Evangélikus Élet, 1956 (21. évfolyam, 1-44. szám)

1956-07-29 / 31. szám

We Are Sons of God T’he new relationship attained [ by the redemption of Christ is | described in the New Testament as „sons of God”. The gift of the Holy Spirit and His guidance make us sons. „For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8 : 14.) The Spirit who makes us sons of God does not take us to another planet or to a desert island but after calling us out of the world He at the same time sends us hack into the world to live there as sons of God : in offices, factories, mines, and family homes. IT o w do the sons of God live in this world? First of all in fight. But they are not fighting against those who are not sons but against the machinations of their own flesh. For the flesh strives always to draw back the sons of God in whose life Christ has broken the monopoly of sin under the rule of sin again. It is Satan’s trick to concentrate the atten­tion of the sons of God to the „outer front” meanwhile he is able to conquer them on the „inner-front”. The sons of God live in freedom. The Spirit frees them from the slavery of siti. Sin is no more unavoidable and impossible to withstand. The Spirit also liberates us from the validity of the law. The life of the man under law is a constant fear that he cannot fulfil the law and therefore the wrath of God rests upon him. The Spirit frees him from this fear in Christ and by Christ. CPho sons of God live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they are not going their own way and are not ruling their own life but arc guided by the Spirit. The guidance of the Spirit happens through the Word of God but not in the same way for all. The Spirit is far more resourceful. It is not the task of the sons of God to question the guidance of the Spirit if He happens to lead them on a different path than, they would have wished but according to His own will. It is their task only to allow themselves to be led. The sons of God live in congregations. All address God as „Our Father”. This address makes all isolation, „Robinson-Christianity” impossible, and places them into the congregation among people who are brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore the sons of God love their own congregation. They do not even live in their own congregations as island-dwellers but always seek connections with other congregations, whose members wor­ship the same Christ. They live as members of the one Holy Church. T astly the sons of God live in hope. They are aware that they are fellow-heirs with Christ and that through Him they may have eternal life. This hope does not diminish the value of their present life. They know well that their eternal life depends on their present one. They are living, working, and helping others to solve their problems in the light, of the eternal life. And this hope beautifies their lives. They do not wish to flee from this life but wish to distribute of this inheritance . what already belongs to them: love, joy, and kindness. Senior Zoltán Káldy FROM THE CHURCH HISTORY: PETER ALVINCZI, a Hungarian Forefather of the Ecumenical Movement Tleter Alvinczi’s famous'ministry at Kassa began 350 years ago in the year of the Vienna peace-treaty and the death of István Bocskai. Beside this we should remember him this year because his „irenism” is part of the preceeding history of the Ecumenical Movements. In Hungarian history Peter Alvinczi became famous as Bocskai’s and Betlen’s man of confidence. It was he who wrote the controversial pam­phlet entitled „Complaints of Hun­gary” when Bethlen Prince of Tran­sylvania started his fight for the Hungarian constitutional and re­ligious freedom. In Transylvania from the beginning of the second half of the 16th century a special toler­ance had existed and that was what Bethlen wished to introduce in the Hungarian Kingdom too. As a result of his military expedition the laws of Parliament intended indeed to secure the peaceful coexistence of the three different confessions : the Augs­burg, the Swiss and the Roman Catholic. peter Alvinczi’s irenism corres- ponded entirely with this effort. These efforts towards peace in the first half of the 17th century wished to suspend the existing antagonism between the Lutheran and the Swiss reformation. During his whole mi­nistry at Kassa which lasted to the end of his life (he died in 1634) he was always endeavouring to keep up the coexistence of the members of Lutheran and Reformed Churches in one congregation, in this great important town of Hungary. Al­time opi­Thus the But though he had connections with Reformed Church organs he signed, confessed, and stressed the official Confession of Kassa known as Con­fessio Pentapolitana. This Confes­sion was published first during the time of his ministry. This confes­sion was nothing but the variation of the Augsburg Confession here in Hungary, even mentioned repeatedly as the Confessio Augustana. It is a matter of common knowledge that the Augsburg