Understanding Our Anglican Faith . . . Part 1

There are of late some misconceptions regarding the history, and motivations of the Anglican Church.

 

I am going to be introducing a series of posts to clarify some of the misconceptions.

When people inquire about the Anglican Church - it is often asked "Who is the head of the Anglican Church"?

I answer…

"Jesus Christ"

Responses range from humble agreement - to thinking it is the "Archbishop of Canterbury" - to "no - who leads the church here on earth? 

 

The Anglican Church is not organized in the same manner as other Churches.

Many do not realize, that the current structure of the Anglican Church follows the order of the Celtic Clans.

While it is true the Archbishop of Canterbury is the head of the Church of England - which is AN Anglican Church - he does not preside over the cooperative… (More on this later)

 

Why do I say cooperative? It is the manner in which our Church operates.

Joseph of Arimathea organized the Church in Scotland after being relocated there; leaving his estate in Glastonbury because of the Roman invasion of England in the year 43.

In the year 44 the Church began to take the 'shape' it is currently organized - still to this day.

It is after this pattern of each "Clan" - now taking the form of Communions, Diocese, and Parishes - being sovereign, and yet tied to the others by the independent cooperation, and the love of Jesus Christ.

 

 

Joseph of Arimathea knew it was imperative that no one person carried authority over another - especially when it comes to our salvation.

Each of us is responsible for our own salvation (Philippians 2:12).

Ministers - which we call Priests - do not "rule" over our Parishes and such; rather, provide organization, order, Priesthood services, counseling, teaching, mentoring - but always openly advocate that we as individuals are ultimately responsible for our relationship with Jesus Christ.

As the Church grew into a worldwide organization - there have seen differences in the way and manner to which the local group wished to worship.

 

 

Years ago we formulated a set of prayers and services that are commonly recognized as a means in which someone from one area can follow the worship provided in a different area.

Throughout the world there are minor changes whereas this book - The Book of Common Prayer - is offered as a guideline to provide structure and continuity.

Those who claim we have written our own scripture misunderstand this book. While it does contain passages from the Bible - The Psaltery, or Psalms - it never claims to replace the Bible.

 

Our Church has many subdivisions such as The Church of England, The Episcopal Church, and many other Anglican Orders and Communions. Even though there are such varieties of organizations within the Church, we come together in unity to our Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

Recognizing these differing organizations within the Church, we also admit that the management of these organizations takes on a personality of the local leadership. While interpretation of scripture and worship may vary, and policy of administering ordinances also falls to the leadership: the overall goal of the worldwide coalition of The Anglican Church is to minister to all of God's children, and to bring all to Christ.

Some of the "Orders" within the Church fall into the category of a "Monastic" Order - or - operate as a modern day Monastery.

These Orders do not primarily have congregations that meet as other Orders do, but provide support and other administrative services fulfilling their role in the cooperative of the Anglican Faith, as well as sponsor some congregations for those who aren't able to locate one to suit their needs.

It may appear confusing, but in reality, works quite well in organizing and promulgating a fellowship uniting in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

Continue to follow our look at the Church, as it may help build an understanding and deeper devotion to our path to Jesus Christ.

 

 

Let us pray:

Almighty Father in heaven: it is an honor for us to humble ourselves this Holy Sabbath, in worship to Thee and our Saviour Jesus Christ. We extend our hearts and compassion to those who have been victim of the recent typhoon in the Philippine islands; and we pray our assistance and comfort in Thee will offer them solace in both body and soul. We give our thanks for the blessings Thou hast given in bounty; we cannot measure the love Thou hast shown to us. For our beautiful planet, for our sustenance, for salvation in our Saviour Jesus: we thank Thee for all we have. We are thankful for our liberty. We are thankful for those who protect it. We continue to pray for the safety of our military, and their safe return to family and loved ones. Grant us absolution from our sins, and that our hearts may be forgiving; may we never cease to live the teachings of our Master Jesus. We are blessed and are thankful for the many Angels Thou hast given; we cannot extend enough gratitude for allowing us to have such compassion from Thee. Open our hearts this Thy Holy Day, to accept the salvation offered through our Saviour Jesus Christ; in His Name we pray; Amen.

