Tag: bible

The Power of Confirmation: A New Beginning in Faith

Easter Sunday at The Anglican Church of the Messiah in Plainfield, New Jersey, emphasized the sacrament of Confirmation as a beginning of discipleship. Eleven candidates received the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, ready to live out their baptismal promises. The celebration underscored the Church’s vitality and mission, inspiring all to actively share the hope of the Resurrection.

Jack Lumanog

April 20, 2025
The Anglican Church of the Messiah
Plainfield, New Jersey

Easter Sunday was not only a celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, but also a powerful reminder that the Spirit of the Living God is moving mightily in His Church.

Too often, the Sacrament of Confirmation is misunderstood as the end of a journey — as if it were some kind of spiritual “graduation.” But Confirmation is not an ending at all. It is the beginning of a new chapter in discipleship. It is a sacrament of empowerment, a moment when the Holy Spirit equips, strengthens, and sends forth disciples into the mission field of daily life.

When I lay hands upon each candidate, I do so with a deep sense of reverence and holy expectation. These ancient words of prayer carry weight and power:

“Defend, O Lord, your servant N. with your heavenly grace, that he/she may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more, until he/she comes to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.”

This is no mere formality. This is an anointing. This is impartation. This is the very Spirit of God stirring hearts, igniting faith, and commissioning laborers for His harvest.

On Easter Sunday, at The Anglican Church of the Messiah in Plainfield, New Jersey, I had the profound privilege of laying hands on 11 adults and young adults. One by one, they came forward with boldness and joy, ready to seal their baptismal promises with the gift of the Spirit. Each heart set aflame with the hope of the Gospel.

What a sight to behold — the Church alive, vibrant, and on mission! These brothers and sisters are not simply members of a congregation. They are witnesses of the Risen Christ, commissioned to carry His light into homes, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

The Spirit is moving.
The Church is alive.
And the mission continues.

May this Easter season be a reminder for us all: the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the very Spirit who fills and sends us today. We are not called to sit still but to go forth — as Easter people, alive with the hope of the Resurrection!

Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam — to the greater glory of God!

Life Experience Brings New Depth to Worship Song – “Goodness of God”

Jack Lumanog


Life Experience Brings New Depth to Worship Song
by Bishop Jack Lumanog

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to lose sight of the quiet yet profound moments where God’s goodness shines through. A worship moment captured at the Mississippi District UPCI Campmeeting 2024 reminds us—just how powerful those moments can be. The David Ellard Trio, a group of seasoned and faithful singers, delivered a soul-stirring rendition of the well-loved modern worship song “Goodness of God.”

Here is Jenn Johnson of Bethel Music leading the song as we have come to know and love it:

The Power of Experience in Worship

When the David Ellard Trio sang this song, it wasn’t just about beautiful harmonies or a polished performance. These elders in the Lord carried something deeper—an authenticity born of life’s challenges, triumphs, and an unwavering faith in God’s goodness through it all.

You could hear it in their voices and see it in their expressions: they weren’t just singing the words, they were living them. As the lyrics proclaimed:
“All my life You have been faithful;
all my life You have been so, so good,”
it became clear that these singers were testifying to their own faith journeys.

And it’s clear these words are closer to these singers’ hearts:
“With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God“

All of these lyrics take on a whole new meaning when sung by this trio!

A Timeless Reminder of God’s Faithfulness

“Goodness of God” is a song that resonates across generations. But in the hands of the David Ellard Trio, it took on a whole new meaning. Their heartfelt delivery takes us — whether young or old— to a place of deep gratitude and worship.

This performance isn’t just about music; it is about connection.

It reminds us that no matter what we face, God’s faithfulness is unwavering.

These elders in the Lord, with lives marked by highs and lows, sang a message of hope that we all need to hear.

Whether you’re a long-time believer or someone searching for hope, this rendition of “Goodness of God” will uplift and inspire you.

Get a sense of God’s presence as the voices of experience remind us all of His unfailing love.

The Right Rev. Dr. Jon I. “Jack” Lumanog is an Anglican Bishop in good standing with the Apostolic Communion of Anglican Churches and the leader of The Anglican Diocese of St. Ignatius Loyola, overseeing clergy and congregations in the United States, South Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia. A pastor and evangelist at heart, Dr. Jack Lumanog has planted, revitalized and led churches, traveling extensively around the world to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He served as a denominational leader for eight years, providing executive-level oversight for more than 1,000 congregations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Dr. Lumanog is currently pursuing post-graduate studies in Management at Harvard University through the Harvard Extension School. He is an accomplished corporate strategist with extensive experience leading high-impact clinical projects for a Fortune 20 healthcare company.

Sermon by Bishop Jack Lumanog – “Let Us Go Over to the Other Side” part 2

Jack Lumanog

Bishop Jack Lumanog preaching at The Anglican Church of the Messiah, Plainfield New Jersey on 23 June 2024 where Archdeacon Gideon Uzomechina faithfully serves as Rector.

Here is a video excerpt from Bishop Lumanog’s sermon from Mark 4:35-41 sermon “Let Us Go Over to the Other Side!”

Mark 4:35-41, ESV:
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

The Right Rev. Dr. Jon I. “Jack” Lumanog is an Anglican Bishop in good standing with the Apostolic Communion of Anglican Churches and the leader of The Anglican Diocese of St. Ignatius Loyola, overseeing clergy and congregations in the United States, South Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia. A pastor and evangelist at heart, Dr. Jack Lumanog has planted, revitalized and led churches, traveling extensively around the world to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He served as a denominational leader for eight years, providing executive-level oversight for more than 1,000 congregations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Dr. Lumanog is currently pursuing post-graduate studies in Management at Harvard University through the Harvard Extension School. He is an accomplished corporate strategist with extensive experience leading high-impact clinical projects for a Fortune 20 healthcare company.