Confession was able to keep together for a long Protestants holding different nions in this or that respect, its vocation was fulfilled service of the church unity. Alvinczy worked for the unity of his congregation with another special writing on the communion; he sought for expression in the doc­trines acceptable for both parts with special care for pointing out that this or that is indifferent in the order of communion. He did so be­cause in his time the difference be­tween the two great directions of the Reformation appeared in connection with the doctrine and the use of communion. But he stoutly defended the Reformation, „the bibiical faith” as he called it. A lvinczi himself in his testament signified his purpose : to win as many members as possible from his congregation for his Lord. This and his „irenism” which had only a short time of success might set a good example to those who are work­ing hard for a peaceful cooperation. Prof. Jenő Sólyom D. D. Our Connections With the Church of Finland Traditional and good Finnish— Hungarian church connections were revived when Bishop László Dezséry D. D. and Pastor Béla Csepregi of Sárszentlörinc made an over a fort­night’s tour in Finland between July 1—18. They were invited to Oulu for the fiftieth anniversary celebrations of the Laestadian Revival Movement, for 50 years ago this movement was organized into a church association. 30.000 people took part in this summer conference. The Hungarian church representatives also visited Kalantin, where the 200th anniversary of the oldest Finnish Church Revival Move­ment was held. 10.000 people took part at the jubilee of these so-called ‘‘praying ones”. Prime minister Kek- konen was also present and received the Hungarian church men. Bishop Dezséry addressed the congregations of both Oulu and Kalanti. He held a press conference in Helsinki for church and secular journalists and spoke in the Finnish radio as well. Pastor Csepregi gave an address at Oulu, held a weekend conference at Helsinki and delivered three more sermons. Bishop Dezséry paid a visit to Heliö- vara, bishop of Oulu, to Sormunen, bishop of Kuopio and to Lehtinen, bishop of Lapua. At Helsinki he had a long discussion with Toivo Laitinen, military bishop, who was a student at our Theological Faculty at Sopron 25 years ago. The bishop met Nikkolainen, professor of theology, secretary of the Commission for Foreign Affairs in the Church of Finland, a member of the Central Committee of WCC tvho is now coining to Hungary. In the course of their journey they met almost every Finnish pastor who ever visited Hungary. These Finnish friends and others who met the Hungarian church representatives expressed over and over again the affection of the Finnish \ Church felt towards the Hungarian church and their hope that our tra­ditional connections will be strengthened in future again. Bishop Dezséry in­vited Finnish churchmen to visit Hun­gary in the name of the leaders of our church and proposed an exchange of pastors. Bishop Dezséry in his interview given to the Finnish press stressed that the Hungarian Lutheran Church has benefited much from the Finnish church and her revival move­ments. He wished God’s blessing upon the Church of Finland and the services of the Finnish Revival Movements. This good relationship between our two nations became once more apparent through this visit. Great satisfaction was shown in both countries over this renewed fraternal meeting. We have had further proof of the benefits of fraternity. God’s love, which has enriched our church lives for a long time by one another’s faith, also strengthens the friendship of our peo­ples. — Theological students graduated this year received their assignments as assistant pastors following their ordi­nations. László Magyar was sent to Pécs in order to serve at Siklós be­longing to the congregation of Pécs. Tibor Missura was sent to Veszprém as assistant pastor. Erzsébet Károlyi a woman graduate will receive her assignment soon. * — Bishop Lajos Vető D D. returned home on the 26th of July from the German Federal Republic where he took part in the Herrenal session of the CCIA. O — The congregations of the Vas seniorate contributed more this year to the needs of both the Parish Aid Action and the Department of Diako nia, than in the last year. * — The organ in the Sopron church is being enlarged. After completion this will be the largest Lutheran church organ in Hungary. — The unanimously elected pastor of the Veszprém congregation Rev Béla Vető will be installed in his office on August 12. * Károly Karner D. D.. Professor of Theology returned home (on 22, 7.) from his six days stay in Berlin where he had negotiations in connection with the German edition of his Wellknown book ‘‘Introduction to Theology.” o The Assembly of the congregation at Siófok elected for the completion of the church council the following church members : Ede Chladon, Peter Moritz, Antal Rátz, János Szarka Konrad Stephan. * — The Cegléd