote John Wesley, ‘Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can

Psalm 119:114-117, Lamentations 1:1-20, Titus 3:1-14. 8,14) To quote John Wesley, ‘Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can

In this final week of our series Simple Rules for Chaotic Times, we explore John Wesley's third rule: “Attend to the ordinances of God” — or in modern language, “Stay in love with God.” Together we reflect on what it means to center our lives around love — love for God, love for neighbor, and love for self — even in times of division and discord. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/XuVCyZZ3 JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch YouTube: @storiedchurch921

John Wesley | o pregador das multidões que mudou a história da igreja

Último fin de semana de octubre y con él las horas más viajeras de la radio pública asturiana, hoy sábado 25 de octubre viajaremos juntos por el mundo a través de las voces de Sara Moro que nos llevará a hablar de Le Corbusier el gran arquitecto y específicamente de la Ville Savoye en la sección de arte por el mundo…de Víctor Guerra y su sabiduría sobre los caminos y veredas de Asturias, que desde el Puerto de Tarna nos lleva hasta Ponticiella…y de Francisco Borge que en su sección de Reino de Asturias y arte prerrománico nos habla de la actualidad arqueológica de Oviedo y de restos vinculados probablemente a la corte de Santa Gadea en su ya conocido proceso de articulación urbana…y en la segunda hora más radio, más voces y más viaje con el poeta, narrador, ensayista, dramaturgo e investigador Javier Ruíz que nos hablará de 5 grandes herejes de la historia, Akenatón, el faraón monoteísta, Arrio contra la Trinidad, Miguel Servet atrapado por Calvino, Giordano Bruno y el peculiar método de John Wesley…y cerramos con el doctor en historia por la Complutense y arqueólogo David Martino que nos lleva al mundo antiguo para hablarnos del legado de los Vadinienses y sus estelas…dos horas como veis de radio y viaje de calidad en Rpa!!!

​ @igrejakyrios  | Igreja Evangélica KyriosCulto do dia 19.10.2025 no período da Manhã - 09HJoel 2:28-32 | Atos 2:14-21Na palavra, o Pr. Klaus nos conduz por uma jornada entre Joel 2:28-32 e Atos 2:14-21, mostrando que a promessa do derramar do Espírito Santo não ficou no passado — ela continua viva e acessível hoje.Com exemplos marcantes dos grandes avivamentos da história, como o movimento de Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield e John Wesley, o pastor nos lembra que o Espírito ainda se move, despertando corações que desejam viver uma fé cheia de presença, arrependimento e paixão por Deus.Compreenda que o verdadeiro avivamento é voltar a sentir de novo, o desejo profundo pela presença de Deus; que o fogo do Espírito transforma, enquanto a frieza apaga; e que nem todos entenderão o despertar, mas quem o vive nunca mais é o mesmo.Deixe o Espírito reacender o que se apagou.Volte a sentir. Volte à Presença. Compartilhe essa palavra com alguém que precisa de uma palavra... Ouça nossas músicas autorais!Meu Lugar - https://youtu.be/htZ9wZZryaMMinha Adoração - https://youtu.be/6kQtwF0m67kSe conecte conosco!https://portal.igrejakyrios.com.br/fale-conosco/Inscreva-se no nosso canal: www.youtube.com/@igrejakyrios Nosso Site: http://www.igrejakyrios.com.brInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/igrejakyrios/

The latest in the ongoing series on John Wesley's sermons.Texts: Proverbs 31:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-10, James 2:14-18, Matthew 25:31-40

The latest in the ongoing series on John Wesley's sermons.Texts: Proverbs 31:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-10, James 2:14-18, Matthew 25:31-40

When we think about the 18th-century church, we think of famous preachers like John Wesley, George Whitefield, and Jonathan Edwards. Few people know there were also black pastors preaching the gospel. One of these, Lemuel Haynes, was probably the first African American ordained by a mainstream Protestant Church in the United States. Join Sophia, Linus, and Sean as they ask Dr. John Saillant, author of Black Puritan, Black Republican: The Life and Thought of Lemuel Haynes, to tell us more about this important pastor who was well-respected as a preacher and author in his day.   Show Notes: Episode #82 about William Carey and missions to India was mentioned several times during this episode. Listen here if you're interested in hearing more: https://kidstalkchurchhistory.podbean.com/  

An uplifting morning of song, poetry, prayer, and reflection. We raised our voices while "Singing Truth to Power". Through hymns treasured and new, we sang in celebration of justice, hope, and faith. In the words of John Wesley, come ready to sing "Lustily and with good courage!" 

This week marks the second week of our series “Simple Rules for Chaotic Times” as we explore the first of John Wesley's General Rules: “Do no harm.” Drawing from The Epistle to the Romans 12, John Wesley's 18th-century teachings, and our current cultural moment, we reflect on what it means to be a community that resists perpetuating harm—whether in personal relationships or systemic injustices. This practice isn't about easy rules but about honest self-reflection, naming the harm we've caused, and choosing to live differently. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/XuVCyZZ3 JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch YouTube: @storiedchurch921

