Approved for All Ages

Torchlighters: The John Wesley Story

When young John Wesley is miraculously saved from his family’s burning home, his mother is certain that God has a great purpose for the boy's life. John will later refer to himself as a “brand plucked from the burning.” As a man, Wesley tries to live out that special purpose on his own strength and good works, but it only brings frustration and failure. Finally, after years of struggle, Wesley embraces saving grace! But his new message is not welcome in the established churches. Will John break all the rules and take his message outside the church walls to the needy and outcast? Find out in this action-packed episode of The Torchlighters, featuring the founder of the Methodist movement.
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Dove Review

“The John Wesley Story” is the inspiring story of the man who is responsible for the Methodist Church and for enlightening the people of his day. Wesley taught them to trust by faith in the grace of God for redemption, and not in their own deeds.

Viewers will learn much by watching this animated biography of Wesley’s life, including that the Methodists got their name from their “method” of praying and Bible study in order to grow spiritually.

Born in Epworth, England, in 1708, John Wesley was saved by his father, a pastor, from a house fire when he was a boy. He later likens his father rescuing him to God rescuing him when he realized he must depend on a Savior, not his own good works. He attended the University of Oxford and, along with his brother, endured having fruit slung at him and being called a part of the “Holy Club.” When John eventually trusts Christ and preaches that it is through faith and by grace that one is saved, he winds up thrown out of several churches. His “We are all sinners” comment does not endear him to many in the church. Eventually he travels over 250,000 miles on horseback to deliver over 40,000 sermons, resulting in many, many conversions. And his brother Charles composed more than 6,000 hymns.

At the end of the movie, a man named George Clifton tells of how he meant to take John Wesley’s life but, instead, God got hold of his life. Clifton remained a faithful Christian for the rest of his days. The Methodists went on to establish soup kitchens, orphanages, and schools. “The John Wesley Story” will resonate with modern viewers because his story is one of passion, enlightenment and, ultimately, reliance on God.

This wonderful animated biography has easily earned our “Faith-Friendly” Seal for all ages. Enjoy this feature!

Dove Rating Details

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Faith

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Integrity

People throw fruit at some Christians; John is literally thrown out of churches along with his brother; man plans to rough up another and tells him he came to kill him and he is knocked down, but instead this man is converted.

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Sex

None

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Language

Name calling such as "worthless beggars" and "worthless fools;" "Good for nothing"-1; good heavens-1.

1
Violence

People throw fruit at some Christians; John is literally thrown out of churches along with his brother; man plans to rough up another and tells him he came to kill him and he is knocked down, but instead this man is converted.

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Drugs

None

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Nudity

None

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Other

Child labor; pastor's house burns but the family is safe; young boy working in a basket in the air has his leg broken when the rope of the basket breaks.

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