Life of John Wesley in 5 minutes

Summary

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, experienced a profound spiritual awakening in 1738, leading to a life of unwavering faith and service. Despite early struggles and the challenges of establishing a new religious movement, Wesley's dedication to preaching and social reform transformed the English-speaking world. His emphasis on 'entire sanctification' continues to inspire Christians to pursue holiness and serve others wholeheartedly.

Takeaways

• 🌊 John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, initially faced fear and uncertainty during a storm at sea, contrasting with the calm faith of German Moravians.
• 👨‍🏫 Raised in a religious family, Wesley's father was an Anglican priest, and his mother provided rigorous religious training, including learning Greek and Hebrew.
• 🔥 As a child, Wesley survived a fire that destroyed his home, an event his mother saw as a divine sign of a special purpose for his life.
• 🎓 At Oxford University, Wesley joined the Holy Club, which was dedicated to leading holy lives and was labeled 'Methodists' for their methodical approach to faith.
• 📜 Despite his spiritual disciplines, Wesley struggled with inner faith until a transformative experience on May 24, 1738, at Aldersgate Street, where he felt his heart strangely warmed and found assurance in Christ.
• 🤝 Wesley's friend George Whitefield's success in preaching to the poor led to Wesley's involvement in outdoor preaching and his emergence as a leader in the growing Methodist movement.
• 🏠 Wesley organized 'classes' of 11 members each, meeting weekly, and initiated schools, orphanages, and clinics to serve the community.
• 🌍 Despite facing opposition and personal threats, Wesley preached extensively, covering over 4,000 miles a year and delivering an estimated 40,000 sermons in his lifetime.
• 💡 The Methodist Church, under Wesley's leadership, is credited with potentially preventing civil unrest in England, similar to what occurred in France.
• 🌟 By the end of his life, Wesley was widely loved and respected, and his emphasis on 'entire sanctification' continues to inspire Christians to pursue holiness.

Q & A

Who is John Wesley and why is he significant?

John Wesley is recognized as the father of the Methodist Church. He is significant for his pivotal role in the establishment and growth of Methodism, which had a profound impact on the English-speaking world.

What event during John Wesley's voyage to Georgia left a lasting impression on him?

During his voyage to Georgia, John Wesley was gripped with fear during a great storm at sea. The calm demeanor and faith of the German Moravians on the same ship, who sang hymns of praise, left a lasting impression on him.

What was John Wesley's upbringing like, and how did it influence his early life?

John Wesley was raised in a Christian family with a strong emphasis on religious education. His father was an Anglican priest, and his mother conducted rigorous religious training at home. This upbringing instilled in him a deep knowledge of the Bible and a commitment to Christian principles.

What miracle is mentioned in the script about John Wesley's childhood?

The miracle mentioned is when John Wesley, at the age of six, was rescued from a raging fire that destroyed his home. He was saved by a man standing on another man's shoulders, an event his mother saw as a sign from God that he had a special purpose.

What was the Holy Club, and how did John Wesley become involved with it?

The Holy Club was a group at Oxford University started by John Wesley's brother Charles, where members vowed to lead holy lives. Wesley joined as Spiritual Director after returning to Oxford to tutor, and the club's disciplined approach to faith practices earned them the nickname 'Methodists'.

Describe the turning point in John Wesley's spiritual journey that occurred on May 24, 1738.

On May 24, 1738, John Wesley attended a society meeting where someone was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. At a quarter before nine, he felt his heart strangely warmed and experienced a profound spiritual awakening, leading to a newfound trust in Christ for his salvation.

How did George Whitefield's preaching efforts in Bristol influence John Wesley?

George Whitefield's successful preaching to the poor and working people in Bristol, particularly coal miners, led to a significant increase in followers. Wesley, initially unsure about Whitefield's outdoor preaching, decided to assist him, which eventually led Wesley to become the new leader of the growing Methodist movement.

What were the organizational structures that John Wesley established to support the Methodist movement?

John Wesley established 'societies' for followers to meet in private homes, and as they grew, he introduced 'classes' of 11 members with one leader, meeting weekly. These structures facilitated prayer, mutual support, and the sharing of religious teachings.

What social initiatives did John Wesley and the Methodists undertake to serve the community?

John Wesley and the Methodists started schools for poor children, orphanages, and clinics. They aimed to do good in every way possible, reflecting their commitment to practical Christianity and social reform.

How did John Wesley's preaching methods and his extensive travels contribute to the spread of Methodism?

John Wesley was known for his relentless preaching, riding on horseback and traveling more than 4,000 miles every year. He preached in any place where people could gather, including using his father's tombstone as a platform. It is estimated that he preached over 40,000 sermons in his lifetime, significantly contributing to the spread of Methodism.

What was John Wesley's ultimate message to Christians, and how does it continue to resonate today?

