Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
I spent four years in seminary studying the Bible, church history and Theology. One of my favorite subjects was the life and teachings of John Wesley. John Wesley was the founder of Methodism. His teachings and life helped to revive the Church of England and brought to life the denomination that helped bring me to faith. Most Methodist know about John Wesley and his influence on their lives.
John was not the only person who worked to bring about revival in England and the spread of Methodism. Most of John’s ministry was shared with his brother, Charles. Charles Wesley did not preach like John. Much of his leadership was behind the scenes. However, Charles’ influence was significant.
Charles Wesley had many gifts, but perhaps his greatest gift was his ability to poetically write words that so wonderfully share the story of faith. In his lifetime, Charles Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns and poems, many of which are still sung in worship today. He wrote powerful songs like, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” These songs have helped the faithful worship for almost 300 years. The meaningful lyrics help us put words to our experience of God. These songs help us lift our prayers of gratitude and hope before our God.
One of my favorite hymns written by Charles Wesley is, “And Can It Be.” This hymn of praise and gratitude was written shortly after Wesley experienced a significant encounter with God where he came to know the love and grace of God for himself. Charles realized that God was for him, and that God loved him, not because of what he had done, but because he was a child of the Most High. Moved by God’s grace in Jesus, Charles wrote these beautiful words:
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness Divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
(And Can It Be, Charles Wesley, 1738)
Drawing from the book of Hebrews, chapter 13, Charles Wesley writes a hymn giving thanks for the love of God and how God has opened all of heaven to us. These words have helped me praise God and give thanks for the grace I have experienced. I hope today, as you read the words of Charles Wesley, you will take time to give thanks to God for the love and grace he has for you. We are “alive in Him,” because of His great love for us.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
