Sunday, February 28, 2010

Adding Reality To the Vision

One of the best things about being a follower of Christ is that we have an opportunity to make the ordinary extraordinary. One of my firm beliefs is that many people profess Christianity but lose their impact on the people around them because they hide God's greatness. Are those around you becoming stronger, faithful people because of your influence? Are people growing spiritually because of your impact?

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 )

The goal of The Missionary Diocese of the Resurrection is to add reality to vision. I wrote in my blog last week, ‘We live in a fallen world; no vision or goal is self perpetuating. It must be nourished in God’s Word, sustained by his Grace, and fanned into flame again and again by the Holy Spirit operating in our lives. God’s glory can be seen in everything we do. That’s Original Anglicanism, that’s what being an Easter People means.’

We are to be in the business of building up and blessing others. The benefit of being Original Anglicans is that people can be refreshed because of our influence.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

This is one of my favorite passages of scripture as it is a perfect example of my vision for the local as well as the national church. We have to challenge ourselves daily, fanning the flames to keep the fire hot and the coals bright red.

The Protestant Episcopal Church, both locally and nationally, is here to fill an important gap. Original Anglicanism is a church dedicated to the Gospel and the challenges of remaining faithful to that Gospel. That is the value of our denomination. Adding a reality to our vision is also recognizing the need for solid leadership. Communities and denominations whose leadership builds a church on a message of what they are against is not a church that will stand the test of time. Original Anglicanism has always been about building on the message of what we are for, because that is what moves the kingdom forward.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)

My vision, and it’s a big one, is to start a capital campaign for a pro-cathedral, complete with a pre-school; eventually leading into K through 8 lower school programs. I want to accomplish this in five years. I firmly believe that a solid Christian school within every church we build is the key to securing the future of this denomination. I’m aggressively seeking out those displaced Protestant churchmen who represent a true reformed expression of the faith. Towards this goal, I have a generous $250,000 pledge for 4th quarter of 2011. I want to triple that amount in the same time period. Like I said, it’s a big goal – but one that we believe will further the Kingdom in a powerful way.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)

Be a visionary,

Bishop Ian

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Taking Stock

It’s been a year since the doors of Resurrection Protestant Episcopal Church were opened. Fr. Frank Castillo and I, a couple of California transplants, decided to plant an Episcopal church in St. Augustine, FL. That’s pretty gutsy given the ongoing turmoil that has embraced much of anything Anglican.

We both felt what was needed wasn’t so much a new continuing church, but an Anglican church that filled a gap. We called it “Original Anglicanism.” We are an “Easter People,” dedicated to the proclamation that without that connection to the Risen Lord there can be no real church.

This past year has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. It has been a roller coaster ride with moments of elation to moments of terror. For me, transitioning from the local to the national level as a Bishop, all the while knowing that as Resurrection goes so goes the Diocese has been challenging. With all of the struggles this church has faced it is important to take stock now and re-focus that vision.

One good rule of thumb when taking stock of any work started for the glory of God is to remember that, “When God brings you to something; he is more than able to bring you through that something.” I like that statement because it is a great reminder that God will never lead us to a place where his grace cannot sustain us.

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58:11)

The prophet, Isaiah, always had the right perspective when he spoke to the people of Israel. Things seemed to be going against them every step of the way. Yet, God in his grace reminded them that if he brings them to something, he is more than faithful, and more than able to bring them successfully through that something.

We have come a long way in a short time. People who share the same vision are joining us locally and nationally, and I am encouraged. I see it in the work of St. Andrews Middleborough MA, under the leadership of Fr. Steven DelSignore, and with the outreach ministry of Deacon Lon Barfield. God has certainly been faithful there.

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:11)

Remember, if He brings us something, He is more than able to bring us successfully through that something! We are taking a big step in our journey as we cast the vision for growth. It will be a time of great joy and purpose, filling that gap and moving forward with God’s grace.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)

We live in a fallen world; no vision or goal is self perpetuating. It must be nourished in God’s Word, sustained by his Grace, and fanned into flame again and again by the Holy Spirit operating in our lives. God’s glory can be seen in everything we do. That’s Original Anglicanism, that’s what being an Easter People means. Next week, I want to get into the nuts and bolts of that vision.

Be an Original…

Bishop Ian

Sunday, February 14, 2010

On Shaky Ground

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29 )

Take a look at the past few years; we have seen that the stock market and real estate market can be shaken. We have also seen that seemingly strong businesses can be shaken. In fact, we have even seen that the strongest countries can be shaken. I would say, and I think you would agree, that this world operates on shaky ground.

