Arrogant Christianity

How many of you have heard this? “How can Christians be so sure they're right and everyone else is wrong? Isn't that arrogant?

Isaiah 45:21"There is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me."

John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

OK, let’s look at this logically… It's not possible for all the major world religions to be valid ways to God. As seen in the scripture verses above, Christianity states that the God of the Bible is the only true God and salvation is only possible by accepting Christ as Savior and Lord, Jesus said it himself. “No one comes to the Father except through me.”

As an example, Judaism states that the God of the Torah/Old Testament is the only true God, but that Jesus is not the Messiah, putting it directly at odds with Christianity. Jesus either is the Messiah, or he is not. If he is, Judaism is not a valid way to God; if he is not, Christianity is not a valid way to God. The exclusivity of Jesus statement only grows when other religions are added: Islam says that Allah is the only true God, and that anyone who says Christ is the Son of God will be condemned (Qur'an, 5:72, 9:30). Furthermore, if religions other than Christianity are valid ways to God, then Jesus was wrong and one of Christianity's basic principles is false; in that case, can Christianity still be said to be a valid?

No matter what belief system you adopt, you will be saying that your system is right and that the billions of people who don't accept it are wrong. If Islam is correct, the billions of non-Muslims are wrong; if Orthodox Judaism is correct, the billions of Gentiles are wrong. If it is correct to approve of multiple belief systems because they're all valid ways of achieving spiritual enlightenment, the billions of Christians, Jews, Muslims and others who believe in exclusive religions are intolerant and therefore wrong.

Alright, so how can Christians be sure their religion is the right one? Being born into a Christian family or growing up in a Christian community doesn't make one a Christian; culture and ethnicity don't determine your relationship with God. Instead, people become Christians because they are convinced of the truth of Christianity and/or have had experiences with God, in short, they have good reasons for believing Christianity to be true. Also, Christians are not saying that their personal ideas are true, but that the Christian God exists, and His words are true.

Furthermore, Christianity is unique because it addresses the fact that we can never be good enough to be in the presence of a perfect, holy God. In order to be perfectly good, we would have to be “doing good” all the time. If we do something wrong, we can't undo it, and we can no longer be considered perfect. Nor can we do more good to make up for our wrongs, for perfection requires doing the most good possible at all times - we can't be more than perfect to make up for when we're less than perfect. Other religions teach that we can somehow do enough good to earn heaven or nirvana, but they don't address the fact that we continually make mistakes. Christianity teaches that our sins were paid for by Jesus' death on the cross, and that by accepting his payment and believing in him we can be forgiven; we don't have to earn our way into heaven, which is a good thing, because we can't do it. Christ is the only way to God, because without the forgiveness that comes through his death and resurrection, there's no way for us to be able to stand before a holy God.

Saying that Christianity is right does not mean that Christians themselves are right about everything, or that they are innately superior to non-Christians. What Christianity teaches is that both Christians and non-Christians "have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23) and need salvation, which comes only by the grace of God, not the individual's actions or merits.

Christianity is intolerant of other beliefs.

Is refusing to call a belief false always the right thing to do? For instance, is it right to say that racism and Nazism are simply alternate belief systems that we shouldn't pass judgment on, or should we condemn these beliefs as being morally wrong? If someone believes they have the right to rape or kill whomever they please, should we accept their beliefs as an alternate lifestyle, or denounce them? Tolerance is an admirable virtue in many circumstances, but tolerating wrong by refusing to say it’s wrong is…just plain wrong. If Christianity is true, then there is only one God and salvation comes only through Him, and religions that deny this are not merely alternate forms of spiritual expression, but systems of belief that prevent their adherents from obtaining salvation. If Christ is in fact the only way to God, then to claim that he's not is both false and dangerous. If someone has a life threatening disease, telling them that they don't need to seek medical treatment is wrong. If someone can only have salvation by accepting Christ as their Savior, telling them they don't need to accept Christ is even more wrong, no matter how tolerant or well-meaning it may seem to be.

The bottom line is this, Christianity does not teach that only Christians deserve to go to heaven. If scripture tells us anything, it tells us that no one deserves to go to heaven, because we have all done wrong during our lives (Rom 3:23). We can gain admittance to heaven by repenting of our wrongs, accepting Jesus Christ's death as payment for our wrongs and deciding to follow and worship him as Lord. The principle of Christianity is that Jesus is the only way to God, not any particular church or denomination (Jn 6:40).

Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth. (Is 45:22)

There’s nothing wrong with that… Be Repentent…

Bishop Ian

Blessed Are The Meek

Remember this? “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” I had an interesting conversation with someone recently who has been accused of being too bold in their approach to most things in life - marriage, relationships etc. But when I used the term “meek” he scrunched up his face like that was somehow unmanly. Now the Bible lists many benefits of meekness.

“The meek shall be satisfied.” “The meek He will guide and teach.” “The meek will become wise.” “The meek will be filled with fresh joy.”

There are lots of other references, but we in the modern church misunderstand this term. None of us really know what meekness is. In fact we often confuse it with another term that sounds like it. Meek sounds like weak right. And nobody wants to be weak, so nobody wants to be meek.

But the truth is meekness and weakness is at the exact opposite ends of the spectrum. The cool thing here is that the Greek word for meekness literally means “strength under control.” Like when a wild horse is tamed and taught to be ridden, the horse still has all the strength it had when it was wild but now it is strength under control for the master’s use.

Look, God doesn’t want you to be weak but He does want you to be meek, having strength under control. If I were to give you a simple definition of the word “meek” I would give you this phrase: let go and let God. That is the essence of meekness. It is surrendering, submitting, agreeing to what God wants to do in your life. It’s letting God be God in your life. Let go and let God.

Easier said than done? OK, look at it this way. Every morning you and I get up and we have a decision to make; whose going to be in charge of my life? Who’s the Boss? Who’s going to be the manager of my life, me or God? Who’s going to be in control, me or God? Who’s going to call the shots, me or God? Who’s going to be the one who directs and leads, me or God? Every day, moment by moment you are making that decision. When you choose to make yourself the manager of your own life it causes conflict, it causes confusion, it causes stress. You must let go and let Christ be the manager of your life.

"Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will comes to you. (Job 22:21)

How many of you would like to have peace at last and have things go well? Everybody this verse tells us: stop, let go and let God.

Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

Basically Jesus is telling his disciples, you’re not in the driver’s seat. I am.”

I have a confession to make. I am a closet backseat driver. As long as I am in the driver’s seat, as long as I am in control. Everything is fine. As soon as I let Robin drive, I am nervous wreck. I find myself holding on to the door handle, and nearly putting my foot through the floor trying to apply a brake that isn’t there. And it’s not that Robin is a bad driver. She is an excellent driver. It’s just that I’m not in control. I’m not in the driver’s seat.

It’s exactly the same in our spiritual life. When we become Christians we say, “Ok, Jesus, You take over the driver’s seat.” We then promptly hop into the passenger seat and then do back seat driving. Jesus is in the driver’s seat of my life but I’m looking over His shoulder saying, “No, turn this way! Stop. Wait. Faster! I want to go that way. Or slow down. You’re going too fast. Don’t get so close. Wait that’s not the road I want to go down!” And Jesus says, “Am I the driver or not?”

Here’s the bottom line, if you don’t have an authority in your life you’re going to listen to all different kinds of conflicting opinions. One day you’ll decide this and another day you’ll decide that and then one day you can’t decide and indecision causes stress. But if you decide that God's Word is going to be the authority of your life it simplifies decision making. By knowing what the book says personal opinion now gives way to godly admonition and instruction.

The Bible is filled of all kinds of rules and commands. God says do this, don’t do that, make sure you do this. Why does He do that? Because He is a loving God and everything that’s in this book is not there to make your life miserable. It’s there to protect you. It’s there for your own health. It’s there for your own good. A loving God who knows more than you is saying, “Here are the rules for life. If you ignore them you only get hurt.”

Like it or not you’re going to have to serve somebody. And right now you’re controlled by something. It may be popular culture. It may be the opinions of others, or the approval of your parents. You may be controlled by your husband or your wife. You may be controlled by your own desires, appetites and drives. You may be controlled by an addiction or a habit. You may be controlled by a memory. You may even be controlled by your own ego. But everybody is controlled by something.

You are going to have to trust someone. Whether you trust yourself, or another it will fail unless you learn to be meek and until you trust enough to commit your whole life and will to God, you are going to be constantly looping on the white knuckle roller coaster known as self.

