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Monthly of the Hungarian
Baptist Convention of North America .
DECEMBER, 2007
- 4. page/oldal - 100 éves az
Észak-Amerikai Magyar Baptista Szövetség (5)
Music in Our Churches by Ethel Petre Kish
5. page/oldal - Ernest J. Kish (1918-2207) by Esther
Petre Plyler / Nuneral Service for Ernie Kish by Steve Szabo
6. page/oldal - Cleveland / The Youth's Getaway to Mohican-Valley
- Page 7. - Alhambra
NOVEMBER 2007
- 4. oldal - 100 éves az
Észak-Amerikai Magyar Baptista Szövetség (4)
5. page - My First Convention by Joice Molnar
-
Precious Memories by Ethel Petre Kish
6. oldal - Marie Meereis 1908-ban megjelent írása
-
-
page 8 - Sierra Leone - Let us help
to build Zion, G. K. Furedi's report
Please note, Ernest J. Kish, the Honorary
President of our Convention died
OCTOBER, 2007
- Page 8. Sierra Leone: Election Fever by Kamilla
Furedi
- Page 8-9. The New Orleans' believers, Will Graham
urges 'surrender'
SEPTEMBER, 2007
- Page 8. 100th Annual Convention / Food4theSoul -
Pastor Novak
- Page 9. Ruth Graham
remembered
JULY - AUGUST, 2007
- The Rev. Dr. Ladislau Biro's 100th Birthday
Celebration
Membership with the BWA / Fred Baker (1914 - 2007)
JUNE, 2007
- Let it Go - Youth Conference in Alhambra, CA
- Food 4 the soul - Pastor Novak
- Billy Graham Library Dedicated
- We are all missionaries
MAY, 2007
Click here for the English pages (pages
8-9.)
Happy Mothers Day!
Testimony at the 20th Anniversary (Chicago)
Food For the Soul - Pastor Novak
Persecution in the 3rd Century
Hymns for the over 50 crowd
My Car Was Stoned - Gabriella Kamilla Furedi
APRIL, 2007
Click here for the
English pages 8-9
page 8
Food 4
the Soul (Pastor Novák)
Did Jesus Claim to Be God? |
page 9
It's
time to believe God
Afraid? Of What? |
MARCH, 2007
Click here for the
English pages 8-9
page 8
20th
Anniversary at Chicago
by Ethel Petre Kish |
page 9
Food 4
the Soul
Eight Reason Why I believe the Resurrection |
FEBRUARY, 2007
PALM BAY / Romanian Religion Law / Food4theSoul / Tilda
Paltza+ / Ernest Cziraky+
Click here, PDF file
JANUÁR, 2007
Food4theSoul / Ban on Charoismatic Practices / Letter from
Ruth Wright /
Child of the Revolution (Paul Juras)
Click here, PDF file
DECEMBER, 2006
"PRECIOUS
MEMORIES - HOW THEY LINGER"
- In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth and
everything in it and when it was finished God saw that it was good.
Then, He created man, but God knew man could not handle life alone so
He created woman to be his helpmate.
- It was so in the beginning of this
church 100 years ago. The men had the active role in the organization
of the church, but they couldn't handle it alone either. They needed
help. They needed the women of the church to assist them. It had to be
a combined effort.
-
- This church in New York City was a
haven and a beacon for the many Hungarians who came to America. They
wanted a place of worship where they had religious freedom and could
hold worship services in their native language or mother tongue. Since
most of the Hungarians settled in the Yorkville section of the city,
this church was in the ideal location. It wasn't easy getting settled
in this new land without a job, housing, limited finances and a
language barrier and try to maintain a church program. They had a
pastor for spiritual guidance and leadership and under the leadership
of the pastor's wife, they
organized the Ladies Aid Society, taught Sunday School and sang in the
choir. They worked very hard in many ways to support the church
financially and
its programs.
