John Wesley—First Methodist—Spreading the Good News in Anyway Possible

To understand the call on John Wesley you have to understand how he first learned about Jesus.  His father was a minister.  Even though his father was a minister his mom played a vital role to his first understanding of Jesus.  At a young age he learned about discipline, dedication and the love of God.

It was when he was five years old when his life was changed forever.  The house that his family lived in caught on fire.  Miraculously he survived even though he was on the second floor.  It was then that he knew that God saved him for something miraculously.

When he grew up his father wanted him to go away for more education.  It was his mother that convinced him to go into the ministry.  John and his brother Charles went on a mission trip to the United States. He had gone to the United States to change the religious views of Native Americans.  It was while he was in the United States that he experienced the second life changing event.  During a meeting he felt the Holy Spirit and realized that he was the one that was changed.

He returned to England and his true missionary work began.  He spent the remainder of his life traveling from one location to the next preaching.  He often had four or five services a day.  He composed many of the sermons as he was riding his house to the next site.

The biggest impact that he had on Christianity was the teaching of grace through faith alone.  He challenged Calvinism which believed in predestination.  Wesley believed that a person would have the opportunity to hear the word.  They then could come to find salvation by putting their faith in Jesus.  He believed that people were sinners who were saved.  Yet, he also believed that a person would come to the time that they would not commit sins and would live a different kind of life.

His theology and sermons have influenced many different religions.  The Methodist church now has millions of followers.  

Susanna Wesley—The Mother of Methodism—Teaching Us All the Values of Teaching Our Children About Christ

We usually think of John Wesley when we think of Methodism.  Yet, there is another person behind the scenes.  Susanna Wesley was the mother of John Wesley.  Her influence to Christianity has spanned all the generations that followed her.  To understand Susanna you have to look at her story and see how she was the Foundation of her Family.

Susanna did not go to school yet she was taught to read, be a homemaker and mother.  She married when she was young to a minister.  She had nineteen children.  Ten of those children would live to be adults.  She was a homemaker and a mother.

She didn’t have the best relationship with her husband because she believed differently about who should be King.  Yet, they stayed together until he passed away.  She then moved to live her son John.  Most have heard of her son, John Wesley.

What makes her special isn’t what she did as far as theological terms.  It wasn’t about anything that she wrote that made her special.  It was the way that she taught her children that has affected Christianity.  Susanna taught all of her children from her home.  She taught them how to read and how to do household chores. 

She most importantly taught them how to pray.  She taught them how to read the scriptures.  She taught them to love God.  The most important thing that she did was to teach her children how to love God from home.  She left a legacy that the home should be where children should start learning about God.

She experienced her second experience with Christ after she went to live with her son.  Yet, we have to remember what makes her important is that she was a mother.  She created a fundamental base for her two sons to impact society.  She was a foundation that taught them to stand up for what they believed.  She is the example of what all parents need to do.  All Christians need to take her lead and begin teaching their children about Jesus.  They need to teach their children how to pray to God.  Most importantly they need to lead by example and be the role models that children need to grow up to be Christians.  

Mary and Martha—Sisters of Lazarus—Showing Jesus Love in Their Own Ways

Mary is much more than the Sister of Lazarus.  Mary did several things that showed that her love of Jesus was very strong.  She put the care of Jesus above all other things.  She was a believer of Jesus.  Many people believe that Mary was a female disciple because of certain events that happened in her life.

Martha is not only the Sister of Lazarus she is a caring and loving person.  She was outspoken and put her duties before anything else.  She was a believer and friend of Jesus.  Martha showed love to Jesus in her own unique way

We first meet Mary as she is sitting at the feet of Jesus.  This would be a very unusual situation during the time.  The place that she sat at would normally be for the disciples.  This is what has people to think that Mary was considered a Disciple of Christ.  Mary believes that learning about God was the most important things she could do.

Let us look at the rest of this story.  Martha was also Mary and Lazarus’s sister.  She was busy preparing things for Jesus and the Disciples.  She became upset when she noticed that Mary was not helping her.    Martha was doing so much that she did not have time to hear the teachings of Jesus.  She confronts Mary and asks her to come and help.  The thing that is quite amazing is that Jesus tells Martha that what she was doing was good.  Yet the fact that Mary was not worrying about the little task but was listening to God she was doing something much more important.

Mary and Martha both were showing God love.  The difference is that Martha showed love by doing tasks to prepare a meal for Jesus and the Disciples.  Mary on the other hand took the time to prepare herself for things to come in the future.  We have to remember that we need to take time to be silent and listen to what God is teaching us.  There are also times that we need to serve others so that they can feel the love and presence of God.

