Reformátusok Lapja, 1969 (69. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1969-01-01 / 1. szám

Hungarian Reformed Religious Paper

Founded in 1900

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE CALVIN SYNOD—UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

PRAY, WATCH,

WORK

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

(Matthew 26:41)

Christian man was sent into this world with a great responsibility; he is the messenger of a new world, of a new life, of an everlasting happiness. The Lord chose us for this duty before we were horn. To receive this call means that the Lord is merciful to us, He forgives our sins, He washes and cleanses us with the precious blood of His only begotten son, He cares about us, He leads and guards us with His angels, He inspires us with the Holy Spirit to be His obedient servants until we are called before Him.

The Lord has called you to be His workers, to further His word, to be His sons, His children in this world. You surely have felt your obligations to Him many times, and you know how good it is to love the Lord, to be loved by Him in return and to belong wholly to Him.

Now as we start this New Year, the Lord sends us His message, and through His word, encouragement: “Watch and pray...”

1. We may have tried many times to fulfill our duties, hut we failed. We did everything to the best of our knowledge and ability, but still something was wrong. We forget many times that we need help, not the help of man, but help from a higher One. We forget to look for the connection with this higher power, we cut or close the channel through which success conies. Only the Lord can give the secret of victory: prayer. In prayer we submit ourselves to Him, that He might lift us up to Himself — to he His children again. The one who prays to the Lord for help and guidance, receives the assurance of a happy life.

2. To be successful in life, we must continue to work. We know there are many dangers to face. We live side by side with death, not only the death of the body, hut of the soul. Evil is constantly around us. If you do not watch, you miss your aim, and you miss real life. The Lord gave us His spirit to lead us, but you must he watchful, you must have your eyes opened at all times, a watchful mind and spirit, and you must work and pray with Him, who is watching and praying with you and for you.

3. The Lord placed an obligation on us; to work. What should this work he? The Lord does not mean just our everyday work — hut the work for His kingdom. Through Jesus we become His children, His servants, His workers. Our work is the most wonderful kind — to work for God.

This is a New Year. Do you want to work for the Lord? This is a beginning, make it your beginning also. Show your love for the Lord, serve your Master, and testify about His sacrifice made for you! He wants and needs laborers, not some other man or woman, hut you! \ou who are reading this message — don't you want to work for Him? Working for Him means eternal life and happiness.

Perhaps you feel that the Spirit is willing, hut the flesh is weak. But God is our strength, our refuge, our help. Call on Him, pray and watch, and work so that day by day you get nearer to Him, and He to you, that by His coming the shadows and darkness of this life may he lifted and the glory of the Lord may shine through. Face the New Year with prayer, feel secure in the Lord, know His goodness and mercy, and work for His kingdom.

A New Year — a new beginning. Start now, don’t leave it for a minute, it may be too late. Pray, see the glory of the Lord, and work in His fellowship.

Francis Vitéz

oCeadetk. CM&j

In pastures green? Not always, sometimes He Who knoweth best, in kindness leadeth me In many ways where heavy shadows be.

Out of the sunshine warm and soft and bright — Out of the sunshine into the darkest night,

I oft would faint with sorrow and affright,

Only for this —I know He holds my hand;

So whether in the green or desert land I trust although I may not understand.

And by still waters? No, not always so;

Ofttimes the heavy tempests round me blow,

And o’er my soul the waters and billows go But when the storms beat loudest and I cry Aloud for help, the Master standeth by And whispers to my soul, “Lo, it is I."

Above the tempest wild I hear Him say,

“Beyond this darkness lies a perfect day.

In every path of thine I lead the way."

So whether on the hilltops high and fair I dwell, or in the sunless valleys where The shadows lie — what matters? He is there.

So where He leads me, I can safely go,

And in the blest hereafter I shall know Why in His wisdom, He hath led me so.

— Rev. John F. Chaplain

Editor’s Note: To the congregations which order group subscriptions, please send in your new list of names and addresses of subscribers.

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Our January through July issues will feature articles regarding the Theological Seminaries of many of our pastors.

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Pictured on the filmstrip on the cover are as follows: 1. The Hungarian Bible 2. Church of Vizsoly, where the Karolyi Bible was printed 3. Sárospatak Seminary 4. Pápa Seminary 5. Debrecen Seminary 6. Kolozsvár Seminary 7. Budapest Seminary 8. Headquarters, Reformed Church of Hungary.

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Description of the pictures on the cover of previous issues: 1. Hungarian Bible, 1590 2. Sárospatak College and Seminary 3. Magyarvolkó Church, Transylvania 4. Debrecen Reformed Church 5. Emmigration 6. Ligonier, Bethlen Home 7. Washington, D. C., Kossuth House 8. Cleveland, Ohio, First Hungarian Reformed Church.

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