The Anglican Church is in trouble. This is not new news but the heat is certainly on now as an increasing number of Dioceses around the world approve and endorse unbiblical theology and practice. Paul writes unequivocally in 1 Timothy 4:16 to his young apprentice saying; “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” The fear of many is that salvation for the masses is now at stake.
In the UK a number of parishes have set up a new fellowship of churches committed to the teaching of the Bible and salvation through Christ alone. A GAFCON UK representative wrote about it this week:
This is a grass-roots initiative by local congregations which is representative of the views of many across the country, and is in line with the concerns of Anglicans from the GAFCON movement worldwide as expressed in the Jerusalem Declaration of 2008 and subsequently.
The message being clearly conveyed is that there are Church of England churches that hold to the unchanging truths of the gospel and the formularies of the Church of England; these churches oppose the relentless slide towards revisionism in the Church of England structures; these churches are prepared to take action to protect their congregations. These churches will promote faithfulness to the gospel and provide fellowship for those who share this commitment, and it is for these reasons that we warmly commend this initiative.
The Chairman of GAFCON, The Most Revd Nicholas D. Okoh wrote the following after a visit to the USA this week:
We face unprecedented global challenges, but the successful establishment of the Anglican Church in North America, now formally recognised by the majority of the world’s Anglicans, is a sign of hope. God in his mercy has raised up GAFCON for such a time as this to call the Anglican Communion back to its biblical roots. Let us therefore stand shoulder to shoulder as a global family and be men and women of courage, committed to the glory of Jesus in the Church which he has purchased by his own shed blood.
In our timely study of 2 Thessalonians, we focussing in on perseverance in the face of opposition and the importance of standing firm with Jesus. There is perhaps no more important message for Christian people at this time. We had a great discussion in our Growth Group on Tuesday about the power of Jesus – 2 Thessalonians 2:8 is a great reminder of the power of the one we follow, the one who is grace and truth.
Please pray for Anglicans around the world who are watching their life and doctrine closely.
Thankful for your partnership in the Gospel
Nigel