Then we have to look at when Lazarus died.  Martha comes to Jesus asking why he wasn’t there to save her brother.  Jesus tells her to have faith.  He was teaching Martha that faith would lead to unbelievable things.  Martha needed to know that her faith would change the situation.  She had rationalized the situation.  She wasn’t emotional she understand that her brother would have been alive if Jesus had been there.

Martha runs to Mary and tells her that Jesus is there and she needs to come.  Mary falls to Jesus feet and begins to cry.  She tells Jesus if he had been there when Lazarus got sick he would have lived.  Jesus overcomes with her emotions and those around her proceeds to Lazarus’s tomb.  It is then that he calls Lazarus to come out of the tomb.

Mary and Martha both expressed to Jesus their understanding of Jesus’ healing power.  The difference is that Martha uses a rational approach to express her understanding.  She did not let her emotions overcome her.  Mary on the other hand fell to the feet of the Teacher and begins crying.  She allows her emotions to overcome her.  She puts aside all rational concepts and weeps at the fact that Jesus was not there when Lazarus needed him most.  There are times that we need to be rational.  There are many situations that we need to think through the situation and keep our emotions in check.  There are also times that we need to show our emotions.  Showing your emotions is not always a sign of weakness.  Sometimes when we show our emotions we understand that there is a power greater than us.

The last thing to look at is the anointing of Jesus by Mary.  Mary anoints Jesus with expensive oil.  The Disciples are shocked that she would do something like this.  They thought it was best if she had spent the money on the poor.  Jesus tells them that the poor would always be with them.  Jesus also tells them that he will not always be there.

Martha and Mary respond differently to the way that they minister to Jesus.  Martha is into the fine details of making things comfortable for her guest.  Martha is a rational thinker who doesn’t allow her emotions to rule over her.  Mary on the other hand allows her emotions to sway her decisions.  Martha learned that sometimes you have to give of yourself in an emotional way to help others.  Mary learned that service comes in many different ways including humbling yourself and doing the little things like serving someone a meal.

Judas Iscariot—a Simple Kiss that Changed the World

As soon as most people hear the name Judas they think of him as the betrayer of Jesus.  Judas was much more than the betrayer of Jesus.  Judas learned from Jesus and travelled three years with him.  He was sent out with the other disciples to teach the Good News and to cast out demons. 

There are two way people feel about Judas.  The first way they believe that Judas was full of sin.  Even though he had walked with Jesus he did not fully accept what Jesus was saying.  He is thought of a thief because there is a mention in the Gospels.  It is believed that since he carried the money bag that he had taken some for himself.  It is believed that Judas felt remorse after Jesus was found guilty and was sentenced to death.  He went to a tree and hung himself.  Yet, it is believed that he did not actually repent of his sin because of this action.

The second group of people sees Judas as a Hero.  They feel pity for him.  They believed that he great strength to betray Jesus.  They believe that there was no other Disciple who would betray Jesus therefor he was part of the ultimate plan for Jesus life. 

We need to remember that the Disciples and writers of the Gospel paint a negative picture of Judas.  We do not know what Judas that could paint a positive picture of Judas.  Who knows if Judas had asked for forgiveness of his actions before he died?  We do know that Judas gave the money back to the church leaders.  It makes you wonder if he really knew what they were going to do.  He could have been under the impression that they were going to just have him imprisoned.  He might have thought that they would scare Jesus. 

At the last supper Jesus announced that one would betray him.  The disciples began questioning if they were the one who would betray.  Judas and Jesus already knew who it would be.  Judas in that moment had to feel that he had no choice. Jesus told the group that it would have been better if the person who would betray would have never been born.  This statement goes along with the thought that Judas was full of evil.  That the betrayal was for his own selfish motives.

Judas delivered a kiss that changed the world.  It was common for people to kiss those that were considered family or teachers.  We also have to remember what Jesus said as Judas went to kiss him.  “Friend do what you came to do” (Matthew 26:50).  This may help point out that Jesus was not angry with Judas.  Who would call their betrayer friend?  Yet Jesus did just that.  This statement goes along with those that find pity on Judas.  They believe that he had been chosen as a disciple so that Jesus would die.

No matter how you look at Jesus you cannot deny his importance to the salvation of the people.  His kiss changed the world forever.  If you believe that he was full of evil and betrayed Jesus for his own good there is evidence in the scripture for this.  Yet, you need to remember that the Bible was written after the event and it very likely that Judas may have been slanted him in this way.  If you believe that Judas was a hero.  If you feel pity for Judas as if he was destined to betray Jesus there is evidence for this in the scripture. 