Encouragement is one the greatest needs of the world. Encouragement has been described as ‘oxygen to the soul.' Encouragement will lift you up when you are down. Encouragement will give you the strength to go on when you feel like quitting. Today in countless schools, colleges, homes, families and workplaces so many people are having to cope with discouraging words and discouraging circumstances. In such an aggressive and increasingly polarised world, Christians and local church communities need to be counter cultural people who build others up rather than pull others down (1 Thessalonians 5:11).   One of the greatest churches in the New Testament was the church at Antioch and it grew rapidly because of the power of encouragement (Acts 11:23). Antioch was the third biggest city in the Roman Empire with a population of around half a million people. It was a melting pot of Western and Eastern cultures, and a centre of the arts, superstition and immorality. Yet it was here that a few Christians started a very large church that was to become a new base for the rapid, global expansion of Christianity. This was a church that experienced great growth. They had exceptional leaders and really knew how to pray and fast. Yet it was the ministry of encouragement and the experience of encouragement that helped this great church to get established. In this story we can learn what it means to encourage people. 1. Encourage people by making the effort to connect with people (Acts 11:19-24; 4:36) 2. Encourage people by recognising what God is already doing (Acts 11:23; Galatians 5:6) 3. Encourage people by ministering to their hearts (Acts 11:23) 4. Encourage people by helping them look to beyond their past and release them into their future (Acts 9:27; Acts 11:25-26) 5. Encourage people by continually sharing God's word with them (Acts 11:26) Apply  1. Encourage people by making the effort to connect with people (Acts 11:19-24). In a very bad time of persecution, some very good things were happening, which put great responsibility on the leaders of the Jerusalem church to respond well. The leaders were very wise. They knew that the new believers in Christ would have much to learn, but that what they needed above all was to be encouraged in their faith. They needed established Christians who would lead them forward with kindness and love. This is a significant issue for every church today. Many people who decided to attend church for the first time never returned because of the lack of warmth shown to them. Yet the love and acceptance shown in a church to a group of hippies in the 1960s started the Jesus Movement impacting America and beyond. That kind of character was needed in Antioch, and the apostles knew Barnabas was the right man to send to represent them. Barnabas was well named (Acts 4:36) as Barnabas means “son of encouragement.” Although Jerusalem was 300 miles away from Antioch, the church leaders knew they needed to send an ambassador of encouragement to establish personal contact. If we also want to encourage people, we must draw close to them, visit them at home or in the hospital, or go for a coffee. In an age where we can text, make phone calls and Zoom, there's nothing more encouraging than making direct contact with people and giving them the gift of your presence. 2. Encourage people by recognising what God is already doing (Acts 11:23). God's grace had been seen in the numbers of people who had truly received the good news of Jesus as Saviour and Messiah. They had much to learn but they had already discovered a lot about God's mercy and love. When Barnabas first arrived, he focussed on what God had already done, not on what was yet to be done. That's a very big lesson to learn if you want to encourage people. Don't focus on how far you still must go in your development as a Christian; recognise how far you have already come. Legalistic people always focus on what you still must achieve; you must pray more, do more, give more, always more…But grace people focus on what has already been done through Jesus at the Cross and in His dealings with you to date. New Christians especially need to hear this message. It's so easy to be discouraged by failure and feelings of inadequacy. In the early church there were false teachers who said that to be a true Christian you had to keep all the Old Testament rules which were very heavy. But as Paul later wrote to, it's all about relationship with God and one another, about real godly love and grace (Galatians 5:6). People were encouraged by Barnabas because he focussed on the positive not the negative.  3. Encourage people by ministering to their hearts (Acts 11:23). We must reach people's hearts not just their heads. What's the point in just knowing truths about God's love and mercy, if you have never personally experienced this? John Wesley was an Oxford University don and a preacher, but it was only when ‘his heart was strangely moved' within him that change came to his life. It's only when our hearts have been touched that we can truly minister to the hearts of others and encourage them. Barnabas emphasised to these new Christians that Christianity is all about knowing more of the love of God in their hearts and to stay true to that love. Let's be more concerned to touch the hearts of people rather than winning arguments with people.  4. Encourage people by helping them look to beyond their past and release them into their future (Acts 9:27; Acts 11:25-26). Barnabas played a major role in the development of the man who was to become the outstanding leader of the early church, the apostle Paul. As Saul he had led the persecution of the first Christians. He was a nasty man with a violent past and plenty to feel guilty about. He even described himself as the chief of sinners. No wonder that some Christians felt suspicious about him. But Barnabas was the man who believed that Saul had really changed. He saw great potential in him. Not only did he introduce him to the apostles, but he went looking for him to bring him as a main speaker to this big new church in Antioch. We too need to receive new Christians and encourage them that their past will not determine their future. No matter what mistakes you have made, no matter how colourful your past, God has a plan to bless you and to bless many people through you. God specialises in taking great opponents of the gospel and making them great ambassadors of the gospel. 5. Encourage people by continually sharing God's word with them (Acts 11:26). Barnabas and Saul both knew the Scriptures and they spent a whole year making sure that the new Christians understood them too. If you also want to stand strong in life, you must become strong through daily reading and focus on the Word of God. We should give much more attention to God's words than people's words. There's nothing more powerful to challenge your lifestyle and a contemporary, pride-centred worldview. There's nothing like God's word direct you, protect you, build you and comfort you. Encouragement can take many forms. Today you can be encouraged to know that God loves you and wants to bless you. And in turn you can become a blessing to many by becoming a great encourager like Barnabas. 

Augustine. Martin Luther. John Wesley. Karl Barth. What do these theological forefathers have in common?Their encounter with Christ through the letter to the Romans left them changed--and radically changed the world through them.Paul's letter to the church in Rome has consistently impacted lives and led to multiple revivals across the globe across the centuries. Just imagine how God may work in YOUR life as we dive into this letter to the Romans!October 11th, 2025Rev. Kelcie Exline

In this episode, John Comstock shares how the Discipleship Place supports the Church of the Nazarene by empowering laypeople with free courses and materials for ongoing education. Nate and John discuss the Certificate of Lay Ministry program, which covers key topics like the Old and New Testaments, John Wesley's theology, and Spiritual Formation. John also highlights new courses on mental health, digital discipleship, and addiction recovery. Additionally, he highlights their emphasis on community and relational discipleship through Zoom groups, with plans to expand their global reach by offering their website in multiple languages.   Click to watch the story of Kat Lucille: https://youtu.be/fCMjXARyL6U   To purchase Hope of All the Earth by David Gilmour, click here.   Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning.

Welcome to The All Means All podcast at Cathedral of the Rockies. Today's message is the last one in A People Called Methodist, a sermon series where we learn about John Wesley and the origins of methodism. Pastor Duane shares Wesley's views on salvation and knowing the Lord.Donate to our Capital Campaign: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZA1K/campaign/C-14SNFGive Online: https://www.cathedraloftherockies.org/donate/Connect with us:Facebook Downtown Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockiesFacebook Amity Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockiesamityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathedral_of_the_rockies/Instagram Cathedral Families: https://www.instagram.com/cathedralfamilies/

In this episode, Dr. John Patrick reflects on the mystery and reality of God's work in history and in human lives. Drawing from Scripture, the story of Nicodemus, and the powerful transformation of John Wesley, Dr. Patrick shows how encounters with the Spirit awaken true understanding and change. With insights from his medical and global experiences, Dr. Patrick explores the cultural consequences of faith, the dangers of neglecting history, and the promise of what God has prepared for those who love Him.   // LINKS // Website: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/ Podcast: https://doctorjohnpatrick.podbean.com/ Biblical Literate Quiz: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/meaning-metaphor-and-allusion/ Recommended Reading list: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/book-list/ Ask Doctor John: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/ask/ LINKS: https://beacons.ai/doctorjohnpatrick

Welcome to The All Means All podcast at Cathedral of the Rockies. Today's message is the fourth in A People Called Methodist, a sermon series where we learn about John Wesley and the origins of methodism. Pastor Duane shares Wesley's defining sermon on a catholic spirit, and how Methodists were built to stay at the table. Donate to our Capital Campaign: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZA1K/campaign/C-14SNFGive Online: https://www.cathedraloftherockies.org/donate/Connect with us:Facebook Downtown Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockiesFacebook Amity Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockiesamityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathedral_of_the_rockies/Instagram Cathedral Families: https://www.instagram.com/cathedralfamilies/

What should faithful living look like for today’s Christian? That’s what First UMC of San Diego pastors Revs. Hannah Ka and Brittany Juliette Hanlin discuss in this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. The digital Bible study is part of an ongoing conversation of the pastors as they answer the question “What We Really Mean When We Talk About…” from their progressive theological lens. Drawing from John 13:34-35 and the theological practices of the father of Methodism – John Wesley – the two females argue that it’s not enough to simply show up at church each week. As Christians, we need to apply Sunday learnings to our everyday living in how we show up in our relationship with God and those around us. But is it really as simple as that sounds? Be sure to watch or listen to find out. Then continue the conversation with others through our in-person Convergence group or by joining our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd. Here are the discussion questions for this episode: How has Jesus loved you? How does that love influence the way you love others? Why does Jesus say love is the thing that proves we’re his followers? Can you really have a private faith without it showing up in how you treat people? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

