Wesley’s “Rules of the Band-Societies,” December 25, 1738.

John Wesley wrote his "Rules of the Band-societies," in 1738. Putting these rules into practice in Church small groups might be a good idea! Accountability and transparency among believers are needed like never before. It may seem a bit strict or legalistic to the modern mind. But why not try it? It could be life-changing. It could help us become more like Jesus. 

"The band meeting, a proven discipleship model for growing in love through the accountability of small, same-gender groups, was one of the defining characteristics of the Methodist movement started by John Wesley in the mid-1700s. In reflection on Wesley’s class meeting and band meeting structure, George Whitfield once said, “My Brother Wesley acted wisely, the souls that were awakened under his ministry he joined in class, and thus preserved the fruits of his labor. This I neglected, and my people are a rope of sand.”  - www.seedbed.com

                 John Wesley's Rules

"The design of our meeting is, to obey that command of God, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”

To this end, we intend –

1. To meet once a week, at the least.
2. To come punctually at the hour appointed, without some extraordinary reason.
3. To begin (those of us who are present) exactly at the hour, with singing or prayer.
4. To speak each of us in order, freely and plainly, the true state of our souls, with the faults we have committed in thought, word, or deed, the temptations we have felt, since our last meeting.
5. To end every meeting with prayer, suited to the state of each person present.
6. To desire some person among us to speak his own state first, and then to ask the rest, in order, as many and as searching questions as may be, concerning their state, sins, and temptations.

Some of the questions proposed to every one before he is admitted among us may be to this effect: —

1. Have you the forgiveness of your sins?
2. Have you peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ?
3. Have you the witness of God’s Spirit with your spirit, that you are a child of God?
4. Is the love of God shed abroad in your heart?
5. Has no sin, inward or outward, dominion over you?
6. Do you desire to be told of your faults?
7. Do you desire to be told of all your faults, and that plain and home?
8. Do you desire that every one of us should tell you, from time to time, whatsoever is in his heart concerning you?
9. Consider! Do you desire we should tell you whatsoever we think, whatsoever we fear, whatsoever we hear, concerning you?
10. Do you desire that, in doing this, we should come as close as possible, that we should cut to the quick, and search your heart to the bottom?
11. Is it your desire and design to be on this, and all other occasions, entirely open, so as to speak everything that is in your heart without exception, without disguise, and without reserve?

Any of the preceding questions may be asked as often as occasion offers; the four following at every meeting: —

1. What known sins have you committed since our last meeting?
2. What temptations have you met with?
3. How were you delivered?
4. What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
5. Is there anything you desire to keep secret?" 

Enjoying The Trinity

 

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” – 2 Corinthians 13:14

"...we see that the Father, Son and Spirit, while distinct persons, are absolutely inseparable from each other. Not confused, but undividable. They are who they are together. They always are together, and thus they always work together." (1)

The mystery of all mysteries is that the One true God comprises three distinct persons. For reasons I cannot comprehend, God desired to create people to enjoy him and to cultivate the earth, under his leadership.

God does not need us, but thankfully, He desires us. He has never been lonely, nor has he ever needed a relationship outside of himself. This Divine community that theologians call the Trinity experienced perfect union and fellowship before the world's creation. If God were a solitary God (which some religions believe) how could he love us? God is love. God is three persons. Our trinitarian God was in a community of love before he created anyone.

Our union with Christ grants us access to the throne room of God by the Holy Spirit. Jesus seated at the Father's right hand guarantees that he hears our prayers (Hebrews 4:16.)

But, our communion with God serves a greater purpose than to answer our prayers. Answered prayer is good, but experiencing God as Father is the ultimate joy.

The reality that we can enjoy God is a foreign concept to many.

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is not a hard taskmaster. We get to see the Father in the life of the Son.

Jesus said that his yoke was easy and that his burden was light (Matt. 11:30.) And, if you have seen Him, you have seen the Father(John 14:9.)