The writer to the Hebrews tells us that there is one kingdom that can never be shaken, the kingdom of God. The good news is, through Jesus Christ, we as Christians are members of that very kingdom! The question is, are you a member of that kingdom?

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Self worth is a big issue. We measure it by success at work, school, who we’re married too, our bank accounts, and quite frankly, it’s a trap many of fall into. Don’t get me wrong; money, employment, good grades, and strong marriages are not bad things. But if they are the only thing giving you self worth, then I would guess you’re on shaky ground.

God tells us that he is our helper and protector; he promises to guide and guard us; and he reminds us that he is mightier than anything man can come up with. Think about it, as a Christian you are part of a kingdom that can never be shaken. You also have the God of this universe on your side, and he can never be shaken or defeated.

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:31-32 )

What "shakable" circumstances you have been facing? This lent, take some time to take stock of your life. Is God central in all that you do? If so, then take some time to rejoice that you are part of an amazing kingdom, and that your KING is more than able to give you everything you need to keep you from being shaken! If not… talk to me. I want to share some Bad News and some Good News with you.

Be unshakable…

Bishop Ian

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Training Body and Spirit

The Evangelist, Billy Graham, once said, "Unless the soul is fed and exercised daily, it becomes weak and shriveled. It remains discontented, confused, and restless."

I ride a bicycle everyday. I do between 12 and 22 miles depending on my mood (and the weather). As a diabetic, if I don’t exercise it will impact my physical health negatively. If I don’t eat right, it’s even more of a problem. Our spiritual health suffers in the same way. This is why our daily time with the Lord through prayer and reading the scriptures is so important. It's the food and exercise we all need to be healthy and balanced Christians. Be honest, how much have you been feeding and exercising your soul? How healthy are you spiritually?

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)

One of the things I do at the end of my ride is stop at the church and say morning prayer. It helps me focus my day and it’s a good cool down opportunity for me physically as well. I call it my “spiritual work-out room.” One of the great things about being an Anglican is our prayer book. It provides me the opportunity to daily exercise my soul through prayer and the reading of scripture provided in the Morning and Evening prayer sections.

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8)

So here we have the Apostle Paul telling Timothy that physical training is valuable. Hmm, maybe Timothy was a jogger. Anyway, as Christians, the Spirit of God lives in us and our bodies are actually the temples of the living God. Obviously, we need to train our bodies with healthy exercise and healthy eating. However, Paul says that spiritual training is of even greater value. Therefore, we need to feed and exercise our souls in such a way that we have joyful and healthy hearts. You can’t be joyful without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (Psalm 51:10-12)

Do you have a "spiritual work-out room" where you spend time feeding and exercising your soul? Remember, that which you don't exercise regularly usually ends up shriveling and getting weak. Or, as Billy Graham said, "Your spiritual life becomes restless, discontented and confused.”

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

Be in Training,,

Bishop Ian

Friday, February 5, 2010

The Truth of the Matter

We are all faced with choices. Look down the isles in the supermarket or the abundance of stores at the mall. And then we also have really big choices in life such as whether we speak the truth or tell lies. In other words, we have the choice to be a faithful witness or a false witness.

"A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies." (Proverbs 14:5)

I was recently asked to sit on a radio panel to discuss the homeless situation here in St. Johns County. I was asked to participate not as a “Christian or Bishop” but as an advocate. This individual felt he wanted to keep religion out of the conversation. I declined the offer, stating that I could no more separate myself from who I was and who I represent than he could. You see, he started the conversation telling me he was an atheist.

As Christians, what we say and how we act can be a powerful witness for the glory of Christ. People are looking for someone they can trust, someone who represents truth. Being truthful to who you were called to be, and who you were called to represent makes a tremendous difference in how you are perceived as a person.

"A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful." (Proverbs 14:25)

We work and live in a secular world. We have a natural human tendency to keep our Christianity rather quiet as we conform to the spirit of secularism in our workplaces, schools, and social clubs - places that may be hostile to Christians. Are Christians absent from these places? Of course not. Christians are everywhere, but maybe it’s not where we are but what we are in those places. What we don’t say or do can be a powerful negative witness just as proper actions can be powerful positive witness.

Today will probably be another day where you will be faced with many choices. As you start your day, what kind of witness do you want to be - a faithful or false witness - in your family, workplace, or school? Do you want to bring blessings to others and honor to Christ?

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." (John 16:13-15)

As Christians, we have the Spirit of truth with us and living in us. God the Holy Spirit is our guide and our teacher. He wants our lives to be lives that are defined by truth, not by deception. He wants His light to shine within us at all times. It is by the Spirit that we can be what Christ wants us to be right where we are.

Be what matters,

Bishop Ian