The 18th Century minister, John Wesley, was greatly used by God in leading thousands to trust in Christ and in saving England from suffering the revolution that occurred in France. He was also the spark that began Methodism and the Methodist Church. It is thought by many that Wesley is the one who persuaded George Whitefield the value of preaching outdoors to the masses.  Once Whitefield adopted that method of ministry, he became the principle figure God used in what is commonly called the Great Awakening.

Wesley was disciplined in his personal life.  Wesley examined himself continually and offered a list of examination questions that he encouraged everyone to follow. The questions are as useful and relevant today as when Wesley first framed them.

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3. Do I confidentially pass onto another what was told me in confidence?

4. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work , or habits?

5. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?

6. Did the Bible live in me today?

7. Do I give it time to speak to me everyday?

8. Am I enjoying prayer?

9. When did I last speak to someone about my faith?

10. Do I pray about the money I spend?

11. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?

12. Do I disobey God in anything?

13. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

14. Am I defeated in any part of my life?

15. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?

16. How do I spend my spare time?

17. Am I proud?

18. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisee who despised the publican?

19. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I going to do about it?

20. Do I grumble and complain constantly?

21. Is Christ real to me?

First Baptist Church of Perryville is located at 4800 W. Pulaski Hwy., one and a half miles east of Rt. 222.