A recent article I wrote for “Rainbow Connections Magazine” a publication of Anglican Cursillo Tasmania:<\/p>\n
Extraverted Anglicans<\/strong><\/p>\n
Cursillo tells of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n
Without apology or hesitation Cursillo speaks of Jesus. What joy to speak and act for the One who is the centre of life; indeed who is Life itself! A transparent \u2018living out\u2019 of our trust in Jesus is what I am referring to as \u2018extraverted Anglicanism\u2019 or \u2018extraverted Christian living\u2019.<\/p>\n
An \u2018extravert\u2019 is somebody who is sociable and self-confident. My idea of extraverted Anglicans is that we be just that: \u2018sociable and self-confident\u2019 in speaking and acting for Jesus.<\/p>\n
We see this in the early Church. Lydia hears of Jesus while at a prayer gathering with woman by a river and she goes to her household and tells them of this marvellous news of Jesus and then they, with her, are baptised (Acts 16:11-15). What joy! Lydia: a \u2018sociable and self-confident\u2019 follower of Jesus! Praise the Lord!<\/p>\n
Do you recall Nicodemus who comes at night to speak to Jesus? Nicodemus comes under cover of night to hear first hand of Jesus\u2019 teaching and discover more about who he is. And discovering more of Jesus, Nicodemus undergoes a transformation from being with Jesus under cover of darkness to being with Jesus in the day. When Jesus is being questioned before the Jewish leaders (John 7:50-52) there is one voice that speaks up for Jesus. Who is it? Well, it\u2019s Nicodemus who came at night to speak to Jesus. But now he is speaking openly of Jesus!<\/p>\n
Nicodemus has moved from night to day, from darkness to light. And he continues in the light. When the body of Jesus is to be buried, Nicodemus goes and buys ointments and helps to care for Jesus. (John 19:38-40)<\/p>\n
Nicodemus had encountered the Light, and in deciding to be a follower of the Light he was a light himself. He was living outwardly his faith in the One who is \u2018the way, and the truth and the light\u2019 (John 14:6).<\/p>\n
Interestingly this idea of \u2018extraverted Anglicans\u2019 is clear also in Paul\u2019s letters where he shares openly of his affection for the Christians and also his affection as expressed in his prayers for them. \u2018In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.\u2019 (Philippians 1:3-11)<\/p>\n
It is this openness in sharing of our walk with Jesus that I find so heartening: extraverted Christians.<\/p>\n
Cursillo encourages and equips \u2018extraverted Anglicans\u2019 \u2013 just look at the way out \u2018gear\u2019 that Cursillistas get about in! This brilliant flair of colour and joy is extraverted, unashamed and unapologetic joy in the Lord.<\/p>\n
Cursillistas! Extraverted Anglicans! Dazzle the world with the light of Christ.<\/p>\n
To God be the glory.<\/p>\n
+John<\/p>\n
Bishop John Harrower<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A recent article I wrote for “Rainbow Connections Magazine” a publication of Anglican Cursillo Tasmania: Extraverted Anglicans Cursillo tells of Jesus Christ. Without apology or hesitation Cursillo speaks of Jesus. What joy to speak and act for the One who … Continue reading