Magyar Egyház, 1968 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1968-08-01 / 8-9. szám

MAGYAR EGYHÁZ

9

THE 29th ANNUAL NATIONAL B.Y.F. CONFERENCE

Once again the young people, youth advisers, leaders, ministers, friends and guests of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America will get together for the annual conference of the B. Y. F. We hope and trust that the good Lord will bless all the participants of the conference and that they will return to their churches and homes spiritually enriched.

The conference will he held from Friday, August 30 to Monday, September 2, at the YMCA-Camp Bernie, Port Murray, New Jersey. It is a modern, up-to-date camp. It is equipped witli modern facilities such as television, carpeting, air conditioning, showers in the cabins, two swimming pools, etc. Of course, our young people are invited to enjoy the benefits of this modern camp; therefore, we hope to see you there!

The theme of the conference will be Our Bible— Relic or Relevant? We shall study certain parts of the Bible, some modern debate about the Bible and some criticism of the Bible. There will be questions such as: Is the Bible the Word of God? Is the Bible fact or fiction? Does God stand behind the Bible? Is the Bible a human book? Are there errors in the Bible? Does the Bible speak to our modern generation?

Moreover, we shall also discuss the life and personality of Jesus. Who is Jesus Christ to me? Is He a Prophet, Teacher, or Saviour? Do I have a faith in Him and how strong is my faith in Him?

The lectures will he followed by discussions. This will give everyone a chance to deal with the themes, express their opinions, and ask questions.

The program will also include worship, devotions, games, fun, skits, swimming, East and West contest, etc. It will be a busy conference. In addition to these activities, we shall have short and long meetings, plenty of food, free time and dance.

We hope that many of our young people will attend this conference. If you will, you will increase your knowledge of the Bible. You will learn more about the life and personality of Jesus, our Saviour. You will learn how to follow Him more faithfully, commit your life to Him, and live as His devoted disciple. A ou will be able to meet with your old friends and make new ones.

We salute the 29th annual conference of the B. Y. F. in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless all the participants with His grace and mercy abundantly. B. R.

THE SECOND HELVETIC CONFESSION

In Questions and Answers

Section XVIII.

Ecclesiastical servants, their offices and duties.

(Continued)

1. What kind of authority do the servants of God possess?

They have the authority of their office to govern the church and do everything in it, faithfully following the instructions of the Lord. All these doings of the servants of God should he regarded as the very own doings of the Lord.

2. Is there any difference between the servants of God as far as their official authority and duties are concerned?

No. All servants of God have received the same authority and duties from the Lord. However, for the sake of the good order in the Church the servants of God may elect one servant to be their leader.

3. What other duties do the servants of God have beside preaching and administering the sacraments?

Their other duties are as follows: to call together the congregation to hear the preaching of the Word of God; to admonish and encourage the weak in faith, to console the sorrowing souls, to chastise the sinners, to urge the believers to care for the poor, to visit and strengthen the sufferers, in time of general tribulations, to hold public prayers with fasting; and to preserve the peaceful life of the church.

4. When can a servant of God fulfill his duties properly?

Only if he himself is diligent in praying and in the regular reading of the Scripture, and if his personal life is exemplary for all.

5. What should a servant of God be aware of when he exercises church discipline?

He should be aware of the biblical truth that God did not give power to his servants to destroy but to edify, and also not to root up the wheat in gathering the weeds in the field of the Lord, the Church.

6. Should we listen to the preaching of a sinful servant of God and should we take the sacraments from his hand?

Yes, because the Word of God remains true even if it is preached by a sinful servant, and the con-