- In the early years, church suppers
were used as fund raisers.
Hungarians are good cooks and it was a means to invite friends and
neighbors for a meal and service
which followed. Hand crafts and baked goods were sold too. This served
as a means to witness to others in the community.
- The Girl's Home on the third floor
was established to give single women a place to live. The church women
had the active part in reaching out and ministering to the residents.
It is still in operation today. Just think how many lives ware touched
through this ministry.
- All was going well at the church,
then along came World War I. Everyone had to make sacrifices for the
war effort. After the war, the Great Depression. This was a real
challenge for the women in the home and in the church. Jobs were
scarce, income was low, if at all, people were on government
aid, and families grew in size. It was most important to worship, pray
and fellowship together when the trials of life are
present. They desperately needed each other.
- In the early 1940's it was war
again—World War
II. This time, the young men of the church were drafted into military
service. Some of the women had to go to work to support their family.
Through it all the woman remained faithful in their service
to the Lord and the church. When the servicemen returned, it was
joyful, but some did not return and mothers,
wives had to be consoled and helped.
- New York was, and still is, the
arriving port for immigrants who need a lot of assistance,
whether settling in the city or traveling to other cities in the
United States. Food and shelter was required for the transients.
- While they were comfortable here in
America, their
families in Hungary, Romania (Transylvania) were suffering from lack
of food, clothing and money.
Many "Care Packages"
were prepared and sent to them. Everyone was involved in reaching out
to those desperate people. It was not easy getting settled in a new
land, support your church and still have a surplus to send to Europe,
but we all know that God always provides the means.
- In 1956 another wave of immigrants
arrived and the church got new life with more
responsibilities.
The Hungarian language was important and needed so the word of God can
be heard in their own native tongue.
- The women always had to be ready to
serve whatever and wherever needed. This is the role of a dedicated
Christian woman and the women of the New York church did
that for over 100
years, and are
still doing so.
- They were faithful in service,
faithful in worship, faithful in prayer, faithful in supporting the
church and faithful in reaching out with
love to others. They
were not only the "Marthas" in the church, but also the "Marys" who
took time to sit at the feet of Jesus to hear His wonderful message.
- God bless the memory of those early
church woman who served so faithfully. And, God bless the women in
this church today who are so dedicatedly
and lovingly serving
Him.
-
Ethel Petre Kish
-
FOOD 4 THE SOUL
„Showing forbearance to one another in love"
(Ephesians 4,2)
It is likely that you did not hear the word "forbearance"
being used around you the last few days. A simple search on the internet
explains the reasons for the silence. These are the definitions of
"forbearance": "tolerance and restraint in the face of provocation; a
delay in enforcing rights or claims or privileges; refraining from
acting". Another usage goes like this: "the act of a creditor who refrains
from enforcing a debt when it falls due". This term is gone. Forbearance
is out of use.
The Greek word translated "showing forbearance"
means "suppressing something with silence". In this context it conveys the
idea of throwing a blanket over those things that would be obstacles to
healthy relationships. Guess what! – a certain kind of "sweeping
things under the rug" is commanded by the Scripture.
In Proverbs we read, "Hatred stirs up strife, but
love covers all transgressions" (10,12). In certain situations forbearance
is the only option for lovingly maintain a relationship. As the
apostle teaches, there is place for this kind of love even in our
churches. The obstacles to the relationship need to be covered inside
of us, so that we are enabled to relate in spite the wrongs done to
us.
By the way, in God's dictionary forbearance is
one of the most often used noun. I am glad, that He doesn't get tired of
loving me.
Lord, I confess my unworthiness of your
love, and thank you for sending Christ to die for me. Help me to love
others, even my enemies. My desire is to show forbearance to others in
love. Amen. Pastor Novak
Jesus Only Way to Stop
Radical Islam, Former Muslim Says
A former Muslim woman who has dedicated herself to winning
Muslims to Christ has traveled to India to witness to that country's large
Muslim population.