Still there is that one thing that will keep some of you from taking that step, a lack of trust. It takes trust to take a step. So let me ask you why wouldn’t you trust God? Why wouldn’t you trust the creator who made you, who loved you and sent His Son to die for you? Why would you not trust God? Did He let you down somehow? Didn’t take the turn you thought He should, tuned left and you wanted to go right? Didn’t drive your life the way you wanted? How’s the view from back there?

If you’ve consciously chosen to commit your life and will to Christ’s care and control, it is not enough to do it just one time in your life. You’ve got to do it every single day of your life. On a moment by moment basis if you need to. It’s a constant decision: Meekness, learning to let go and let God. If you haven’t made that commitment yet… Buckle up!

Be meek in spirit,

Bishop Ian

Following the Good Shepherd

John 10: 11-16

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Everybody knows that sheep are not-so-bright, right? I mean we have all heard the phrase "to fleece." Basically it means that this person is so clueless that you could steal them blind before they realize they were getting ripped off. Was Jesus insulting us by calling us sheep?

Before we go looking for a more politically correct analogy, perhaps we should take a closer look at the reputation of sheep. Are they really as dumb as we’ve been led to believe? Could it be that they’ve just gotten bad press?

If you have ever seen any classic westerns sheep have had their reputations smeared by cattle ranchers. Every TV show and western movie I have ever seen shows that cattle ranchers hate sheep and sheep herders with a passion. Cattle ranchers decided that sheep are dumb because well…sheep don't act like cows. Every cattle dive I have ever seen on TV shows when you herd cattle, cowboys drive them from behind by whooping and hollering and cracking whips. If you try this with sheep, they’ll just sort of run all over the place. It seems you can't drive sheep; you have to lead them. Sheep won't go anywhere unless they know that there is someone out in front making sure that everything is okay. So who’s dumb here?

In Scripture, shepherds are pretty prominent. Jacob, Moses, and David were all shepherds, and according to Luke, shepherds were the first people to receive the message of Jesus' birth. In John 10 we find a series of statements from the lips of Jesus, in which he describes himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). There is a good reason why they were all shepherds, and why sheep figure so prominently in scripture. Sheep were, after all, the primary form of livestock in Palestine at the time and that the people of Israel didn't consider them to be stupid. They knew what sheep were capable of so they didn’t take offense at being called sheep.

In the Gospel appointed for the second Sunday after Easter, Jesus talks about a specific attribute of “His” sheep; they recognize the voice of their shepherd. Not only that, but they will only follow the voice of that one shepherd. The reason sheep will only respond to the voice or call of their own shepherd is because they know that they can count on their shepherd to keep them safe. When danger comes, they won't run off like the hireling. Therefore, sheep get very attached to their shepherds.

I remember a while ago a documentary on the Discovery Channel about the Middle East. They followed different groups of nomadic Bedouins. They were all sheep herders and often they all would meet with their sheep at the same time at the local oasis. Different flocks also gathered at the same watering hole and the shepherds didn’t try to keep them apart. What was interesting is when the shepherd was ready to leave, he or she gave off a distinctive call or whistle and the flock gathered to that shepherd. They knew who they belong to; they knew their shepherd's voice, and it is the only one they will follow. Seems to me that sheep aren't all that dumb after all; they know who they can trust and who not to trust, and they respond only to that one voice. So I ask the question; if we are part of Jesus’ flock, will we recognize his voice and follow him? There are a lot of voices in the world that are calling out to us. The question is which one will we follow? This Good Shepherd analogy is the reminder that through an act of grace, God seeks us out. if we’re willing to tune ourselves in to the Shepherd’s voice, then we can have confidence when we walk through the dark valleys of life, whether it’s sickness, loss of a job, or a disaster; we can have confidence because we know that in Jesus, God has already gone before us and knows the path we need to follow. If we stick close to him, we will make it through safely. That doesn't mean that the wolves won't nip at our heels, but the Lord is with us, to lead us safely through the danger.

Be Listening,

Bishop Ian

Finding Hope in Easter

Lent is a time for reflection and “looking forward to the joy of Easter.” Certainly it seems there is much to reflect on at this time. Some of it personal, some of it bigger picture reflections about where we are in our society and the wider world.

These are not easy times in our nation. The much debated and talked about recession has not gone away and some projected economic forecasts are far from healthy. It is likely that more people will lose their homes and jobs. In short, there’s not a huge amount of hope going around this Easter.

