This Week in Christian History: John Wesley Rebirth, American Presbyterian Church, Failed End Times Prophecy
Methodism Founder Has Born Again Experience - May 24, 1738
This week marks the anniversary of when Methodism movement founder John Wesley had what could be described as a born-again religious experience.
On the evening of May 24, Wesley agreed to attend a religious meeting happening at Aldersgate Street in London, where he heard a reading of Protestant reformer Martin Luther's Preface to the Book of Romans.
"About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed," Wesley recorded in his journal.
"I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death."
Known thereafter as the "Aldersgate Experience," the event had a great influence on Wesley, leading to a deep spiritual awakening for the influential preacher.