Blog Posts - Anglican Church | Fort Worth, TX | Saint Barnabas Church

Evangelism - prayer paves the way

1/24/2019

As we continued our evangelism series this week, we focused upon the fact that prayer paves the way. Through prayer we lift up those God has placed in our path that He desires we invest in and enroll to follow Him through Jesus Christ. Prayer itself is action, which paves the way for conversations, invitations, and interactions.

We cannot underestimate the importance bringing them before God by name and asking that they would come to know Him. I keep a prayer list of folks on my phone that prompts me with reminders. I jot down names of friends and family members, job concerns, and where they are in life to assist me in knowing how to pray into their lives.

Additionally, prayer paves the way as we seek the Lord for opportunities to engage them and their willingness, readiness, and ability to be present for such invitations and conversations. Prayer doesn’t just pave the way for them, but also for us. We ask God to give us a heart after His for the lost, for time to invest in their lives, and for wisdom and discernment in doing so.

Prayer paves the way in all things, but at times can be overlooked amidst an action oriented approach to evangelism. Yet God knows our hearts and the hearts of those in whom we will invest better than anyone. As a result, we should be quick to prayer, seeing it as the first act of evangelism. And as we do, stand ready and obedient to the Lord’s direction to faithfully point others toward Him.

The 1-1-3 Challenge - A call to evangelism

1/17/2019

Sunday we kicked off our evangelism series with the 1-1-3 Challenge. Through this practical discipleship, one person brings one person to Jesus over the next three years. We explored the reality that evangelism is both relational and takes time. After all, Jesus’ public ministry spanned three years and He enrolled, healed and reconciled lives to God often one person at a time. And as His followers, we are called to do the same as we enroll them to follow Jesus.

Doing so isn’t about gimmicks, a sales pitch, or high pressure commitment, but comes through relationship. Sometimes we are the final link in someone’s life after God has sown seeds for years, and we get to see the fruit of that work in a life that connects back to Him through Jesus and His Church. At other times, we are the one who plants seeds, or the one who waters, and we may not know what God is doing in that person’s life at the time. It is all God’s work, but it comes through our obedience to follow Him and to point others toward Him. This is the call of evangelism and lies at the heart of the 1-1-3 Challenge this year!

As it was issued last Sunday, all are challenged to begin by seeking the Lord for who He has called us to enroll in this season. You will notice a cross in the back of the church with paper, push pins, and pens to write a name, fold it up, and pin it to the cross. It will serve as a reminder to us weekly of who we bring to Jesus, as we keep the end in sight - namely bringing them to Him and not we ourselves nor some program or agenda. It stands also as a reminder of our commitment to pray for them, to engage them, and to invest in their lives over the course of this season so that we may bring them to Jesus.

I urge you to participate. And to engage in finding support, encouragement and continue in the challenge through Growth Groups. Attend to this aspect of our call to follow Jesus, which is not scary nor burdensome, but comes from a life that seeks Jesus daily and desires that others come to find the peace, wholeness and relationship we have come to find in Him. Invest in someone’s life this year and leave the results up to God!

Why was Jesus baptized and why do we celebrate His baptism this Sunday?

1/10/2019

In the early life of Church the connection was made between the Nativity, or Jesus’ birth and entrance into the world, and His baptism. The very reason for Jesus' entrance into the world was to reunite us to God. And after entering the world in silence and great humility on Christmas Day, we see even more clearly who Jesus is in the Epiphany, whereby the world (signified by the magi) come back to God in their visitation of Jesus (God incarnate). Yet, it is in the baptism of Jesus as the heavens are opened and God the Father proclaims Jesus’ divinity from heaven that His ministry becomes even clearer (see Luke 3:21-23).

