Post by cannelewis on Sept 8, 2007 16:50:51 GMT -5
Hi Ladies,
My friend Suzanne who is a member of All Saints Anglcian Church in Long Beach, CA. sent me the address that is below. At this time they are fighting so hard to keep their church a true church of Jesus Christ, meaning the Word of God is true and has not changed. Without going into the heart wrenching details, they are fighting against the American Anglician Commuion and The Episcopol Church and all the unbiblical changes they are trying to bring into the church. They have already lost a couple of court cases to the AAC, but they refuse to give up because they believe God's word is true.
Jesus Christ said that people would know us by the love we had one for another. This is a good time to show our brothers and sisters in another part of God's vineyard that we love them and are praying for them. All you need to do is send an email to allsaintslb@uia.net You don't have to give your opinion on the matter, just let them know who you are and where you are and where you worship. I know it will do their hearts good to know they have brothers and sisters elsewhere that care. After you have done so pass this along to other Christian people you know to do the same.
Below is an address given by an American Bishop who gave this address at his consecration in Africa. The AAC and the TEC have gone so far to the left, that American Bishop elects have chosen to go to Africa to get consecrated and have aligned with the African Anglicain Church. It is long but worth the read.
Serving in the Love of Christ,
Cheryl
Address by Bishop Bill Atwood to the congregation gathered on the occasion of his consecration:
Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, Archbishops, all the bishops, pastors, elders and esteemed ladies, all those who have come to this service, I greet you in the peace of Jesus. Praise the Lord!
I thank God for the wonderful saving grace of Jesus. When I first met Him on Easter Sunday 1972 my life was changed forever. He has forgiven my many sins and shown me a way to live that is better than any I could have conceived on my own. In every way, He has proven Himself faithful and to this day, I remain committed to serve and follow Him.
Many of you have sacrificed and come a long way. I thank God for you and for many friends here in Kenya and other parts of Africa who have come. I particularly want to thank the members of the ACK Mothers Union who have made a gracious space in their Provincial Assembly for this service today.
Today I stand very much as a debtor, with debts so great that they can never be repaid. Even so, it is important that some of them be acknowledged.
First of all, there is an unsung hero in this place. Few people know the great price that my wonderful and godly wife has paid over years and years of sacrifice as she surrendered me to travel, meetings, and ministry. She has done faithful and unglamorous service that has all but escaped notice. She has worked long and hard at her job and in our family and has been heroic in being willing to spend too many nights alone. Together we have two daughters. Christy is here. Her sister Suzie and her husband Kirk are in America taking care of our grandchild. She is the prize Solomon speaks of in Proverbs 31––a righteous woman.
Second, I owe a great debt to the East African Revival. I bear its mark deep in my heart and spirit. It has provided a profound resonance with my spirit and encouragement for my soul. In it I found a people who have discovered the lengths to which God is willing to go to demonstrate unconditional love––a love so rich and deep it demands response.
I also owe a great debt to many Archbishops who have been mentors and friends. Each has freely shared their redemptive gifts with the church and the world and, thankfully also with me over the years. It is my hope to apply some of what I have learned from them and eventually to become something like them.
I long to have something of the precise theological vision of Drexel Gomez,
the Spirit of Henry Orombi,
the courage of Emmanuel Kolini,
the Gospel passion of Greg Venables,
the clarity of Justice Akrofi,
the servant's heart of Bernard Malango,
the strength of Peter Akinola (represented today by Archbishop Nicholas Okoh - a great leader in his own right),
the willingness of Bob Duncan,
the humility of Donald Harvey,
the conviction of Ian Ernest, and
the distilled simplicity of Joseph Marona,
and the joy of Fidele Dirokpa.
While these and other friends here have been spiritual fathers and inspirational examples for me, I owe a particular debt to Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi.
There are many examples of his leadership, however some stand out. On the day Archbishop Nzimbi was enthroned, I was privileged to be seated very near him; just over there. As he took his seat high up on a platform that had been elevated for the day, the cathedral was filled with wonderful music. During the singing, he motioned to me to come to his side. He leaned over and whispered, "I am really uncomfortable up so high above the people. I'd like to sit lower."