It doesn’t matter which way you believe.  Yet, what is important to note is that Judas did help lead Jesus to the cross.  Judas changed the world through a simple kiss.  It is important to note that we will never know how Judas really lived.  Was Judas an evil non repentant Christian?  Was Judas just part of the plan to get Jesus to the cross?

C.S. Lewis—Opening the Door to a New World

Clive Staples (C.S.) Lewis was born in Ireland in November 1898.  Many in the world know him as the author of the Chronicles of Narnia.  He did write many different books.  He was a WWI veteran.  He was a teacher and as many contends him to be the leading Christian Apologist of his time.

The chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven children fantasy books.  It is amazing when you know the history of C.S. Lewis that you see that he was able to put so much of it in this series.  C.S. Lewis lost his mother when he was young and his best friend was his brother.  Due to illnesses that were happening in the country he was kept apart from people.  It was during this time that he wrote his first stories.  This merged India and morphed animals. 

During WWI he fought in France and was wounded.  He returned to England and continued his studies.  He came to have a closer relationship to Christianity.  He explained Christianity through reasoning.  He used his words and stories to engage people into a new understanding of God and the meaning of their life.

He wanted to go back into the army during WWII but wasn’t allowed to.  It was during this time that he became known for his broadcast on Christianity and the meaning of life throughout England.  These programs stories would later be collected in a book.  He also opened his home up to children who needed a safe place away from the bombing that was occurring in the city.

Looking at this history we can see how the Chronicles of Narnia explores each part of his life.  The book is about children who are living with their uncle for their own safety.  They find a closet full of fur coats.  When they step in and shut the door they are whisked away to a land of fantasy and intrigue.  They walk out of the closet into the world of Narnia in which animals are like humans.

They face situations evolving all types of religious situations.  They use their reasoning throughout the seven books to help understand what is happening in their environment.  The books teach about good and evil.  They shed light on how to be a faithful servant of God.  They explain to kids that they can help spread the story of good even though they are young.  For the adult reader they can use reasoning to discover more about the story.  Every time you read it the more you will learn.

C.S. Lewis was more than someone that wrote one book.  He was an educator and writer that put his name of the charts.  He was also considered the Strongest Christian Apologist of his era.  He opened a closet in his youth and created a new world.  As an adult he opened multiple doors that led him to different directions in his life.  He opened many to the world of Christianity through the opening of an Armoire into the world of Narnia.  What we all need to remember is that he didn’t let obstacles stand in his way.  Once he accepted Christ in his life he shared that gift with many people.  Always remember even though one door may be closed do not give up instead open a different door and see if it leads you to the path that God needs you to travel to help the world as a whole.

Corrie Ten Boom—Protecting the Innocent by Closing a Door

Cornelia “Corrie” ten Boom was born in the Netherlands in 1892.  Her family was Christians.  Her father was a watchmaker and she became the first licensed female watchmaker of the Netherlands.  They not only walked the talk but lived the talk of a Christian life.  Corrie and her sister worked with young people having Bible Studies.  Corrie also started a special group for kids that had special needs.  They continued doing work by helping take care of the kids of missionaries from Indonesia.  In WWII the Nazis invaded the Netherlands and took over the country in 1940.  The Nazis then proceeded to round up the Jewish people in the community.

The ten Boom’s continued their service to the community by taking in Jewish members who were seeking shelter.  The family built a secret room in Corrie’s bedroom.  They were able to help hundreds of people including babies who were to be killed at an orphanage.  Eventually the family’s house was raided.  Corrie and her family were arrested.  Her father would die soon after being her arrested.

Corrie and her sister would end up going to a concentration within Germany.  Her sister died, but not before she told Corrie that God had told her both would be released before the end of the year.  Her sister was giving several visions before her death.  One was of a house that they would have where people could come who were dealing with the consequences of the war.  A few weeks after her sister’s death Corrie’s number was called.  She did not know what it meant.  She was afraid that they may be taking her to the gas chamber.  Instead she was taken into a room and released.

After the war Corrie established a rehabilitation home.  In which refugees and those that sided with the Nazis were both given a place to heal and to recover.  She went on to write several books.  She became a public speaker and visited over 60 countries in the world.

We can all learn to live the walk of a Christian.  Imagine the bravery to open your life to people who were considering fugitives.  Knowing at any time you could suffer.  Going as far as building a safe place for them to hide in a door which was closed would keep the innocent safe, but at the same time you would be out in the opening.  We need to always help those that we can.  We need to remember there may be times that we have to close doors to follow God.  