John Wesley's ultimate message to Christians was to always press on toward 'entire sanctification,' emphasizing the importance of personal holiness and spiritual growth. His exhortation continues to inspire Christians to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Outlines

00:00

⛪ John Wesley's Early Life and Initial Struggles

John Wesley, known as the father of the Methodist Church, faced a difficult journey before his success. In 1735, as an Anglican minister, he set sail to Savannah, Georgia. During a storm at sea, he was struck by the calmness of the Moravians on board, which made him reflect on his own faith. Raised in a devout Christian household, Wesley experienced rigorous religious education under his mother, Susanna. A childhood incident, where he was saved from a fire, was seen as a sign that his life had a divine purpose. Despite his education at Oxford and his leadership in the Holy Club with his brother Charles, Wesley continued to struggle with his inner faith, seeking a deeper connection with God.

05:04

💡 Wesley's Spiritual Awakening and Leadership in Revival

On May 24, 1738, Wesley experienced a significant spiritual awakening. During a meeting where Martin Luther’s writings on the Epistle to the Romans were read, Wesley felt his 'heart strangely warmed' and gained an assurance of his faith in Christ. Around the same time, his friend George Whitefield was leading a revival among the working-class people in Bristol. Despite initial reservations about outdoor preaching, Wesley joined Whitefield’s mission, soon becoming its leader. He organized the Methodist movement, emphasizing small group meetings, schools for the poor, and acts of charity. Though faced with opposition, Wesley tirelessly preached, traveling extensively and delivering over 40,000 sermons. His work is believed to have had a transformative impact on English society, possibly preventing civil unrest similar to the French Revolution.

🙏 Wesley's Call for Sanctification and Legacy

John Wesley believed that sanctification, the process of becoming more like Christ, was central to spiritual growth. He observed that wherever sanctification occurred, the work of God flourished. His exhortation to pursue 'entire sanctification' remains relevant, urging Christians to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, even when faced with hardship. Wesley’s life and unwavering service continue to inspire many to live out their faith with dedication.

Keywords

💡Methodist Church

The Methodist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination that traces its origins to a religious movement founded by John Wesley in the 18th century. In the video, the Methodist Church is depicted as a result of Wesley's spiritual journey and his mission to spread a message of faith and holiness. The church's formation is highlighted as a significant outcome of Wesley's life and work, which transformed the English-speaking world.

💡Anglican minister

An Anglican minister is a clergy member of the Church of England or its related churches. In the context of the video, John Wesley is described as an Anglican minister who set sail to pastor British colonists in Savannah, Georgia. This term is crucial as it sets the stage for Wesley's initial role and the religious tradition he was part of before the formation of the Methodist movement.

💡Moravian

Moravians refer to members of the Moravian Church, a Protestant denomination known for its emphasis on mission work and communal living. In the video, German Moravians on the same ship as Wesley display calmness and faith during a storm, which contrasts with Wesley's fear and serves as a turning point for his spiritual reflection.

💡Holiness

Holiness, in a religious context, refers to a state of being free from sin and dedicated to a higher power. The video emphasizes Wesley's pursuit of holiness and his belief in the importance of leading a holy life. This concept is central to the Methodist Church's teachings and is exemplified by the practices of the Holy Club, which Wesley joined and later led.

💡Aldersgate Experience

The Aldersgate Experience refers to the pivotal moment in John Wesley's life when he felt his heart 'strangely warmed' and experienced a profound spiritual awakening. This event, which occurred during a meeting on Aldersgate Street, is a key turning point in the video and is often cited as the beginning of the Methodist movement.

💡George Whitefield

George Whitefield was a prominent 18th-century preacher and contemporary of John Wesley. In the video, Whitefield's outdoor preaching and the subsequent response from the working class, including coal miners, are mentioned as catalysts for Wesley's involvement in the burgeoning Methodist movement. Whitefield's influence is significant as it led to Wesley's decision to assist in the evangelization efforts.

💡Outdoor preaching

Outdoor preaching refers to the practice of delivering sermons in public spaces, as opposed to traditional church settings. The video describes Wesley's initial hesitation with Whitefield's outdoor preaching but eventually embracing it as a means to reach a wider audience. This practice became a hallmark of the Methodist movement and symbolized its commitment to making religion accessible to all.

💡Societies and Classes

In the Methodist Church, 'societies' and 'classes' refer to small groups of believers who meet for mutual support, prayer, and study. The video explains how Wesley organized these groups as the movement grew, with classes led by a leader and meeting weekly. These structures were instrumental in fostering community and spiritual growth among Methodists.

💡Entire sanctification

Entire sanctification is a theological concept in Methodism that emphasizes the possibility of being wholly dedicated to God and living a life free from voluntary sin. In the video, Wesley's exhortation to Christians to strive for entire sanctification is presented as a central tenet of the faith. This concept is illustrated through Wesley's own life and his teachings, which encourage believers to pursue a deeper level of holiness.

💡Revival

Revival, in a religious context, denotes a period of renewed interest in religious faith and practice. The video describes the Methodist Church's emergence during a time of spiritual revival, which had a profound impact on English-speaking countries. The revival is portrayed as a period of significant social and religious transformation, with Wesley's leadership playing a crucial role in guiding and shaping this movement.