The Father sent Jesus to earth to reveal his heart to those who would become his children.

The Father and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit so that we could be filled and indwelt with the very life of God.

May we all learn to enjoy the mystery of our Trinitarian God. As we look forward to the redemption of our bodies (Rom.8:23.)

“But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” (I Cor. 2:9)

(1) Delighting In The Trinity, Michael Reeves, page 34

The Mountains: A Place Of Encounter

 Scripture:

"...Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." - Luke 6:12

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." - Luke 5:16

A Reflection:

I saw the Alps from a distance.

I was a passenger in a car in a small town in Germany. We were turning around in a parking lot when one of my companions pointed to them in the distance.

I was traveling with my son-in-law and his associates - they were there for business - I was tagging along. While I was grateful to see so many beautiful sites in Germany, Churches, Castles, and other historical sites, I was disappointed we didn't make time to visit the mountains.

Mountains are significant in Scripture. 

They are holy places where we find God's servants encountering the Divine.

The Bible tells us stories of God - encounters on mountains - considered "Sacred sites' and places of "transcendent spiritual experiences."

" Ezekiel 28:13-15 places the Garden of Eden on a mountain. Abraham shows his willingness to sacrifice Isaac and then encounters God on a mountain" (Gen 22:1-14). Moses met God in a cloud on Mt. Sinai  (Ex 3:19). (1) 

 Jesus went to the mountains to pray(Mt 14:23) in solitude(Jn 6:15) and to be with his Father. He was transfigured (Mt 17:1-8) in the presence of his disciples, ascended into heaven(Acts 1:10-12), and "refuted Satan's temptations" (Mt 4:8) from the mountains.

We may not have access to a physical mountain to pray daily, but we can have that special place to commune with God. And to refute the devil's lies by believing and speaking the truth of Scripture (out loud). 

My companions and I allowed inconvenient obstacles like money and time to keep us from experiencing the Alps. Don't let distractions keep you from encountering the LORD.  We make time and sacrifices for what we value most. We have access to the throne of grace at any time.

Prayer:

 Father, we come into your presence through Jesus - by the Holy Spirit. Would you help us to find a place of solitude? It doesn't have to be a mountain but a place where we can meet with You undistracted. We ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know you better. We are desperate to encounter Your Presence. And to learn what it means to abide in You. Amen

(1) Source: Dictionary of Biblical Imagery

I'm Groaning

 The Scripture:

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." - Romans 8:22-26  ESV

Reflection:

Is it just me? Is it just my age? Or is anyone else groaning?  What about creation?

The answer is yes to all of the above questions. There is a lot of groaning - Scripture says that all creation is groaning.  We groan in our physical bodies and long to be "swallowed up" in immorality.

There is a heaviness in the air. Real opposition.

It is the world, the flesh, and the devil (in collusion) bringing depression and hopelessness to the inhabitants of the earth. The heaviness that the enemy of our soul brings is to keep us from completing the assignment God has given to his children to accomplish. 

The Apostle Paul wrote; "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." - 2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV

Whatever else predestination means - it means God has a people. A people being conformed to the image of Jesus and doing good works. 

Our assignment is to bring the values and ethics of Jesus to those around us. I have failed at this often.

Only spiritually transformed people (not perfect) can advance God's agenda on earth.

Transformation only comes to those who have the joy of the LORD through fellowship with the Father and the Son.

God wants to be known, loved, and valued. While He is not lonely he desires our company. Our time with Him in prayer empowers us to live a life pleasing to him and beneficial to those around us.

He reveals himself to those who humble themselves and acknowledge their spiritual poverty. Only through God's Word and Presence can this transformation take place. 

It's still possible to seek Him. As long as we have breath - it's not too late. 

Salvation is in Jesus alone. (John 14:6) Our hope is in Jesus the King who will return to set up his Kingdom and restore the earth to its original purpose. 

All things will be summed up in Christ - the maker of Heaven and Earth.