God Bless…

Reverend Jack

In Memory of Our "Star Girl" Elizabeth Aubrey Daniels-Dunn

For Liz… Our "Star Girl"

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep…

I am a thousand winds that blow – I am the shining glints on snow…

I am the sunlight on the ripened grain – I am in the gentle autumn’s rain…

When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush…

…of quiet birds in circled flight – I am the stars that shine at night…

I am your single spark of life - I am forever; your loving wife

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there – I did not die…

We were blessed to have shared our lives with Liz, in the short few years we learned by her example to live the teachings of Christ, not just preach about them…

 

On October 24th our little "Star Girl" departed this life, and went home to our Eternal Father…

 

Sleep now my child…

 

for soon we will unite in the glory of our Saviour Jesus Christ…

 

 

 

 

This Week's Message... "It's Never Too Late To Come Back"

While the Bible is the foundation for our written word of God – it is not the only source for His word.

Christ provided a way for us to return to our Father in Heaven. He asks that we believe in Him, and that we follow His teachings and example…


Throughout the words we read - we see many examples of how unrighteous living has caused the destruction of living in liberty.






Sexuality is not a basis on which additional rights are granted, or restricted

The stand that the majority of the Anglican Faith has taken is that we love the individual as Jesus Loved - and we invite all to come to Christ regardless of attraction or orientation.


It is never too late for us to return to following Jesus Christ. He has already paid the price for our sins, only if we come to Him and take His name upon ourselves…

God Bless…

Reverend Jack

Jesus - Is Love... The Essence of Celtic Christianity

Jesus - Is Love

Jesus taught Love


Jesus is The only way to salvation, and no other can or should give commandments... or interpret His words to fit their needs.

If your religion isn't spreading a message of love - you're doing it wrong

Thank You Firefighters!!! Prayer Request

We wish to continue our prayers of gratitude toward the firefighters who risk life and limb to protect us.

We thank you for your service.

We are indeed grateful for the rains that have come. Our prayers have been answered. It may sound cliché – God really does answer prayers.

There is another prayer request for a young lady that is lost. She hasn’t found the voice inside her (yet) that she feels God will hear. Join me in calling on our Lord’s grace that she might find that voice, and find comfort in His fold.

Let us pray:

Almighty Father; who looks down upon us from heaven; witness thy children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: show them Thy ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following Thee is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in Thee, and keep alive their joy in Thy creation. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who protect us in the service of defending our liberty; saving us from the perils of fire; and who establish equal protection under the laws of this land, and Thy laws. Grant us prosperity that we all may share the bounty of Thy greatness; let us serve them that cannot serve themselves. Let us find the voice that calls to Thee in holy song, and join united in the choir of eternal joy. Accept our gratitude in receiving the blessing of rain. Fill our hearts with the love of He whom served us all with redemption, even Jesus Christ in whose name we pray, Amen.

God Bless…

Reverend Jack

Prayers for Our Nation, Prayers for our Firefighters, and Prayers for those affected by the wildland fires

For anyone who is interested, our Communion is preparing a King James Version of the Holy Bible that includes the Book of Common Prayer.

We will be available tomorrow morning from 9 to Noon.

We are asking for prayers to help those displaced by the fires in Utah and Colorado.


We ask for special blessings to those who risk their personal safety fighting these fires.




We are asking for a day of prayer on the 4th to implore the blessings of heaven to turn the hearts of this Nation back to Faith in God, and an understanding of Jesus Christ as our Saviour; and to heed the callings of the Holy Spirit.

May we all keep this prayer in our heart, that we remain a free people to serve our God.

Please pray with me:

O God our Father in heaven; Thou didst prepare Thy children for the coming of the Spirit through the teachings of Thy Son Jesus Christ: make the hearts and minds of Thy servants, and all those who seek solace in the liberty of a free Nation ready to receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the strength of His presence, that we may unite under the banner of liberty to worship our Saviour and serve Thee. May our protectors of this liberty keep Thy peace, and turn to Thee for strength, and find protection in Thy loving arms. Turn our hearts and minds from temptation, as we turn to Thee for our needs; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

God Bless…


Reverend Jack

A Special Prayer Request for our local firefighters

Fire fighters in the Northern Utah County area have been battling a wild fire for more than Thirty Hours straight.

Air Tankers, Helicopters, and Ground Crews from 40 allied agencies have united to extinguish the flames which have not been determined as to how much of it has been contained.



Please extend your prayers for their safety.

Please pray for the displaced homeowners that have been evacuated for their safety as well.

God Bless...

Reverend Jack

Who Are You Trying To Fool?

There has been a lot of discussion lately regarding doctrine of churches.

Simply put – if you don’t like the way a church practices its religious doctrine, you don’t have to be a part of it.

