Calvin Synod Herald, 2014 (115. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2014-11-01 / 11-12. szám

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD

11

The growth will reach its peak, and then begin slowing down. Regardless of how painful it is to recognize, every birth takes place in the shadow of death.

BIRTH MEANS THAT LIFE IS NOT FAIR

One was bom healthy and the other one sick, one was bom smart and the other one with average talent, one was bom rich and the other one poor. In the world of vegetation, animals, and humans, many were bom with serious defects or handicaps and nothing can be done about it and seldom can anyone be blamed for it.

HOW DOES THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHANGE THE PICTURE?

Jesus’ birth means CONTINUATION beyond our final hour. Can we take seriously our Lord’s promise offered to Martha when her brother Lazarus died: Jesus said to her (Martha), "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26.

Jesus’ birth means GROWTH: not physically, but spiritually. "The apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith!" Luke 17:5. In life quality and quantity are usually against each other. This is a great challenge in Christianity that we are expected to grow in both ways in quality and quantity; for quality please read the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-10, and for quantity please see the Great Commission, Matthew 28:19-20. Can we take the challenge?

Jesus’ birth means LIMITATION. The discipleship is not a guarantee for an increasingly easy and successful life but it calls us to take seriously what our Lord told the rich young man: "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions." Matthew 19:21-22. Without sacrifice there is no fruitful life.

Jesus’ birth means to smooth the rough edges of an UNFAIR LIFE. He was one of the best advocates of love, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. His instruction is still valid today: "a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34. Here the "new" in this commandment is:"... as I have loved you..."

Our Savior was bom in very simple circumstances yet His life has become the source of blessings and salvation for many. As Apostle Paul wrote: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9.

In life quality and quantity are usually against each other. This is a great challenge in Christianity that we are expected to grow in both ways in quality and quantity. For quality please read the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-10, and for quantity please see the Great Commission, Matthew 28:19-20. Can we take the challenge?

Rev. Alexander Jalso

Church News from Manville, NJ

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Together, in Christ, we begin our fall season. In looking ahead I see many possibilities for our church, as well as for each member in our congregation. One of these possibilities can be in establishing a greater commitment to our church, as well as individually. Commitment can be a rewarding experience as we work together for the betterment of our church and as a rewarding experience for each of us individually.

Commitment is a dedicated pledge to an undertaking. It means accepting the responsibility of the vow you have pledged to undertake. As a member in a family of God, where does your commitment to your church family begin and end?

Think carefully before you answer. Some might believe I am committed as I attend service weekly, or my tithings are regular fulfillment of my commitment. As honorable as these are, they are mere jesters. God seeks somewhat more. He wants you. He wants you to be obedient. He expects you to answer His call. He wants you to be ready, willing and able to take on whatever commitment He lays before you. When Jesus called upon his disciples, they followed without hesitation. No questions were asked, no excuses given. They went obediently and followed by committing themselves to His work. They were a family in God, just as we are at MRC - a family, hopefully willing to take on the challenge to committing ourselves to His service as an entire family, with no exceptions.

Let's go back in time; to be exact, 100 years. Stepping into the past we look at the commitment of our forefathers. Seriously consider what it took for them to establish this very church - the oldest church in the community of Manville. Their call was great, seemingly impossible for poor immigrants who had nothing to even start with. But they did have the call and that was enough. Commitment followed knowing that God was with them as was faith, hope, and trust in His guidance.

MRC has come a long way since then. It took a great deal of time, work and the willingness of a congregation to commit itself to be 100 years in God service. Think of the joy, the happiness and the rewarding experience knowing we are still a family in God.

Has the meaning of the word commitment changed over the years? Perhaps! But, one thing is still the same, God is still God, the great "I AM" and He still calls all of us to His service. We must continue our commitment in answering His call. In doing so, our rewards will be more than we thought possible, as each of us work together for one common cause.

There's a motto that reads "All for One, One for All." Perhaps, we need to make this our motto adding our cause and dedication to MRC. "All for One, One for All-In and For The Sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and MRC." Sounds good to me, how about you?

In order to succeed we must all realize that commitment must be unanimous if we are to accomplish our goals for growth in every way. This cannot be done by one person, nor two; it takes an entire congregation, each and every one, with no exceptions. All must be on board as we sail into the future. Are you ready