Scripture To Meditate On:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:3 NIV

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 ESV

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." - Romans 8:29 ESV

"When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

“O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?” - 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 ESV

" For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." -  Colossians 1:16-18 ESV

"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea." - Revelation 21:1 ESV

Speaking Truth To Power

 

My Thoughts:

Speaking truth to power is a phrase I hear often. It reminds me of the various protest movements against governments that date back to the volatile 1960s. We see it today from groups on the political left and right.

It is great to have a democracy that, in theory, allows free speech. Although, the reality is that you could lose your job over your opinions.

Jesus taught his disciples to worship him in Spirit and Truth. He gave his disciples both then and now spiritual authority over the demonic. 

The Apostle Paul taught that the real powers in charge occupy the spiritual realm. They influence political decisions and policies we see played out on earth. Many politicians are puppets serving their dark overlords.

We need to face it: monovalent entities are pulling the strings of their political puppets whose policies are counter to the Kingdom of God.

When we hear lies, we should counter them with the truth of Scripture, not our political opinions. 

That is how we speak truth to power. 

When the spiritual powers hear the proclamation of the gospel and when people receive it - they tremble.

 Principalities and Powers are not fearful of believers who do not speak the truth in love. They scoff at our attempts to argue with the people they control.

Yelling at demons during a prayer meeting is not how we exercise spiritual authority. We pray to God and invite his presence to drive the darkness away. The proclamation of truth and prayer are effective ways to push darkness away. People who submit to Jesus through a lifestyle that reflects the values of the Kingdom see results. We have authority over demons, but our focus must be on God.

The Scripture:

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 6:12 ESV (Read the whole chapter)

 "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." - Ephesians 5: 11 

"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” - Luke 10:19-20 

Note: In Luke 10:19-20 Jesus is talking about ground-level spiritual warfare. Disciples of Jesus have the power and authority to cast demons out of people and sometimes places. We have not been - given the authority to cast out evil cosmic powers in the heavenly realms. Those Powers that influence cities, states, and governments can only be - removed through the proclamation of the gospel, repentance, and prayer.

Here is the Apostle Paul's spiritual battle plan:

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6: 13-20 

 

Formed By The Presence

 

The Quote:

"Our hearts need to come to the fixed conclusion that God is everywhere present - that He is more real than the things we may think of as "real" and is deeply and utterly committed to our transformation into the image of His beloved Son. Any Christianity that embraces a less-integrated worldview is rendered increasingly powerless. It is a Christianity whose God exists only in an abstract sense. Such a life is madness in the end. It cannot but be encumbered with doubt while fostering opinion and argument in the place of faith. The result is an intellectualized faith (however simple or sophisticated), always driven by culture, either in ignorant subservience or in whatever form its political masters direct for the "culture wars." What Christianity in its various secularized forms has not done and cannot do is to produce true culture. The production of culture is not the goal of the Christian faith, but a faith that is truly integrated and grounded in the God who is everywhere present cannot help but produce culture - for it produces a whole humanity. (1)

My Thoughts:

How we think about and interact with God determines how we live life. God is committed to our transformation into Christ-likeness. The things we speak and the actions we take come from our hearts. I hear very little about the awareness of God's omnipresence and our transformation into the image of His Son as the answer to our cultural meltdown. 

I fear many evangelicals have "kissed the ring" of political power to the detriment of the Gospel message. A secularized form of Christianity is weak and non-efective. 

Moral transformation only becomes a reality for those who - have been formed by the Presence of God. There is no division between the secular and sacred for those who acknowledge His presence. 

The Holy Spirit is here, among us now.

 God is not "the man upstairs" - He is ever present.

Scriptures For Meditation:

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. - Colossians 3:2-4 ESV 

 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2

"Where shall I go from your Spirit?

    Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning

    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

 even there your hand shall lead me,

    and your right hand shall hold me." - Psalm 139: 7-10

"Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” - John 18:36

(1) Every Where Present, Stephen Freeman, pages 95-96.