No one is going to make an individual join in its practices, or force someone to participate in its ceremonies.





God Bless…

Reverend Jack

Message from the Anglican Council: Love All !!!

As you may know I have recently attended meetings in Washington D.C. at the National Cathedral on May 13th:
Among many topics discussed – the following is one we have been asked to publish:

The following day we released a worldwide message to Anglicans and a press statement following:

May 14th, 2012 The Worldwide Anglican Communion; The Church of England Evangelical Council From the Chairman The Venerable Michael Lawson St Matthias Day Statement:

On the 30th November 1995, as the world celebrated St Andrew’s day, under the aegis of the CEEC, a group of British Biblical and moral theologians published a significant and widely welcomed contribution to the then debate on homosexuality within the church. It was received by many as a thoughtful, cogently argued and pastorally sensitive contribution to the discussions, and has been broadly referenced, read and re-read in the seventeen years since it was first published. The church’s conversation on the theology and ethics of same sex relationships continues unabated. Sometimes good thinking has been marred by insensitive and occasionally homophobic attitudes. Other times, genuinely compassionate and inclusive attitudes have been weakened by a lack of biblical rigor, and a consequent misreading of the revealed mind of God. Since 1995 social change, relational practice and ethical thinking within the church have undergone a notable transformation away from orthodox biblical thinking. Parallel to this is an increasingly comprehensive public avowal of homosexual practice greater than in any other time in our church and nation’s history.

Now that the government has called for a public debate on same sex marriage, effectively involving a redefinition of marriage itself, the urgency of thoughtful, biblical discussion set in the context of the Anglican formularies, their commitments and hermeneutic is especially pressing. The Church of England Evangelical Council offers this irenic, finely argued, biblically articulate monograph, set as it is in the rich context of foundational Anglican thinking, to engage all in our church of whatever persuasion. Like its predecessor it is notable for both its rigour and sensitivity, and for this we are deeply thankful for its authors’ humanity and scholarship. Of course there are other important matters such as equality and human rights that also require thorough biblical thinking and analysis; but before we address such issues, we believe it is important to restate and reaffirm classic, foundational Anglican teaching on this matter.

As a council we pray that engagement with this material will lead to deeper biblical discussion on an issue of great concern to God, and therefore for his church too. For that reason, and in the expectation and prayer for his Spirit’s enablement, we offer to the Anglican Church with its many constituencies, this St Matthias Day Statement:

 St Matthias Day 14th May 2012:
 Introduction:

 The following short statement seeks to help Anglicans understand our church’s teaching in the area of marriage and sexual relationships and its relevance today. It does so by providing a five-fold summary of that teaching based in Scripture and Anglican tradition. This teaching should be our guide if we are to remain faithful in our pastoral, prophetic and missional responsibilities and in our inter-Anglican and ecumenical relationships. The Church must, like Christ, welcome, love and respect all, particularly those who feel excluded and marginalized such as those who identify as sexual minorities. It must also, like Christ, bear witness to God’s good purposes for humanity and call for repentance, assisting all return to God’s will whenever we depart from these purposes. Why is this statement of Anglican teaching necessary? The Anglican Church’s teaching about marriage and sexual relationships other than marriage currently faces a number of challenges:
• Within The Anglican society, attitudes to sexual relationships have changed in recent decades and there are plans to redefine marriage to become more inclusive to all.
• Within the Anglican Communion, some dioceses and provinces are changing their teaching and practice.

Conclusion
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12.14) We offer this statement to Anglican Christians in the hope that, guided and nourished by Scripture and tradition, we may be led together into the way of peace and holiness as we seek to bear faithful witness to the grace and truth of Christ in society and the wider church. We do so aware that as individuals and as a church we constantly fall short in our understanding and in our obedience.

In this and every area of our discipleship and mission we must, therefore, be constant in prayer, seeking the grace of God -

“O God the strength of all them that put their trust in Thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without Thee, grant us the help of Thy grace, that in keeping Thy commandments we may please Thee both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Collect for the First Sunday after Trinity BCP)

“At a time of unprecedented assault on the historic biblical understanding of marriage I welcome every strand of support for orthodoxy including this statement from the CEEC.’’ The Revd John Dunnett, CPAS General Director and Member of General Synod for Chelmsford Diocese

“This clear statement properly recognizes the primacy of biblical teaching with respect to marriage , and rightly calls Anglicans to reaffirm that teaching. In line with Scripture, our formularies are plain enough on the definition of marriage as a distinctively male-female union, and the statement reaffirms that definition while urging gracious, pastoral and Christ-like interaction with gay and lesbian people. It is both welcome and timely.” The Revd Dr David Hilborn, Principal, St. John’s College, Nottingham

May I add my comments to the previous words to include:
We must love all who need to be turned back to following the teachings of our Saviour – in the way our Saviour taught. If we can correct the misunderstandings of Biblical interpretation in such a manner that we return a precious soul to Christ’s fold, we will truly serve Him. The Church isn’t dictating the behavior or choice of an individual. We are teaching our belief in a manner that serves our Savior while worshiping and following His commandments. 

