ALMOST or ALTOGETHER

(S1) — SERIES — Scripture — Salvation

When I met Jesus — Mountain — Life change — Questions

(S2) — Am I a really a Christian?

The Apostle Paul had been confronted with similar questions after his conversion...

“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” Romans 7:15

This question, plagued John Wesley as well, in his effort to live a Christian life.

Asked by the Moravian leader...Did he, have faith in Christ? Was he a real Christian? Wesley said he did, but later reflected, "I fear they were vain words."

“It was this uncertainty in Wesley’s soul; his need for assurance of salvation and his fear of eternal judgment, that perpetuated his desire to learn more of God’s mercy and grace and how he was to live that out as a Christian.”

28...Yet my own conscience beareth me witness in the Holy Ghost, that all this time I was but almost a Christian

Am I really a Christian?

Today’s scripture, the apostle is making his case before King Agrippa…listen to the assurance in his words...

Read 19-23

(S3) — So persuasive is his confidence, that he himself is a Christian, that the king, responds…

Acts 26:28 Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”

The kings response to Paul, is the foundation for Wesley’s message preached at St Mary’s of Oxford, only weeks after his conversion…Not only having doubts of how he was living his own life as a Christian, Wesley saw evidence of what he called, being an almost Christian, in his church.

He addresses this question of how a Christian is to live a Holy or sanctified life, by using as an example many of his colleagues at Oxford; those who he spoke of as only “Almost Christian.” The church that had become ineffective at producing the fruit of repentance needed for salvation, and in it witness to the spirit in loving God and neighbor.

What we refer to today as, Making Disciples...

(S4) — The premise for Wesley’s strong discourse, comes from 2 Tim. where Paul warns the early church, to be wary of, those who only look good on the outside...

2 Timothy 3:5 “They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.

Like the cicada...having only the shell of a Christian...

You can see why Wesley was not popular…and eventually bared from preaching in the churches. Yet, that did not stop him from sharing the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus, what it had done in him —

He would go on to claim, ‘The World is my parish’

John Wesley’s fear for Methodism and the church

I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out. J.W. Thoughts Upon Methodism, Watson Kevin

In many ways, the American church has diminished in its effectiveness in bringing people into the saving grace, and the sanctifying spirit that comes in a relationaship with Jesus. We have gotten good at mission, loving all people, inclusiveness, creating programs…but are we changing lives by leading people to faith in Jesus?

(S5) — National Study of youth and religion

“Teenagers consistently demonstrate an openness to religion, but few of them are deeply committed to one. Tending to young people may be way of reclaiming our own altogether faith. This lackadasical faith is not young people’s issues, but ours — Church (parents).”

The study reveals a theological fault line running underneath american churches; an adherence to do good, feel good spirituality that has little to do with the Triune God of Christian tradition and even less to do with loving Jesus Christ enough to follow him into the world.” NSYR

This almost Christian religion has come about because of the churches ineffectiveness at making disciples of Jesus who follow him into the world. A form of religion without the power.

(S6) — What is needed? Wesley, coins the term... ‘The ‘ALTOGETHER’ Christian

What we believe about the Christian life as Methodists? How are we supposed to live as followers of Jesus? What is an ALMOST Christian and ALTOGETHER Christian?

The Christian life was never meant to be just about one moment — Some may have come to faith very mountainous way, while for others its more subtle.

“It’s when you know in your knower that you know” (J.G)

That is where the apostle was...and Wesley was... on their faith journey — Knowing in their heart of hearts, that Jesus loved, died, and rose for their sins and lived to show them how to live as one who follows...

The ALMOST Christian

They have some sense of RIGHT and WRONG, TRUTH and JUSTICE, a set of common virtues. They Look Good on the outside, in their practice of faith...

(S7) —

“the almost Christian does nothing that the gospel forbids. He or she does not make wrongful use of the name of God, but blesses others and refrains from judging them. They do not swear oaths, they speak with a simple yes or no. They do not desecrate the Lord’s Day or even permit it to be defiled by their guests. The almost Christian avoids adultery, fornication, and unchaste behavior or even the slightest word or glance that tends toward these things.”

One who is in all accounts RESPECTABLE in nature; and a GOOD PERSON (“the high-minded hypocrite.”)

(S8) — He goes on to describe this almost Christian as,

“one who is just to another, respectable of their neighbor, who tends to the needs of the poor, honest in his dealings with others, and owes no man anything.” He doesn’t take the Lords name in vain, he honors the Sabbath; He avoids all the evils (and lists them), he abstains from wine wherein is excess, from revealing and gluttony, he does not lie, willingly judge, seek revenge or intentionally hurt another.

His goal he says is to live at peace with all people. He is by all means and in the view of the world, “A GOOD PERSON”

Do you know any good people?

Paul before he was Paul — Saul of Tarsus — Schooled as a Pharisee — A tentmaker— he was a good man of faith

(S9) —

“As the Jewish leaders are well aware, I was given a thorough Jewish training from my earliest childhood among my own people and in Jerusalem. If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion.” Acts 26:4-5

He practiced all the religious rules — Worshiped, Prayed — Esteemed in his life and profession by the religious...

“Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.” 2 Cor. 11:22

Wesley’s pedigree was pretty impressive as well...

Son of Samuel Wesley, educated at Oxford, appointed Rector of South Ormesby, a small Lincolnshire parish in the patronage of the Marquis of Normanby in 1691.

Most impressive is his mother Susanna Annesly Wesley...Who methodically and regularly schooled all the children in education and of the bible...

From birth they were “put into a regular METHOD of living,” At a year old they were taught to fear the rod and to cry softly. They were confined to 3 meals a day and had to eat such things as were provided for the family. At six in the evening after family prayers, they had supper, were washed and put to bed where they were left alone.

