Calvin Synod Herald, 2008 (109. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
2008-05-01 / 5-6. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HÉRÁI,D 9 with him I am well pleased.’” Matthew 3:16-17. Christ had instructed his disciples to baptize the people “in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT.” Please see our text. THE THREE MAIN PARTICIPANTS OR COMPONENTS OF BAPTISM CONCERNING THE FAMILY. Although several of these observations seem to be obvious, yet in many cases they are not given or available for one reason or another. We will never reach the high level of being perfect, yet we should pay attention to Apostle Peter’s admonition: “. . . make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him (the Lord.)” 2 Peter 3:14.1 am sure you will agree that we should have all these three together if possible:- FATHER, MOTHER, and the CHILD/ren. If you are an adult, then you can remember what you have received form both of your parents. The children feel and sense the healthy relationship between the father and mother.- The children should realize that the father (or mother) is not ultimate authority therefore GOD. PARENTS and CHILDREN make a healthy and harmonious unity.- The THREE GENERATIONS - if the grandparents are alive and live close to the grandchildren - they wonderfully complement each other. Grandparents and grandchildren are natural allies. The grandparents - in most cases - have time and financial stability, thus they can not only watch the grandchildren but also teach them.- The children should grow, develop, and mature in all the three ways, namely PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, and EMOTIONALLY. In the emotional upbringing I am including faith, prayer, and Sunday school. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:52. In rearing your child the three main requirements are (besides others): love, patience, and discipline. “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Proverbs 13:24. Also: “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6.- If we wish to enlarge the circle and reach beyond the family then we find these very important stations: FAMILY, CHURCH, and COMMUNITY. Pastors can tell that many times family feud spills over to the church life; also unhappy and angry people will not become community-minded citizens and volunteers. In the newspaper those advice-giving columnists often recommend counseling to their readers who turn to them with their problems. An older and experienced person once said: “we were poor, we did not have money for psychologists or professional counselors, we had good friends.” Jesus said: “You are my friends . . .” John 15:14. Prayer is also a great source of strength and encouragement. ASAP = Always Say A Prayer. PUSH = Pray Until Something Happens. Please Read James 5:13-16. Our Lord said, so this is true: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved . . .” Mark 16:16. Please read also John 3:5, Acts of Apostles 2:38, and 1 Peter 3:21. Rev. Alexander Jalso First Hungarian Reformed Church of Homestead Munhall, Pennsylvania Reformed Doctrine, Chapter XIII of Sanctification i. Those who are effectually called are regenerated. They have a new heart and new spirit. They are sanctified, actually and personally through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection. [ 1 ] His word and Spirit dwelling in them sanctifies them. [2] The dominion of sin over the whole body is destroyed.[3] The lusts of the flesh become weaker and weaker and are controlled! .[4] Their person is more and more lively and strengthened in all saving graces. [5] They are enabled to practice true holiness, which is required of all who will see Jesus. [6] II. The whole man is sanctified. [7] Yet, he will be imperfect in this life because there is corruption still remaining in every part of him. [8] From this corruption comes a continuous and irreconcilable war with the flesh warring against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh. [9]. III. In this war the corruption of the flesh may abundantly prevail for a time. [10] However, because of the continuous supply of strength from the Sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part of man prevails.[ll] These saints grow in grace[12] bringing to maturity holiness in the fear of God. [13] Questions 1. What is the difference between sanctification and justification? 2. In what sense is sanctification active or accomplished by the person? 3. Does sanctification originate or end in the person? 4. When does sanctification become complete? 5. Why is said there is a war in the flesh of man? 6. Why does the elect win the final battle with the flesh? Dr. Chuck Baynard Clover Evangelical Presbyterian Church Clover, South Carolina [1] I Thess. 5:23-24; II Thess. 2:13-14; Ezek. 36:22-28; Titus 3:5; Acts 20:32; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5-6 [2] John 17:17, 19; Eph. 5:26; Rom. 8:13-14; II Thess. 2:13 [3] Rom. 6:6, 14 [4] Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8:13 [5] Col. 1:10-11; Eph. 3:16-19 [6] II Cor. 7:1; Col. 1:28, 4:12; Heb. 12:14 [7] I Thess. 5:12; Rom. 12:1-2 [8] I John 1:8-10; Rom. 7:14-25; Phil. 3:12 [9] Gal. 5:17 [10] Rom. 7:23 [11] Rom. 6:14; I John 5:4; Eph. 4:15-16; see Rom. 8:2 [12] II Peter 3:18; II Cor. 3:18 [13] II Cor. 7:1