W.L. Cati plans to speak two to three times a
day, carrying the message of the gospel. Christ, says Cati, is the best
hope for stopping radical Islam.
"That's the bottom line. Our salvation is their
salvation," says the former Muslim. "We need to stop playing patty-cake
with them and start giving them the truth and praying that they find Jesus
-- because if they don't, we're all going to be wearing the veil soon."
"The area is full of Muslims. I'm really
expecting signs, wonders, and miracles, whatever it takes to bring them
into the kingdom," she shares. "So I'm going there, laying my life down
for their salvation."
Cati says the group she is traveling with plans
to distribute 7,000 copies of the JESUS video in three languages that are
spoken in that country. AgapePress
The 120 years old STATUE OF
LIBERTY
The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886,
by President Grover Cleveland. It was presented to the U.S. by France as a
symbol of friendship. This four hundred and fifty thousand pound statue is
supported by a steel structure build by Gustave Eiffel, who built the
Eiffel Tower. The Statue of Liberty was designed by sculptor Auguste
Bartholdi, who wrote: "The statue was born for this place which
inspired its conception. May God be pleased to bless my efforts and my
work, and to crown it with success, the duration and the moral influence
which it ought to have." (Crosswalk.com)
World Congress of Hungarian
Baptists Concludes with Call to Evangelism
- The Third World Congress of the Hungarian Baptist World Alliance
has concluded in Debrecen, with a call for all to make a personal
commitment to evangelism.
- Approximately 5,300
ethnic-Hungarian Baptists from 15 countries took part in the three-day
event.
- 330 congregations with 11,300
members belong to the Hungarian Baptist Union. An additional Baptist
union in Romania involves 230 congregations with 8,500 members. Both
unions are members of the European Baptist Federation.
-
-
50 man serve the Lord Supper to the
5000+ worshippers during the closing service
-
- A declaration passed at the
gathering stated: "We believe that the only solution for mankind
living in ever more complicated social circumstances is our Lord Jesus
Christ." Only God can overcome the hopelessness of the Hungarian
people "caused by our sins". The declaration added: "We are to labour
further in the future for presenting the Gospel of Christ genuinely
and in an ever broader circle to our neighbours, to our beloved
Hungarian nation and to the world."
- Political issues also featured in
the declaration, as the Hungarian Baptists underscored their national
identity as one people. They branded the Trianon-Treaty of 1920 as
"unjust". The surrender of territory required by the treaty separated
roughly 3.3 million Hungarians from their motherland. Since then,
Hungarians in Serbia and Slovakia in particular have repeatedly
suffered ethnic discrimination. As a result the declaration stated:
"We lift our voices against any political discrimination or
persecution that offended or obstructed those who belong to the
Hungarian nation."
- The Baptists also expressed hope
that membership in the European Union would help overcome ethnic
strife. The paper adds a confirmation that European culture is rooted
in Christianity, even though the EU Constitution does not explicitly
state so.
- The declaration was read aloud by
Lajos Marosi Nagy (Budapest), European Vice-President of the Men’s
Department of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA).
-
- The highlight of the conference was
an evangelistic worship service in which the President of the
Hungarian Baptists, Dr. Kalman Meszaros (Budapest), held the
sermon. Approximately 800 non-Baptists attended the service.
- British-born Rev David Coffey,
the President of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) greeted the
world Baptists and urged them to stick to a 4-point profile. He said,
"Fellowship despite diversity, worked out by Jesus Christ; Reach-out,
since the Great Commission is taken seriously by Baptists; Freedom and
Justice, since we are the voice of those who cannot speak; Compassion,
since beside sharing the Gospel, we help the needy."
- Pastor Geza Herjeczki
(Detroit/USA), the freshly-elected President of the Hungarian Baptist
World Alliance, stressed the importance of the Great Commission for
Baptists: "Let us be a road sign for those who are not yet walking
with Jesus Christ." Daniel Blake, Christian Today, Aug.