What should faithful living look like for today’s Christian? That’s what First UMC of San Diego pastors Revs. Hannah Ka and Brittany Juliette Hanlin discuss in this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. The digital Bible study is part of an ongoing conversation of the pastors as they answer the question “What We Really Mean When We Talk About…” from their progressive theological lens. Drawing from John 13:34-35 and the theological practices of the father of Methodism – John Wesley – the two females argue that it’s not enough to simply show up at church each week. As Christians, we need to apply Sunday learnings to our everyday living in how we show up in our relationship with God and those around us. But is it really as simple as that sounds? Be sure to watch or listen to find out. Then continue the conversation with others through our in-person Convergence group or by joining our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd. Here are the discussion questions for this episode: How has Jesus loved you? How does that love influence the way you love others? Why does Jesus say love is the thing that proves we’re his followers? Can you really have a private faith without it showing up in how you treat people? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

Introduction: good intentions “The Road to Hell is paved with good intentions” is a quote that I traced back at least to a sermon by John Wesley in 1741. A couple of dictionaries I found explain this aphorism as “ individuals may have the intention to undertake good actions but nevertheless fail to take…

••• The Secret of Grace, Segment-2 of 2, Ep 400b . ••• Bible Study Verses: Ephesians 4:7-15, Hebrews 4:16, Daniel 11:32, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 10:25, James 1.25 . ••• PART-A's VERSES: 2 Peter 3:1-18, Romans 6:1-2, Romans 3.23, 1 Corinthians 1.10 . ••• “Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees. Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down" John Wesley 1703-1791 † ••• “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ", Ephesians 4:7, KJV . ••• What are the 3-reasons why is it necessary for the believers to grow in grace? ••• What are the 4-benefits of growing in grace? STOPPED AT t16••• What are the 5-life actions to growing in grace?••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you will be more intentional about growing in grace of God through the power of Holy Spirit? ••• PART-A BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS: What are at least 3-aspects of growing in grace? ••• How should the knowledge of the death, resurrection and return of the Lord Jesus Christ affect the way we live our lives?••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on October 25, 2025 on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible. ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ . ••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Stacey Franco, https://www.instagram.com/staceyfranc0/, on unsplash, Art Direction by gil on his mac with free mac layout software . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/250927-the-secret-behind-the-believers-dominion-p8-s2-ep400b . ••• † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/John-Wesley-Quotes/ . John Wesley was an Anglican cleric and Christian theologian. Wesley is largely credited, along with his brother Charles Wesley, with founding the Methodist movement which began when he took to open-air preaching in a similar manner to George Whitefield. In contrast to George Whitefield's Calvinism (which later led to the forming of the Calvinistic Methodists), Wesley embraced Arminianism. Methodism in both forms was a highly successful evangelical movement in the United Kingdom, which encouraged people to experience Christ personally. Wesley believed that this doctrine should be constantly preached, especially among the people called Methodists. In fact, he contended that the purpose of the Methodist movement was to "spread scriptural holiness across England." Throughout his life, Wesley remained within the Church of England and insisted that his movement was well within the bounds of the Anglican tradition. His maverick use of church policy put him at odds with many within the Church of England, though toward the end of his life he was widely respected . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/john.1%20 .••• FERP250927-Episode#400b GOT250927 Ep400b . ••• The Secret Behind the Believers Dominion, Part-8b: The Secret of Grace, Segment-2 .Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christine Johnson completed her Ph.D. in Wesley Studies at the Nazarene Theological College/University of Manchester. Her study is focused on the theme of death as it relates to John Wesley's doctrine of holiness. Christine currently serves as the Registrar and Director of Enrolled Student Services at Asbury Theology Seminary and today on the podcast we talked about her upcoming book, Triumphant Death: Grace, Holiness, and Death in the Theology of John Wesley.Youtube - https://youtu.be/ZIRrJUTujSUAudio - https://andymilleriii.com/media/podcastApple -  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-to-the-story-with-dr-andy-miller/id1569988895?uo=4If you are interested in learning more about my two full-length video-accompanied courses, Contender: Going Deeper in the Book of Jude andHeaven and Other Destinations: A Biblical Journey Beyond this World , visit courses.andymilleriii.comAnd don't forget about my most recent book, Contender, which is available on Amazon! Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching - Recently, I updated this PDF document and added a 45-minute teaching video with slides, explaining this tool. It's like a mini-course. If you sign up for my list, I will send this free resource to you. Sign up here - www.AndyMillerIII.com or Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching. Today's episode is brought to you by Wesley Biblical Seminary. Interested in going deeper in your faith? Check out our certificate programs, B.A., M.A.s, M.Div., and D.Min degrees. You will study with world-class faculty and the most racially diverse student body in the country. www.wbs.eduThanks too to Phil Laeger for my podcast music. You can find out about Phil's music at https://www.laeger.net

Key PointsWe don't settle. God offers more than being “a little better.” We are invited to be transformed into Christ's likeness.Growth is discipleship. Worship and belonging lead us into intentional spiritual formation—through study, prayer, fellowship, and service.John Wesley's vision: To be “altogether Christian” means loving God fully, loving neighbor deeply, and trusting God completely.Holiness is the goal. God's aim is not just smarter or nicer people, but holy people who live and love like Jesus.The early church grew through teaching, prayer, breaking bread, serving, and generosity. The same practices form us today.Pathway for GrowthWorship weeklyPray dailyRead Scripture consistentlyJoin a group for learning and accountabilityServe to make a differenceGive joyfully and generouslyScripture“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” – Romans 12:2ReflectionWhere am I settling for “good enough” instead of pursuing holiness?How am I intentionally creating space to grow in faith?What next step can I take this week on the pathway of discipleship?

Welcome to The All Means All podcast at Cathedral of the Rockies. Today's message is the third in A People Called Methodist, a sermon series where we learn about John Wesley and the origins of methodism. Pastor Duane shares Wesley's 3 simple rules.Donate to our Capital Campaign: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZA1K/campaign/C-14SNFGive Online: https://www.cathedraloftherockies.org/donate/Connect with us:Facebook Downtown Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockiesFacebook Amity Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockiesamityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathedral_of_the_rockies/Instagram Cathedral Families: https://www.instagram.com/cathedralfamilies/

