Calvin Synod Herald, 1982 (82. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1982-10-01 / 5. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD — 3 — REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA Sermonette Bible Study--------------------Rev. Alexander Jalso---------------------Scripture reading: Ephesians 6:10 — 20. Text: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.” (1 John 5:4.) Introduction: Do you agree with me that this statement is true and valid; everybody likes to be the winner and nobody the loser? Shall it be a wager, chess game, sport event, beauty pageant, business competition, (and it is terrible to mention) a war every person, team, group, or nation wants to be the lucky winner. Often the bitterness of losing is far greater than the sweetness of winning. Have you ever asked yourself honestly and sincerely; what does it mean from the viewpoint of spiritual life to be the champion, victor, number one, and triumphant? TO WIN-CONQUER-TRIUMPH-OVERCOME SUBDUE-DEFEAT * Whenever there are several synonym words to denote a concept it is the indication of the complexity of that idea we wish to express. You can lose a bet or a boxing match yet what a great difference there is between the two losses. * If you also enjoy the honor and prestige of being the number one, I am inviting you to answer these four questions which really should be raised whenever victory is celebrated: 1. How much did eventually the victory cost? It has happened many times that at the end the winning was so costly and expensive that the winner would not have started the competition or accepted the challenge had he known ahead of time the price he was going to pay for the victory. 2. How long will the glory of the triumph last? The public may support and cheer its favorite team longer than remember and talk about the team’s championship. (Are not we forgetful and fickle in this respect also?) 3. Can we stop fighting after the last victory? Does not the sweetness of winning lure us into the next match? How many famous boxers retired at the peak of their career? Many sportsmen must suffer the humiliation of defeat before they make up their minds and quit. 4. What happened to those who were defeated? While we celebrate the bravery, skill, and superiority of the chamipion(s) we may overlook and neglect the agony, suffering, and often the humiliation of the loser. How nice it was that the United States of America helped the defeated countries so generously after World War II. WHY IS VICTORY NOT A MAIN ISSUE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT? * The concept of victory occurs only three times in the gospels; Matthewl2:20; Lukell:22; andjohn 16:33, and the book of Revelation mentions it the most frequently, 16 times. Why this humble treatment of triumph? Was not the resurrection of Christ the greatest victory man ever witnessed? Does this mean that in Christian life we rather surrender than overcome? What does our text say? * Jesus Christ definitely wants us to be victorious but not over our neighbor and fellow men but over temptation, sin, and evil. Remember Cain and Abel! Was Cain really a victor over his brother? Genesis 4:6 — 7. Why don’t we care to overcome temptation, sin, and evil? Because that triumph is not followed by celebration. * While we prefer one great victory, and the more people know about it the better it is, God expects us to overcome many small problems, difficulties, and hardships every day. In other words; our heavenly Father does not expect all of us to become nationally known heroes and celebrated champions but rather unnoticed soldiers of the cross who can sing with great enthusiasm: “Fight the good fight with all thy might; .. .“without any special reward or jubilation. * The ranks and positions are arranged differently in the eyes of God. According to our own evaluation the number one is the greatest, and if somebody excels in one field only he becomes famous. But Christ’s criteria are different: “If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35. Please read also: Matthew 20:26 —27; Luke 22:26, and 1 Timothy 1:15. Conclusion: The Biblical concept of victory, why do we struggle and how we will win, is clearly spelled out by apostle Paul: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him (Christ) who loved us” Romans 8:35 — 37. The Hungarian Eighth Tribe Foundation held its second Annual Heritage Conference on August 20 to 22nd in Ligonier, Pa. Participants came from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and Virginia, representing 3 generations, whose ancestors came from the Old Hungarian Kingdom. The Foundation is not affiliated with any Hungarian religious, fraternal or political organization. It is chartered in Pennsylva-Hungarian Heritage nia, with local branches throughout the United States. The Hungarian Eighth Tribe Foundation, Ligonier, Pennsylvania 15658 provides a voice to reach Americans of Hungarian ancestry, and to foster Hungarian heritage in America. HETF publishes a bilingual monthly journal, mostly in English ($10 a year), which brings news to those Americans interested in learning more of Hungarian history and culture, and serves as a conduit of information on activities of Hungarian-oriented organizations in the U. S. and Canada. Please take care of your individual subscription for 1982.