Highlights

John Wesley's early life and his journey to Savannah, Georgia as an Anglican minister.

Wesley's fear during a storm at sea and the calm faith of German Moravians on the same ship.

Wesley's rigorous religious upbringing by his Anglican priest father and his mother's intense religious training.

The miraculous escape from a fire as a child, which his mother saw as a sign from God.

Wesley's involvement with the Holy Club at Oxford University and his role as Spiritual Director.

The Holy Club's practices of studying the Bible, praying daily, taking Communion, and visiting prisons.

Wesley's spiritual struggles despite his disciplined religious life and ordination.

The pivotal moment of Wesley's heart being 'strangely warmed' and his newfound faith on 24 May 1738.

George Whitefield's influence and the beginning of Wesley's outdoor preaching to the poor and working class.

The formation of the Methodist movement and its emphasis on community, prayer, and mutual support.

Wesley's establishment of societies, classes, schools, orphanages, and clinics to serve the community.

The challenges faced by Wesley and his followers, including bullying and threats on his life.

Wesley's extensive travels and preaching, covering over 4,000 miles annually and delivering 40,000 sermons in his lifetime.

The transformative impact of the Methodist Church on English-speaking countries and its potential role in preventing civil unrest.

Wesley's legacy and his exhortation for Christians to pursue 'entire sanctification'.

Transcripts

John Wesley may now be well-loved as the father of the Methodist church,

but he wasn’t always famous, nor successful.

In 1735, when he was 32 years old, he set sail from England across the Atlantic where,

as an Anglican minister, he was going to pastor

the British people who had colonized Savannah, Georgia.

There was a sudden great storm at sea, and he was gripped with fear.

To his amazement, the German Moravians on board the same ship were not.

They were calm, and sang hymns of praise.

“We are neither afraid for ourselves nor for our children,” they said.

Wesley could hardly bear to reckon with himself in the face of such faith.

Over time and in many ways, however, he had to search his heart and reflect on his life.

He had been brought up in a Christian family.

His dad, Samuel, was an Anglican priest.

His mum, Susanna, conducted rigorous religious training at home for her children.

There was no escaping Greek and Latin proficiency,

and John and his siblings were expected to memorize chunks of the New Testament.

And they even learnt Greek and Hebrew to read the Bible in the original language.

There was, arguably, even a miracle in his early years.

As a six-year-old, John was trapped by a raging fire that eventually destroyed his home.

Rescued from a second-storey window by a man standing on another man's shoulders, he was

“a brand plucked from the burning”, as he would later say.

His mother deemed this a sign from God that there was a special purpose for his life.

Wesley went through university at Oxford as a young adult.

When he returned later to tutor, he was invited to join, as Spiritual Director,

the Holy Club started by his brother Charles.

It was so-called because the members vowed to lead holy lives.

They studied the Bible and prayed daily.

They took Communion, and visited prisons regularly.

They were labelled ‘Methodists’ for their methodical ways.

In spite of these spiritual disciplines, and being an ordained minister,

Wesley seemed to always be mired in struggle.

He lacked the inner faith he yearned for, and he knew it.

[Wesley:] “I was indeed fighting continually, but not conquering.

I fell and rose, and fell again,” he wrote.

On 24 May 1738, something significant happened.

[Wesley:] “In the evening, I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one

was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans.

“About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the

"heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed.

“I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation and an assurance was given me

"that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

By the providence of God, George Whitefield, an Oxford Holy Club friend,

was preaching in Bristol around this time.

Poor, working people – especially coal miners – were coming to Christ in droves.

Whitefield needed help to attend to their needs.

Wesley was unsure about Whitefield’s practice of preaching outdoors

but decided to lend a hand.

He soon became the new leader of this growing movement.

They were to be, in his words,

"A company of men having the form and seeking the power of godliness,

united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation,

and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other

to work out their salvation.”

At first, his followers met in private home “societies”.

As these grew, Wesley started “classes” of 11 members with one leader, meeting weekly.

They started schools for poor children, orphanages, and clinics.

Everywhere they could, in whatever way they were able, they strived to do good.

Outsiders bullied them and hurled abuse.

Wesley even received threats on his life.

Nonetheless, he preached unrelentingly, convinced that “the world is my parish.”

He rode on horseback and travelled far and wide, more than 4,000 miles every year.

He never shied away from preaching in any place where people could gather, and once

even used his father’s tombstone as a platform.

In total, he is said to have preached 40,000 sermons by the time he died at age 87.

Thus, in the midst of clear and present revival, was the Methodist Church born.

It eventually transformed the English-speaking countries of the world.

Some historians believe it may have saved England from untold civil unrest,

such as was seen in France at the time.

By the end of his life, he was greatly loved and appreciated.

His exhortation to Christians – to always press on toward “entire sanctification”

– still rings true.

He wrote, “I always observe – wherever a work of sanctification breaks out –

the whole work of God prospers.”

May it be so, even in our time.

And may we be encouraged by Wesley’s life and faithful service to also follow Jesus

with all our hearts, no matter how difficult the road.