Maximus of Turin, one of the Church Fathers, so marvelously noted this connection long ago,

“Today, then [in Jesus’ baptism], is another kind of birth of the Savior. We see him born with the same sort of signs, the same sort of wonders, but with greater mystery. The Holy Spirit, who was present to him then in the womb, now pours out upon him in the torrent. He who then purified Mary for him now sanctifies the running waters for him. The Father who then overshadowed in power now cries out with his voice. He who then, as if choosing the more prudent course, manifested himself as a cloud at the nativity now bears witness to the truth. So God says, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear him.’ Clearly the second birth is more excellent than the first. The one brought forth Christ in silence and without a witness. The other baptized the Lord gloriously with a profession of divinity. From the one, Joseph, thought to be the father, absents himself. At the other, God the Father, not believed in, manifests himself. In the one the mother labors under suspicion because in her condition she lacked a father. In the other she is honored because God attests to his Son.”

It is in His baptism, as the heavens open and Jesus stands in the waters of the Jordan River while the Holy Spirit descends upon Him (a Trinitarian reference to the Godhead - Father, Son and Holy Spirit), that we see the whole of His ministry. Jesus would open the way to heaven to us through the waters of baptism as we are reunited to God. We, through the waters of baptism, are made adopted sons and daughters of God as the Holy Spirit then resides in us. And from this moment on, which officially begins Jesus earthly ministry, He reconciles every person that He comes in contact with back to God. Each healing, restored relationship, or deliverance points to the reconciliation Jesus extends to us all upon the cross.

So this Sunday we rejoice in an annual reminder of what Jesus stepped into the world to do. As we walk in the way of the cross and the pattern of the Church Year, we are called to renew our lives to Jesus as we do so in the renewal of our baptismal vows this Sunday. But the call, doesn’t just reside with us, but should go forth with us. But a little more about this this Sunday morning!

The celebration continues...

1/3/2019

This Sunday, January 6th, signifies the beginning of Epiphany. The date also traditionally marks the close of the Christmas season. However, its arrival serves more as a culmination of the season, rather than an ending to it. As the twelfth night of Christmas gives way to the Epiphany, or revelation of Jesus Christ, we move from celebrating the Incarnation (Jesus’ coming into the world) to celebrating his manifestation to all peoples.

Isaiah reminds us that Israel was always intended to be a light unto the nations (Is. 49:6). Through them, God’s salvation would extend to everyone. And it is upon the arrival of the three Magi, or Wise Men, emblematic of the other nations, to see Jesus, emblematic of Israel, that we see this promise fulfilled. Additionally, when they came to see Jesus they were transformed. And we are told that they left to tell others what they had seen and heard.

So, this season holds a twofold purpose for us as Christians. First, it is a yearly reminder that Jesus came to fulfill God’s purposes to save all nations and people. Secondly, we, who have been transformed by Jesus, are called to make Him known as well.

Toward that end, this season is also a particularly appropriate time for individual house blessings. Often our homes serve as the entryway to our church. Some of the most fruitful evangelism comes through the relationships made around our dinner tables, through fellowship in our living rooms, or as a result of conversations around the grill. Our homes are a place where we reach others with the love of God. And a house blessing serves to invite Christ’s presence afresh into our homes and lives, by ‘spiritually cleaning’ away the past as we seek to serve Him therein.

I am available during the month of January, and the first part of February, to come pray in and through your home. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please call the church office to set up a time for me to come by. Also, please take note of the other events this month and next that focus upon mission and evangelism during this exciting and fruitful season.

May Christ, the Son of God, be manifest in you, that your lives may be a light to the world.

Christmas Eve : What is the Christ Candle?

12/20/2018

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Anglican Pastor, it is worth your time. They even have a daily email blast about all things in our tradition.

Take a look at the article below in preparation for Christmas next week.

By Greg Goebel

On the four Sundays of Advent, you’ll see the Advent wreath at the Anglican Church. Around it will be four candles, three purple and one pink. And in its center is a large white candle. That’s the Christ Candle. continue reading by clicking here

A new way to 'see' the Bible

12/13/2018

While away at a conference last week I learned about a wonderful new resource called the Bible Project. Through a series of exceptional videos every book of the Bible is covered by offering an overview and what they call ‘milestones’ of main themes therein. All the videos are engaging and full of excellent content.

