Magyar Egyház, 2005 (84. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2005-01-01 / 1. szám
6. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ FREEDOM EDOM flßf "So there is now no condemnation awaiting those who belong to Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). It was Communion Sunday, a time to reflect on Christ’s suffering and death and to think about the payment for our guilt and sin. As I sat in church, I noticed a couple in the pew in front of me. In the past year, he had been unfaithful to his wife. He had to live with the consequences, but he knew that God's love and forgiveness were there for him to receive because of Christ's substitutionary death on the cross. He repented of his sin and God forgave Him. Next to me sat a man recently separated from his wife and children. His life was a mess. Someone had reported him for exposing himself to a girl at a drive-through restaurant. He had severe problems, but he was here in church because he knew Christ had forgiven all his sins - past, present and future. He repented, God forgave him and now he sang the hymns with conviction. The church is full of sinners. Some sins are wellknown, others are hidden, but God knows the hearts of each one of us. He longs to show compassion toward us all. Communion reminds us that without Christ’s death and resurrection there would be no personal relationship with God. There would be no forgiveness of sins, no sense of freedom. Because of Christ we can be forgiven. We just have to admit our sin and turn from it. He is waiting with open arms. Thank you Lord, for the ordinance of communion - a time to reflect on your sacrificial love for us. Amen. WHO TOOK YOUR PLACE ? One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near and the driver got out and said, "I always park there ! You took my place !" The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said "That's where I always sit! You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing. Jesus took our place. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you ?" The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place." from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. 1 Corinthians 15:20 Ask fdr Mdre If you are having a hard time trusting God in your life these days, you are in good company. Even Jesus' closest followers, who walked and talked with Him here on earth, found their faith lacking too. Feeling overwhelmed and incapable of measuring up to the standards Jesus laid out, they cried out, "Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5). Jesus replied that faith, even as small as the tiny mustard seed, could bring powerful results. Don't let your own feelings of inadequacy or your overwhelming circumstances crush your faith today: * Cry out to God to increase your faith. * Keep God's Word close to your heart. * Keep your prayers honest and open before God. * Find a quiet spot today and pour your heart out to Him. * Tell Him all your fears and doubts and ask Him to increase your faith. The power of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent to comfort and guide His children, will begin to grow your faith in your heart and through His Word. You can't muster up faith through your own willful thinking. It is given to you by God as you seek to know Him with all of your heart. Father God, thank You that You are the giver of faith. Today I come before You and ask that You would increase my faith. Help me to trust You with my whole heart. Keep doubts and fears from my mind as I lean on You to guide me through this day and through the circumstances of my life. Increase my faith today I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.
