Calvin Synod Herald, 2007 (108. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2007-03-01 / 3-4. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 9 Jesus as a Church Member “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day HE WENT INTO THE SYNAGOGUE, AS WAS HIS CUSTOM. And he stood up to read. ” Luke 4:14-16 Most Protestant denominations, and within them the respective congregations, claim and are proud of being democratic. Obviously this claim underlines our obligations: The majority of the members make the decisions in the church and not only a few of the leaders. We respect the right procedures, elect the elders, serve the people, worship God and, last but not least, do our best to follow our Savior. Some of the requirements of our democratic system are to have a yearly congregational meeting, issue an annual report about the last year’s services, achievements, and statistics, as well as publish a financial report. We should read more than just words and numbers in the published report; we should read between the lines and see what are behind the numbers. It is not “WHAT THEY HAVE DONE” but “WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED.” These congregational meetings are not only “business meetings” but also spiritual services as well, where we evaluate the previous year and make preparation for the coming one. Jesus as a Church Member It is certain from our text also that Christ had frequently visited the synagogues “as was his custom,” although he had often disagreed with priests and scribes. What do we find behind Jesus’ custom? What Does it Mean to be a Church Member - Cont’d have any special needs or requests. Or to just let everyone know if the members are ok. In most churches, within a year, the entire congregation will have been contacted. And when this is completed, then you start all over again; and again, and again. Maybe something might be shared that would benefit all of our congregations. Membership in our local congregations is our past, present and the future. We must find a way to stay in touch. We must keep searching for the best ways to serve Him. Jim Balias, Synod Presbyter UCC Bridgeport Bridgeport, Connecticut 1. The Lord, through his birth and ministry, had brought and presented the “NEW” which had never been preached or heard before. For instance:- People had notice early that Jesus was teaching them in a different way: .. he (Christ) taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. ” Matthew 7:29- “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ” John 13:34. Please see also John 15:12-13. 2. Our Lord wanted to change the “WHOLE PERSON,” that is, his/her mind, heart, attitude, and actions.- “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. ” Luke 10:27.- “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. ” Matthew 7:12 ' 3. The Savior who had brought and presented a completely new concept of life and wanted to change the whole person while he did not ruin the Temple and did not destroy the synagogues. He was not a bitter opponent or a severe critic of the organized religion of his time. Because he did not like what some leaders of the church had practiced did not mean that he had been against the institutionalized church. Would you close a hospital because one or a few doctors are not up to par? Please see Jesus’ love and support for the church:- “After three days they found him (Christ) in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. ” Luke 2:46-47.- “ ’I have spoken openly to the world, ’Jesus replied. ‘I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. John 18:20. Let us learn from Jesus as a church supporter how he had considered sacred both: the organization, within which we belong to the head and to each other, as well as the contents of this framework: our faith, love, loyalty, worship, and salvation. Rev. Mr. Alexander Jalso First Hungarian Church of Homestead Munhall, Pennsylvania
