I have struggled to find a church that is at the root of the church in which I was raised - filled with the Spirit, disciplined by Christ, saved by his blood, and in service to the world.
Sadly I have found bits and pieces but not the whole scriptural church. I am of the opinion it cannot exist as an institution.
The power of early Methodism was its resistance to Anglicization. It refused to be defined as an institution. the modern UMC has gone over to the dark side. It does not resemble Wesleyanism or even the church of my childhood where my father pastored.
We may not see another Asbury or Charles and John in our lifetime. The restoration of the true church of Christ will require just such men.
>>The power of early Methodism was its resistance to Anglicization.
I find that ability to resist in a confessing Reformed church. But, they don’t pursue personal holiness much. So, you end up with a church that fights the cultural influence pretty well, but the people inside just go through the motions.
>>I have struggled to find a church that is at the root of the church in which I was raised - filled with the Spirit, disciplined by Christ, saved by his blood, and in service to the world.
That’s my struggle too. If you find it, let me know!!