Are You A = Methodist

Are You A=20 Methodist?

In 1742, Wesley = published a short=20 pamphlet titled =93The Character of a Methodist=94, in which he = described several=20 characteristics of the typical Methodist. =20 He proceeded to list a number of marks of the Methodist life.

1. =20 Methodists are =93Happy in God=94. They rejoice because they have = found=20 forgiveness in Christ (Ephesians 1:7). =20 The Holy Spirit is present in their lives assuring them that they = are=20 children of God (Romans 8:18).

2. =20 In everything Methodists give thanks, knowing = they can=20 trust God even in the most distressing and trying situations = (1Peter5:7). They know that God cares for = them and=20 will deliver them.

3. =20 Methodists pray without ceasing (1Thessalonians=20 5:17). Even when they are = not in a=20 church or on their knees in private prayer, they continually walk with = God=20 (1John 1:7) and their hearts are =93ever lifted up to God, at all times, = and in=20 all places=94.

4. =20 As they love God, Methodists also love their = neighbors=20 (1John 4:21). Their = hearts are full=20 of love for everyone. = They love=20 their enemies, even =93the evil and the unthankful=94 enemies of God = (Luke=20 6:35). This is = constant. It continues even when it is = rejected by=20 those who are loved.

5. =20 Methodists are =93pure in heart=94 (Matthew = 5:8). The love of God has purified = their=20 hearts =93from all revengeful passions, from envy, malice, and wrath, = from every=20 unkind=94 attitude and feeling.

6. =20 A Methodist has one focus: doing God=92s will = (John=20 6:38).

7. =20 Methodists avoid evil (one of the General Rules = of the=20 Methodist Societies). = They=20 especially refrain from words and acts which might hurt others.

8. =20 They do good to all = =96=20 neighbors, strangers, friends, and enemies (another of the General = Rules).

Methodists=20 are able to live this type of life through the grace of God and the = company of=20 others.

Grace-LP-UMC Home