Dear Grace Family:
In our Methodist tradition, May 24 is an important day known as “Aldersgate Day” or “Wesley Day.” On May 24, 1738, John Wesley experienced assurance of his salvation. Prior to May 24, Wesley really struggled with the idea that he needed to become sanctified before he would receive assurance of his salvation. The story goes that Wesley reluctantly attended a group meeting on Aldersgate Street in London on May 24, 1738. He heard a reading from Martin Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. Wesley wrote in his journal that night, “………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.”
What a wonderful revelation for Wesley! Prior to this date, Wesley felt that he had to prove himself in some way worthy of salvation. This made him miserable because, of course, he could never do enough to deem himself worthy of salvation. Finally realizing that salvation is a gift that cannot be bought or earned, he became free to share the love of Christ with the world! It was a liberating moment for Wesley.
How about you? Have you ever experienced a moment when your heart was “strangely warmed” and you trusted Christ alone for salvation and life with Him forever? If not, I pray that you will ask God to give you that assurance. Once we have that assurance, it is joyful to live our lives “leaning on the everlasting arms” of Christ. Life becomes an adventure to be enjoyed rather than a trial to be feared.
This Sunday we recognize Memorial Day weekend. We will honor those who gave their lives in service to their country. The scriptures passages are Isaiah 6: 1-8 and John 3: 1-17. Our pastoral intern, Lilly Hibbard, will share a message entitled “Awesome, Beautiful, Compassionate God.” I love the enthusiasm of this title, and I know that Lilly will express her love for Christ in the message. You do not want to miss it!
I encourage you to plan now to be in worship Sunday. Invite a friend, arrive early, and share God’s love with those around you. Christ is counting on all of us to help grow His kingdom!
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Steve Hart