Whiskey Review: Maker's Mark 101 Special Proof Follow us on all your podcast platforms and: Instagram: @manhoodneat X: Manhood Neat (@ManhoodNeat) / X Youtube: Manhood, Neat Podcast - YouTube Reach out: manhood.neat@gmail.com   Show Notes: What if the health of your church isn't measured by its size or popularity, but by how faithfully its leaders shepherd the flock?  In a world of shifting cultural winds, why does the Bible insist on structured leadership? Overview why church leadership matters,  its God-ordained roles in teaching, correcting, sending, and encouraging; the unyielding accountability to Scripture over congregational whims  the necessity of ongoing biblical evaluation; and a snapshot of biblical church  "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV).  "The true shepherd is one who leads the flock by going before it, not by driving it from behind." – Charles Spurgeon   Section 1: Why Church Leadership and Its Structure Are So Important Key Statement: Church leadership isn't optional—it's God's blueprint for unity, growth, and protection against chaos. Without it, the church drifts into individualism or cultural compromise. Points: Leadership provides direction in a fallen world, preventing division  1 Corinthians 1:10: "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you". Structure ensures accountability and order, mirroring God's order in creation and the Trinity. Historical context: The early church exploded in growth under apostolic leadership (Acts 2:42-47), but faltered when structure was ignored (Corinth's factions in 1 Corinthians). "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account" (Hebrews 13:17, ESV) leaders as soul-watchmen.  "The church is not a debating society but a body under authority." – John Stott  highlighting the need for structured submission for spiritual flourishing. Share a brief anecdote of a church thriving under strong leadership vs. one fractured by leaderless drift. Section 2: The Roles of Church Leadership – Teaching, Correcting, Sending, and Encouraging. Teaching – Grounding in Truth Leaders proclaim sound doctrine to build mature believers.  "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV).  "The pulpit is the Thermopylae of Christendom." – J.C. Ryle  underscoring teaching as the church's frontline defense. Correcting – Restoring the Wayward Gentle yet firm rebuke to prevent sin's spread, fostering holiness.  "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV). "Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower." – John Wesley  balancing correction with grace. Sending – Equipping for Mission Leaders commission members outward, advancing the gospel. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them'" (Acts 13:2, ESV) the Antioch church sending Paul and Barnabas.  "The church exists for the salvation of the world." – Lesslie Newbigin,  reminding leaders to propel the church beyond its walls. Encouraging – Building Up the Weary Sustaining hope amid trials, spurring one another on. "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV). "A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success." – Unknown Which role have you seen most in your church? Least? These roles are powerful, but they're only effective when leaders anchor them in something unchanging Leadership's Accountability – To the Gospel and Bible, Not Congregational Feelings  True leaders serve God first, resisting the temptation to pander for approval, which dilutes the gospel. Points: Accountability to Christ ensures fidelity to truth, even if unpopular Galatians 1:10: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ". Dangers of emotion-driven decisions: Leads to moral relativism and church splits. Paul's farewell charge  Acts 20:24: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus". "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV) unwavering proclamation. "The pastor must be a man of conviction, not convenience." – A.W. Tozer warning against crowd-pleasing. Have you witnessed leaders prioritizing feelings over the Gospel?" Section 4: The Crucial Need for Constant Evaluation of Traditions and Practices  Churches must regularly test their customs against Scripture to avoid idolatry of tradition, ensuring relevance and purity. Points: Traditions can ossify into legalism if unchecked  Mark 7:8: "You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men". Benefits: Renewal, unity, and gospel-centeredness. Model: The Bereans Acts 17:11: "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so".  "Test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV).  "Tradition is the living faith of the dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of the living." – Jaroslav Pelikan  distinguishing helpful heritage from harmful habit. Encourage listeners to start a "Berean group" in their church for verse-by-verse checks.   Section 5: A Brief Overview of Biblical Church Structure  The New Testament envisions a simple, plural, servant-hearted model: Plurality of elders (overseers/pastors) for spiritual oversight, deacons for practical service, all under Christ's headship. Roles ( we will break these down in upcoming Episodes further): Elders: Plural, qualified men leading by teaching and example  (1 Timothy 5:17: "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching" Deacons: Servants handling logistics to free elders for prayer and word (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Congregation's Role: Active participation in discipline, giving, and mutual edification (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 14:26). No CEO-style hierarchy; mutual accountability and local autonomy. "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God" (Acts 20:28, ESV). "The New Testament knows nothing of a one-man ministry." – John Piper  advocating elder plurality. Does your church match this?

Morning Services- "Extravagant Generosity" Scripture: Luke 10:30-37 What did John Wesley view as "extravagant generosity" and what does that look like?

This weekend we are digging into a hymn in the Christian Warfare section of our hymnal. "Soldiers of Christ, Arise" was written by the prolific English hymnwriter, Charles Wesley. Wesley may be best known for his involvement in founding the "Methodist Church" with his brother John Wesley. He was the author of over 6,000 hymns during his lifetime, hundreds of which are still sung in Christian churches of many different denominations today.  This hymn was originally written with 16 stanzas of 8 lines each. You will find it dramatically reduced in the version we have, but this is a very popular hymn and because there were so many original verses, you will find it in many different forms in different hymns and traditions.  It is based on Ephesians 6:10-18 where Paul writes: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." This hymn reminds us that whether we realize it or want to acknowledge it or now, every Christian is engaged in a battle against forces that are greater than we are. But the LORD desires our deliverance and has provided everything necessary for us to win in the end. So, like David who fought Goliath, or Gideon or the Apostle Paul, we stand firm in this battle, upon God's Word, with the confidence of His strength, and know that we will win the battle and the war has already been won by Jesus! So fight on, fellow Christian! Go with the LORD's strength! "Wrestle and fight and pray" knowing that we will "overcome through Christ alone" and win at last! May the LORD bless your worship this weekend, and your ongoing fight against sin and temptation with the LORD on your side!

Learn the history and movement of the Methodist church, from John Wesley's beginning to Benton Methodist Church.  Watch this episode on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/1nAXh74s8qo

We all carry an invisible resume, trying to prove our worth through titles, accomplishments, or image. Paul names his old resume — circumcision, tribe of Benjamin, Pharisee, zeal — then calls it all loss compared to Christ. John shares his own “impressive-itis” and failures, then draws from Henri Nouwen and John Wesley's line “I submitted to be more vile” to show the new resume: weakness, humility, and love. To shine is to let go of self-promotion and live from God's love.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team

On this new episode of THE POLITICRAT daily podcast Omar Moore on four little Black girls and their horrific end exactly 62 years ago today at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Their spirit lives on. Also: In July 2024 Omar spoke on The Politicrat about the US corporate news media being a genuine threat to democracy in the US--and it remains so, especially now. Plus: Reverend Howard-John Wesley of the Alfred Street Baptist Church on white nationalist and anti-Black racist Charlie Kirk.Recorded September 15, 2025.SUBSCRIBE: https://mooreo.substack.comSUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/@thepoliticratpodSUBSCRIBE: https://politicrat.substack.comBUY MERCH FROM THE POLITICRAT STORE: https://the-politicrat.myshopify.comPLEASE READ: "Some Ways To Improve Your Mental Health..." (Written on August 24, 2025) : https://open.substack.com/pub/mooreo/p/here-are-some-of-the-ways-you-can?r=275tyr&utm_medium=iosBUY BLACK!Patronize Lanny Smith's Actively Black apparel business: https://activelyblack.comPatronize Melanin Haircare: https://melaninhaircare.comPatronize Black-owned businesses on Roland Martin's Black Star Network: https://shopblackstarnetwork.comBLACK-OWNED MEDIA MATTERS: (Watch Roland Martin Unfiltered daily M-F 6-8pm Eastern)https://youtube.com/rolandsmartin Download the Black Star Network appIf you would like to contribute financially to The Politicrat: please send money via Zelle to omooresf@gmail.comSOCIAL MEDIA:https://fanbase.app/popcornreel(Invest in Fanbase now! https://startengine.com/fanbase)https://spoutible.com/popcornreelhttps://popcornreel.bsky.socialAnd spill.com (@popcornreel)

