Why a Methodist?

PK’s Corner                                                   

 November 2012        

Matthew 28:19a “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” ³⁴

In Southeast Missouri, the United Methodist Church is dwarfed by the number of other denominational and non-denominational churches.  Over the past few years, I have come to question why I am a Methodist. 

Why am I a Methodist?  Because of what was started in a college “Holy Club” almost 300 years ago. 

Why am I a Methodist?   Because John Wesley decided to follow Christ’s example and become “more vile” and start preaching to the poor and outcast rather than the churched elite.

Why am I a Methodist?  Because historically, the Methodist movement has been at the fringe of society and civilization, offering the word of God to those who can’t get to a church.

Why am I a Methodist?  Because in Methodism I see a love for God that crosses denominational, philosophical, and physical barriers put up by the world.

Why am I a Methodist?  Because in my heart of hearts, I know God has called me to preach, teach and serve in this denomination. 

Why am I a Methodist?  Because the more I learn of God’s call in my life, the more I see how this denomination can help fulfill that call.

Why am I a Methodist? Because we offer an openness that opens hearts, minds and doors to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

In a country that is full of denominational angst, and in a time where denominational affiliation is not the “in thing”, Methodism still guides, leads and brings people to Christ.  And after people accept Christ, Methodism offers a path to grow closer and seek a deeper relationship with God.

Methodism is not the only way to Christ, but for me it is the right way.  I thank God for what John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Francis Asbury and others started so long ago. 

Amen

Cost of Faith

 October 2012

John 10: 39b “….Then Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; ³⁴

What is your faith costing you?

Now there is a conversation starter.  What would happen if you asked your friends, family, neighbors this question?  Would there be an awkward silence and then a switch to a new subject?  Would we discuss the cost of discipleship or start talking about the local football team? 

But, really, what is your faith costing you?  Or is it costing anything? 

When was the last time you came to church?  Were you hoping for God’s presence rather than a comfortable seat?  When was the last time you felt God calling you to step out of your box and into a ministry?  When was the last time you actively did ministry in your church or community?

The point is, faith must cost, because unless we are willing to lay down everything for Christ, we really aren’t willing to follow Christ.  That’s right, you cannot have the world and Christ too, and you have to make a decision. 

The son’s of Thunder (James and John) were told that they would drink from the cup that Christ drank from.  Later James would be martyred and John would die in exile of old age after numerous tortures.  The reality, Faith costs, and if it is not costing you anything, then there is a pretty fair bet you aren’t in it.

Is Christ calling you to move outside you comfort zone, to start or restart a ministry?  Is the Holy Spirit laying on your heart saying “There is more to be done”?  Listen to them.  Hear what God has for you, because the true cost of discipleship, is truly no cost at all, it is the releasing of what ties us to the world.

So, what is your faith costing you?

Amen