Yet, hope is a key theme in the New Testament. When Paul reflected on the resurrection of Jesus he concluded that, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all people.” (1 Cor. 15:19.) In other words, because of the transforming power of God in raising Jesus from death, hope is born not just for this life but for all eternity.

The loss of hope is indeed a loss. We are paralyzed without hope. To be without any hope is effectively to be disempowered, to see no way out. Despite the promise of Jesus that He would rise from the dead, those around the Cross on that first Good Friday experienced the hopelessness of it all. They wondered whether the past three years they had spent with Jesus had just come to an unfortunate end.

The resurrection brought hope then and it can bring us hope today. This event, Paul would have argued, is primary evidence that the promises of God will be fulfilled. Without it, the hope that faith in God can bring would be unavailable to us. It would be in doubt.

The resurrection means that God can take the most impossible and hopeless situations and transform them; that His power to change things has been ultimately vindicated in Christ.

Do we believe that things can change in our lives, in our churches, in God’s world? If you’re not sure how to answer that question then you have not grasped the power of the Resurrection hope and we will never know that “joy of Easter”.

To rediscover hope is to be changed and to believe that, however awful the circumstances, things can change in our life, in our culture and in our world. Jesus teaches that with God all things are possible, not least of which is his rising from the dead.

My prayer for all my readers this Holy Week is that we rediscover the “joy of Easter” and reconnect our lives to the things above.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

Be Joyful,

Bishop Ian

Celebrating Lent

Let’s face it; Lent has gradually lost its meaning for some of us. Most people in today’s world live in a noisy, materialistic society that has no idea what abstinence, prayer and meditation are all about. Even Christians are becoming bored with Lent. It’s lost it meaning because it becomes a “just do it” thing rather than a “here’s why it’s important” thing.

So why is Lent important? Let me ask this question; is Lent celebrated to benefit God or benefit us? Do we make life difficult during Lent as a way to pay Jesus for what he went through for our salvation or to reap the fruit of his suffering and death?

Lent isn’t about just giving up candy or coffee; it’s also about remembering and celebrating. Yes I said celebrating. Years ago I sought to enjoy Lent as a celebration instead of an observance. When Lent is approached as an observance, it has a tendency become dry and lifeless, some folks say even boring, something to be avoided. But when we approach it as a celebration, it is refreshing and full of life, and if we remain steadfast, each passing year has something new to teach us about the Word become flesh. Look for example at this passage in Lamentations.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is his faithfulness” (Lam 4:22-23).

Cool verse, but so what? Look at it this way; Lent is not celebrated to benefit God but to benefit us. Seems an odd statement but let me clarify. There is nothing we can do to pay for what Jesus went through for our salvation. God does not expect us to carry the cross during Lent or mourn or torture ourselves. Remembering Lent is to remember (reflect), celebrate (yes, by denial and self evaluation) and renew our hearts in prayer and meditation, and re-commit ourselves for the work of salvation done by God in Jesus Christ.

We are the ones to put our faith in action and share with those around us the finished work of salvation. In his 33 years of earthly life, he left us an example of how we can live for God on earth as humans. Jesus’ earthly life reveals that he identified with our human nature by becoming flesh as a God-man. He suffered and was tempted but denied himself worldly “things” for spiritual ones.

This Lent, consider what Jesus went through for our sake through his passion death and finally the promised resurrection. For me, Lent is a cherished period of self evaluation and gratitude celebrating the life and teachings of He who would take away my sins. Lent is a period in which we can prepare ourselves for personal mission and learn how we can, through Jesus’ example, overcome the many troubles that come with being human. We celebrate with praise and thanksgiving the opportunities to share in the victory he has already gained for us. The period of abstinence in Lent can help us abstain from so many of life’s challenges that lead us to sin; a period where we can reflect on our own commitment to the gifts we have been given as members of Christ’s Body.

It is my hope that this approach will help us celebrate what’s left of these forty days with some relish as the grace filled period and opportunity God has made possible through God the Son. Use the time left to really prepare your hearts and minds for the greatest celebration of all. Abstain, give up, and throw away those things that keep you from the benefits, the grace, and the peace and truly celebrate what it means to be serving the creator of everything.

Be Benefitted,

Bishop Ian

Change Is Coming...