Thomas Aquinas—Theologian of Modern Roman Catholicism and Protestantism

How can one man be responsible for both the Modern Roman Catholic Church and the Modern Protestant Church?  The fact is that is what he talked about became the basis of the theology of the Roman Catholic Church.  It was what he said that led many to begin questioning the theology of the Roman Catholic Church (Protestant Reformation).  To understand Thomas Aquinas you have to understand where he came from and what influenced his life.  It his early life that led Thomas to become the teacher and theologian that had the influence that still continues today.

Thomas was raised in the Aquino county of Sicily.  His family was quite wealthy.  His older brothers went into the military.  It was thought that Thomas was to go to the abbey.  He studied at several different colleges.  During this time he came under the influence of Aristotle.  This influence affected his later writings. 

He then did something that was very contradictory to what his family wanted.  He met a Dominican priest.  It was this meeting and understanding of the order of Dominicans that he changed his career path.  It is quite interesting to see how his family reacted to this decision.  His father had his brothers kidnap them.  They placed him in an upper room of the tower to convince him to change his way. 

After one year he was freed and his theologian career began.  Because of his influence of Aristotle his theology views were against his contemporary Augustine.  He believed that understanding God was able to be done through reasoning.  It was his theory that God was explained by the physical world around us.  God was the only thing that existed perfectly.  Simply put God has no beginning or end.  God is complete and is the only thing that is not affected by the cause effect theory.

He took his thoughts one step further and added humanity to God.  Many people felt that God did not have a human side.  This was a much different view than his contemporaries.  The humanness of God shows the expressed love, anger, and grief that were expressed by different writers in the Bible.

The most defining part of his theology revolves around his five views of Roman Catholic Doctrines:

11.      Mother Mary was born without sin

22.      Jesus provides the way to salvation, but the Roman Catholic Church distributes the salvation

33.      The church actually has seven sacraments

a.      Baptism

b.      Eucharist

c.      Penance

d.      Ordination

e.      Marriage

f.       Last rites

g.      Confirmation into the church

44.      The Bread and Wine once blessed by the Priest become the Body and Blood of Christ

55.      Purgatory

These beliefs are still held by the Roman Catholic Church.  Yet, the Protest Reformation came to debate all of these views except Baptism and Eucharist.  This is why Thomas Aquinas has made a major impact on both the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Revolution.  One man’s theory that became common thought in the Church at the time split the Church latter.  We can all imagine that Thomas did not attend this when he expressed his theological views.  

Margaret Fell—Trusting God and Living in the Light

Margaret Fell is known as the founder of Religious Society of Friends.  Think on this a moment how important a person that she was.  It was her salvation experience that led her to start having meetings in her home.  These meetings didn’t have a particular agenda instead the members once inspired by God would share stories.  The meetings did not have a pastor instead it was an experience in which people had an opportunity to individually learn about God through the Bible.  We know this group today in a lot of circles as the Quaker.

Margaret Fells was born in England.  She married Thomas Fell and became the lady of Swarthmoor Hall.  Several years later she went to a revival of George Fox.  It was at this revival that Margaret had her conversion experience.  She came home and started inviting friends to her house.  It was this simple action that the Religious Society of Friends began.  The group believed that Jesus was not in the external environment helping the saved.  Instead, Jesus was internal.  They believed that Jesus was a light that inspired Christians to experience God in a new way. 

We have to remember that this was a split from the Anglican Church.  This split led to great deal of suffering for those that believe the new form of Christianity.  See you have to understand at this time the head of the Anglican Church was the King.  Those that stood against the Anglican Church were also standing against the King.  This was something that upset the King and he took measures to squelch this new way of thinking.

He began arresting members of the group.  Margaret felt that she had to put a stop to this.  She when to the King and began asking for the release of those that were being imprisoned.  She did this for a long period of time.  She was a thorn in the side of the King.  He finally agreed to release them and promised that he would not do anything against the group.

That promise did not last.  He actually started arresting people and throwing them in jail and taking their property.  Margaret pleaded again for their arrest.  The Quakers believed that no one should take an oath.  This belief came straight from their interpretation of the words of Jesus. Margaret was brought to trial and asked to take an oath that she would stop the meetings.  She refused to make the oath even after she was asked over and over again.  The king had her imprisoned because she failed to make the oath.

Once she was released she went straight back to holding meetings in Swarthmoor.  Her Oldest son did not approve of her conversion.  It is shocking to know that her very own son turned her in for holding meetings. This led to her second arrest.  After a year she was finally released and went straight back to holding the meetings.

 We have to remember that Margaret Fell felt the calling in her heart to spread what she had experienced.  It is amazing that a simple revival led to the formation of the Quakers.  We have to always remember that Margaret is a woman who started a new Christian Church.  This proves that there is a need to recognize the influence of Christianity.

