WESLEY'S RULES FOR METHODISTS, PART III

In this third and final part of our look at John Wesley's General Rules for Methodist Societies, we will consider the 3rd Rule. In the last two editions of the Good News Express we saw that the primary goal of each rule was spiritual – not harming others (or self) spiritually, and doing all to promote the spiritual well being of others. This fits with Wesley's general instruction to his preachers, that they "have nothing to do but to save souls." The 3rd General Rule, "Attend upon all the ordinances of God," hones in on the imperative of tending to the well
-being of our spiritual lives and cultivating our relationship with God. I remind you that for early Methodists the keeping of these rules was the minimum requirement for remaining a member in good standing, unlike today, when is seems the only requirement is to be a warm body!

It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation…,

Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordinances of God; such are:
The "ordinances of God" refer to the means of grace and the spiritual disciples, practices that help us to grow to become mature Christians and to remain spiritually healthy and fruitful for God.

The public worship of God. Worship is a means of grace. As Christians regularly gather in worship we experience the special presence of God. Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I also." The Holy Spirit uniquely works through worship to renew our minds and shape our hearts and lives into
the image of Christ.

The ministry of the Word, either read or expounded. The reading and hearing of God's Word has always been central to Methodists. Wesley held a high view of the inspiration of the Bible, believing it to be
God's inerrant and infallible revelation to mankind, showing us the way of salvation. The reading and exposition of the Bible was viewed as essential to right worship and to growth in holiness and in love for God and others.

The Supper of the Lord. As one of the primary means of grace, Wesley recommended that Christians participate in the Lord's Supper as often as it is available, daily if possible. The monthly communion in many UM churches today comes from the time of the circuit riding preachers of the American frontier, who would make the rounds once a month to officiate at communion.

Family and private prayer. Prayer was not to be confined to church services or prayer meetings, but was to be a daily part of family and personal life.

Searching the Scriptures. Early Methodists were expected to be "self-feeders," not spoon-fed. They were not merely to read the Bible devotionally but study it, on their own and in small groups, to discover God's truth for themselves.

Fasting or abstinence. Wesley recognized the value of these ancient spiritual disciplines help us to focus our minds on prayer and on seeking God. Depriving our bodies of food or pleasure for a time enables us to be more alert to our spiritual needs and to have a greater awareness of God and his will for our lives.

These are the General Rules of our societies; all of which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written Word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on truly awakened hearts. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul as they who must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways. We will bear with him for a season. But then, if he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls.

A major emphasis of the early Methodists was the idea of "watching over one another in love." We are our brother's (and sister's) keepers. Methodism was largely about caring for one another and holding one another accountable in our daily walk with Christ and our service to others.

In Christ's Love, Pastor Carlos