I’ve been sojourning with my soul mate recently and I haven’t had much chance to get to blogging. But, this week I thought I would speak a little bit about this season known as pre-Lent and the “gesima” Sundays. There are three of them and they make up the Sundays known as pre-Lent. What is the meaning of the “gesimas” and why do we even need a three week pre-Lent season anyway? When I first heard the word “Septuagesima” as a teenager I thought, “Great… even the church has a season to celebrate some obscure algebraic formula.”

Here’s the deal. We have just been through some joyous events these last few weeks — the birth of Jesus, his naming and circumcision, the first Gentiles (Wise Men) to find him, and his baptism. On various dates and places through the ages, the Christian Church has celebrated these things in its church year.

But now a change is coming. We know, as we celebrate his birth, that Christ was born for us so he could die for us. Look at it this way; His blood was spilled in circumcision, putting him under the Law, His blood would be spilled on the Cross, to redeem us from under the Law.

We saw that the Gentile Wise Men who found him had to return by a different way, and I would argue that this is what happens to those of us who find Him, because life is different afterward. After his baptism, Jesus will spend forty days in the desert before beginning his public ministry, where we read he will be tempted by the things of the world. So, we too will soon imitate those forty days for our own devotion with the season of Lent, on the way to the Cross. A change is coming.

So the church provides a transitional time between the first and second of its three great seasons - Advent-Christmas-Circumcision-Naming-Manifestation-Baptism. Now we must prepare for the serious reason why those things happened; sin and our redemption from sin.

Here we have all of these “gesima” Sundays that will fit between the end of the Christmastide, and after the octave of the Epiphany, and then the baptism of Jesus. Septuagesima is simply another word for Seventy Days; that’s all. The Septuagint, the translation into Greek of the Hebrew Scriptures by seventy scholars — and the gesima part derives from the Latin for days.

Seventieth day from Easter; no more complicated than that!

So, Septuagesima is 70 Days; Sexagesima is 60 Days, Quinqagesima is 50 Days. With the Seventieth Day, or Septuagesima, the change within the church is pretty obvious. The white vestments of Christmas time joy give way to the Green of Epiphany tide and then purple or violet of repentance and penitential meditations.

The world has always had its early spring celebrations. The interesting thing is the majority of them are timed on Lent. So pre-Lent, to the world, has become quite opposite from its Christian meaning just as Advent has become the gift buying and partying season before Christmas. At the beginning of Lent, fasting in some form is observed, usually involving abstaining from meat. The most likely origin of the name for the worldly face of all this is called carnival. It is a celebration before the giving up of consuming meat. In most, but not all places, Septuagesima is the start of carnival season; ending just before Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. As the church prepares for the penitential season of Lent the world enjoys the flesh, in all senses of the word. Ever been to Mardi-Gras in New Orleans?

God the Son has indeed come to seek and save the lost. It’s our participation in the process that gives us time in our present state as human beings to walk the path to the cross. Change is coming. Prepare your heart and soul for God’s mercy in sending God the Son to do what we could never do on our own.

Be prepared,

Bishop Ian

Bike rides, Wildlife and God

Occasionally someone asks me why I ride a bicycle. I think back to my time as a child and remember it was the best mode of transportation available. It was also the workhorse when I delivered newspapers. As a child I hated gym class. I was a total klutz. I was always the last one picked when choosing team members. I simply wasn't any good at sports, and the taunts of my classmates ensured that I would forever view exercise as torture.

It’s not the same now. Riding my bike gives me two great benefits; first a time in prayer, which is very good for my soul’s health. Second, riding is something I need to do physically as well. I have diabetes (Type II), so it’s also good for my body’s health.

"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)

I am redeemed and I don’t fear death. But I am mindful of my responsibility to take care of my body, as well as my soul. As a child, I recall enjoying the time alone with my thoughts as I rode, but I didn't think of it as exercise at the time. Riding my bike felt like total freedom when I was a 10 year old. And in a different way, and for different reasons, it’s also freedom to a 54 year old.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

I like to ride early. I get up, feed the cats, let the dog out, and fill my water bottles. I mentally go over what route I will take, the 22 or the 30 mile course. Each one winds around lakes and trees with lots of wildlife to look at. Occasionally I find the wayward Florida Box turtle that needs a hand up over the curb, or I hear the screech of a Red-shouldered Hawk, or the ospreys hovering over the lakes looking for breakfast. The wild turkeys scratch the ground just at the forest’s perimeter. More importantly it’s my time to be alone with God and my thoughts.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)

So why do I ride? To give thanks to God for my type II Diabetes. I know that sounds strange, but it keeps me focused on my health and it keeps me on my knees. Without it I would not be riding my bike. And it's is a unique and special time alone with God that I never would have had.

