The first book in the Malihambe! Wesley Series has just been published by Africa Upper Room Ministries. Fairly early in the life of the Malihambe! Bible Series it was clear that there is a crying need for various books on Methodism and the Wesleys.
Over the last 250 years a collection of John Wesley’s sermons has become accepted by the Methodist Church, in its many expressions across the world, as the foundation for Methodist theology, belief, and practice. This volume “translates” them into modern language and into an idiom understandable to the average Believer in Southern Africa.
All Local Preachers in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa are required to study certain of these sermons. Thirty years ago I started summarising these sermons, but didn't get too far. So I dusted off my old A5 notebook and got working on all 44 of the "Standard Sermons". I then added an introductory Chapter on Wesley's context and preaching.
The book turned out better than expected!
A highlight of the publication is the encouraging "blurb"written by Rev Dr Peter Storey of Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary in Pietermaritzburg in RSA: Neil Oosthuizen has done us a great favour. The further we travel in time from the English of the 18th Century, the more difficult it is for new generations to engage with the sermons of John Wesley that helped change his world. This is particularly true of those for whom English is a second language. Oosthuizen has opened a contemporary door into the mind and heart of the great evangelist and prophet whose message is as fresh and relevant today as it ever was. This book is an important tool for all who seek entrance to that message.
As with the other Malihambe! series, the book is available from Africa Upper Room Ministries (www.aurm.co.za).
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