Humbly Speaking

The other week in Sunday School, a story was used as an illustration of Paul and Apollos being co-laborers for Jesus, and not competitors. Paul was the one who had “planted,” while Apollos had “watered.” The Scripture was from 1 Corinthians 3, beginning at verse 10: “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.”

The story told in Sunday School was about John Wesley and George Whitfield. Most of us will be very familiar with the name of John Wesley who was an English theologian and evangelist who was a principal leader of a revival movement with the Church of England known as Methodism.

George Whitfield was a Church of England evangelist who, by his popular preaching, stimulated the 18^th century Protestant revival throughout Britain and in the British American colonies. These two men of God were at the forefront as leaders of England’s Evangelical Revival in the 1700’s.

Yet there was a great conflict between them. Wesley held strongly Arminian beliefs (emphasizing free will), while Whitfield was a Calvinist (emphasizing predestination). Both men led countless thousands to faith in Christ, but they were at odds theologically.

In addition to their theological differences, there were some methodological issues as well. Wesley had a number of manifestations that occurred in his meetings, such as people falling out, crying out under conviction, and shaking. Whitfield was uncomfortable with these, and suggested that Wesley was inappropriately encouraging these manifestations

Even though they never came to terms over their theological differences, they eventually learned to respect each other.

One of Whitfield’s followers (who obviously still held great animosity against Wesley) said to Whitfield, “We won’t see John Wesley in the heaven, will we?” Whitfield humbly replied “Yes, you’re right, we won’t see him in heaven. He will be so close to the Throne of God, and we will be so far away, that we won’t be able to see him!”

Can you relate? Putting someone that we disagree with in front of us before God? That really caused me pause. I have been pondering it ever since I heard it. The tendency of human nature, when any type of conflict occurs, is to defend oneself. After all, “every way of a man is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 21:2).

At one point, when Wesley appeared to be near death, Whitfield wrote him and said, “…a radiant throne awaits you, and ere long you will enter into your Master’s joy. Yonder He stands with a massive crown, ready to put it on your head amidst an admiring throng of saints and angels.”

Wesley, though, recovered from his illness, and Whitfield eventually died first. At Whitfield’s request, Wesley preached at three memorial services held for Whitfield in London. Wesley spoke lovingly and respectfully of Whitfield and said, “There are many doctrines of a less essential nature with regard to which even the most sincere children of God are and have been divided for many ages. In these we may think and let think; we may ‘agree to disagree.’”

We are all in this walk of faith together. All of us have a certain job God has assigned for us to do. One is not more important than the other. We all want Jesus to be known throughout the world, and in our own backyards. Let’s remember this powerful illustration as we work and serve with other Christians. God calls each of us to do the work He’s assigned us.

Remember Whitfield words: “Yes, you’re right, we won’t see him in heaven. He will be so close to the Throne of God, and we will be so far away, that we won’t be able to see him!”

By His Grace . . .

🔆   Most of this article was written by Tony Cooke. His website is: tonycooke.org

Spiritually Prosperous

Color of summer

Recently I read a devotion about trust and came upon the words "spiritually prosperous." I stopped and looked up the definition for prosperous to get a better idea of what was meant and came across the words successful, strong and vigorous.

"David claims that the person who makes the Lord his trust will be blessed, utterly happy, spiritually prosperous, envied, and honored. This kind of trust requires a certain amount of courage . . . but believes that God, as He is revealed in His Word, will act toward us as we have been told He will." Psalm 40:4, Chris Tiegreen

There are so many ways to be prosperous: through knowledge . . . gifted with a certain skill, or financial wealth. These are just a few. So, when I read the words "spiritually prosperous" it stopped me. What are the benefits of being spiritually prosperous?

Being strong in spiritual matters makes it possible to withstand attacks from the devil. My courage would be filled with God's strength, and I could make decisions easily to help me through any situation.

We have the confidence of knowing our God is faithful. He is all knowing. He is strong in mercy and grace. He never fails.

Being successful in spiritual matters helps see us through difficult times and confusing situations, leading us to the words in the Bible we need at just the right time. Being vigorous about our spiritual life draws others to us because of God's strength shining through.

A happy garden.

I think the best reason to be spiritually prosperous is the close walk that would be developed by walking with our God. Trusting Him fully and completely, whatever the path we're on.

"Jesus did not say, 'Come to me and get it over with.' He said, 'If any man would come after Me, let him take up his cross daily and follow Me.'" Louis Cassels

Daily is the key word. Our commitment to Christ, however genuine and whole-hearted it may be today, must be renewed today, tomorrow . . . and the day after that . . . and the day after that. Then we will be "spiritually prosperous."

By His Grace . . .