Be healthy of body and soul,

Bishop Ian

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

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

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

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

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

When Opportunity Knocks, Answer the Door...

Last week I spoke about being patient and waiting on God’s timing. I want to speak this week about what to do when God does provide us with opportunity. Oliver Wendell Holmes, once noted that there exists in every church people “who are so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good.” Likewise, the late bishop, J.C. Ryle, observed how many times people would reject the very things they had prayed for. The odd thing he noted was that the excuse for not embracing God’s answer was that they needed to pray about it some more just to be sure.

God provides opportunities to our advantage all the time. Unless we take advantage of those opportunities provided for us, they simply will not become reality if we are constantly reaching for excuses.

"But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." (1 Corinthians 16:8-9)

The Apostle Paul was a man always looking for the opportunities shown to him by God. He recognized a door of opportunity that the Lord opened for him in Ephesus, and he wanted to make sure that his dream of spreading the gospel there became a reality. Interestingly, he also recognized that this opportunity was going to meet with difficult opposition. There were many people in that very area who were opposing him every step of the way. Yet, Paul did not reach for excuses. Rather, he saw the opportunities in the midst of the opposition. How about you?

"These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." (Revelation 3:7)

These are very encouraging words from Jesus...words that were not simply for his people back then, but words that are also for his people today. Jesus tells us that he holds the keys; meaning that he has all authority. He also tells us that He is the one who opens or shuts the doors of opportunity; meaning that He has all power.

What a deal! If God opens doors of opportunity to further the kingdom - step through - reach for the opportunity, and don't reach for excuses! I know, maybe you feel you should pray about it some more…or some of you may be thinking that you are not yet prepared…or you are too tired to take that step. Whatever your reason, Jesus has something to say to all of us.

"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and not denied my name." (Revelation 3:8)

Here’s the bottom line. If you believe that no one can stop His perfect plan, then reach for the opportunities! Will there be opposition? Maybe. Will you feel tired and overwhelmed at times? Probably. But, let me ask you this; when Jesus opens the door of opportunity, do you really want to miss the blessings on the other side?

Be heavenly minded that you may be of great good!!!

Bishop Ian

Being Patient...

“Patience is a virtue.” How many times has this saying rolled off the lips of mothers throughout time? We live in an instant gratification world and we have a tendency to operate in “crisis” mode when we don’t get what we want.

I know that God is perfect and that his timing is perfect as do many of you. Yet, even I sometimes wish that His timing would coincide with my timing. It seems whenever we rush into something or pace the floor over some situation, we finally realize that we have no control. We are truly wasting our time - time better spent bringing the situation before God in prayer.

"For I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance." (Philippians 1:19)

The Apostle Paul, writer of the letter to the Philippians, had good reason to feel impatient. He was unfairly imprisoned, his opponents were attacking his reputation, and his ministry seemed to be in jeopardy. Yet, there was Paul sitting in prison and stating that what had happened would turn out for the best.

If it were me, I would be wondering not only how this would turn out for the best, but when this would happen! With each passing hour in that prison, I would be losing more and more of my patience.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." (Philippians 1:20)

This passage should be mind blowing for us. Paul could remain patient in prison because all he cared about was bringing glory to Christ even if that meant a longer stay in prison. The only thing he wanted was the courage to properly honor Christ.

Was it tough for Paul to be in prison? Of course it was. Was it difficult for Paul to sit in prison while his ministry was under attack? Of course it was. Did Paul have a desire to be free and continue to do the Lord's work on the outside? He was human, wasn't he? Paul, however, also understood that the Lord's plans and timing were much better than his. Therefore, Paul figured he would leave the timing up to the Lord, and in the meantime he would live to bring glory to the Lord... whether in prison or out, whether by life or by death.

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)

Paul wanted his life to be all about Christ. Even if he had to remain imprisoned, his life would have still been about Christ! If he died, he knew there was the great reward waiting for him - eternal life with Christ - eternal life with his Savior with no pain or suffering, no death or sorrow, and no prisons! It kind of puts our problems in better perspective.

Be patient…

Bishop Ian

The Making of a Deacon...