God bless…


Reverend Jack

Services will be delayed for a bit…


We are going to be in Washington D. C. at the National Cathedral Sunday May 13th.

We will be presenting our Washington Rectors with copies of our Book Spiritual Self Defense.


We all want to thank the Anglican Church for publishing our efforts to make the world aware of the adversary’s tactics and strategies…


See You all Soon…

God Bless… Reverend Jack

Happy Birthday Ayla... No this isn't an April Fools Joke...

I would like to extend a Congratulation to my Son Jason and his wife Tracy for bringing our second grandchild into the world…
Ayla was born in the wee hours of April First – and although it was a very long night – it was very worth it…
The birth of a new addition from heaven is always a blessing and a true view of our window into heaven…
“ And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3)
I am very thankful for a wonderful family…

God Bless…
Reverend Jack

This Week's Schedule... and updates...

The next two Sundays we will be on the late schedule…

The Book is done! It is at the printer, getting copyrighted and we are starting to choose the artwork for the cover…

We have a question regarding an entry we made a bit ago – regarding being saved…


“If you know you were saved, but fell into doubt and are wondering if you still are saved – are you?”

The question is answered by asking what is in your heart. If you still believe, but question, that’s normal. If you doubt to the extent you deny the Savior, you need to come back…

Can you?

Read the passage of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11 – you’ll understand the Lord is always ready to welcome you back anytime you want to come back.

Once you re-commit to confessing Jesus Christ is your Savior – you again will fall into Grace with He who sacrificed all for your salvation.
Thank you for seeking truth with the Anglican Communion – even though there are those who do not wish to worship the way we do – we always welcome the chance to help all God’s children…


God bless…
Reverend Jack

You're Doing it Wrong...

Last Minute Update... Sabbath Schedule:

I will be on the road Saturday night and Speaking Sunday Morning.

I will be back by Sunday in the afternoon sometime, and will be available for Communion or such if needed.

... I appreciate your patience...

God Bless...

Reverend Jack...

This Week's Reservations for Services; Ask Reverend Jack; Prayer Requests

To schedule us for this week’s Sabbath, call or e-mail as soon as possible. I’ll try to accommodate all I can. So far I’m available all day Saturday and Sunday.
The question I chose to answer this week comes all the way from a little town north of Bangor Maine – hello Lincoln…

Remember, I answer with the bias of my personal preference of religion, and will not argue the points; however, find much of what I say is generally generic.

While I believe the motivation for members of the clergy should be service to all God’s children, and bringing all unto Christ: I have no problem with members of any ministry using donated funds to support their existence.

It is when the financial motivation to serve in the name of Christ overpowers the altruistic sacrifice we make in order to serve, that I find to be offensive. I do not take any salary from our ministry, but if I could find a way to serve full time – I would. I do put in hours of service that far exceed what a normal work week would entail, but do so out of love for my Savior.

If you notice we have “early” and late meeting schedules…? It is because I have to work to support my family, and am required to serve my employer two weekends a month. I still try to provide the same level of service in the evenings, on those Sundays that I must work...

If a congregation is large enough to require, and be able to financially support a full time clergy and staff – that’s great! Do not look down on those who are able to – it just means their congregate is able to have the benefit of a minister or such whenever the need arises…

All across the world there are Ministers, Priests, Bishops, or Clergy of all sorts that – like me – must maintain external employment to survive. Most of these dedicated servants give more than full time hours to serve.

Either way your local ministry does it – it really doesn’t matter. As long as the mission of your local Clergy is to help you stay on the course to your Savior – that’s what matters.



This week may we ask for your prayerful consideration continuing with one of our friends whose wife is recovering from major surgery, another who is dealing with the break-up of their family… and still for my wife who is enduring the radiation treatments for cancer.

Thank You.

God Bless…
Reverend Jack