Last year, I traveled with him in the US. He listened to tired disappointed and disillusioned people. He listened to impatient people and to those who had lost hope. He listened patiently and gently and then told the people that he loved them. He reminded them to trust in Jesus and to preach His name to those who live without hope or salvation. Every day I spend with him, I learn new things.
Now, as this service has garnered some measure of attention, let me say that what we are about is not a political statement. It is about the Gospel and about caring for people. May I also suggest that it is a significant day in history. That is certainly not because of who Bill Murdoch and I are, but because of the clarity that is rising from so much of the Global South to re-affirm the Gospel so strongly.
On any given Sunday all around the world, there are approximately fifty-two million Anglicans attending Church. Out of them, the leaders of something like forty million are present or represented in this service today. They represent not just a church of potential but also one of accomplishment. It is their clarity and commitment that shaped the unified resolve of the primates at Dar es Salaam. It is their devotion to the Gospel that provides such a desperately needed voice. You have heard the clear message, "Feed the sheep, tend the flock, care for the lambs, and follow Jesus."
There are, however, voices of disunity. There has been a great assault; a great attempt to re-define the Christian faith. Moral and spiritual relativism have brought a great deal of confusion and conflict. Tragically, these innovations miss the mark of what Biblical faith is supposed to offer. Even worse, it does not just wind up at a different destination that is arguably an alternative good, it falls far short of the Good News that Jesus Christ offers.
At its heart, the message of the Gospel is a simple one.
All are welcome at the Cross, but we come not to stay as we are, we come in order to be changed ever more into His likeness; forgiven, healed, and transfigured.
The message that seeks to replace the Gospel is a superficial innovation that denies sin by attempting to re-define it, and it robs people of the forgiveness that Jesus died to bring. A faith so anemic that it does not offer the power to change misses the victory that Jesus rose to share. We live now in the midst of a cruel falsehood that leaves people to live in denial of their sin or misleads them to believe that there is no power to change.
If the truth of what we proclaim is to be believed, we will have to do a better job of showing love because God's heart is for everyone, no matter how broken or wounded, to receive care that is robust enough to offer hope. We must show that it is Jesus who offers hope and Jesus who offers forgiveness. It is Jesus who calls for amendment of life and Jesus who loves so deeply and completely he does not abandon us to despair.
What a great tragedy that there are places where institutional structures stand in the way of the Good News rather than providing for care. The Gospel, however, will ultimately prevail. There is a Kingdom that cannot be shaken and will not be undone. There is a King Who is eternal, immortal, invisible, a King Who is the only wise God; and He will stand.
Where the Gospel is clearly and rightly proclaimed; where people receive adequate care, we celebrate. There is no need to go into the fold of well cared for sheep and do anything. But, where the Gospel is not believed or proclaimed; where faithful people are denied care, we have a responsibility to go, even if the way is hard and the soil rocky. Jesus did not shrink back from Golgotha because the way was hard.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus said about Himself:
Luke 4:18:
The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.
He told us that He is the fulfillment of those words. He went on to say, "As the Father sent me, so send I you." We are supposed to carry on the work of His Kingdom. Every day, every hour we must ask, "Where would You have us go, Lord? What would You have us do?"
How can we rest until our lives and ministries produce the fruit the Lord is calling to life?
If we will yield our lives to the Master, then surely the fields that surround us will yield the harvest He desires. This is not a burden to carry, but a joyful message we are privileged to proclaim. I thank God for the wonderful saving grace of Jesus. When I first met Him on Easter Sunday 1972 my life was changed forever. He has forgiven my many sins and shown me a way to live that is better than any I could have conceived on my own. In every way, He has proven Himself faithful and to this day, I remain committed to serve and follow Him.