“One of Charles’s sons wrote later of his Grandmother,

She had the happy talent of imbuing a child’s mind with every kind of useful knowledge in such a way as to stamp it indelibly on the memory.” It is little wonder that the Kitchen in the Old Rectory at Epworth is referred to as “The powerhouse of Methodism.” (1)

Wesley a man of faith and yet would really not know it in his heart until his conversion, that he himself was but an almost christian”

(S10) — Is GOOD good ENOUGH?

Jesus was approached by many such as these; those whose love was only an outward expression of duty and whose state of soul was of greater concern.

The parable of the “Rich Young Ruler” who asks, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?”

Teaching his disciples, it is difficult for some like these to enter the kingdom.

What Wesley is here implying by being “almost a Christian” Those whose walk appears holy, but possess not the power of God, are like an

Apple that appears tasty on the outside...

On the face of it, it looks almost impossible to be even a decent “almost Christian” doesn’t it? We must careful to not hang our hat on the worlds truth that being GOOD is good ENOUGH.

(S11) — What then is the ALTOGETHER Christian?

Acts 26:17–18 (NLT)

I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart (sanctified) by faith in me.’

...one who is “Holy in Heart and Life.”

Pastor Jim — not perfect, but intentions of heart and mind are of God

Wesley sums up what it means according to scripture and his interpretation of it what is implied to be an “altogether Christian.”

One who has the “faith that worketh by love, love of God and love of neighbor.” The altogether Christian (JWS, pg. 61)

(S12) — He goes on to break this down...The ALTOGETHER Christian...

I. ...LOVES GOD

Their love for God OCCUPIES completely, their WHOLE heart”

Mark 12:30 “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’”

They have no greater affection for anything or anyone else. God’s love fills the entire capacity of their soul.

Love of God over love of Jenny

They continually rejoices in God their savior in all his ways — Praise is always on their lips...

It is God’s power who dwells solely in them...

Living on only my power...

Without the love of God in my whole heart…even my WILL will grow weak

Psalm 73:26 “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart...”

DO YOU LOVE GOD?

(S13) — The ALTOGETHER Christian...

II. ...LOVES PEOPLE

Having the love of NEIGHBOR as Christ loves us...

1 John 4:11 “Since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.”

Who is your neighbor?

‘EVERYONE you meet’ (Fred Rogers)

That is every child of he who puts breath into them. Even love for our enemies...

Matthew 5:44-45 “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.

One who loves and forgives as Christ loves and forgives

Colossians 3:13 “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Love of neighbor defined for us by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13...

“Loving people doesn't mean you cant have principles disagreement.” J. Greenway

DO YOU LOVE PEOPLE?

(S14) —Third…the ALTOGETHER Christian...

...is Grounded in FAITH

They possesses a “KNOW SO” kind of faith, grounded in the Lord Jesus Christ, as opposed to the almost Christian who possesses a “HOPE SO” kind of faith knowing all about God but lacking the complete faith and trust in Him.

Do you HOPE…or do you KNOW…?

"The right and true Christian faith is, not only to believe that Holy Scripture and the Articles of our Faith are true, but also to have a sure trust and confidence to be saved from everlasting damnation by Christ. It is a sure trust and confidence which a man hath in God, that, by the merits of Christ, his sins are forgiven, and he reconciled to the favour of God; whereof doth follow a loving heart, to obey his commandments."

A faith that is assured of salvation is living in obedience to the word and will of God, even if the world, our cultural, or our circumstances say otherwise.

Cancer? The Lord’s got me in his hands (Mark)

The altogether Christian's life no matter the circumstances is grounded in FAITH

“Knowing in your knower that you know.” J. Greenway

Is your knowing grounded in FAITH?

(S15) The ALTOGETHER Christian...

...is a WITNESS to the spirit of God in them.

“Their love for God, for people, and their faith, brings forth REPENTANCE and the FRUIT of it.”

They are reborn of God; “and hath the spirit living in them”

They believe in the son of God, who gives everlasting life.

They claim the victory of Jesus in their souls, who helps them overcometh the sin of the world; “all that seeks to ensnare them”

This repentance and the spirit of God in them, produces a change in heart and life. This change becomes their WITNESS…loving God, people, and grounded in faith by trusting in Christ..

IS YOUR LIFE A WITNESS TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD IN YOU?

(S16) — The ALTOGETHER Christian...

…is BECOMING more like Jesus

The altogether Christian is one who is striving to be in constant communion with God, in all they do, think and say and in every activity of life. The fruit of their life is evident by the fruit of knowing and growing in love of Jesus

Acts 26:18 Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are SET APART by faith in me.’”

(S17) — In other words...

I’m not who I could be, but in Jesus, I am BECOMING who I should be.

Are you becoming more like Jesus?

Wesley believed this for his life and the Christian who follows Jesus, although he said, on his death bed, he never fully achieved it...

Paul was becoming more like Jesus...although he knew his weakness...

Am I an altogether Christian?

“The road to hell is paved with GOOD intentions” — Good is not good enough, but JESUS is!

(S18) — Because of Him…you, me can be one who is...

IN LOVE WITH GOD — PEOPLE — GROUNDED IN FAITH — LIVING WITNESS — MORE LIKE JESUS

“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.” J.Wesley

An altogether Christian — What the church needs...

(S18) — So what do we do?

Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.” Acts 26:29

Keep becoming…keep praying...

It starts with us — Are you an almost or altogether Christian? Do you love God? Do you love people? Are you grounded in faith? Are you becoming more and more like Jesus?

If not.... FAITH IT TILL WE MAKE IT — SEEK IT UNTIL YOU HAVE IT!

The altogether Christian is no more than a redeemed sinner — a Godly person —Saved and growing in the love of of Jesus.