Wesley Corpus

He cannot utter an unkind word of any one; for love keeps the door of his lips. He cannot speak "idle words;" "no corrupt communication" ever "comes out of his mouth," as is all that "which is" not "good to the use of edifying," not "fit to minister grace to the hearers." But "whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things areas justly "of good report," he thinks, and speaks, and acts, "adorning the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in all things." If Wesley's account is accurate, there seems to have been some perceptible difference between the Methodist lifestyle and the lifestyle dominant in 18th century English culture. Because of a different value system, Methodists lived their lives in a different way than their neighbors. Question: Is there any difference today between the way United Methodists live their lives and the ways dominant in our culture? In what areas do we need to learn to be different? What Gospel values will most impact our way of living? How will we lead in churches that have often succumbed to modern pictures of success? 16. Lastly. As he has time, he "does good unto all men;" unto neighbours and strangers, friends and enemies: And that in every possible kind; not only to their bodies, by "feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting those that are sick or in prison;" but much more does he labour to do good to their souls, as of the ability which God giveth; to awaken those that sleep in death; to bring those who are awakened to the atoning blood, that, "being justified by faith, they may have peace with God;" and to provoke those who have peace with God to abound more in love and in good works. And he is willing to "spend and be spent herein," even "to be offered up on the sacrifice and service of their faith," so they may "all come unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Supposedly there was a poll done several years ago, indicating that 90% of pastors thought the purpose of the church was to be outward focused, impacting the world for Christ, while 90% of laity thought the purpose was to be inward focused, taking care of members. Question: Do you think this poll picture fits your experience of congregational life to any degree?