Many of you have sacrificed and come a long way. I thank God for you and for many friends here in Kenya and other parts of Africa who have come. I particularly want to thank the members of the ACK Mothers Union who have made a gracious space in their Provincial Assembly for this service today.
Today I stand very much as a debtor, with debts so great that they can never be repaid. Even so, it is important that some of them be acknowledged.
First of all, there is an unsung hero in this place. Few people know the great price that my wonderful and godly wife has paid over years and years of sacrifice as she surrendered me to travel, meetings, and ministry. She has done faithful and unglamorous service that has all but escaped notice. She has worked long and hard at her job and in our family and has been heroic in being willing to spend too many nights alone. Together we have two daughters. Christy is here. Her sister Suzie and her husband Kirk are in America taking care of our grandchild. She is the prize Solomon speaks of in Proverbs 31––a righteous woman.
Second, I owe a great debt to the East African Revival. I bear its mark deep in my heart and spirit. It has provided a profound resonance with my spirit and encouragement for my soul. In it I found a people who have discovered the lengths to which God is willing to go to demonstrate unconditional love––a love so rich and deep it demands response.
I also owe a great debt to many Archbishops who have been mentors and friends. Each has freely shared their redemptive gifts with the church and the world and, thankfully also with me over the years. It is my hope to apply some of what I have learned from them and eventually to become something like them.
I long to have something of the precise theological vision of Drexel Gomez,
the Spirit of Henry Orombi,
the courage of Emmanuel Kolini,
the Gospel passion of Greg Venables,
the clarity of Justice Akrofi,
the servant's heart of Bernard Malango,
the strength of Peter Akinola (represented today by Archbishop Nicholas Okoh - a great leader in his own right),
the willingness of Bob Duncan,
the humility of Donald Harvey,
the conviction of Ian Ernest, and
the distilled simplicity of Joseph Marona,
and the joy of Fidele Dirokpa.
While these and other friends here have been spiritual fathers and inspirational examples for me, I owe a particular debt to Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi.
There are many examples of his leadership, however some stand out. On the day Archbishop Nzimbi was enthroned, I was privileged to be seated very near him; just over there. As he took his seat high up on a platform that had been elevated for the day, the cathedral was filled with wonderful music. During the singing, he motioned to me to come to his side. He leaned over and whispered, "I am really uncomfortable up so high above the people. I'd like to sit lower."
Last year, I traveled with him in the US. He listened to tired disappointed and disillusioned people. He listened to impatient people and to those who had lost hope. He listened patiently and gently and then told the people that he loved them. He reminded them to trust in Jesus and to preach His name to those who live without hope or salvation. Every day I spend with him, I learn new things.
Now, as this service has garnered some measure of attention, let me say that what we are about is not a political statement. It is about the Gospel and about caring for people. May I also suggest that it is a significant day in history. That is certainly not because of who Bill Murdoch and I are, but because of the clarity that is rising from so much of the Global South to re-affirm the Gospel so strongly.
On any given Sunday all around the world, there are approximately fifty-two million Anglicans attending Church. Out of them, the leaders of something like forty million are present or represented in this service today. They represent not just a church of potential but also one of accomplishment. It is their clarity and commitment that shaped the unified resolve of the primates at Dar es Salaam. It is their devotion to the Gospel that provides such a desperately needed voice. You have heard the clear message, "Feed the sheep, tend the flock, care for the lambs, and follow Jesus."
There are, however, voices of disunity. There has been a great assault; a great attempt to re-define the Christian faith. Moral and spiritual relativism have brought a great deal of confusion and conflict. Tragically, these innovations miss the mark of what Biblical faith is supposed to offer. Even worse, it does not just wind up at a different destination that is arguably an alternative good, it falls far short of the Good News that Jesus Christ offers.
At its heart, the message of the Gospel is a simple one.
All are welcome at the Cross, but we come not to stay as we are, we come in order to be changed ever more into His likeness; forgiven, healed, and transfigured.