Stephen—the Martyr—A Faithful, Spirit Filled Deacon That Never Betrayed the Call Placed on this Heart by His Savior

We know very little about Stephen until the day that he was chosen as a Deacon.  It is believed because of his name that he was probably from the Hellenistic Jewish Community.  The very first thing that we learn about Stephen is that he was faithful and filled with the Holy Spirit.  It was his spirit (speculated his ethnic background) that Stephen was chosen as one of the first seven Deacons of the community.

It is important to recognize that Stephen and the other chosen 7 were not Deacons of a particular church.  Instead they were chosen as Deacons of the community.  They were established to provide Alms and food to the poor and widows of the community.  They were chosen so that the Disciples could concentrate on preaching and prayer.  Their job was to perform ministry within the community.

Stephen shared his gifts to many.  He served Jesus loyally and was used to perform miraculous deeds.  His faithful service drew the attention of members of synagogues that feared his presence.  They decided to bring him before the council and lie about his actions so that they could get rid of the threat that he was causing.

Stephen went before the court and his accusers said that he had committed blasphemy.  The court council addressed him and asked if he had done what he was being accused of.  What comes next is a very long speech that addresses the issue. 

The first thing he addresses is the relationship between the forefathers of the Jewish community and obedience to God.  He points out that they were not located in one place.  They were called from different places, lead to different places, and died at different places.  This means that the history of Judaism is not connected to just one area.  Instead it is spread out throughout the land.

The forefathers were directed to do certain things to obey God.  Numerous times they would start following God.  Yet, in the end they were hard-headed and disobedient.  They only followed God so far.  Then they would do their own thing turning away from what God was directing them to do.  They did not complete the ministry that they were called to do.  Instead, they chose to do what they thought was needed to be done.

After making these references Stephen calls out the council.  He tells them that they are acting like their forefathers and denying Jesus as the Messiah.  He tells them that Jesus was the promised Messiah that their forefathers had prepared them for.  Yet, they were being just as hard-hearted as the past misguided forefathers. 

Stephen is so filled with the Holy Spirit that God allows him to see his reward.  He tells the council that he sees into Heaven.  He sees standing Jesus standing on the right hand of God.   With this statement the council deems that he has committed blasphemy.  He is immediately sentenced to death by stoning.  He in the end gives his life freely to God and asks for forgiveness of those that are stoning as he dies. 

Stephen changed history by setting an example of living your life in faith.  He showed that no one should fear what the world will do to them as long as they do the ministry that Jesus has called them to do.  Stephen died a man who remained faithful to his savior and his ministry.

*It is important to note that Saul (Paul the Apostle) witnesses the stoning and does nothing to stop it.

Mary Magdalene—Following God No Matter Where She Was Led

We know a lot about Mary of Magdala.  There are a few questions about her relationship prior to meeting Jesus.  Let us not speculate what led her to Jesus.  Let us concentrate on what she did after she came to find Jesus as her Savior.

Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the Gospels more times than some of the other Disciples.  We know that Mary was there following Jesus throughout his ministry.  She witnessed the feeding of the multitudes.  She watched Jesus as he healed the Sick.

Even though these are the things that she witnessed, there is something that Mary experienced that was much more important.  Mary was there with the beloved Disciple and Mary the Mother of Jesus when Jesus was led to the hill of Golgotha.  She was there as Jesus died on the cross.  She witnessed Jesus being taken down from the cross and buried.

Mary’s story doesn’t end at the death of Jesus, just like Jesus life did not end with his death.  Mary Magdalene woke up that first Easter Morning and ran to the tomb of her beloved Savior.  She gets to the tomb only to find that the stone had been rolled away.  She looks in the tomb and finds Jesus is not there.  She runs as fast as she can back to the Disciples to tell them what she has seen.

The Disciples beat her back to the tomb and discover what she said is true.  No one at that moment knew what they were experiencing.   The Disciples leave the tomb.  Mary is so devastated that she stands staring into the empty tomb. 

It is in that moment that she hears a man asking her why she is looking for the living among the dead.  She thinking it is the Gardner tells him her Savior is gone.  It is then that Jesus reveals himself to Mary.  We have to remember that it was Mary Magdalene that first saw the resurrected Jesus.  She believes with all of her heart that her Savior was raised from the tomb.  She knew that she was experiencing the miracle of all miracles.

Mary Magdalene was there in the upper room when Jesus appeared to the disciples.  Mary was much more important to shaping of Christianity than most people want to give her credit.  Jesus had to feel close to Mary and knew of her faith to appear to her first.  She also establishes the value of women in the Christian ministry.  Mary was one of the first women who followed Jesus no matter where she was led.  She did not run and hide like the Disciples instead she followed Jesus to his death. 

