Do you know the general rules of our Church?

Rules? Ugh. I hate rules. Okay, that’s not completely truthful. At the end of the day, I do see the need for rules. I love baseball, and I can’t imagine the chaos that would ensue if there were not clear parameters and rules to govern and protect the integrity of the game. So it would probably be more fair if I said that I hate unnecessary rules.

The general rules of the United Methodist Church[1] are the general rules that Wesley crafted for the members of the early Methodist societies. John Wesley believed that these rules were to be followed as evidence of a continued desire for salvation.

According to the rules, there is only one requirement for admission: “a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins.” The fruit of that desire is summed up in the general rules themselves; broken into three broader rules:

Do no harm…”by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced”

Do good…”by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men.”

Attend upon all the ordinances of God (Stay in love with God) …
-The public worship of God
-The ministry of the Word, either read or
expounded.
-The Supper of the Lord.
-Family and private prayer.
-Searching the Scriptures.
-Fasting or abstinence.

“These are the General Rules of our societies; all of which are taught of God to observe, even in his written Word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on truly awakened hearts.”

Do You know the general rules of our Church? I do. 

[1] All quotations in this reflection come from this link.