Preaching the Real Gospel Brings Persecutions {from the church}

http://www.tlogical.net/biojwesley.htm ^

[virgil283]

From 1739 onward, Wesley and the Methodists were persecuted by clergymen and magistrates for various reasons. Though Wesley had been ordained an Anglican presbyter, many other Methodist leaders had not received ordination. And for his own part, Wesley flouted many regulations of the Church of England concerning parish boundaries and who had authority to preach. This was seen as a social threat that disregarded institutions. Ministers attacked them in sermons and in print, and at times mobs attacked them. Wesley and his followers continued to work among the neglected and needy. They were denounced as promulgators of strange doctrines, fomenters of religious disturbances; as blind fanatics, leading people astray, claiming miraculous gifts, attacking the clergy of the Church of England, and trying to re-establish Catholicism.

Wesley felt that the church failed to call sinners to repentance, that many of the clergymen were corrupt, and that people were perishing in their sins. He believed he was commissioned by God to bring about revival in the church, and no opposition, persecution, or obstacles could prevail against the divine urgency and authority of this commission.

[virgil283]

Just as Jesus was attacked by the jewish church and so said 'If they percecute me they will percecute you'. So all moves of God have met the same resistance but not from the people but the established churches. Wesley was attacked as a radical and wasn't allowed near any church or meeting hall but was left to preach in fields.....the same is happening today. I like this saying " If the devil is not attacking you it's because you're going the same direction...

[ducttape45]

ping for later