Magyar Egyház, 1954 (33. évfolyam, 2-12. szám)

1954-12-01 / 12. szám

MAGYAR EGYHÁZ

1°

those who wish to live their religious life within same ideals and limitations. (On the prophetic level of Christianity this may be called “ecclesiastical tribalism”, and rightly so, but that branding must not change our objective report. We are not entirely sure whether the Lord’s judgement would not be, “You have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much” since not all can climb the lofty heights of Moriah.)

The recognition whether our mere existence and our aims are peaceful or offensive, depends on whether the judgement is based upon objective evaluation or in relative perspective.

There is no need for apologizing for our existence.

m.

From the foregoing it is evident that to accomplish our aims we face a two-fold assignment: one, the instruction and education of our members; two, an acceptable intergroup relationship with others.

The education of our people to this as well as to eternal life is done with the best methods possible and workable in our Church; by holding both Hungarian and English services on every Sunday and holiday, by active participation in the life of the church through our many societies and groups (men, women, married couples, young people, teachers and leadership training, Sunday and weekday religious schools), using mostly the English language. This internal work is accomplished by a measure of faithfulness depending upon the whole Church as much as on the individual pastor or co-worker.

The intergroup relationship depends upon the measure of cooperation of all groups involved. We acknowledge that “our divided witness is necessarily defective witness and indeed a scandal” in the face of Christians of Hungarian nationality, or their descents, and of other nationalities alike. But it does not mean that one group must go out of existence to please the other. Rather it would mean that we all should be drawn together by the power of prayer, and act together in all things in which we can agree.

Among the Hungarian groups we have the Ministerial Association and the Presbyters’ Federation for a common meeting forum for our ministers and laymen, and our Bethlen Home for our charity work. We may work together on united projects as we did on the Hungarian Hymnal. We could work out a plan for ministerial supplies as well as serving small congregations by mutual agreement, etc. In these and many other possible projects (mission and unity) we would pledge our aid and cooperation. On wider scale, in the Presbyterian World Alliance, as well as when we become a member in the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches, we will take part in active cooperation to the limit of our faith and ability.

At the milestone of our thirtieth anniversary it is well that we take account of ourselves, clarify our position, and state our desire to live as an accepted member in the family of Christians. With all our accomplishments behind us, we all need sincere repentance — the kind which is not dependent on the other’s action.

The writer of these statements believes them to be truth, cutting like a two-edged sword. These were born of that spirit which acknowledges the faults of his own group, too, and prays for understanding by all concerned.

STEPHEN SZŐKE

When one sells principle for popularity, he is bankrupt. A good investment — time spent in the house of God.

THE FIRST AND SECOND ADVENT

ADVENT, the “coming” of our Lord Jesus Christ is the link between heaven and earth, between God and man. “Once in the end of the world” Jesus Christ had appeared in the flesh by His first coming into our midst. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and were cast out of the Garden of Eden, the great chasm, the tremendous gulf — between the holy God and the sinful man — was bridged over only by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The second coming of our Lord will be even a greater and broader bridge, when He shall appear in glory and majesty to judge and to reign. We too, have to build a grand suspension bridge, by which we ourselves may cross from this side to the other.

In the first advent — coming of our Lord, there lies our rest, because by the once and for all offered sacrifice of Himself He put away sin; therefore in His first coming we have our peace with God. But in the second coming of our Lord lies our hope, for we know, that when He shall appear again we shall be like Him, and we shall see Him as He is.

He “hath appeared” said the Bible in Hbr. 9:26 28; and “He shall appear” also. The unique mani testation of the Lord by His first Advent was witnessed by the shepherds, wise men from afar, and people who saw Him and lived at that time. This He has done but once and He will never repeat it again. The Lord Jesus Christ has once appeared. Therefore fix your thoughts on the first Advent of Jesus at this Christmastide: for the like of it will never be seen again. The Lord was made manifest to all men and women of Judea, by His first Advent, when He proclaimed salvation to all men. Can you remember any other appearance that was more complete? See, how Jesus Christ moved in the midst of crowds, He was on the mountain, by the sea, He was in the desert and in the temple and He was everywhere. This is the secret of mystery: God had appeared in flesh by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“He shall appear a second time” is the promise of God to man. But the second advent of our Lord will not be for the same purpose. He shall appear not quietly, but like thunder and lightning “for every eye shall see Him”. This second Advent will be different from the first one. All nations and the world shall behold Him. All good and evil people shall see Him. There will be many crying out loud: “hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne”, as you find this in the book of Revelation, but they shall cry in vain, for before the judgment seat of the Lord, they must all appear.

Then there shall be no troubles, sorrows, tears or death but glory and victory forever. Satan and all power of the Devil, together with the enemies of the Lord shall be vanquished. O, what a glorious day!

Make preparations in your heart for the first and second Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep the gates of your heart and soul open. Don’t say and with all your soul and with all your might: “the Lord will not yet come”, for the Lord said “Behold I come quickly”. Go forward at this Christmastide and meet Him, say it with all your heart “come into my heart Lord Jesus for ever!”