It is important when we study history that we recognize that women played vital roles in shaping Christian History.  Women are important to today’s Christianity world.  It is time that we realize that women deserve to be recognized for what they can do to help the Christian Community.  Mary is a prime example of a woman who through faith followed Jesus wherever she was led.

Reverend Elder Troy Perry—Called to Minister to those the Church had Rejected

Reverend Elder Troy Perry did not have an easy life as a child.  He lost his father at an early age.  He then endured abuse from his stepfather.  Yet, there was a limelight to early days.  His aunts were preachers within the community.  They were the ones that had a great influence on his entire life.  It was during this time that he knew that he was called to the ministry of God.

In his early teenage years he became a licensed Baptist preacher.  He was soon married and had two sons.  During this time he attended college and also was a preacher at a Church of God.  This also marked the beginning of the change of his life.  He began having relationships with other me.  He was found out and had to leave the church immediately.    He moved with his wife to California.  Yet, the end of their marriage was just in the horizon.  His wife learned of his indiscretions and they were divorced once again the church pushed him out of his ministry.

It was after this loss and several other bad encounters that Rev. Perry posted an Ad in the advocate.  It was the beginning of what we now know as the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC).  A worldwide denomination that reaches out to all those that have been rejected and hurt by other Churches.  Twelve people attended that first service.  Today there are approximately 300 churches in 22 countries and more than 43,000 people are members of the denomination.

We have to understand that MCC is a place of healing.  MCC is a place where people of different sexual orientation and gender identity can serve a God that loves all people.   Even though this was the starting point of MCC there is much more about the church than this.  MCC believes in an open communion table, has a belief in social justice and encourages laity ministry.  MCC has gone into an era that they are not only the Gay Church but the Church that welcomes all who need a place where they can serve God openly.

Rev. Elder Perry made this dream a reality.  MCC exists because of one man’s desire and calling to serve God.  He has become a social activist in the process.  He is taking the theory of inclusivity to all into the world.  He has fought for many issues throughout his life including anti-discrimination rights and marriage rights.  He has written books that explore his life. 

It is because of his call to serve God that Rev. Elder Troy Perry became a man with a mission.  He spent the next decades opening more closet doors from ordaining women, to meeting the president and helping during the HIV crisis.  He has shaped the world of Christianity by simply following God through all the bad times.  He is now retired as the Moderator of MCC, but still plays an active role in the life of the denomination that God created through him for those that were lost and hurting. 

Reverend Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson—Living proof that women should be in leadership roles in God’s church

Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson is a pioneer of women’s rights when it comes to clerical service.   She followed her call to ministry at a time when women were not being ordained.  She not only became ordained by the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), she also became the youngest elder of MCC. 

She was called to be Senior Pastor of five different MCC’s around the country.  She at one point was the senior pastor of MCC Los Angeles, which is also known as the Mother Church of MCC.  Then in 1993 she became the vice moderator of MCC.  She held this position for 12 years as she continued to be the senior pastor of the various congregations as she gave leadership to the entire denomination.

On the retirement of Rev. Elder Troy Perry she became the moderator of MCC.  This role is the top leadership of the entire International denomination.  She at this point left being senior pastor of the local church to take on the role of moderator.  She was installed at the Washington’s National Cathedral in 2005.  Rev Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson has led the MCC into the Church it has become today.  No longer is the Church a place for the GLBTIQA community to have a safe home, MCC is a place that is reaching out to all that need help. 

She is a social activist that has stood up for people that HIV.  She has worked for fair treatment of prisoners.  She has also been involved in women’s rights; this expands from women having the right to be clergy to stopping the slave trade.  She is the founder of MCC Conference for Women in Professional Ministry.  She is also very active in ecumenical work.   She became the Ecumenical Officer of MCC, representing MCC at the National Council of Churches and The World Council of Churches.  During this time of her service she worked on establishing MCC as part of both councils. 

In 2011 she was appointed by President Obama to the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.  She continues working on her social activities while also being a speaker at numerous churches and other events.   She is also the author of numerous books.  She is truly a woman that has shaped Christianity for both women and the GLBTIAQ community around the world. 

Julian of Norwich—Immersing Herself in the Will of God

Julian was born around 1342.  Julian was born in a time when women had no rights.  They were property of their fathers.  They only had a few options on what they were going to do in their life.  The first option was getting married and having children.  This would make them property of their husband.  The second option was to give their life over to God. 

Julian was called to serve God.  She became what is called an Anchoress. An Anchoress secludes herself from the world.  She spent her life in one space for 40 years.  She only left the room when her body was carried out upon her death around 1416.