The message that seeks to replace the Gospel is a superficial innovation that denies sin by attempting to re-define it, and it robs people of the forgiveness that Jesus died to bring. A faith so anemic that it does not offer the power to change misses the victory that Jesus rose to share. We live now in the midst of a cruel falsehood that leaves people to live in denial of their sin or misleads them to believe that there is no power to change.
If the truth of what we proclaim is to be believed, we will have to do a better job of showing love because God's heart is for everyone, no matter how broken or wounded, to receive care that is robust enough to offer hope. We must show that it is Jesus who offers hope and Jesus who offers forgiveness. It is Jesus who calls for amendment of life and Jesus who loves so deeply and completely he does not abandon us to despair.
What a great tragedy that there are places where institutional structures stand in the way of the Good News rather than providing for care. The Gospel, however, will ultimately prevail. There is a Kingdom that cannot be shaken and will not be undone. There is a King Who is eternal, immortal, invisible, a King Who is the only wise God; and He will stand.
Where the Gospel is clearly and rightly proclaimed; where people receive adequate care, we celebrate. There is no need to go into the fold of well cared for sheep and do anything. But, where the Gospel is not believed or proclaimed; where faithful people are denied care, we have a responsibility to go, even if the way is hard and the soil rocky. Jesus did not shrink back from Golgotha because the way was hard.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus said about Himself:
Luke 4:18:
The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.
He told us that He is the fulfillment of those words. He went on to say, "As the Father sent me, so send I you." We are supposed to carry on the work of His Kingdom. Every day, every hour we must ask, "Where would You have us go, Lord? What would You have us do?"
How can we rest until our lives and ministries produce the fruit the Lord is calling to life?
If we will yield our lives to the Master, then surely the fields that surround us will yield the harvest He desires. This is not a burden to carry, but a joyful message we are privileged to proclaim.
It is of this substance that this day is made. Because of that, it is a joy to be able to say to say to you here at All Saints Cathedral, as a part of this Diocese and of this Province, "Mimi ni muKenya."
But there is even a greater joy. Because we belong to Jesus we are able to say, "Sisi ne waKristayo." Bwana asefewi.
My friend Suzanne who is a member of All Saints Anglcian Church in Long Beach, CA. sent me the address that is below. At this time they are fighting so hard to keep their church a true church of Jesus Christ, meaning the Word of God is true and has not changed. Without going into the heart wrenching details, they are fighting against the American Anglician Commuion and The Episcopol Church and all the unbiblical changes they are trying to bring into the church. They have already lost a couple of court cases to the AAC, but they refuse to give up because they believe God's word is true.
Jesus Christ said that people would know us by the love we had one for another. This is a good time to show our brothers and sisters in another part of God's vineyard that we love them and are praying for them. All you need to do is send an email to allsaintslb@uia.net You don't have to give your opinion on the matter, just let them know who you are and where you are and where you worship. I know it will do their hearts good to know they have brothers and sisters elsewhere that care. After you have done so pass this along to other Christian people you know to do the same.
Below is an address given by an American Bishop who gave this address at his consecration in Africa. The AAC and the TEC have gone so far to the left, that American Bishop elects have chosen to go to Africa to get consecrated and have aligned with the African Anglicain Church. It is long but worth the read.
Serving in the Love of Christ,
Cheryl
Address by Bishop Bill Atwood to the congregation gathered on the occasion of his consecration:
Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, Archbishops, all the bishops, pastors, elders and esteemed ladies, all those who have come to this service, I greet you in the peace of Jesus. Praise the Lord!
I thank God for the wonderful saving grace of Jesus. When I first met Him on Easter Sunday 1972 my life was changed forever. He has forgiven my many sins and shown me a way to live that is better than any I could have conceived on my own. In every way, He has proven Himself faithful and to this day, I remain committed to serve and follow Him.
Many of you have sacrificed and come a long way. I thank God for you and for many friends here in Kenya and other parts of Africa who have come. I particularly want to thank the members of the ACK Mothers Union who have made a gracious space in their Provincial Assembly for this service today.
