Full text Resourses:
“John Wesley on Christian Practice: The Standard Sermons in Modern English Vol 3” by Kenneth Cain Kinghorn. Abingdon Press. 2002. (In modern English.)
“Wesley’s Doctrinal Standards, Part 1: The Sermons”. Edited by Rev. N. Burwash. Schmul Publishing. 1988. (In Wesley’s own words.)
Pastor Larry Brown’s abridged message
was taken from Larry’s own outline below:
John Wesley’s Sermon #39 Outline: “Catholic Spirit”
2 Kings:10:15
1. All humankind is due love.
2. Christians are to be known by their love for one another
3. But there are barriers to loving other Christians (We do not all think or behave alike)
4. But can we be of one heart?
5. Let’s look at the 2 parts of our biblical text.
I. Are our Hearts Agreed?
1. Jehonadab had definite opinions about the expected behavior of his relatives
2. Jehu had other opinions, yet they did not separate
3. It is clear that not all people see things alike
4. We are all susceptible to mistaken opinions
5. We all have our prejudices
6. It is wise to give some liberty regarding opinions
7. Jehonadab also worshipped differently from Jehu
8. Even today, there are various ways of worshipping God among Christians
9. So we should act according to the best light that we have
10. No one can dictate what church we must join
11. No one can impose a style of worship, or mode of baptism, or form of prayer, on another
12. Do you believe in God? Do you walk by faith?
13. Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Does He dwell in you?
14. Do you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
15. Are you doing God’s will? Are you glorifying God in everything you do?
16. Do you earnestly fear God’s majesty and judgment?
17. Do you love your neighbor and enemies?
18. Do you do good to all? Then our hearts are true to each other..
II. If so, Give me your Hand in Fellowship and service.
1. I am not saying that you must have the same opinion as I do
2. I am not saying worship as I do
3. But love me as a brother in Christ
4. Love me as God loves me in holy love
5. Pray for me that I will earnestly do the will of God.
6. Encourage me to continue good works in love.
7. Join me in God’s works and let us go forward hand in hand.
8. And I will the same for you and all other Christians
III. Catholic Spirit
1. But do not misunderstand, a catholic spirit is not Speculative Latitudinarianism
It is not an Indifference to all beliefs
Nor is it holding confused understandings
A person who has no settled biblical principles is completely adrift
Learn the basic truths of the Gospel and then you will reflect a true catholic spirit.
2. A catholic spirit is not Practical Latitudinarianism
It is not an Indifference to the practice or mode of worshiping God
3 nor an indifference to ones local congregation, where the means of grace are administered.
4. Rather, it is being committed to one fellowship, but open to love all humankind
5. It is a desire to cooperate with and love all Christians in spite of differing opinions.
6. This is universal (catholic) love! Therefore, continue to grow, grounded in true love until you are taken up into God’s eternal love.
