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 the leader 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 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.---- from The Journal of John Wesley, May 24, 1738
This was John Wesley's Aldersgate experience, it happened more than 260 years ago. It was 1738 and John Wesley was at the age of 34. On May 24, 1738, he attended an evening worship service in London which moved him deeply. In his journal, Wesley described this as his "Aldersgate experience". As I reflect on John Wesley's Aldersgate experience, it can be seen that God can use anything, including a preface to change a person's heart. ... truly amazing! To those who say that reading commentary make them fall asleep, I would say that without the Holy Spirit & an interest in the study of God's Word, regardless of what we read, we would fall asleep! ... this is not just a simple change, but a significant one. How significant? It is a turning point in Wesley's life. It was said that he was able to travel 5,000 miles a year, preaching about 15 sermons a week. Wesley's energy was simply amazing. The meetings were attended by thousands. However, Wesley had not been always successful in his preaching. From his journal, we know that his mission trip to America was difficult and discouraging. While he was doing his missionary work in America (which is before his Aldersgate experience), many things didn't go right. ... ... this caused John Wesley to question his faith. John Wesley returned to England discouraged and intending to give up preaching. However, God wasn't going to allow him to give up. In his time of distress, he met Peter Böhler, a member of the German Moravian Brethren, who encourage him to "Preach faith 'til you have it, and then because you have it, you will preach faith."
Indeed, John Wesley did. At his gravestone, we can see these words:
This great light arose
(by the singular providence of God)
to enlighten these nations.
Reader, if thou art constrained
to bless the instrument,
give God the glory.
May God give us strength & determination to serve Him as John Wesley did! ... in whatever walks of life we may be in. To God be the Glory!
Further Reading
Twentieth-Century Interpretations of John Wesley's Aldersgate experience: Coherence or Cofusion? [by Kenneth J Collins]
Spirit and Form in Wesley's theology: A Response to Keefer's "John Wesley: Disciple of Early Christianity" [by Howard A Snyder]
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2 comments:
Hi Ignatius,
I've just seen your comments to my post in nc-conventicle. Haven't visited that section for some time and didn't know that u posted.
Am I a Methodist u asked? Yes. A Calvinistic Methodist to be specific.
Am I a Methodist minister? No. Although I was a pastoral assistant (lay) for some years and was mostly engaged in teaching and preaching.
At Aldersgate services every year for sometime now, I have mixed feelings. I value the Wesleyan heritage, especially the hymns. But I wish Methodism in S'pore is able to widen their perspective to include and promote the tradition of their Reformed brothers and sisters too. It's strange that Methodists often think of John Wesley as the founder of the movement when historically there were the Calvinists as well, e.g. Whitefield, Howell Harris, Daniel Rowland, etc.
Hi Edwin,
Aldersgate services ...have mixed feelings? As to whether Methodist are able to widen their perspective to include and promote the TRADITION of their Reformed brothers and sisters, I think other denominations (Anglicans, Charismatics,etc) are just as guilty. Often, the different denominations are unable even to promote their own tradition. As in the US, denominations distinctiveness (traditions) is slowly (already?!) forgotten among the members.It seems to me Christians are no longer interested in tradition.The majority of Singaporean Christians also see no need for reason (in matters of religious faith) & theology. They believe more in experience, which can be dangerous, as who knows where it can lead one to!
At this year's Aldersgate service,Bishop Robert Solomon really make everyone feel welcomed. From the memebers of the three annual conferences to even non-Methodist! I was surprised because too often,we are not inclusive enough. It's always MY church, MY cell group, MY cell group leader, MY pastor, MY experience,MY favourite bible version, MY ...... Through Bishop R Solomon's simple act (but rare), I see the love and unity taught by Jesus.
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