28.
NOVEMBER, 2006
Third
Hungarian Baptist World Assembly Held
Some 5,330 Hungarians from 15 countries attended the third
Hungarian Baptist World Assembly in Debrecen, Hungary,
August 4 to 6.
Eight hundred and twenty two non-Baptist guests
attended Saturday night's meeting and listened to the Good News preached
by Kalman Meszaros, President of the Baptist Union of Hungary.
David Coffey, President of the Baptist World Alliance gave an address,
as well as Helari Puu, President of the European Baptist
Federation. Leaders from other denominations participated. These included
Gusztav Bolcskei, Reformed Bishop, and Imre D. Szebik, a
Lutheran who is President of the Ecumenical Council of Hungarian Churches.
Countries represented include Albania, Australia, Austria, Canada,
Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine,
and the USA.
Lajos Marosi Nagy, European Vice-President of
the Men's Department of the BWA, led the reading of the declaration of the
Hungarian Baptist World Assembly, which was adopted by the gathering.
Commitments were made to religious freedom, to a European Christian
heritage, to the bond of Hungarian Baptists, and against ethnic
confrontations. Geza Herjeczki, a pastor from Detroit in the United
States, took over the presidency of the Hungarian Baptist World Alliance.
(Baptist World, October/December 2006)
- FOOD FOR THE SOUL
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom"
(2Cor 3,17)
In this campaign season there is no talk about freedom. I
just finished watching a televised debate between Ohio's senatorial
candidates. The absence of mentioning the more important issues while
seeking the highest of offices in our federal representative government is
a telling sing of our times. I am not able to pinpoint the reasons for
this lack of appetite for life in freedom on the part of the citizenry.
Yes, job security, health insurance for everyone or the reforming of our
immigration policies are all immediate needs to be addressed, but I am
suspicious of leaders so forgetful about their most important duty. I
suspect, not wanting to publicize their disregard toward God and His works
in the affairs of men, they consciously stay away from issues where human
inaptness and the need for more reliance on God would surface.
The immediate context of verse 17 speaks of the Lordship
of Christ as the presenter of the stipulations for the Covenant. Comparing
His work to the times when Moses had to communicate the same to his
people, the apostle Paul says, unless we acknowledge Jesus Christ as our
Lord, life in freedom will elude us. Accepting His rule over us, on the
other hand, brings about an inner transformation "into his likeness with
ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord".
There were times in America, when politicians acknowledged
their limitations in this regard and did call for a deeper reliance on
God. Today they rather not talk about it at all. I wonder, whose benefits
will be served by such disregard for freedom?
Lord Jesus, especially when realizing the fact that this
is a pluralistic society, I ask for your gracious intervention in the
affairs of our nation. There are millions living around me, enjoying your
blessings, yet not knowing you. Give us leaders who will be humble and
wise enough to point to you as our Benefactor. I pray for a spiritual
revival in America, so that we will acknowledge you as our Savior. Help
me, my sisters and brothers to live faithfully under your Lordship. Amen.
- Why pray for the peace of
Jerusalem?
- By Rudolph D. Gonzalez
-
- There are probably few cities not "prayed for" by Christians, but
for God’s people Jerusalem holds a special significance. Figuratively,
in Psalm 122, Jerusalem reminds us of three things.
-
- First, Jerusalem typifies the believer’s eternal state in glory
(verses 1-2). Though a temple pilgrimage is described, in fact, it is
the city itself that evokes the joys of those who worship the living
God. Thus, Revelation 21:9-10 breathes life into a place of mortar and
stone. Amazingly, the New Jerusalem symbolizes the Bride of Christ in
Heaven. To "enter into Jerusalem" is to be built up as a spiritual
house (1 Peter 2:5), and be counted among the redeemed, those saved by
God’s grace!