Julian became very ill and received images from God.  She was miraculously healed and she felt the call to go into exclusion.  She wrote about this experience and in the process has become one of the most recognized females of Christian writings. 

Her philosophy was one of hope.  In a world of disease and death Julian wrote of the love of God.  Julian had a very controversial view that suffering was not bad if it led someone into a closer relationship with God.  She had felt that her own illness had brought her closer to God.  In that, she believed God had taught her that God had no wrath but only love for the world.

Julian also did not believe that there was sin and a need for grace.  Instead she believed that the wrong of the world was to teach us how to come closer to God.  Therefor the evil of the world was to encourage us to grow in a closer relationship with God.  We have no need for redemption because God loves us and only wants us to return love.  As we face the hard moments of our life we are to turn it over to God who will make all things better.

Her writings are considered the best of the mystic theology of the time.  This contradicted the protestant reformation that taught that it was a rational experience.  We have to remember that she believed that the understanding of God went further than just the Bible.  God had given us the Bible yet what she wanted us to learn is that we can learn through other experiences.  

Martin Luther--The Monk Who Followed the Path of Reforming the Church

A Hammer, a Nail and 95 Theses changed the world of Christianity forever.  It was with these three items that Martin Luther proclaimed the need for the church to reform.  The Church, meaning the Roman Catholic Church, had started doing things that Martin Luther and others felt were against the very fiber of the Bible.  Martin Luther in those 95 theses outlined why the Church had to take action and change their ways.

One of the most important issues dealt about the way grace s achieved.   The church was turning away from the divine grace that comes from a relationship with God.  They had started saying that grace could be achieved by the work that was done.  There were also others that were accepting payment for grace.  Martin was totally opposed to this way of earning grace.  He felt that grace would be achieved with a personal relationship with God.  Those that accepted Jesus as their savior were given everlasting grace.  He was totally against the theory that works or payments to the Church could lead to an individual’s salvation.

The church had also taught that God was out to punish those that sinned.  The principal was that sin had made us unrighteous in the eyes of God.  Therefore the only way to ever be forgiven was to work and daily ask for penitence.  God became a hateful vengeful image in the eyes of Martin.  He felt that God is more about the love and faith.  Not a vengeful God out to condemn the world.  

Another very important view that Martin had was the teaching of the purging of sins.  That people had to go through intercession and continue to ask for repentance.  It was thought that the person was not fully forgiven until they had ever sin purged from their soul.  Martin taught the idea that a person was forgiven of sin as soon as they had faith in God.  This does not mean that they were sinless.  It basically meant that they were both saved and a sinner.  In this theory a person could go to heave through their faith even if they had not had all their sins forgiven.  The principle is that God is powerful enough that the forgiveness that comes from God overcomes the sin a person would commit in their life.

Those were not the only reasons that he believed that the church needed reformed.  We have to understand that Martin Luther was a man who thought differently than anything he was taught.  This only skims the surface of what Martin Luther means to Church Reform.  The main thing that we have to realize is that he went down a path of reform that others had tried and failed.  There were also those that wanted to that never attempted.  This alone makes Martin Luther one of the most influential people to shape Christianity today. 

Mary -- Mother of Jesus

Mary was at three pivotal points of Jesus’s life.  These three moments are possibly the most important times for all people in the world.  It is obvious that Mary was with Jesus at his birth.  Mary was also the day her beloved son died on the Cross of Golgotha.  She was also there the moment that her risen son entered the upper room.  No one can say that they witnessed all of these pivotal moments of Christianity other than Jesus.

Even though Mary was there for all these moments there is more to her story.  Her story starts before Jesus is born and sets her up for one of the two most important miracles of all time.  The first miracle was the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb to bring redemption to the world.  Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel.  You can almost see the fear and surprise in her eyes.  Gabriel calms her by telling her that she has been chosen by God to bring the Messiah into the world.  She questioned Gabriel how it would happen since she was a virgin.  He told her the Holy Spirit would come.

Mary became at that time the Virgin Mother of Jesus.  When was filled with the Spirit of God.  She also carried the light of the world.  She was the vessel used to allow Jesus to be born both human and God.  Mary was an important person in that she came from the line of David.  It was prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem of the line of David.  We are able to see that both of these prophesy were fulfilled with Mary being the chosen one.

Mary and Joseph travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  In a stable Jesus was brought into the world.  Mary and Joseph witnessed the shepherds and angels announcing that Emmanuel was now in the world.  Mary knew that her job now was to bring up her son and prepare for the day that he would begin his ministry.

Mary was also there for that sad day when Jesus followed her beloved son through the streets of Jerusalem.  Mary watched as he was nailed to the cross.  She witnessed her son give his life for the world.  She was there when they took down his lifeless body and placed him in the tomb.

