My dear people of God, <\/p>\n
Next month we are expecting almost 2,000 delegates to gather in Jerusalem for our third Global Anglican Future Conference. I know that those working so hard to organise this great undertaking are very much aware that \u2018the time is short\u2019, but as the Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthian church, this should always be our perspective. Jerusalem is the place where Christ rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, events which make the promise of his return sure and certain, and we shall gather as those who always live in the expectation of our Lord\u2019s second appearing as King, Judge and Saviour. <\/p>\n
To know that \u2018the time is short\u2019 helps to keep us from being distracted and to concentrate on what really matters. <\/p>\n
Firstly, it means that the gospel is at the heart of all that we do. Our conference theme is \u2018Proclaiming Christ Faithfully to the Nations\u2019 and we shall celebrate the gospel in all its richness as the demonstration of the love and saving power of God in Jesus Christ. We shall be reminding one another that the gospel is not a message of merely human wisdom but the \u2018gospel of God\u2019 (Romans 1:1) which we have received. It is the work of God\u2019s grace from beginning to end, but he has entrusted that task to us and we must press on to fulfil the apostolic mandate of the risen Christ to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). <\/p>\n
Secondly, knowing that the time is short keeps us focused on the purpose of the Church. Ecclesiastical institutions must serve the gospel. The gospel is not a brand to be adapted to serve institutions. We will therefore continue to endorse new missionary initiatives and jurisdictions where necessary to take forward the work of the gospel. <\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n "It is the work of God\u2019s grace from beginning to end, but he has entrusted that task to us and we must press on to fulfil the apostolic mandate of the risen Christ to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19)."https:\/\/t.co\/QoYzklmGIh<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ETVNzAmbA2<\/a><\/p>\n — GAFCON (@gafconference) May 4, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n