-
- But there is more. Jerusalem also reminds us of God’s enduring
protection (Psalm 122:3-4). Here the psalmist echoes back to David’s
conquest of Jerusalem, and the rebuilding of the city into a strong
fortress (2 Samuel 5:6-10; Psalm 48:12-14). With the security of the
city assured, worshippers united in confidence within her fortified
walls and offered their praises and sacrifices. So, "Jerusalem"
symbolizes God’s power to keep us safe and secure. Jesus said of his
disciples, "I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish;
and no one shall snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:28)
-
- Finally, Jerusalem reminds us of God’s lofty standards to which he
holds us accountable (Psalm 122:5). Just as Jerusalem was the seat of
ancient Israel’s government, so it is today. In ancient times,
Israelites would sing while in pilgrimage, "Shall not the judge of all
the earth do right," as they ascended Mount Zion. There God’s
righteous laws prevailed.
-
- Modern Western culture is quickly divesting itself of its
Judeo-Christian heritage, but Christ’s church is bound by the words of
her Savior who said: "until heaven and earth pass away not the
smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law," (Matthew
5:18). Imagine if Jerusalem became a "tel," a mound of stratified
ancient rubble, rather than the thriving city it is. Can you see how
the abiding permanence of Jerusalem itself is a strong argument for
living by godly standards? God's ethical standards are as eternal as
the city.
-
- Last January I went to Israel and had the privilege of staying in
Jerusalem for several days. During my stay there, I saw people from
all over the world. And, of course, nearly half of Jerusalem is
inhabited by Palestinians. While there, it struck me that to pray for
the peace of Jerusalem today is not merely to pray exclusively for the
Jewish people. The Bible prophesies that the great civilizations of
the world will be undone, including our own beloved country (2 Peter
3:7, 10; Revelation 21:1). In the end Holy Scripture recognizes only
one city that abides: the New Jerusalem. It is made up of redeemed
people from all the tribes of the earth (Revelation 5:9). In these
turbulent times let us never forget to pray for lasting peace for
Israel and her neighbors, for in doing so, we pray for peace in our
own cities. (Baptist Press)
Hungarian Baptist group travel to the Holy Land on Feb. 20
- 28, 2007.
Interested? Call Ervin Szegedi at 1-416-937-6198
Read about it in Hungarian: here
- John 3:16
- If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
- If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
- He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.
- Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
- He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your
heart.
- What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem;
- not to mention that Friday at Calvary.
- Face it, He's crazy about you.
OCTOBER, 2006
- Sierra Leone
by Gabriella Kamilla Furedi
-
- It is only a few weeks that I arrived to Sierra Leone but it
feels if I have been here already for years. The journey was long
and stressful; not only the elevated airport security measures
drained me out, but the fact, that I didn’t have any idea where
would I spent the night after my arrival. The original plan was that
I would move as soon as possible to Makeni and settle down there,
but the house that we rented was not ready yet, and the money for
the work that we sent in advance didn’t arrive. So I guessed instead
of going to Makeni I should spend some time in Freetown.
- Trying to overcome fear of the
unknown I meditated on encouraging words of the Bible and deep in my
soul I prayed again and again with the fragment of a song "Make this
journey be a blessing…" I was sure that somebody would wait for me,
if not at the airport at Lungi, than at the other end of the
helicopter line, in Freetown. Just before I left Budapest, my
supervisor from Detroit informed me that maybe Hans, the Dutch
missionary would pick me up, though he was not sure about that. As I
was waiting for my suitcase I wanted to give a call to Hans but my
mobile phone didn’t work. Celtel, a Sierra Leonean telephone company
disconnected my phone because of the five months inactivity.
- I checked in at 5.30 AM at the
airport in Budapest and arrived to Sierra Leone around 21 PM at
local time. It was already 11 PM in Hungary so I was pretty tired. I
had to wait long for my suitcase so I reached only the last
helicopter. It was dark and raining when I arrived to Freetown, but
I have seen from far that Hans was there.
