Calvin Synod Herald, 1980 (80. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1980-05-01 / 5-6. szám

REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA

3

In Grateful Recognition And Appreciation this certificate is awarded by The Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ to

THE REVEREND DR. JAMES J. McCORD

for his consecrated, constructive and courageous ministry to Hungarian Reformed people in two continents. As scholar and president of theological schools lie has helped many Hungarian Reformed students to advance their studies in these United States of America. As a Reformed churchman and ecumenical theologian he has cultivated meaningful and responsible relationships with leaders and people of the Reformed Church in historic Hungary. As a lecturer and preacher he has made known the struggle of God’s people in Eastern Europe, sharing the values and aspirations of our brothers and sisters of that area with Christians around the world. As a servant of the Lord and a brother in Christ he has been a trusted friend to all of us whenever called for counseling, continued education or special ministries, always exemplifying integrity, conviction and Christian empathy.

In witness whereof we affixed our signature and corporate seal on this 22nd day of April in the year of our Lord, 1980.

THE CRITERIA

Each year we hold our regular Synodical meeting in the Spring. This year we held it in Pittsburgh on April 21, 22 and 23. In this issue of the Reformátusok Lapja you will find the decisions of the Synodical meeting from the General Secretary of the Synod: Rev. Zoltán Király. Beyond these decisions ministers and delegates go back to their respective churches with either of two deep seated feelings: They will either feel: “I liked the Synodical meeting!” or “I did not like the Synodical meeting!” If we feel that we liked the Synodical meeting, it means that the meeting was GOOD! If we feel that we did not like the Synodical meeting, for one reason or other, it means that the Synodical meeting was NOT GOOD! The reports that the delegates and ministers will convey to those back at home, who did not attend the meeting, will be — on his basis — either GOOD or BAD. You may ask: Are there any rules that can be applied to church meetings, and give us a truer picture of a good church meeting? Yes! there are! These can be found in the 15th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, where the writer describes the first meeting of the Church that ever took place ... There were some Jewish Christians who visited Antioch, and insisted that no one can be a follower of Christ if he is not circumcised. The Antioch church was mostly of Gentile Christians who were not circumcised. Therefore, Paul, Barnabas and some of the others were sent to Jerusalem by the Antioch church to discuss the problem of circumcision with the apostles and leaders of the church.

(Continued on page 4)

Dr. McCord receiving the Diploma.

THE SPIRIT OF POWER

2 Tim. 1:7

How to Get the Power of the Holy Spirit?

It was just a year ago or so when, at the first time in my life, I began driving a car with power steering. What a difference! Suddenly managing my way through heavy traffic was easier, cutting difficult corners was simple, getting into my narrow garage was not a nightmare any more. Setting the course, turning the wheels became smooth and controlled.

I know some people who live their lives just like that. They can maneuver their way through the heavy traffic and sharp corners of sickness, grief, frustration and trouble with power, poise, calmness and control. They live a power-steered life.

(Continued on page 4)