Today I stand very much as a debtor, with debts so great that they can never be repaid. Even so, it is important that some of them be acknowledged.
First of all, there is an unsung hero in this place. Few people know the great price that my wonderful and godly wife has paid over years and years of sacrifice as she surrendered me to travel, meetings, and ministry. She has done faithful and unglamorous service that has all but escaped notice. She has worked long and hard at her job and in our family and has been heroic in being willing to spend too many nights alone. Together we have two daughters. Christy is here. Her sister Suzie and her husband Kirk are in America taking care of our grandchild. She is the prize Solomon speaks of in Proverbs 31––a righteous woman.
Second, I owe a great debt to the East African Revival. I bear its mark deep in my heart and spirit. It has provided a profound resonance with my spirit and encouragement for my soul. In it I found a people who have discovered the lengths to which God is willing to go to demonstrate unconditional love––a love so rich and deep it demands response.
I also owe a great debt to many Archbishops who have been mentors and friends. Each has freely shared their redemptive gifts with the church and the world and, thankfully also with me over the years. It is my hope to apply some of what I have learned from them and eventually to become something like them.
I long to have something of the precise theological vision of Drexel Gomez,
the Spirit of Henry Orombi,
the courage of Emmanuel Kolini,
the Gospel passion of Greg Venables,
the clarity of Justice Akrofi,
the servant's heart of Bernard Malango,
the strength of Peter Akinola (represented today by Archbishop Nicholas Okoh - a great leader in his own right),
the willingness of Bob Duncan,
the humility of Donald Harvey,
the conviction of Ian Ernest, and
the distilled simplicity of Joseph Marona,
and the joy of Fidele Dirokpa.
While these and other friends here have been spiritual fathers and inspirational examples for me, I owe a particular debt to Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi.
There are many examples of his leadership, however some stand out. On the day Archbishop Nzimbi was enthroned, I was privileged to be seated very near him; just over there. As he took his seat high up on a platform that had been elevated for the day, the cathedral was filled with wonderful music. During the singing, he motioned to me to come to his side. He leaned over and whispered, "I am really uncomfortable up so high above the people. I'd like to sit lower."
Last year, I traveled with him in the US. He listened to tired disappointed and disillusioned people. He listened to impatient people and to those who had lost hope. He listened patiently and gently and then told the people that he loved them. He reminded them to trust in Jesus and to preach His name to those who live without hope or salvation. Every day I spend with him, I learn new things.
Now, as this service has garnered some measure of attention, let me say that what we are about is not a political statement. It is about the Gospel and about caring for people. May I also suggest that it is a significant day in history. That is certainly not because of who Bill Murdoch and I are, but because of the clarity that is rising from so much of the Global South to re-affirm the Gospel so strongly.
On any given Sunday all around the world, there are approximately fifty-two million Anglicans attending Church. Out of them, the leaders of something like forty million are present or represented in this service today. They represent not just a church of potential but also one of accomplishment. It is their clarity and commitment that shaped the unified resolve of the primates at Dar es Salaam. It is their devotion to the Gospel that provides such a desperately needed voice. You have heard the clear message, "Feed the sheep, tend the flock, care for the lambs, and follow Jesus."
There are, however, voices of disunity. There has been a great assault; a great attempt to re-define the Christian faith. Moral and spiritual relativism have brought a great deal of confusion and conflict. Tragically, these innovations miss the mark of what Biblical faith is supposed to offer. Even worse, it does not just wind up at a different destination that is arguably an alternative good, it falls far short of the Good News that Jesus Christ offers.
At its heart, the message of the Gospel is a simple one.
All are welcome at the Cross, but we come not to stay as we are, we come in order to be changed ever more into His likeness; forgiven, healed, and transfigured.
The message that seeks to replace the Gospel is a superficial innovation that denies sin by attempting to re-define it, and it robs people of the forgiveness that Jesus died to bring. A faith so anemic that it does not offer the power to change misses the victory that Jesus rose to share. We live now in the midst of a cruel falsehood that leaves people to live in denial of their sin or misleads them to believe that there is no power to change.