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, we'll explore Jesus' command in John 15 to “love one another as I have loved you” alongside the vision of the early church in Acts 2, where believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and radical generosity. Pastor Jenn reminds us that Jesus redefined friendship as sacrificial love, a love embodied in bold, risky action for the sake of others. Drawing from John Wesley's rule to “do good,” she emphasizes that acts of love are not optional niceties but channels of God's grace and powerful witnesses to Christ. The Acts 2 church demonstrates how this love becomes structural, reorganizing life around community and care for the vulnerable, which in turn draws others to faith. What does this mea for today's church?   Find discussion questions and keep the conversation going at https://www.livetherhythm.app/

Welcome to The All Means All podcast at Cathedral of the Rockies. Today's message is the second in A People Called Methodist, a sermon series where we learn about John Wesley and the origins of methodism. Pastor Duane talks about the Almost Christian and John Wesley's heart being strangely warmed.Donate to our Capital Campaign: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZA1K/campaign/C-14SNFGive Online: https://www.cathedraloftherockies.org/donate/Connect with us:Facebook Downtown Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockiesFacebook Amity Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockiesamityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathedral_of_the_rockies/Instagram Cathedral Families: https://www.instagram.com/cathedralfamilies/

On this episode, listen to an audio production of John Wesley's sermon from 2 Samuel 12:23. This sermon was accessed from the Wesley Center Online. It was edited by George Lyons with formatting by Ryan Danker for the Wesley Center for Applied Theology. The Wesley Center Online website is a collection of historical and scholarly resources about the Wesleyan Tradition, theology, Christianity, and the Nazarene church hosted by the Wesley Center for Applied Theology at Northwest Nazarene University. We are thankful for the work of Richard Thompson in overseeing this repository.   Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning   *this episode was created with the help of AI*

Learn the history and movement of the Methodist church, from John Wesley's beginning to Benton Methodist Church. Listen to this episode on your favorite podcasting platform or download the MP3 here:https://youtu.be/j4Tg9p1iYXM

Join the Receive Academy - https://www.skool.com/receive-academyConnect with Brian:Renovare - https://renovare.org/Music - https://morykon.com/Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:54 Understanding Life with God08:08 Practical Application of Spiritual Awareness22:07 Navigating Life Decisions with Faith28:25 The Parable of the Talents: A Deeper Look29:26 Understanding God's Nature Through Parables31:02 The Impact of Fear on Faith35:27 John Wesley's Spiritual Journey39:09 Balancing God's Love and Responsibility46:29 Practical Steps to Connect with God50:31 Final Thoughts and Invitations

In this episode, we look at the pivotal summer of 1739, after the start of the Bristol Revival. After a week in London, John Wesley returns to Bristol. In both places, he begins to put into practice a unique method of superintendency which he will expand throughout his years of ministry.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastor Melissa continues the Love Boldly series by exploring John Wesley's first General Rule—“Do no harm”—and reframing it as the church's call to heal the harm. Drawing on Isaiah 58:6–12, she unpacks the prophet's challenge to move beyond empty ritual toward authentic devotion expressed through justice, compassion, and restoration. The message invites us to consider how the church can repair harm—especially harm it has caused—by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and dismantling systems of oppression, ultimately becoming “repairers of the breach” and a community that restores hope, justice, and healing.   Find discussion questions and more at www.livetherhythm.app

Welcome to The All Means All podcast at Cathedral of the Rockies. Today's message is the first in A People Called Methodist, a sermon series where we learn about John Wesley and the origins of methodism. Pastor Duane gives a crash course on the Wesleyan philosophy.Donate to our Capital Campaign: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZA1K/campaign/C-14SNFGive Online: https://www.cathedraloftherockies.org/donate/Connect with us:Facebook Downtown Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockiesFacebook Amity Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockiesamityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathedral_of_the_rockies/Instagram Cathedral Families: https://www.instagram.com/cathedralfamilies/

