Summary
Highlights
John Wesley, though later celebrated as the father of Methodism, faced early struggles. In 1735, during a terrifying storm at sea, he witnessed the calm faith of German Moravians, contrasting sharply with his own fear. Raised in a devout Anglican family, his mother Susanna instilled rigorous religious training. A miraculous escape from a house fire at age six was seen by his mother as a sign of God's special purpose for him.
At Oxford, Wesley joined and became spiritual director of the 'Holy Club,' founded by his brother Charles. This group was known for its methodical spiritual disciplines, including Bible study, prayer, communion, and prison visitation, earning them the nickname 'Methodists.' Despite these practices, Wesley yearned for a deeper, inner faith, confessing, "I was indeed fighting continually, but not conquering. I fell and rose, and fell again."
A pivotal moment occurred on May 24, 1738, at a society meeting in Aldersgate Street, where someone was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. As the text described the change God works through faith in Christ, Wesley recounted, "I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death."
Prompted by George Whitefield's success in open-air preaching to the poor, Wesley overcame his initial hesitation and joined the movement, soon becoming its leader. His followers formed 'societies' and 'classes,' establishing schools, orphanages, and clinics to do good wherever possible. Despite facing abuse and threats, Wesley preached relentlessly, famously stating, "the world is my parish." He traveled extensively, preaching over 40,000 sermons. The Methodist Church, born from this revival, transformed English-speaking countries and may have even prevented civil unrest in England. Wesley's legacy emphasizes 'entire sanctification' and continues to encourage faithful service.