Plain Truth for Plain People: The Folk Theology of John Wesley ("The Way to the Kingdom," Sermon 7)

A Commentary on His Standard Sermons on Several Occasions

The main Scripture for Wesley’s sermon was Mark 1:15 (a favorite of his), but Romans 14:17 served as a secondary Scripture. (sermon text)

and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15).

“Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: That is, the word of faith, which we preach.” (Romans 10:5-8).

John Wesley begins his sermon on the importance of seeking the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness as the primary concern of every believer.