congregation will celebrate on the 31st of October the 60th anniversary of the dedication of its church. For this occasion the church will be internally repainted for a cost of approximately 30.000 Ft. © — Ottmár Fodor assistant pastor has been appointed for service in the diasporae of Debrecen and Hajdú­szoboszló. * — 25 years ago the Nagytarcsa congregation built a fine new church instead of its 120 years old church. This anniversary will be remembered by the congregation with three days devo tions. * — Pastors and congregations be­longing to the Pest-county Seniorate gave in the last year 10.032 forints for the Pastoral Selfsupporting Fund. So far this year 4.630 forints have been collected for this purpose. — The Maglód congregation after internally renovating its historic church for 30.000 forints is now completing the outer renovations for a cost of 28.000 forints. This sum will be offered by the churchmembers. © — Senior Oszkár Koszorús in stalled on the 1st of July Rev. Gusz táv Bártfay Kelló as second pastor in the Kondoros congregation. * — The Lutheran youth of Buda­pest will hold a meeting at the Inner-Mission Home at Főt, August 8. * — Church and parsonage renova­tions are being done in the East- Békés Seniorate at the following places : Battonya, Békés, Gerendás, Gyoma, and Medgyesegyháza. * — The renovation of the church building at Tótkomlós will bo finished within a few days. The congregation has paid all the expenses. — The renewed church of the Ambróziáivá congregation was dedicat­ed on July 8 by Senior Gyula Zoltai. News in the congregations — The new Hungarian Lutheran Hymnal is beeing sent to Hungarian Lutherans living abroad, first of all to the USA, Chechoslovakia and Ger­many. oo — Karoly Karner D. D.’s recently published booklet “God, World, Neigh­bour”, (a 54 page Bible study on Chapters 12—15 of the Letter to the Romans) at the price of 8.— Ft, is now available at the Press Department of the Hungarian Lutheran Church. Further : A collection of prayers on Church Unity by Károly Prőhle in 20 pages, for the price of 2.— Ft. — The 1957 Daily Bible Reading Guido is under pereparation and will appear next autumn. © — This year’s refreshing conferen­ces for pastors are to be held at Főt and Balatonszárszó next September. 29th July, 1956. — 9th Sunday after Trinity. Luke 16, 1—9. — I. Cor. 10, 6—23. — Liturgical colour: green. 'The parable on the first hand does not speak about an unjust steward, but about a particularly rich man. He has many debtors. They all arrange their debts on His account. Such a rich man does not exist on earth. But such is God in the richness of his love, as we get to know His love on the cross. What caused so much trouble in our lives, was all arranged by Him on his own account. He carries the sin of the world. A love surpassing our imagination, a startling love ! The foolishness and offence of the cross appears before our eyes. But just in this way does the Gospel, the preaching of the cross become the power of God, the wisdom of God for us. But the parable also tells about an unjust steward, who came into distress, not only because he could not give an account of the goods en- trusted to him, but also, because people become his enemies, they did not accept him, they isolated him. The Church becomes such an unjust steward, if she unjustly administers the Gospel, the precious treasure, entrusted to her, if she considers the Gospel as a moans of procuring earthly power and richness. Such a church has to hear the calling : give account of your stew­ardship ! Such a church will be summoned and judged : you may not be any longer steward ! The Church having been an unjust steward gets into difficulty. Her faithlessness isolates her from people, her faithlessness makes her unsuited to serve her Master and Lord. TV7hy does Jesus praise the unjust steward of the parable? Not his '' faithlessness, but his wisdom He showes us as an example. He was wise, because he realized the judgement, but he also noticed the good oppor­tunity of solution and made use of it without hesitation. When does the Church summoned for her stewardship act wisely ? If she concentrates her attention not to the securing of herself, but to * ‘ the fulfilling of her mission, if she proclaims the Gospel and endeavours to set people free from the burden of their sins by the power of the Gospel and is able to carry on a life of brotherhood, constructive work and peace­making. O If she’ believes it worth while to speak to people and troubles to convince them, if she overcomes prejudices held against those, to whom she is speaking. If she believes, that even the enemy may become a friend where the Gospel is preached and trusts that together with the Gospel even she may be accepted, by those, who sofar isolated themselves. D If she understands, that even at the time of account, God prepares opportunities to fulfill her mission and to do good services ; if she grasps these opportunities with a strong will. The whole