Wesley's Sermons Analysis

This week’s reading contained three of Wesley’s sermons and an extensive set of minutes from the Wesley brothers’ Christian conferences at various points during the 1700’s. The sermons this week provided a wrap up of the topics discussed in the Collins, Cobb, and Runyon text books in recent weeks.
The Scripture Way of Salvation began the wrap up with Wesley’s views on the fruits of faith; faith being the only item necessary to justify humans and by extension to sanctify humans. The second sermon, The Duty of Constant Communion, discussed the importance of coming to the Lord’s Supper regardless of the sinful condition of the person. This was no doubt written by Wesley in later years given the absolute inclusiveness that was not seen during
However, its purpose appears to be the practical application of Wesley’s theology and the care of those within the connection. What struck me about these minutes was their formal nature. The leaders of these conversations appeared to anticipate many obstacles which future class leaders and preachers would face and returned with eloquent and authoritative yet attentive responses. For instance, regarding those overcome with nostalgia for the former notion that a sin-free life is attainable, the Wesleyan conversation writes, “Exhort them to forget the things that are in the past and to watch and pray always, that God may search the ground of their hearts.” In regards to preaching houses, another conversation group implores, “Let all preaching houses be built plain and decent, but not more expensive than is absolutely unavoidable. Otherwise the necessity of raising money will make rich men necessary to us.” Surprisingly, I did not expect to find Wesley’s instituted and prudential means of grace within conversation
My context of rural northern Minnesota has the unfortunate experience of frequent lay-offs, due to the ebbs and flows of the mining industry, and an overabundance of part-time and casual employment. Today’s inflation rate causes most family systems to incorporate a minimum of two employed adults (equating to one and one half to two full-time positions) to balance their finances accordingly. If an adult is fortunate enough to attain two part-time positions that do not conflict with one another, that is when full-time employment is unavailable, then their chances of being able to care for their body and mind as Wesley instructs