Mary was also there in the upper room.  The disciples had gathered together.  They had witnessed the tomb being emptied.  Several had seen the resurrected Jesus.  In that moment, as they sat talking about their Savior and what was to come next.  The Messiah entered the room.  Mary was there and witnessed her son who had overcome death. 

Mary had been there for all the important moments in Jesus’s life.  Many look at Mary as the Blessed Virgin.  Mary has been named a saint by many denominations.  No matter what you think you have to admit that Mary is one of the most influential people to shape Christianity. 

Jesus--The Messiah--Emmanuel--Savior--Light of the World

Who better to start with than the Messiah?  We know a lot about Jesus, yet there are things that we come to learn each day.  Jesus was with God since the beginning.  Therefor Jesus was there before the world began.  Jesus is a vital part of the trinity which is God. 

Jesus is the savior of the world.  Jesus is the perfect lamb that went freely to the cross to die for the world.  Jesus came to the Earth for one purpose so that we might find our way back to God.  Jesus will save anyone that comes to believe in his saving power.  Jesus is love amplified.

Jesus is Emmanuel, “God with us”.  Jesus came into this world as a little babe.  Jesus was a babe who learned the very simple tasks like walking and talking.  Jesus did not come as a warrior to establish an Earthly Kingdom.  Jesus became one of us so he could establish a Heavenly Kingdom.

Jesus faced death as a child.  King Herod was so afraid of the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Messiah that he killed all children under two years old.  Joseph Jesus’s earthly father was warned of the coming massacre of innocents.  He was told to take his beloved son Jesus to a faraway place.  Jesus was then swiftly taken away to Egypt.

It is within Egypt that we know very little about Jesus.  We know that Jesus was there until it was safe to come back to Nazareth.  We are told in the Gospel of Luke that Jesus grew up, he showed signs of a strong spirit, he was very wild, and lastly he was overflowing with the love of God.  We also know that Jesus returned from Egypt and began learning the trade of his father Joseph.

Jesus affirms all the above when he is twelve years old.  He had traveled with his parents and many others to Jerusalem for the Passover.  After leaving Jerusalem Jesus and Mary discover that Jesus is not with them or any member of the family.  They return to Jerusalem hunting for the son.  They find Jesus at the temple preaching.  Joseph and Mary who are obviously upset that they had lost their child are in relief when they find Jesus.  Yet, they question why he wasn’t with them.  Jesus makes it clear that his is the Messiah, the Emmanuel when he says I was doing my Father’s work.  Instead of being mad with Jesus they understand that he was doing what he had come to do. 

He then leaves with them to return to Nazareth.  It is not until the end of his life that we learn more about Jesus.  Jesus resurfaces as he approaches his cousin John at the Jordan River.  It is there where Jesus goes into the water to have John Baptize him.  John knows who this is and says Jesus should baptize him.  Jesus reassures John and is baptized at that moment the dove of the Holy Spirit comes to him and God tells his son that he is proud of him.

Jesus leaves this scene and spends 40 days in the desert being tempted by Satan.  We have to realize that there is great significance in the 40 days.  Each day represents one year that the Jewish community spent in the wilderness.  They were tempted yet, unlike the Jewish community he did not give into the temptations.  This fulfilled the law and set the stage for Jesus to be the redeemer of the world.

He spent the next three years preparing his disciples and the world for his final destination.  He taught using stories to help the masses understand the love and redemption power of God.  Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead.  Jesus taught in the temple.  Jesus walked upon the masses and sharing with those that society had abandoned.  Jesus was the instrument of love during these 3.5 years. 

To fully understand these 3.5 years you will have to spend time going through the bible to find all of the miracles.  To fully understand the stories that were shared you will need to spend time studying the Bible.  The Story of this time in Jesus life is vital for it prepares us for the gift of salvation.  We encourage you to read the Gospels and walk with Jesus in his time of ministry.

Then the day came for Jesus to fulfill his work.  He was persecuted by the Church the government gave into the will of the masses.  Jesus carried his cross to the mount.  He then gave his life willingly to God.  Jesus died the Savior.  Three days later he rose from the grave to give us all the redemption of the world.  In the end, Jesus ascends to Heaven to prepare the way for those that would accept the saving grace.

The story of Jesus does not end there.  We now wait on the day that Jesus will return to claim his 

Kingdom here on Earth.  The day is guaranteed.  Yet, we do not know the day or hour Jesus will come.  Therefor we need to spend our life loving, praising and worshiping Jesus.  Prepare your heart for the moment that all have been waiting for.  The day Jesus will come to take his entire beloved children home.