Calvin Synod Herald, 2016 (117. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2016-07-01 / 7-8. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALDI 11 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A SPIRITUAL PERSON? Scripture reading: Romans 8:1-17. Text: “And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. ” 1 Corinthians 3:1.7 wish to emphasize these words: “spiritual people. ” If you are a Christian does it mean that you are also spiritual? The decision is not up to me, but we can raise the question, who are the spiritual among us? The answer cannot be quick and simple. As in psychology, it is not easy to define who is happy and satisfied; likewise it is a challenge to specify who is spiritual among the followers of Christ. I do not dare to say that I have the correct answer acceptable by everyone; I simply hope that we can come to an understanding in this matter. Last Sunday was Pentecost, the celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, please read Acts of Apostles 2:1-21, and now it is the right time to speak about our spirituality. THIS INTERPRETATION OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE IS ONE OF SEVERAL DILEMMAS. In normal circumstances - we know there are several unfortunate exceptions - each person was bom with two possibilities: namely TO BE HAPPY AND TO BE SAVED. If health, peace, harmonious family life, and sufficient income are given, the external circumstances are given to be happy. Happiness is not exactly a problem-free life, total understanding, and undisturbed relationships, but instead it is the possibility to solve our problems, overcome our difficulties, correct what is wrong, and it is the ability to get along with each other. I am sure many of you will agree with me. I am a naturalized citizen and when I came to this “Promised Land,” that is the New World, I was surprised that there are not more happier people when so many worldly possibilities were given, and I wondered why were there so many litigations in this country? It is a great challenge to help people become happier - if indeed we cannot help them to be as happy as possible. In seminary one of our professors said: “One of the churches’ services is, ‘SPIRITUALIZATION OF THE WORLD’.” For millions it has been possible to hear about God, about Christ, and, through Christ, about our salvation. In the United States there are many denominations and congregations, and one can choose what he or she likes. The Gospel is proclaimed, the Good News is propagated, and people are invited to attend church services. Please read Romans 10:14. In order not to be saved, one does not have to deny the Lord deliberately or reject the offered salvation willingly, it is enough to ignore it, neglect the call, postpone the answer, or find the commitment uncomfortable. One can lose the possibility to be saved by advocating neutrality and by the erosion of faith. There is no need to ignore the given chance or repudiate the divine call; “spiritual atrophy” can stifle the spiritual connection with God and with each other. We believe the two (happiness and salvation) are not necessarily always joined but they are related. It is easier to become happy (not only lucky or just fortunate) if we possess both the possibilities to be saved and to be happy. The cross, on which Christ died, consisted of two beams, one vertical and the other one horizontal. The vertical one can symbolize our relationship with God and the horizontal one our relationship with each other. If you are truly saved, you will share love, help others, and forgive all. Let us remember our Lord’s admonition: “T give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.’” John 13:34. These two possibilities, to be saved and to be happy, are precious and also fragile. They have to be protected and nurtured by prayer, fellowship, and dedication to following our Master. The Bible has a great challenge concerning the benefits of our spiritual life:.. "Holdfast to what you have" Revelation 3:11 /b. Alexander Ja I so ORDER BLANK - MEGRENDELŐLAP Please send all subscription orders and/or address changes to: Wilburn A. Roby Jr. • 264 Old Plank Rd/ Butler, PA 16002 e-mail: warair@embaramail.com Please enter my subscription for the Calvin Synod Herald Megrendelem az Amerikai Magyar Reformátusok lapját ( ) for one year or____ years ($15.00 per year) ( ) egy évre vagy ____ évre ($15.00 évente) Payment enclosed / Előfizetés mellékelve $____________ ( ) Renewal ( ) New Subscription ( ) Change of address only - (please attach old label) Name.................................................................................................... Address................................................................................................. City-State-Zip........................................................................................
