Calvin Synod Herald, 2014 (115. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2014-09-01 / 9-10. szám
4 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Continued from page 3 the leftovers. The priests would have no land or flocks, nor the means to provide daily necessities for themselves. Saint Paul was compelled to defend himself and other teachers who necessarily depended upon their hosts while they shared the good news of Christ. "Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting any of its milk? ... If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? (! Cor. 9:7- 11) The pattern set by God has been maintained throughout the years, and is perpetuated today by the congregation’s support of their ministers and other staff. The Sun Rises on a New Day Jesus Christ has brought on a new day as God's revelation unfolded, without the Tabernacle and the Aaronic priesthood. The Letter to the Hebrews brings a new understanding: "The days will come, says the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel... not like the covenant that I made with their fathers ...for they did not continue in my covenant... I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Heb. 9:8-10) The priesthood would change, as Jesus became the eternal high priest. Because by his resurrection he lives forever, he is the high priest who takes the prayers and intercessions of the people to God, "He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, firstfor his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself." (Heb. 7:27) As Jesus has ascended on high, like Moses on the mountain, he has not left his people alone, but after the ancient and unchanging pattern he has established his Church and called new servants through the generations so his people know today that God dwells among them. "Therefore let us be gratefulfor receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. (Heb. 12:228-29) In the churches, the sacraments and the ministry, the presence of the Lord is known to Christians as to Israel at the foot of Sinai. Israel, in ancient days, Not only had a view Of Sinai in a blaze, But learned the gospel too: The types andfigures were a glass In which they saw the Savior's face. Jesus, I love to trace Throughout the sacred page, The footsteps of thy grace, The same in ev'ry age! O grant that I may faithful be To clearer light vouchsafd to me. Rev. Albert W. Kovács Ligonier, Pennsylvania It’s Reformation Time Again! Text: Romans 3:21-31 The Protestant Reformation began on 31 October 1517, when Rev. Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic priest, nailed 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany; and, founded the Lutheran Protestant denomination! This one man determined to do everything in his power to change the course of his world! He had a position of respect in the church; but, was challenged in his heart to make a difference in his world! The result brought difficult days but ultimately success as it signaled the birth of the Protestant church. In today’s topsy turvy world, we stand in need of a new reformation! We need a reformation of the moral principles of this great nation of ours! Just look at the daily newspapers or evening newscasts; and, it becomes blatantly and crystal clear that without a new reformation, the world is headed for serious problems! Rev. Martin Luther’s belief was the direct result of his reading the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Romans! Let’s look at the principles of Protestantism, shall we? We believe that the just shall live by faith! The Rev. Martin Luther’s problem with the Roman Catholic Church, was its teaching of penance and performance of indulgences for sin. He believed that there was something better - faith in Almighty God’s grace! The Truth that he found in verses 21-24 (KJV), of our Holy Scripture text, for today, is simply that faith is the key! We believe that the Word of Almighty God is our authority! It is the standard forjudging all truth! Rev. Martin Luther focused on the Truth of the Holy Bible - the written Word of Almighty God! He determined that tradition has value only insofar as it is based on Holy Scripture! We believe that lay people should participate in the worship experience! Congregational singing is the result of the Protestant Reformation! Christianity is not a two-platoon system - everyone can participate! We believe in the priesthood of true believers! The holiness of Almighty God made Him appear to be unapproachable; and, the Roman Catholic Church took advantage of that! By the death of Jesus, the Christ, on the Cross at Calvary, He opened the Holy of holies to everyone! As Protestants, we worship Almighty God with our hearts as well as our hands! The heart and soul find comfort and guidance in the Word of Almighty God! Since Almighty God has become the King of our hearts, we can go directly to Him! The Rev. Martin Luther gave rise to "heartfelt religion!" Let’s examine the principles of the new reformation, shall we? All of those principles ascribed to Rev. Martin Luther and more apply! We add an emphasis on the validity of the new birth as recorded by the beloved Disciple/Apostle John in John 3:1-15 (KJV)! We add an emphasis on the infilling of the Holy Spirit, as recorded by the Gentile physician, Luke,, in Acts 1:8 (KJV)! We would emphasize the need for high moral standards in humankind! We were not created to live by animal instincts! Today’s problems are the direct result of a failure to live by the principles of the Word of Almighty God! Our situation will not improve until we return to clear Biblical standards! Verses 22-24 (KJV) of our Holy Scripture text, for today, is the foundation for a new reformation! There is no doubt that there is a need for a new reformation! The question is, have we had enough of immorality I
