“The Means of Grace” John Wesley Sermon 16: Short and Sweet!

Показать описание

Pastor Larry Brown’s Vision
Every generation needs to hear the life giving and grace filled Biblical principles proclaimed by John Wesley. His sermons helped ignite and nurture a worldwide spiritual revival in the 1700s.
However, we have 2 challenges. The sermons are too long and old fashioned for modern ears. Therefore, my sincere desire is to laser focus on the heart of his message and present it in today’s English language.
My prayer is that it will awaken a hunger to read Wesley’s full length sermons and once again spread scriptural holiness across our world!

Full text Resourses:

“John Wesley on Christian Beliefs: The Standard Sermons in Modern English Vol 1” by Kenneth Cain Kinghorn. Abingdon Press. 2002. (In modern English.)

“Wesley’s Doctrinal Standards, Part 1: The Sermons”. Edited by Rev. N. Burwash. Schmul Publishing. 1988. (In Wesley’s own words.)

Pastor Larry Brown’s abridged message
was taken from Larry’s own outline below:

John Wesley’s Sermon #16 Outline: “The Means of Grace ”
Mal. 3:7
I. The Place of Ordinances
1. Using the Means of Grace was common in the Early Church
2. Later, many overemphasized the outward acts, neglecting the inward change of the heart
3. Some abused the Means by denying that any grace was given.
4. Still others stressed the inward grace, downplaying the outward act
5. Leading many more to abandon the Means of grace altogether.
6. The idea of giving up on the Means of grace has spread widely throughout the Church even to this day!

II. The Means of Grace Explained
1. By the “Means of Grace”, I mean the outward symbols, words, and actions that God ordained to be the ordinary channels of conveying His Prevenient, Justifying, and Sanctifying grace to our souls. The most important Means being: Prayer, Bible study, and the Lord’s Supper.
2. Beware that if these Means do not help advance God’s love, they are worthless
3. Our Sovereign God does not need them, but He chooses to bless us through their regular use.
4. Understand that using the Means will not save us, only Christ’s atoning blood does that
5. Furthermore, there is no merit given to us for using them
6. Faith alone saves us
7. But what about those who are not yet saved, shall they use the Means while waiting for Salvation?
8. Let us check the Scriptures for the answer.

III. Scriptural encouragement to Use
1. The Bible clearly instructs that all who desire the grace of God should use all the Means available, particularly prayer.
2. For If we ask in prayer, we shall receive the Holy Spirit
3. The Lord wants us to pray and not lose heart..
4. From Jesus’ parables, we see that He wants us to pray persistently
5. Also, when we pray in secret, God will reward us.
6. Prayer is for everyone, including the believer and the seeker.
7. Another important Means is studying the Bible.
8. This will lead us to true wisdom.
9. Do not neglect the Old Testament
10. It too is profitable for the Unsaved
11. Lastly, partake of the Lord’s Supper, but be sure to examine yourselves first
12. The Lord’s Supper is a standard, clear Means of receiving the grace of God.