Introduction: John 3:36 - whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. Ephesians 2:3 – were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Enter By the Narrow Gate (Matthew 7:13-14) It's Hard to FIND. (Matt 7:14) John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Luke 14:33 – So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. It's Hard to WALK. (Matt 7:14) It's Hard to DISMISS. (Matt 7:14) Matthew 11:12 – From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 7:13-14What was your big take-away from this passage / message?How would (specifically) you answer this question: How do I know which gate I entered?We are saved by grace. But are things like repentance, counting the cost, and entering the kingdom violently considered “works”? Why or why not?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT I'd like you to just bow your heads for a moment,and I'm going to ask that you would please pray for meto be faithful to communicate God's word accurately as I should.And I will pray for you to be ready to receivewhatever it is the Lord wants to teach you today.Alright? Let's pray.Father in heaven, you are greatly glorifiedas transformed people by the power of your Holy Spirit.Our obedient to what you've revealed in your Word.That's all I'm asking for today, Father,for your glory to be on display as we respondto what you've told us in your Word.Manifest your grace and your goodness here today, Father.We ask in Jesus' name, amen.If you haven't already opened up your Bibles to Matthew chapter 7,we're just going to be looking at two verses today.For some of you, these could be the mosttwo important verses you ever hear.When I was a kid growing up in Shakura,we attended the Little Methodist Church.And when you're - I don't know if it's still the case in the Methodist Church,but at that time, when you're 12,you go through confirmation classes.You go to the Methodist Church, and then they teach youabout doctrine and John Wesley and the books of the Bible.But one part of this confirmation class,it took place over several days,but one part was the pastor would take you into the auditorium,just you and him.And I'm assuming that his conversation with the others went as it did with me.I remember the pastor took me to the auditorium and he said,"Jeff, you don't want to go to hell, do you?"And I'm like, "You mean today?Because mom's expecting me home for dinner."He's like, "You don't want to go to hell, do you?"And I was just like, "No."He goes, "Well, then you want to accept Jesus Christas your Lord and Savior, right?"And I'm like, "Okay.""Great."And he sent me back with the other kids.And then every time this pastor saw me after that,he would say, "I remember the day you gave your life to Jesus.""Oh, Jeff, I remember the day you gave your life to Jesus."And I was like, "Yeah, that was awesome."Is that what it means to follow Jesus?You see, since February we've been going through the Sermon on the Mount,the greatest sermon ever preached.And over the next four weeks, we're looking at how Jesus closesthe greatest sermon ever preached.All of the content leads to this.Over the past several months, we've looked at the heart of the discipleand the beatitudes.This is what a Jesus follower looks like.We talked about the heart of the law.Jesus didn't come to get rid of the Old Testament.He said, "I came to fulfill it."We talked about the heart of religion.Look, it's not about doing things for showto get a pat on the back from people.We talked about the heart towards the world.How should we interact in this world with money and stuff and people?And now we get to the close of Jesus' sermon, and here he's saying,"Now what are you going to do about it?"Now that you know what I call you to,is your heart ready for judgment?Look at verses 13 and 14.Jesus says, "Enter by the narrow gate, for the gate is wide,and the way is easy, that leads to destruction,and those who enter by it are many.For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard,that leads to life, and those who find it are few."Everybody's heading to eternity.I don't need to sell anyone on that, do I?Everyone's heading for eternity,and Jesus said there are two gates.There's exactly two options,and here Jesus is calling for an urgent choice.He commands, that's the first sentence in verse 13,"Enter by the narrow gate."That's a choice literally between heaven and hell.Jesus says, "Make your choice."Who would choose hell?I mean, really.Who would choose hell?I mean, yeah, I've shared the Gospel with a lot of people over the years,and I've met the guy, probably you have to.It's like, "Well, I'm going to hell,and I know I'm going to hell, and I don't really care,because all my buddies will be there."But I'm like, "You are clueless."You meet that joker.But who would really, honestly, seriously choose hell?Why wouldn't you choose heaven?I mean, really.See, my friends, that's the thing.That's why this message is so urgent,because no one thinks they are choosing hell.Everyone thinks that they are going to end up in heaven.Somehow, some way, I'm going to end up in heaven.Everyone thinks that.Everyone is, according to Jesus.In fact, it's even worse than we think it is.As we saw in the video, we have this mindset that most of us are good,and we're going to heaven, and there's a few really bad people that are going to hell.Jesus didn't say that.Notice Jesus said the exact opposite.He said many are going to hell, to destruction,and he said few are going to heaven.Few find life.So do you know what you have to do to go to hell?Do you know?Nothing.You don't have to do a thing.And that's where you'll end up.John 3.36 says,"Whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life."Look at this."But the wrath of God remains on him."How do you get the wrath of God?He's already on you.Paul says the same thing in Ephesians 2-3.He says, "We were by nature children of wrath,like the rest of mankind."That was our default mode.And I want you to notice in these two verses,Jesus didn't say, "Choose which gate."He didn't say that.You already did choose a gate.There's no language here that says,"Well, tell me, how do I go through the wide gate?"You already did.Notice with the narrow gate, look at the very last phrase in verse 14.Jesus said, "Those who find it are few."The wide gate is something that has to be found.The wide gate, Jesus never said you had to find the wide gate.It's wide.It's easy.And you're already on it.Heading to destruction.So what we have here in these verses is a command.It's a command to enter the narrow gate.Look at verse 13 again.Enter by the narrow gate.It's a command. It's a call to action.Meaning it doesn't happen by accident.It's worth noting that Jesus,we're going to see this in these upcoming messages as well,there are people that are going to be shockedthat they're going to hell.But you know, the Bible never says that there are peoplethat are shocked that they end up in heaven.That guy doesn't exist.That guy doesn't exist where Jesus says,"Come on in to glory."Like, wow, I didn't know I was coming here.Wow.That guy doesn't exist.The gospel is a command.Listen, it's a command.It's not just an invitation.It's not just a suggestion.You really ought to think about maybe turning to Jesus.It is a command.Look at the words that are used to describe coming to Christ.They're all commands.Words like "repent."You're commanded to repent.Believe.Receive.Believe.Here, the command is "enter."This is the big takeaway from the Sermon on the Mountaccording to Jesus.Because of everything that He said,going back to the Beatitudes,leading to this point,Jesus commands us to choose narrow.It's not enough to listen to sermons about the narrow gate.It's not enough to study the narrow gate.It's not enough to even kind of like the narrow gate.Jesus said, "You have to make the choice to enter the narrow gate."Have you made that choice?I want you to jot some things downon your outline.This is the command, "Enter by the narrow gate."What does our Lord say about it?First of all, number one, write this down.It's hard to find.It's hard to find.Again, in verse 14, Jesus says,"For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard that leads to life.And those who find it are few."It's hard to find.It's narrow.What exactly do you mean it's narrow?Well, one thing that it means, that it's being narrow,is that it's the only way to be saved.Jesus made that claim.The Bible makes that claim over and over and over.In John 14.6, Jesus said,"I am the way and the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me."The gate is narrow because it's the only way to be saved.Not every road leads to heaven.That doesn't even work in the physical world, does it?If you came to me after service and you're like,"Pastor Jeff, I really want to go to Cleveland.How do I get there?"First of all, I'm not sure you really do want to go there.But if you have to listen, you know how to get to Cleveland?Just pick a road. It doesn't matter.Get in your car and just pick a road.As long as you believe in your heart's that that road will take you to Cleveland,then you will get to Cleveland.Would that work?People are like, "I think I'll ask Pastor Taylor."Right?I mean, that's foolishness.So why do we think that any road is going to get us to heaven?Not every road will take you there.Because your problem is sin before a holy God,and the only way that that sin can be forgivenis through Jesus Christ, because He's the only onewho paid the penalty to take away your sin.It's narrow because it's the only way to be saved.It's narrow also because you're called to leave some things behind.You get a picture of this narrow gate almost like a turnstile,like walking into Kennywood.If you're going through that turnstile, you've got to leave some stuff behind.Like leave what behind?Your sin?Your self-centeredness?Your rights?Your pride?You've got to leave your old self behind,because listen, you're both not going to fit through the turnstile.You both won't fit through the narrow gate.Jesus said it costs to enter this gate.We don't have time today, but just write down Matthew 10, Luke 14.Jesus said there's a cost to entering the gate.Leave stuff behind.Like, well, what's the cost?Jesus said you have to love Him more than you love your own family.Jesus said you have to deny yourself.Jesus said you have to consider yourself a slave to Him.Oh, and you have to consider yourself a slave to everyone else.Jesus said things like you have to take up your cross.You have to be willing to lay down your life for Him.Listen, if you're unwilling to do any of that,then you're not going to get through the gate at all.To sum it up, Luke 14.33, look what Jesus says.Not the most secret, sensitive way to address a crowd.Jesus said, "So therefore any one of you who does not renounce all that He hascannot be my disciple."You willing to do that?You're like, "I don't know."Okay, then you're not going through the narrow gate.Back when I