parable warns us to take the Gospel seriously, to consider it as the precious treasure of the Church, to behove that the power of the Gospel will solve, all the disorder, as result of omissions and guilt weighing upon the lives of men. Rev. László Benczúr Prepare to Listen to the Word! Our Common Prayer 9TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY I. Cor. 10, 6 —13. — Jesus Christ, our Lord and God ! To Thee we cry, because the infernal enemy is overrunning us like a hungry lion. If Thou doest not help us, he easily may deceive us with his malice, defeat us with his force, lacerate us with his cruelty. But if Thou drawest near us, ho even from far may see Thee, Thou terrifiest him to flee. We beseech Thee graciously take us under Thy protection, for we are impotent little children and weak feeble ones against him. Guard us therefore that cruel beast may not rend us. If Thou wiliest nothing but that we also shall combat him, be Thou beside us and Thy power may be seen beside our weakness, that we may praise Thee and Thy heavenly Father and the comforting Holy Spirit. So it be, my Lord, (Peter Bornemissza, 1578.) Luke 16, 1—9. — Lord God, our heavenly Father, who abundatly gavest us blessing and daily bread, we beseech Thee, preserve us from instatiability’ and awake our hearts to share this blessing willingly and joyfully with our neighbours, that we may he found faithful stewards and we shall not have to starve for ever, when Tou callest us from this stewardship and we stand before Thy judgement seat. Amen. (Dietrich Veit. 1546.) For brotherly love. — O God ! Let me see that all men came from One and therefore we all are members and brothers of each other, like the bran­ches of the tree. Grant me to love all of them as Thou hast loved us, dear God, with unique love in Jesus Christ before creation of the world and even still lovest and in Thy wrath reconciledst all of us with Thy all enclosing love. Do kindle in me too this all enclosing love, my dear God, inflame my heart and my soul with it that with Thee and in Thee I may love all my fellowmen with Thy love, that I may serve them gladly and willingly, that Thy Name may be hallowed in us, Thy Kingdom may come to us, Thy will may he done in us, and we all in one love may enjoy Thy blessings. Deliver us from all our sins and the evil, from Thy curse and wrath, that the Devils envy and covetousness may not awake in us and that he may not incitate in us thurst for revenge and malevolence. Grant us, that we may really love another and forgive anothers failures and weaknesses as Thou forgivest us from day to day with love in Jesus Christ. Amen. (Jakob Böhme 1575 — 1624.) Published by Károly Prőhle A Daily Bible Reading Guide THE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK: “Look carefully then how you walk not as unwise men hut as wise.” Ephesians 5,15. Sunday, July 29. Read Genesis 41,1—43 The believer has always opportunities to serve in this world. Listening to the Word of God he is able to give good advices in the problems of this world. But he can only fulfil this mission if he sincerely believes in God and lives up to his faith. Monday, July 30. Read Ecclesiastes 9, 13—18 According to the author of Ecclesiastes there is great need for wisdom as this is the means by which man’s deeds are guided to the right path. At the same time he knows this wisdom is true and useful only when it is coupled with the fear of God. Tuesday, July 31. Read Luke 16, 10—13 Faithfulness and straightforwardness, these are the requirements set by Christ for his disciples and the members of the church. Faithfulness over a little, faithfulness over the service, an unmistakable attitude towards' Jesus Christ. These are the characteristics of our Christian life. Wednesday, August 1. Read James 3, 13—18 Apostle James calls that man wise and endued with knowledge in whose life there is no falsehood and whose deeds are pure and true. These pure and good deeds are : mercy, obedience, willingness for peace. Thursday, August 2. Read 1 Timothy 4, 12—16 Naturally these words are meant in the first place for Timothy. The apostle tells him to take heed of himself in his words and deeds and remain always faithful in his service in the congregation. At the same time these lines have a warning to us too that our life should set an example to others. Friday, August 3. Read Matthew 10, 16—23 The disciple of Christ overcomes all difficulties with the help of the Holy Spirit because the Father’s Spirit teaches him what to say and how. to act. Let us pray for the fellowship of the Holy Spirit that lie may advise . and lead us every day. Saturday, August 4. Read Luke 12, 54—59 The great tragedy of Jesus’contemporaries was that they failed to re­cognize the signs of the time. They did not see in the events happening around them that Kingdom of God had reached them. Lot us take heed that the same ; fate should not befall us. Rev. József Vámos

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