Calvin Synod Herald, 1999 (99. évfolyam, 2-4. szám - 100. évfolyam, 9-12. szám)
1999-11-01 / 11-12. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 3 Bishop’s Christmas Message 1999 “The Penultimate Christmas” “For the Coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah...For this reason you be ready too; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” (Matthew 24:37+44). This Christmas is the last one we shall write with the number 19 as its first two digits; it is however the next to last of the 20th Century before the beginning of the 3rd millennium. Seemingly, we look back with nostalgia on the Christmases of the past and thank God for our family ties, the friendships we forged, the work we have accomplished, the faith we have kept, and the love that binds us together as Christians in the family of the church. Will these be with us around the bend in the new millennium? All indications from recent historical experience tell us, No. The family unit is greatly fragmented with divorce and the practice of “alternate” life-styles on a steady rise. Friendships in our mobile society are so fleeting we don’t even bother to know our neighbors. Voluntaryism and altruism are lost virtues passing away with the older generation. There is no pride in workmanship for we have become a nation of consumers rather than producers and have created an economic caste system. Love has grown cold and life has become cheap in the throwaway mentality of our narcissistic society. And this fragmentation has carried over into our churches: In the autocratic governing by some church councils striving for power and control rather than for living and spreading the gospel of Christ; Individuals in leadership positions who lack basic Biblical knowledge and faith about God’s love, mercy, and grace, the need for repentance and forgiveness, and selfless service that does not demand its own way; People who think they are a “church” by themselves, who gather and hire “teachers” to tickle their ears, stroke their egos, and adulterate the Word of God to justify their sins; Individuals who resist guidance and discipline for they have none in themselves, who cause rancor and division in the body of Christ, “holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power!” Truly, the days of Noah are upon us with the foul deeds of the flesh evident in every sphere of society. There is an unmistakable parallel between conditions that led up to the birth of Christ some 2,000 years ago and now; the people to whom He came were not ready for His appearing. The Old Covenant people of God were too taken up with their self-importance; they were headstrong, self-willed, incorrigible, implacable, and proud. We have come full circle; even now, many are not ready for His appearing. The economy is good, science and technology makes life easy and comfortable, and humanity is reaching toward its full potential in the “evolutionary process” to be his/her own god in the new age of our own making. Secular humanism has banked all its hopes in a new age religion; they do not want or need salvation because they are legends in their own mind. In the midst of this the children of God are told to watch for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact there are nearly fifty references in the New Testament regarding the second appearing of the Lord, making it certain and imminent. Unlike His first advent as a helpless babe, a servant leader, and an atoning sacrifice for our sins, His second appearing will be with glory, power and majesty. It will be sudden, unexpected, and decisive just like the great flood of Noah’s time. Therefore, let us be vigilant by keeping the flame of faith, hope, and trust alive like that old patriarch of antediluvian fame, in the penultimate year of a dying world, to board the ark of salvation with the new covenant of grace and find ourselves in the kingdom of God’s abiding presence. May Jesus find us ready when He comes. Maranatha. Louis Medgyesi Bishop (--------------------------------------------------------------------------^ I’m Thankful for Each Day Kay Hoffman It matters not if rain or sun; I’m thankful for each day that comes. I open up my eyes and say, “Oh, thank you, God, for another day.” Though once 1 thought I had to roam, I’m now content right here at home. No longer do I race about Or think that I must hurry out. So different from the work-a-day, I view life in a simpler way. Now that there's time to look around, So many lovely things I’ve found. A bird’s nest in the apple tree 1 watch with great expectancy Till baby bird mouths open wide For morsels mother bird provides. A butterfly, a pretty rose, A breeze that ruffles lines of clothes, Bright blossom cups, a bumble bee Is sipping nectar gingerly-It matters not what may transcend, I’m thankful for each day God sends. I close my eyes at night and say, “Oh, thank you, God, for a lovely day!” I______________________)