If you have ever wondered how to read the Bible, or how it all fits together, this project masterfully handles those issues too. I commend it to you as a great resource for all ages. If you have young children and/or teenagers, what more wholesome and beneficial thing to place before them than the Word of God! Trust me, these videos are well done, and not grade ‘b’ or grade ‘c’ productions.

As we continue through Advent, take a look! Maybe it will be a start of the new year’s resolution to see scripture anew. Each segment is not very long, and is truly well crafted.You may click the link here to be redirected or copy and paste the following link below. Happy viewing!!

https://thebibleproject.com/#read

What is the meaning of the Advent wreath?

12/6/2018

Last Sunday marked the beginning of a new year in the Church calendar. Perhaps the most telling of the changes at church came in the appearance of the Advent Wreath, which makes its début annually on the First Sunday in Advent. The presence of the Advent wreath brings much more than a weekly countdown to Christmas. Although its exact origins are unknown, it seems to have been adapted from a pagan practice used by early Germanic peoples. During the bleak, dark, short winter months they made wreaths with candles to remind them of the promise of spring and longer days. The peoples of Scandinavia also had a similar practice. They made wreaths into a circular shape, and would pray to the gods to turn the ‘wheel of the earth’ back to longer days and warmer weather.

As Christianity has masterfully done throughout history, it adopted this widespread practice while adapting its meaning in efforts to present the Gospel. Its theme was changed to center upon Jesus Christ (the light of the world; John 3:19-21), rather than the sun or some lesser light. And by the height of the Middle Ages the Advent Wreath was common practice. The four candles were used not only to depict the weeks leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, but also to represent the total of nearly 4,000 years between Adam and Eve and His coming into the world. The pink, or rose candle, symbolizes the halfway mark and serves to remind us to rejoice as we press onward toward both Christmas and Jesus triumphant return.

The meaning of the wreath does not merely stop with the candles. Its circular shape was kept as a reminder of eternity, and the promise of never ending life for those who name Jesus as Lord of their lives. The evergreen used to make the wreath also serve as a reminder of the continuous life we have through faith in Jesus. The various laurels, pinecones, and holly decorations echo this theme as they center upon strength, healing, and immortality found in Him as well. The rich visual history of the wreath serves to underscore the victory and hope we have as a result of Jesus’ entry into the world, and His subsequent victory over death and the grave. Each week, as we light a new candle, we are reminded to hold to the Faith as we are stirred afresh to for the annual celebration of Jesus’ entrance into the world at Christmas and His promise to come again.

Acknowledgments:
Saunders, Rev. William. “The History of the Advent Wreath.” Arlington Catholic Herald

Giving thanks to the Lord

11/22/2018

Hallelujah! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures for ever. Who can declare the mighty acts of the Lord or show forth all his praise? Psalm 106:1-2

This week as we gather with friends and family around tables for food and fellowship we are called to reflect upon the blessings of this life. It is a wonderful practice that we maintain as a culture. Unfortunately, however, it can often be a fleeting hour, afternoon, or day where we momentarily pause to reflect before launching into the next activity, shopping, or event.

As Christians, we are called to live in a state of thanksgiving. For we believe that all we have comes as a result of God's provision, generosity, and abounding love toward us. As the psalmist wrote, give thanks to the Lord for his mercy endures forever. He continues by asking who can recount, or declare all his praise? Indeed we are brimming over from the abundance of God's goodness toward us. The pinnacle of which comes through the restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

We cannot in one day begin to fathom all that God has done, and is doing, for us. The challenge is to live in a place of thankfulness, not merely to recall it periodically. In fact, if we dwell or live in a place of thanksgiving it changes us. It combats cynicism, bitterness, and even the covetousness that can result from the highly crazed consumerism (such as Black Friday). It keeps us grounded in the most important things in life, namely the knowledge and love of God.

