Calvin Synod Herald, 2013 (114. évfolyam, 3-12. szám)
2013-07-01 / 7-8. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 3 Make Disciples of All Nations "And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that / have commanded you; and Io, I am with you always, to the close of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ! After Pentecost and Trinity Sunday, we focus upon the great commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who declared that all authority in heaven and on earth was given to Him. He came to this earth as the eternal Son of God so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. He came to proclaim the nearness of the Kingdom of God, to heal and restore human life and the broken relationship with our Heavenly Father through his sacrifice on the cross. We can receive the forgiveness of our sins for His sake. He called us to be His disciples. He sent the Apostles to make disciples of all nations and we are the continuation of this service. With our own strength, we would not be able to fulfill this commission but He promised that He will be with us to the end of the age. Jesus in the resurrected body departed from this earth but He promised, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you. "I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because 1 live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. "John 14:15-20 We cannot see Him with our own eyes anymore or have a hug or handshake with him but Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. But 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 14:25-27 With that promise, we can face tomorrow and the future. We can proclaim the good news of salvation, teach the children and all those who were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that they may gain knowledge about God who created us, who redeemed us and who is guiding and sanctifying our lives. In the midst of many tremendous changes, political, economic, social, and technological, the church proclaims an unchangeable message, the Gospel about God's love and salvation given to us in Jesus Christ. This great commission also remains unchangeable, the mission of the church throughout history must reach the uttermost part of the earth. All nations need to hear and learn about God's love manifested and given to humankind in Jesus Christ. The method must be changed throughout the history of the church. We know that the church and our congregations are by nature very conservative and afraid of change. May the assurance of Christ conquer our fears and our unwillingness to change. May the Spirit of God refresh and renew our thinking and strengthen our determination to search and to discern God's gracious will and give us obedience to be faithful and work for the fulfillment of His will. We are not left alone. He promised His presence and guidance to all His disciples until the end of the ages. "Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home. Under the shadow of Your throne, Your saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is Your arm alone, And our defense is sure. Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame, From everlasting You are God, To endless years the same." Isaac Watts Yours in His Service Rt. Rev. Béla Póznán Bishop of Calvin Synod, UCC £003 2013. Május 22-26 - Niagara Falls, Canada
