Tag: jesus

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!

Bishop Jack Lumanog: Finding Comfort in Holy Scripture During Advent

Bishop Jack Lumanog reflects on personal grief and the significance of the Collect for the Second Sunday in Advent from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Amidst holiday pressures, Bishop Jack Lumanog finds comfort in Scripture, emphasizing patience and meaningful reflection over consumerism. This perspective invites deeper appreciation of Christmas and faith.

Jack Lumanog

I have been suffering from a bit of “brain fog” lately. It’s been a prolonged season of grief and transition. Amidst all this, the Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent leapt off the page:

The Collect for the Second Sunday in Advent. From the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, International Edition (IVP).

It is the middle of December as I write and reflect on this and it seems an odd choice to exercise “patience” and seek “comfort of thy holy word.” Such an odd choice! It is nearly Christmas time after all!

But, the rhythm of life from the Book of Common Prayer is helpful like that sometimes.

The Church calendar supersedes my agenda for the day.

The Church calendar re-orders my priorities.

Sometimes, it helps to have something like a prayer to remind me of what an enormous gift we have in Holy Scripture to point us to the blessed hope of everlasting life in Jesus Christ.

There is so much to do especially around Christmastime. But is it really relevant to the celebration of Jesus and His birth? Or is it all “forced merriment” around this time of the year? It feels like “compulsory joy” which makes it even more like a pressurized month — especially if you are, like me, struggling with grief or loss.

My dog keeping me company as I take a breath and a moment in the Scriptures to “hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” as reminded by the collect in the Second Sunday of Advent. What a great idea in the busy season of Christmas!

On second thought, it may not be such an odd prayer to offer in the middle of December after all. To choose “patience” and seek the “comfort of thy holy word” feels especially fitting as the rest of the world seems consumed by the frenzy of consumerism (allegedly) meant to commemorate the birth of Jesus.

Taking a breath and a moment in the Scriptures to “hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” might be the best gift we give to ourselves and our Lord Jesus Christ in this busy season.

(Finally, I love this 1662 Book of Common Prayer International Edition from IVP. This BCP gently updates the text for contemporary use. State prayers of England have been replaced with prayers that can be used regardless of nation or polity. Obscure words and phrases have been modestly revised—but always with a view towards preserving the prayer book’s own cadence. And, there is a Daily Office site for Morning and Evening Prayer.)

Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

(1662 Book of Common Prayer, International Version from IVP)
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.

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.