April 18, 2005
Apologetics: The Art of Defending Faith
Our way of growing in the Faith is by knowing Him more clearly, loving Him more dearly and following Him more nearly, day by day. But there are also moments when we need to be involved in Apologetics (defense of the faith). In this regard, the following press release has been provided to the local newspapers:
What Went on at The 1977 St. Louis Congress of the Episcopal Church?
The 1977 Episcopal Church Congress at St. Louis brought about the change from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer to compromise theology and liturgy, sowing seeds for the current spiritual and moral crisis in the church today. What REALLY happened at the Congress? Come and listen to the inside story from the person who gave the opening address at the Congress in 1977. Captain Walt R. Swindells, member of the United Episcopal Church of North America, a traditional Episcopal church continuing in the faith once given to the saints, will speak this Sunday, April 24th at 9:00 am at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church (UECNA), 1803 W. Emma Avenue, Springdale. All are welcome.
Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to learn about historic events which led to the establishment of the Anglican Continuum.
Posted by frleo at 5:47 PM
October 12, 2004
What's Next? Compassion or Compromise?
This is in reference to the story “What Next,” in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette (click here to read the full article), evaluating the impact of Gene Robinson’s bishopric on ECUSA and other churches. Our church pondered over this article, and I wish to clarify the aspect of "compassion" quoted by ECUSA.
"Compassion" is not the exclusive claim of ECUSA alone. Most churches are naturally loving and compassionate. Being compassionate after the heart of Christ and reaching out to everyone is indeed Christian and not solely Episcopalian by any means. However, a distinction needs to be made between compassion and compromise -- between reaching out to people versus subscribing and promoting what is incorrect Biblically. The paradigm is given by our Lord in the instance of the woman caught in adultery standing before her accusers who wished her dead. Jesus said “Has no one condemned you? Neither do I,” but He also instructed her to “Go and sin no more.”
With Christ's compassion came the duty to correct her wrong ways. Jesus did not patronize adultery as the modern "champions of compassion" do in the context of homosexuality and other issues. In Christian parlance, there needs to be a dividing line between what is sin and what is grace. It would be a disgrace to accord sin the status of grace.
Exclusive claims of compassion to the detriment of morality and time-honored traditional family values, need careful consideration. Approving what is Biblically incorrect in order to make people feel comfortable requires a lot of soul searching. The Church, as an institution and guardian of faith and morals, needs to be be compassionate while also being forthright and continuing to do its duty.
Posted by frleo at 10:50 AM
August 28, 2004
Mountain Home In The News!!
The Agape Press (Christian News Service) published an online article on August 26th regarding our own Deacon Sam Seamans and his ministry in Mountain Home, Arkansas:
(AgapePress) - An Anglican minister who left the Episcopal Church USA over its open disregard for scripture says he has no regrets. The Arkansas pastor has formed a small but growing congregation that is now part of the United Episcopal Church of North America.
..."When I had to choose between being obedient to Christ and being in a biblically based, biblically founded and practicing church, I knew that was going to entail leaving many friends," he says. In addition, he contends it is more difficult for clergy than for the average lay person to leave the Episcopal Church -- because pastors must find "new bishops and new ministry," he says.
CLICK HERE to read the article in full, and HERE for contact information regarding this wonderful ministry for Christ.
We so truly appreciate Deacon Sam and his good work in establishing Christ's presence -- expressed faithfully through the Anglican tradition -- in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Posted by frleo at 1:23 PM