was in college, I had several jobs.Here's where two of them overlapped.I was pastoring a little country church,and I was also a magazine vendor for two Walmarts and two K-Marts.Is K-Marts still a thing?It was back then.But I would go in third shift to these stores,and I would stock the magazines.And at the one K-Mart, I got to be friends with some of the employees there.There were a couple cashiers that I invited to church.I'll never forget this.The one cashier, her name was Gina.And she came to church for probably three or four weeks,and then stopped.Well, the next time I saw her at K-Mart,I said, "Hey, I haven't seen you in church."I'll never forget what she said.She said, "I can't go to churchand live the kind of life that I want to live."It's sad.She got it.She got the fact that the gate is narrow.She got the fact that she can't come into the kingdom of heavenwhile carrying all her sin in with her.I don't want to talk about Gina though. I want to talk about you.What have you left behind to follow Jesus?Would you say that there's been a tremendous cost to youin deciding to follow Jesus?And if your answer is, "Well, you know,I haven't really given up that much to follow Jesus,really now that I think about it,I really haven't given up very much."Well, then you haven't found the narrow gate.It's hard to find.Secondly, write this down.Not only is it hard to find,it's hard to walk.It's hard to walk.The gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life.The way is hard that leads to life.You see what Jesus is saying?If you find it, and even when it's truly found,it's hard to enter.And when you enter it, it's hard to walk.And right now somebody's like, "Hard? Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait,hang on, hang on, hang on."I thought coming to Jesus was just belief.Just believe in Jesus.What are you talking about? Hard.It's just believe, right?Well, I would ask you,what do you mean by believe?Do you know how Jesus described what it means to believe?The Sermon on the Mount.This is how Jesus described what it means to believe.He described it with the beatitudes.When you're broken over your sin and you're meekand you desire righteousness and purity more than anything,you're a peacemaker.And then, if you're really living it, people hate you.That's what it means to believe.Jesus said believing is being salt and light.That means you're different than the world.You stand out because of what you believe.Is that what you mean by believe?Jesus said believing is turning from anger, turning from lust.Jesus said believing is a person who always keeps their word.Jesus said believing is never retaliating.Jesus said believing is when you love your enemies.Jesus said believing is when you choose to giveand to pray and to fast privately.So only God knows.Jesus says believing is giving to Godso that you lay up treasure in heaven.Jesus said believing is never worrying.Not being anxious for anything.Jesus said believing is not being critical of othersbut doing to others what you wish they would do to you.Now, you tell me what's easy about any of that.It's hard to walk.If you've been with us in any part of this journeythrough the Sermon on the Mount,has there been any of these sections that you've pointed atand went, "Oh, that's easy. I got that nailed down."Or have you been more like me every weektaken to the woodshed?Tour up?Or have you been more like meevery week taken to the woodshed?Or have you been more like me?Difficult is the standard.We're told on the front end,when you live different than the world,you're going to have people after you.You're going to suffer.It's hard to walk.That's why a lot of people bail, by the way.They weren't expecting it to be hard.They were believing in gospel that Jesus never taught.Because believing in the gospel,despite the lame way we want to package itin American churches,believing in the gospel is more than just acknowledging facts.And it's even way more than just agreeing with the facts.Believing in the gospel is having a faith in Jesus Christthat makes your decisions for you.Your life should be marked by this.Constantly saying, "You know what?I do this because of what Jesus said.This is why I do that."Your life should be marked by things you say,"You know what? I never do thisbecause God said I should never do that.My life makes my decisions for me."That's what it means to believe.In churches, dishonor the gospeland do a disservice to peoplewhen we make it easy to follow Jesus.Shame on us.We make it so easy for the peoplethat walk in the door and say,"Look, I just want to attend.I just want to come in on Sunday,in late, out early.I just want to attend.I don't want to get involved.I don't want to help out with the kids ministry.I don't want to be on the worship team.I don't want to give to the church.I don't want to do any of that.Look, just make it easy."Where did Jesus say the easy way leads?I want to talk about you again.You find it easy to follow Jesus?Maybe at 9 a.m. on Sunday.I want to ask about your Monday through Saturday.Is it easy for you to follow Jesus?And if your answer is, you know what?I don't know what he's talking about,but I haven't really found it to be that hardbeing a Christian.Then you haven't found the narrow gate.Because Jesus said it's hard.Enter by the narrow gate.It's hard to find.It's hard to walk.Number three, it's hard to dismiss.It's hard to dismiss.The gate is narrow.And the way is hard that leads to life.Man, this sounds like being a Christian is hard.Yeah, it is.So why would I enter the narrow gate at all then?Because of where it leads.And whoever doesn't think aboutwhere the path they are on is taking them is a fool.Throughout this section, throughout these verses,we looked at today Jesus said there's only two.There's two gates.There's two ways. There's two crowds.And there's two destinations.You're going to want to...Destruction and it's life.What's destruction?We've talked about that. That's hell.Yes, destruction here and now in this life,I've yet to meet the guy that has really benefited from their sin.But instead has experienced destruction in this life,ultimately it's destruction in hell.Why is hell referred to as destruction?Because it's eternally being destroyed,but never actually being destroyed.It's burning without being consumed.That's what hell is.And that's where the easy way leads.So if following Jesus sounds too hard for you,you have the option of having it a little easierin this life for 15 minutes,and spending eternity suffering.Not my opinion, Jesus' words.The other destination is life.Life, eternal, glorious life in heaven.Yes, of course, but also life here and now.Eternal life for the Christian isn't something that you get someday.It's something you experience now,and you take with you into eternity.This hard way is the way that Jesus took.And if we choose to follow in His footsteps,we will not only get heaven,but we will experience lifeas it was meant to be lived here and now.And that's hard to dismiss,just because it's difficult.It's over and over in the Gospels.Jesus challenged potential followers to count the cost.You have to count the cost of entering the narrow gatebecause there is a cost.But you also have to count the cost of not entering the narrow gate.You could leave here today and say,"I choose to stay on the wide gateway."What have you gained?What have you gained by staying on the wide gateway?An easier life here for however long that lasts.But what have you lost?You've lost eternity.So right now you need to ask yourself,"What way am I on?"Listen, you can't answer thatbased on something that happened in the past.That's what I mean for some people.It's like, are you a follower of Jesus?Well, I got baptized 30 years ago.That's not the test.The test is, how are we living right now?Are you seeking Jesus now?Are you turning from sin now?Are you denying yourself now?Your life right now proves what way you are on.I'd like to invite the worship team to come back up.We're going to have some folks join us up here.I'd like to invite them up too.We're going to have some people up here to pray,some elders, some members from our prayer team.I'd like you folks to make your way up here as well.In just a moment, the worship team is going to sing a song over you.But before we do that, I want us to consider one more verse.It's Matthew 11 and verse 12.Another staggering statement from our Lord.Jesus said, "From the days of John the Baptist until now,the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence."Look at his last phrase.He says, "And the violence, take it by force."Listen, because the gate is narrow,and because the way is hard,salvation is something that you have to go after violently.It's not, well, just put a check mark on this card and you're saved.Just bow your head and raise your hand and you're saved.Just repeat this prayer after me and you're saved.That's not it.It's something that you have to go after violently.Like why violently?Because the gospel calls you to forsake yourself.You have to go after that violently.Jesus calls you to give up your sin.It's not for weaklings.I'm going to give you a chance.I'm going to give you a chance to prove that you're not a weakling.I'm going to give you a chance today to do something violent.I'd like you to bow your heads, please,because what we're going to dois have a good old-fashioned, much-needed altar call.Bow your heads.Today needs to enter the narrow gate.Maybe there's somebody that walked in here todaythat said, "I know I'm not following Jesus,and I've been meaning to get around to it.Today's the day that you're going to go after this violently."Or maybe there's somebody here that's like,"Well, I don't really know if I follow Jesus."Then that means you don't.Because you can't have a relationship with the God of the universeand not know it.Because it's something you have to go after violently.Or maybe there's somebody here that says,"You know, I made a decision once upon a time,but whether I'm backslidden,or whether I was deceived or confused,I'm not really sure where I stand right nowbecause I'm so stuck in sin."You need to go after this violently.As an act of faith, as the worship team sings over you,we want to invite you to come up and pray.There is still someone here, someone else here,that wants to do business with God.I strongly encourage you not to leave until you do.You shrink back now.It's going to be way easier to shrink back the next timethat you feel called to follow Jesus.Father in heaven,we're not here to put on a show for anybody but you.We want to be sincere.We don't want to settle for some watered-down,sugar-coated version of the Gospelthat so many in our culture have made it.Father, let us go after you violentlywith the urgency that your Son has called us to.We do need to count the costs.I'm asking Father that you would give us the faith that we need.All glory and honor and praise and power be unto your name.We pray in Jesus' name.Amen.