If the truth of what we proclaim is to be believed, we will have to do a better job of showing love because God's heart is for everyone, no matter how broken or wounded, to receive care that is robust enough to offer hope. We must show that it is Jesus who offers hope and Jesus who offers forgiveness. It is Jesus who calls for amendment of life and Jesus who loves so deeply and completely he does not abandon us to despair.
What a great tragedy that there are places where institutional structures stand in the way of the Good News rather than providing for care. The Gospel, however, will ultimately prevail. There is a Kingdom that cannot be shaken and will not be undone. There is a King Who is eternal, immortal, invisible, a King Who is the only wise God; and He will stand.
Where the Gospel is clearly and rightly proclaimed; where people receive adequate care, we celebrate. There is no need to go into the fold of well cared for sheep and do anything. But, where the Gospel is not believed or proclaimed; where faithful people are denied care, we have a responsibility to go, even if the way is hard and the soil rocky. Jesus did not shrink back from Golgotha because the way was hard.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus said about Himself:
Luke 4:18:
The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.
He told us that He is the fulfillment of those words. He went on to say, "As the Father sent me, so send I you." We are supposed to carry on the work of His Kingdom. Every day, every hour we must ask, "Where would You have us go, Lord? What would You have us do?"
How can we rest until our lives and ministries produce the fruit the Lord is calling to life?
If we will yield our lives to the Master, then surely the fields that surround us will yield the harvest He desires. This is not a burden to carry, but a joyful message we are privileged to proclaim. I thank God for the wonderful saving grace of Jesus. When I first met Him on Easter Sunday 1972 my life was changed forever. He has forgiven my many sins and shown me a way to live that is better than any I could have conceived on my own. In every way, He has proven Himself faithful and to this day, I remain committed to serve and follow Him.
Many of you have sacrificed and come a long way. I thank God for you and for many friends here in Kenya and other parts of Africa who have come. I particularly want to thank the members of the ACK Mothers Union who have made a gracious space in their Provincial Assembly for this service today.
Today I stand very much as a debtor, with debts so great that they can never be repaid. Even so, it is important that some of them be acknowledged.
First of all, there is an unsung hero in this place. Few people know the great price that my wonderful and godly wife has paid over years and years of sacrifice as she surrendered me to travel, meetings, and ministry. She has done faithful and unglamorous service that has all but escaped notice. She has worked long and hard at her job and in our family and has been heroic in being willing to spend too many nights alone. Together we have two daughters. Christy is here. Her sister Suzie and her husband Kirk are in America taking care of our grandchild. She is the prize Solomon speaks of in Proverbs 31––a righteous woman.
Second, I owe a great debt to the East African Revival. I bear its mark deep in my heart and spirit. It has provided a profound resonance with my spirit and encouragement for my soul. In it I found a people who have discovered the lengths to which God is willing to go to demonstrate unconditional love––a love so rich and deep it demands response.
I also owe a great debt to many Archbishops who have been mentors and friends. Each has freely shared their redemptive gifts with the church and the world and, thankfully also with me over the years. It is my hope to apply some of what I have learned from them and eventually to become something like them.
I long to have something of the precise theological vision of Drexel Gomez,
the Spirit of Henry Orombi,
the courage of Emmanuel Kolini,
the Gospel passion of Greg Venables,
the clarity of Justice Akrofi,
the servant's heart of Bernard Malango,
the strength of Peter Akinola (represented today by Archbishop Nicholas Okoh - a great leader in his own right),
the willingness of Bob Duncan,
the humility of Donald Harvey,
the conviction of Ian Ernest, and
the distilled simplicity of Joseph Marona,
and the joy of Fidele Dirokpa.
While these and other friends here have been spiritual fathers and inspirational examples for me, I owe a particular debt to Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi.
