The article examines the Local Church Conference as outlined in The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church 2022, highlighting its role as the primary governing body of local congregations. It emphasizes the importance of member participation in maintaining balanced authority and accountability within the church’s presbyterian-like structure. The author expresses concern over declining member involvement, noting that decreased attendance at Local Church Conference meetings can lead to an imbalance of power, favoring clergy over laity. This shift may reduce lay ownership of the church’s mission and vision, potentially impacting overall church health and effectiveness.

​In this reflection on Matthew 6, the author emphasizes the importance of sincere devotion over outward displays of righteousness. They highlight Jesus’ teachings on prayer, encouraging believers to seek genuine connection with God rather than public recognition. The Lord’s Prayer is presented as a model, focusing on adoration, supplication, confession, and guidance. Additionally, the commentary underscores the communal aspect of faith, urging believers to embody holiness and align their actions with God’s will.

In Matthew 5, Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the Beatitudes, which highlight the blessings bestowed upon those who embody humility, mercy, and righteousness. He calls His followers to be the salt of the earth and light of the world, urging them to uphold and teach God’s commandments, surpassing the righteousness of the Pharisees. Jesus also addresses issues like anger, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies, advocating for a deeper, heart-centered obedience to God’s law.

This reflection on Matthew 4 examines Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, emphasizing that while God allows testing, He does not tempt us directly. It highlights Jesus’ use of Scripture to counter Satan’s challenges and underscores the importance of knowing and applying God’s Word to resist spiritual attacks.

This reflection on Matthew 3 examines John the Baptist’s call for repentance, emphasizing a transformative change of mind leading to altered behavior. It highlights John’s simple lifestyle, contrasting with religious leaders’ hypocrisy, and underscores the significance of Jesus’ baptism, symbolizing the coming of the Holy Spirit and foreshadowing Pentecost.