Mark Hopson shares his story and sets the theme for the week, calling participants to be doers of the Word and fully commit to Christ. He introduces the “Decision Points Pledge,” challenging them to live for Christ, stand for His truth, witness boldly, and endure hardship. Drawing from John Wesley's life and Isaiah 6, he highlights God's holiness, the weight of sin, and the need for humility. He closes by urging full surrender to Christ.   __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __  

Learn the history and movement of the Methodist church, from John Wesley's beginning to Benton Methodist Church. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/OXbl2jLl1o0

In this lecture, the speaker delves into Ephesians chapter 5, verses 25 through 32, emphasizing the profound relationship between marriage and the love of Christ for the church. The lesson begins with an examination of the call for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, illustrating that this sacrificial love is intertwined with theological and existential reflections on hypocrisy within the church. The speaker raises poignant questions about how individuals confront the reality that some who profess faith fail to live by its tenets. He challenges the audience to consider whether such disillusionment should lead to abandoning faith or should ignite a deeper passion for Christ.Exploring the historical context of Martin Luther, the speaker draws parallels between Luther's experiences with church hypocrisy in the 16th century and contemporary struggles within the church. Luther's discomfort with the institutional practices of his day, particularly the selling of indulgences, reflects a larger struggle with authenticity in religious faith. The lecture examines how Luther's responses, influenced by his own experiences of celibacy and the resulting turmoil, led him to advocate for a redefined understanding of marriage. Through Luther's perspective, the lecture advances the notion that marriage can serve as a sacred space for holy transformation, contrary to the historical view that elevated celibacy above married life as the ultimate Christian vocation.The discussion transitions to the theme of living courageously and creatively amid societal pressures that shape contemporary understandings of family, singleness, and sexuality. The lecture invites the audience to consider how each generation must respond innovatively to cultural expectations while staying rooted in biblical truths. It draws on a rich historical context of how past Christians navigated similar challenges, positing that through examining Martin Luther's life, modern believers can glean insights on fostering healthy marriages and families that reflect God's love.The speaker also emphasizes the role of the home as a critical environment for spiritual formation, advocating for parents to take charge in actively cultivating their children's faith. This shift marks a movement away from traditional church-based education to a family-centered approach, as illustrated by Luther and his family. By sharing candid anecdotes from his own family's practices, the speaker demystifies what it looks like to engage in meaningful spiritual discussions at home. He stresses that consistent, small acts of faith—like family Bible readings and discussions—can nurture a child's spiritual growth far more effectively than sporadic, grand gestures.Furthermore, the lecture highlights the potential for the family unit to serve as a missional force in the wider community. Drawn from historical accounts, such as that of John Wesley and the Moravians, the speaker illustrates how family groups can embody the gospel in their relationships and actions. The portrayal of families as integral to missional work challenges the contemporary notion that missionary activity is a solitary endeavor. Instead, the lecture reinforces the idea that families, through their everyday interactions and shared faith, can significantly impact those around them.As the lecture comes to a close, the speaker reminds the audience that the church's inconsistencies must not be a reason to abandon their faith. Instead, he encourages listeners to focus on Christ's unblemished love and to strive for deeper relationships and community engagement that reflect that love. The call to action is clear: families must embrace their roles as beacons of hope and love, fostering meaningful relationships that invite others into a life-changing experience with Jesus. This vision of community redefines what it means to live out one's faith, urging all individuals, regardless of their marital status or age, to partake in the collective mission of nurturing the next generation of believers.

In this episode of "Your Week with St. Luke's,” we kick off a new series called Love Boldly, where we'll explore what it means to practice genuine love and overcome evil with good, taking an innovative look at John Wesley's three simple rules and and focusing on practicing love as a verb. St. Luke's Pastor Jad unpacks Romans 12:9-21, where the Apostle Paul outlines love as the ethic and heartbeat of Christian living. But not just any love, bold love, love that runs against many of our instincts and is needed to heal the world.   Find discussion questions and learn in community with others at st.lukes.org/podcast.

In this episode of the Northwoods Church Matters podcast, Matt sits down with Carey and Ivan for a candid conversation about alcohol. From the church's historical stance on drinking—spanning John Wesley, the Temperance Movement, and Prohibition—to the biblical passages that warn against drunkenness while also portraying wine as a good gift, the crew explores both sides of the debate. They discuss practical questions every Christian faces: Where is the line between moderation and excess? How do we know when alcohol has become an idol? What wisdom does Scripture offer for navigating gray areas? Whether you've wrestled with alcohol yourself or simply want to understand the church's complicated history with it, this episode invites you to look beyond what is merely lawful and consider what is truly wise, helpful, and honoring to God.

Learn the history and movement of the Methodist church, from John Wesley's beginning to Benton Methodist Church.Click here to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dC7N2jyl6hs

John Wesley, a famous 18th century preacher, said, “There is no such thing as a solitary Christian.”As parents, we want to raise our kids to love the Lord and be responsible adults. But challenges from the worldly culture around us make parenting tough. Sometimes so tough that we grow discouraged when we don't see immediate results.When you feel this way, remember that parenting isn't a solitary process. That means you don't have to go it alone. A variety of Christian resources are available. Church staff as well as family and friends are often willing to help out when they know there's a need.Raising boys isn't for the faint of heart. That's why Trail Life USA has fun activities that are helping boys grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. For more information, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

John and Charles Wesley were highly educated and important figures of their day and now.  What about their seven sisters?

John Wesley grew the Methodist movement by following a simple format that incorporated field preaching, small accountability groups, empowering leaders and serving his community. In “Calling on Fire: Reclaiming the Method of Methodism,” co-author Rev. Dr. Chris Heckert challenges United Methodists to reclaim Wesley's practices that empowered everyday disciples—not just clergy—to lead, serve, and grow … Continue reading "‘Calling on Fire': Reclaiming Wesley's method to renew the church"

Cain's question—“Am I my brother's keeper?”—still echoes today. John Wesley, founder of Methodism, answered with a resounding yes—especially when confronting the horrors of slavery. He called slavery “the sum of all villainies,” recognizing that to ignore the suffering of others is to deny our shared humanity. In this story, God hears the cry of Abel's blood—just as God hears the cries of the oppressed across time. The call is clear: we are responsible for one another. As Methodists, as Christians, as people of faith—we are our siblings' keepers. We are called to stand against systems that kill, exploit, and discard. #Genesis4 #JohnWesley #FaithAndJustice #AmIMyBrothersKeeper #UMC #LoveHeals #ChurchForJustice #LoveHeals #JohnWesley #UMC