JC Ryle, the great Evangelical Bishop of Liverpool, said that, “The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints”. He goes on to say, “We as Christians are not to simply sit and soak,” in our pews; rather we are to stand up and serve, both in our church and the outside community as well. We are to be the “hands and feet of Christ.”

"Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." Titus 3:14

As Christians, we understand that we are saved by grace, not by works. However, we are called to serve; doing good works that God has planned in advance for us to do. Heeding his calling to serve, Lon Barfield, was ordained as a Deacon on January 6, 2010 in Resurrection Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Augustine, FL. He was called to this ministry not by self but by God. This is not for Lon’s own glory but that God’s glory would be shown through his work in our community. Lon works tirelessly to feed and clothe the homeless and working poor of St. John County, and many have come to depend on his commitment, strength, and kindness.

Here’s the thing; every Christian’s mission in life is to bring glory to God and blessings to others - not just to receive, not to “sit and soak,” but to do. The result of doing these two things is that we are blessed in ways that are immeasurably greater than we can imagine.

Do you want to experience joy, excitement, and contentment in your life? Stand up and serve in a way that brings glory to God and blessings to others. Not everyone is called to become “clergy,” but God has a purpose and meaning for your life; that you can depend on.

"This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." Titus 3:8

We are all unique, wonderful creations of God. We have been granted gifts to be able to bring glory to God and blessings to his people. Lon Barfield has embraced his abundant God-given gifts and become the “hands and feet of Christ.”

Be a doer,

Bishop Ian

Epiphany: Seeking The Glory of Christmas

Epiphany, the 12 days on the other side of Christmas, commemorates the visit of the three wise men to worship the “newborn king,” Jesus. It is the time we reflect upon the glory of the promised savior now fulfilled; “…we behold his glory, the glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14).

All the lessons of this Epiphany season illustrate that glory; Jesus with the doctors in the Temple, Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana, and Jesus healing the leper and the Centurion’s servant. These are the signs of the glory of God manifest in Jesus Christ. But, for each of us, the vision of that glory is life altering; our personal “Epiphany” transforms our life into one of service to Christ.

Os Guinness, in his book “The Call,” makes the point that it is Christ who calls us to find him. Like the magi, we too are called to worship the King. He calls us to seek His word; that we may fulfill His call whether we are called as magi, shepherd, carpenter, banker, priest, or housewife -- you get the idea. No matter what we believe is our fulfillment in life, the truth is we can have no real fulfillment unless we are called to that manger; unless we seek the caller Himself.

Jesus begins by calling the very least of us. If we heed His call, like the magi in Bethlehem, there is an Epiphany for all where his glory shines, and there we make our gifts of adoration.

I didn’t bring up resolutions, but I will say this; if you are going to make any this year, make your own winter journey to Christ. Answer the call of God incarnate laying in a manger in Bethlehem. Adore him there. Seek the Glory of Christmas in your life. I assure you, you will not return unchanged!

Be One Whom Is Called,

Bishop Ian

Advent 3 - Be Prepared

As original Anglicans, we celebrate all the seasons of the church year with each season corresponding to the life of Christ. We now find ourselves in week 3 of Advent. It is the week to be prepared.

The 1928 Book of Common Prayer gives us three looks, if you will, in the birth of Jesus the Messiah. First, we look back to the incarnation, the birth of King Jesus. Looking back provides us with the opportunity to be thankful for what Jesus has done. Next, we also look with great expectation to the return of King Jesus. As we look ahead we have the opportunity to ask God to make us ready for Jesus’ return.

Between these bookends of first and second comings our prayer book admonishes us to take a look at our lives, to be prepared. Are we ready for Christ’s second coming? Are we faithful? Are we living according to His purposes? Are we ourselves showing a reflection of Christ to the world?

Advent literally means “coming.” When we enter into this joyous season we look to the prayer book lectionary. It has scriptures which describe to us the coming of Jesus as Messiah. The days that precede Christmas provide us an opportunity to reflect and ponder the promises of God from beginning to end.

“Behold I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.”
Gospel for the Third Sunday in Advent, 1928 BCP pg. 94

The Christmas Season can easily become a fast paced blur of parties, school functions, and endless shopping. We are bombarded by retail “XMAS” madness everywhere we turn. Advent, and especially Advent 3, is God’s invitation to shut the door on the busy world, to quiet our hearts and rediscover the meaning and the wonder of the coming of God’s Messiah.

Be Quiet, Be Listening, Be Ready,


+Ian