Rev. Brent L. White

The following is an excerpt from a note I sent a friend about what Methodists are all about. I wrote it quickly then thought, “Hey, that’s not bad!” You may or may not find it helpful.

As for what I believe… What do you think I believe? I’m Methodist, in the very middle of the mainstream of orthodox Christian thought. God enacted a rescue plan in this good world that he created, which culminated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe we are but one tiny part of the one holy, catholic, and apostolic church that Christ established. The Methodist Articles of Religion are mostly the same as the Church of England’s, minus some stuff about the monarch, etc. Methodists claim the Bible as their primary source of authority, although we recognize that our understanding of it is mediated through Christian tradition, reason, and experience. The Holy Spirit is at work through it all. Read the rest of this entry »

Call me “old school,” but I do enjoy John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible—even if I’m more than a little intimidated that he was able to complete such a massive undertaking (in addition to everything else he wrote, preached, and organized). He very nearly translates and offers verse-by-verse commentary over all the Bible. He makes me feel lazy! I console myself with the knowledge that he didn’t have children!

I’ve been reading his notes on the Lord’s Prayer in preparation for our sermon series. Here’s an excerpt from his comments on Matthew 6:9. The man could write! You might spend time reflecting on this during your prayer time today.

The preface, Our Father, who art in heaven, lays a general foundation for prayer… Our Father – Who art good and gracious to all, our Creator, our Preserver; the Father of our Lord, and of us in him, thy children by adoption and grace: not my Father only, who now cry unto thee, but the Father of the universe, of angels and men: who art in heaven – Beholding all things, both in heaven and earth; knowing every creature, and all the works of every creature, and every possible event from everlasting to everlasting: the almighty Lord and Ruler of all, superintending and disposing all things; in heaven – Eminently there, but not there alone, seeing thou fillest heaven and earth. Hallowed be thy name – Mayest thou, O Father, be truly known by all intelligent beings, and with affections suitable to that knowledge: mayest thou be duly honoured, loved, feared, by all in heaven and in earth, by all angels and all men.