1. Roots: Pt 2

2. In this series we are reviewing our ties to Protestant Reformation
In this series we are reviewing our ties to Protestant Reformation. All Protestant denominations derive origin from one of four foundational reform traditions:
Lutheranism (Luther)
Reformed (Zwingli/Calvin)
Anabaptism (Mulitple Leaders)
Anglicanism (Henry VIII)

3. We are looking at MCUSA specific root system, citing Five Traditions of influence towards today’s reality.
Anabaptism
Pietism
Wesleyanism
Keswickianism
Evangelicalism

4. Knowing where you come from is essential to knowing where you are
Knowing where you come from is essential to knowing where you are. Last week we looked at the major reformative traditions that built the pad from which contingent movements might launch. Today we will look at two revising movements that lent further definition to a young MCUSA seedling identity.

5. Influence #3: Wesleyanism
Named after John and Charles Wesley
Anglican Ministers of early 1700s
Early ministry law-focused
Hearts were “Strangely Warmed”
Everything Changed
Radically different ministry
Open Field/Revivalist
Persecuted by their own

6. Four Core Authorities in the Christian Life (Wesleyan Quadrilateral) in order:
Scripture
Tradition
Reason
Experience (The missing link from Pietist influences)

7. Experience
Four Core Experiences of the Christian Life:
Conversion
Justification
Sanctification
Perfection (entire sanctification)

8. Perfection (entire sanctification)
“Second work of Grace”
Perfect Love
For God
For Neighbor
“Christ must increase, I must decrease.”
Not morality
Not law focused
Internal reality over sinful exterior
Consumed by the Love of God

9. Result: Revivals

10. Influence #4: Keswickianism
Movement specific as reaction/response and revision of Wesleyan Perfection
Late 1800’s
Nearly unknown Christian influence movement
Emphasized the intent and power of God to accomplish what people would surrender as incapable of doing

11. It’s all about surrender
We are not perfected/entirely sanctified, but rather the Holy Spirit becomes the truest guide of the Christian life and guides them.
As much as you are surrendering to the Holy Spirit and focused on Christ, to that extent you are victorious over sin moment by moment.

12. Surrender motivates service
Love for Strangers and Distant Peoples
Love for Enemies
Love for disadvantaged
Racial divides
Gender inequality
Socio-economic gaps

13. Result: A.B. Simpson and CMA