Calvin Synod Herald, 2012 (113. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-01-01 / 1-2. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 3 Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled: Believe In God! "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. ” John 14: 1 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: In the beginning of the New Year, many people have different expectations. Some made New Year’s resolutions, trusting themselves to achieve their goals. They are frequently disappointed by the outcome, as our own will is not enough for success. Others are fearful and anxious about the uncertainty of what challenges they may face in the coming year. They are concerned about their health, the well-being of their loved ones, financial and economic matters, politics and the Nation, etc. Fear and anxiety are uninvited guests that want to stay with us and paralyze our will, our hopes, and our lives. Jesus, however, urged His disciples and listeners frequently not to be overly self-confident or to be fearful, but to trust and believe in God and in Him. In the Gospel of John Jesus gives a farewell message in which he encourages his disciples and all believers to "let not your hearts be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. ” We know God really through Jesus Christ, who taught us and revealed the truth about God. He said to his disciples, "Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me ” (John 14:1 Oa). Belief in God and belief in Jesus leads us to recognize the mystery of the Trinity: that Jesus is equal with God the Father, and in the communion of the Holy Spirit. ’’...The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid ” (John 14: 26-27). Even believers are tempted to fall into the trap of being overly self-confident or paralyzed by fear, but the Bible encourages us to: ’’Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths ” (Proverbs 3: 5-6). For the anxious, Jesus advises: "... do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body; what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these ... Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well” (Matthew 6: 25-29, 33). The words of the Heidelberg Catechism ask, ’’What do you believe when you say: T believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth’?” We reply: ’’That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who of nothing made heaven and earth with all that in them is, who likewise upholds and governs the same by His eternal counsel and providence, is for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father, in whom I so trust as to have no doubt that He will provide me with all things necessary for body and soul; and further, that whatever evil He sends upon me in this troubled life, He will turn to my good; for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing also, being a faithful Father.” Many things can change in this world and in our lives, but God is eternal and His Word and promises will prevail. ’’For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you ” (Isaiah 54:10). Those who trust in God and follow Jesus will be strengthened and reassured: ... and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never fail you nor forsake you." Hence we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me? Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, andforever. ” (Hebrews 13:5b-8). Those who believe will experience His blessings, help, presence, and guidance in their lives. Although the future without faith is indeed uncertain, with God the future is certain for our individual lives, our church, and our country, even in the year of 2012. Peace and Blessings to you in the New Year From God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, In the communion of the Holy Spirit. Bishop Béla Póznán eg so J Y Take advantage of this INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL to advertise your business in the Calvin Synod Herald and support our Hungarian heritage at the same time! Contact our business manager for contract advertisement rates Wilburn A. Roby Jr. 724-285-8851 warair@embaramail.com a____________________r