Remaining in thanksgiving transforms us. It molds our outlook, and it can mold the way we spend our time and energy as well. We are able to keep focused upon what is most important, rather than running in so many different directions. As we order lives, our heart shows forth the praise of God and it becomes easier not to get wrapped up in the copious distractions that bombard us during this time of year.

As we hit the pause button to give thanks this week, may it remind us that this is intended to be more than a moment. It is a way of living. God showers us with His mercy and love, and as we respond in thanksgiving we are drawn more wholly and fully to offer our lives to Him in return. I hope we, too, can echo the psalmist in praise for the mercies of the Lord, and be so overwhelmed by their number that our lives echo them daily.

Celebrating Freedom

11/15/2018

As we marked a historic moment this week in both the celebration of Veterans Day and the 100 years that have passed since the end of WWI, we have the cost of freedom in the forefront of our minds. We are forever grateful for those who have stood, and continue to stand, to secure the way of life that we are blessed to have here in the United States. I always find it a bit ironic that we commemorate such an occasion by exercising our freedoms to purchase a multitude of items that become more available through the surge of sales at this time of year! We may do better to pause, pray, and give thanks for our freedom and reflect upon its application for our lives.

We know that freedom is not merely the ability to do whatever we please, but to stand for what we believe. And in our country such principles are birthed from the freedom we have in Christ Jesus our Lord. Through His life and teaching and ultimately His sacrifice once for all time, we have hope, joy, and true happiness. Pursuing a life of freedom in Christ is one that means putting it into action by choosing to no longer be slaves to the hurts, habits and hangups of life. Instead, discovering freedom when we lay them down at the cross and allowing the virtues of Jesus to be brought forth in our lives by the working of the Holy Spirit therein.

As we pursue such a life in Christ, we find that life is filled with far more than merely the freedom to exercise our will. We embrace our created purpose in relationship with God as we grow to trust that He desires what is best for us. So as we have freedom in mind this week, may we rejoice, return, and pursue more fully the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and the purpose He brings forth in our lives

We have a new member of the team at Saint Barnabas, Deacon John

11/8/2018

We have a new member on the team at Saint Barnabas, Deacon John Heffron! You’ve likely noticed him up front the past couple of weeks and his involvement in various parts of worship. Why does he do them and what do they symbolize? Quite simply, each act of Deacon John points back to his calling and also serves to remind us of our own as Christians. Namely, to bring the Church out beyond its walls and bring those beyond its walls back into the Church.

It is for that reason that the first time you encounter Deacon John in service is in the reading of the gospel. As he brings the gospel out among us, he reminds us that he carries Jesus’ words out among the faithful and those lost and disconnected from God who he visits over the course of the week. He brings them words of encouragement, challenge, and solace from the pages of Scripture.

As he returns from visiting them, Deacon John also carries their needs and concerns back to the Church. That is why Deacon John now bids, or starts, and reads the prayers of the people. He offers up the intercessions shared with him and calls them to our attention and personal prayers.

Deacon John serves also to remind us that healing and wholeness comes when we draw nearer to Jesus, which is why he starts the confession that follows the prayers of the people. We do so when we turn back to Jesus time and again from those things that have led us astray, or those things that we have neglected to do as His followers. And as John brings the words and presence of Jesus to those beyond our walls, they, too, are reminded of the same.

Deacon John then calls us to draw nearer still to the Lord, as we approach the altar. Thus, he both sets up for and cleans up after communion. It is a symbol of the service at the very heart of his calling and vocation (see Acts 6). And he stands ready to depart from the altar to bring the grace received therein back to the faithful who are unable to be present in worship that week. Again, always drawing, as you see, the Church out beyond its walls and bringing those beyond its walls back to the Church.

Finally, Deacon John reminds us that his calling is one we all share in as Christians as he dismisses us out into the world. As we are sent forth, we are to reflect upon our charge to go and do likewise. We need to share Jesus with the world we enter back into after service, and draw them with us back into worship. Deacon John’s ministry therefore stands as an icon for all of us in the calling to both be and enroll disciples. So, as you see him in motion on Sundays give thanks for his ministry and the reminder to us to go and do the same

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