There are many examples of his leadership, however some stand out. On the day Archbishop Nzimbi was enthroned, I was privileged to be seated very near him; just over there. As he took his seat high up on a platform that had been elevated for the day, the cathedral was filled with wonderful music. During the singing, he motioned to me to come to his side. He leaned over and whispered, "I am really uncomfortable up so high above the people. I'd like to sit lower."
Last year, I traveled with him in the US. He listened to tired disappointed and disillusioned people. He listened to impatient people and to those who had lost hope. He listened patiently and gently and then told the people that he loved them. He reminded them to trust in Jesus and to preach His name to those who live without hope or salvation. Every day I spend with him, I learn new things.
Now, as this service has garnered some measure of attention, let me say that what we are about is not a political statement. It is about the Gospel and about caring for people. May I also suggest that it is a significant day in history. That is certainly not because of who Bill Murdoch and I are, but because of the clarity that is rising from so much of the Global South to re-affirm the Gospel so strongly.
On any given Sunday all around the world, there are approximately fifty-two million Anglicans attending Church. Out of them, the leaders of something like forty million are present or represented in this service today. They represent not just a church of potential but also one of accomplishment. It is their clarity and commitment that shaped the unified resolve of the primates at Dar es Salaam. It is their devotion to the Gospel that provides such a desperately needed voice. You have heard the clear message, "Feed the sheep, tend the flock, care for the lambs, and follow Jesus."
There are, however, voices of disunity. There has been a great assault; a great attempt to re-define the Christian faith. Moral and spiritual relativism have brought a great deal of confusion and conflict. Tragically, these innovations miss the mark of what Biblical faith is supposed to offer. Even worse, it does not just wind up at a different destination that is arguably an alternative good, it falls far short of the Good News that Jesus Christ offers.
At its heart, the message of the Gospel is a simple one.
All are welcome at the Cross, but we come not to stay as we are, we come in order to be changed ever more into His likeness; forgiven, healed, and transfigured.
The message that seeks to replace the Gospel is a superficial innovation that denies sin by attempting to re-define it, and it robs people of the forgiveness that Jesus died to bring. A faith so anemic that it does not offer the power to change misses the victory that Jesus rose to share. We live now in the midst of a cruel falsehood that leaves people to live in denial of their sin or misleads them to believe that there is no power to change.
If the truth of what we proclaim is to be believed, we will have to do a better job of showing love because God's heart is for everyone, no matter how broken or wounded, to receive care that is robust enough to offer hope. We must show that it is Jesus who offers hope and Jesus who offers forgiveness. It is Jesus who calls for amendment of life and Jesus who loves so deeply and completely he does not abandon us to despair.
What a great tragedy that there are places where institutional structures stand in the way of the Good News rather than providing for care. The Gospel, however, will ultimately prevail. There is a Kingdom that cannot be shaken and will not be undone. There is a King Who is eternal, immortal, invisible, a King Who is the only wise God; and He will stand.
Where the Gospel is clearly and rightly proclaimed; where people receive adequate care, we celebrate. There is no need to go into the fold of well cared for sheep and do anything. But, where the Gospel is not believed or proclaimed; where faithful people are denied care, we have a responsibility to go, even if the way is hard and the soil rocky. Jesus did not shrink back from Golgotha because the way was hard.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus said about Himself:
Luke 4:18:
The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.
He told us that He is the fulfillment of those words. He went on to say, "As the Father sent me, so send I you." We are supposed to carry on the work of His Kingdom. Every day, every hour we must ask, "Where would You have us go, Lord? What would You have us do?"
How can we rest until our lives and ministries produce the fruit the Lord is calling to life?
If we will yield our lives to the Master, then surely the fields that surround us will yield the harvest He desires. This is not a burden to carry, but a joyful message we are privileged to proclaim.
It is of this substance that this day is made. Because of that, it is a joy to be able to say to say to you here at All Saints Cathedral, as a part of this Diocese and of this Province, "Mimi ni muKenya."
But there is even a greater joy. Because we belong to Jesus we are able to say, "Sisi ne waKristayo." Bwana asefewi.