Dear Friends,


The Ministers’ Association Executive has been asked to meet by zoom on Thursday to discuss the factors that may have contributed to the recent spike in gun crimes here. While I do have some thoughts about this it might be helpful if you could let me know what thoughts you have too along these lines, especially if you can get them to me soon. 


We are not the only country with such problems. Indeed I am sad to report that a young member of my own wider family was shot dead while he was driving in Florida yesterday as I write. The proximate causes of such tragedies may have to do with the particular experiences we have all been caught up in over the last two years or so. No doubt other causes derive from the earlier experiences of life that psychologists and psychiatrists spend time dealing with.  The ultimate cause of them is undoubtedly to do with the theological reality of the Fall of Man - a basic reality which we do well to contemplate more often.


It is at that point that we have the Gospel message of redemption by the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.


The Collect for the Third Sunday after Easter is

Almighty God, who shewest to them that be in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness: Grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's religion, that they may eschew those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

The prayer refreshes us by its early references to such realities as “error”, “light” and “truth”. These are the categories of thought that are usually missing from current discourse. We have been getting too used to hearing about “my values”, “my identity” and “my choice” for instance. In fact such categories have the effect of closing real discourse, which must handle objective truths. This, as the prayer says, is the “return into the way of righteousness.” And so, we who “are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s religion” are the object of the prayer for good reason: (1) that we may “eschew” (deliberately abstain from) whatever is “contrary” to the life we profess, and (2) choose to follow those paths that are in agreement with the life we profess.


For directions about the services this Sunday the 8th May 2022, the Third Sunday after Easter, please see the website www.TruthWithLanguage.com 


In faith in the holy Name of our Lord Jesus, who will continue to provide guidance by the Holy Spirit to all His people.


+ Nicholas