- He took me to EBM compound. I
didn’t expect this because a few month ago it was said that the
guesthouse would be occupied by a new missionary family from Norway
and by two new German volunteer. However, one of the German
volunteer was not able to make the mission trip, so there was an
extra room waiting for me; exactly the one where I slept a few
months ago.
- I was very thankful for Hans and
his wife, Aisha that they "rescued" me and allowed me to stay with
them though they were very busy with the new missionaries. Since I
am not EBM missionary anymore I was not encouraged to participate in
their activities. In this way I felt a little bit isolated but at
least I had more time to prayer and preparing for the work.
- Though it is raining almost every
day the weather is pretty hot. In spite of that in a few days I
became so sick, that I had to stay in room almost for a whole week.
No, it was not malaria, but kind of flu; sneezing, coughing, running
nose…I am much better now, thank God.
- It is time to count my blessings
as well…
- Not only my suitcase, hand
luggage and computer arrived together with me, but in a few days the
"lost" money for the rent as well. The landlord now is busy
renovating the house and I have a good hope that in a few weeks I
can move there.
- The car that I left in Freetown
is still working though I had to have repaired a few things on it.
The leader of the Bible Institute in Freetown and Gibril, the
mechanic took good care of it.
- The BBI in Freetown doing well,
they just had a break but they will resume the lectures this week.
- I already met the superintendent
of the Makeni Baptist Area Association and sent with him the
application forms for the next course of the Baptist Bible Institute
(BBI) that we plan to start there. Next week I would like to visit
them and meet the other pastors as well there.
- Though one of the great
supporters of the BBI in Makeni and assistant inspector general of
the police a few days ago had a serious accident he is quite well
now and keeps his eyes on the renovation.
- Knowing that I became sick Hans
and Aisha immediately visited me and everybody at the compound came
to tell me "osh", that is the expression of their sympathy and the
way of wishing speedy recovery. One of my old friends came to help
me with cooking to make sure that I would have enough to eat.
- Please, pray that I would gain
back my health soon and the BBI could be started the work at Makeni.
Pray for faithful and reliable coworkers, for good fellowship with
the saints here, for lots of strength to overcome the hindrances.
Most of all, for grace and heavenly protection of my life and
ministry.
-
-
Yours in Christ, Gabriella
-
-
- A 10 years old prayer
-
- Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your
forgiveness and seek your direction and guidance. We know your Word
says, "Woe to those who call evil good," but that's exactly what we've
done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values.
- We confess that we have
ridiculed the absolute truth of your Word and called it moral
pluralism. We have worshipped other gods and called it
multi-culturalism. We have endorsed perversion and called it an
alternative lifestyle. We have exploited the poor and called it the
lottery. We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our
unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it
justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called
it building esteem. We have abused power and called it political
savvy. We have coveted our neighbors' possessions and called it
ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and
called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored
values of our fore-fathers and called it enlightenment.
- Search us O God and know our
hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us;
cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men
and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas, and who
have been ordained by you, to govern this great state. Grant them your
wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of your
will. I ask it in the name of your son, the living savior, Jesus
Christ. Amen.
- When Pastor Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of
the Kansas House of Representatives on January 23, 1996, everyone was
expecting the usual politically correct generalities. But what they
heard instead was a stirring prayer, passionately calling our country
to repentance and righteousness.
- The response was immediate - with a
number of legislators walking out during the prayer. In six short
weeks Central Christian Church logged more than 5,000 phone calls,
with only 47 of those calls responding negatively.
- Commentator Paul Harvey
aired Pastor Joe Wright's prayer on the radio and received a larger
response to this program than any other program Paul Harvey has ever
aired.
- In addition, Central Christian
Church is now receiving international requests for copies of this
prayer from India, Africa, and Korea.
-
-
- FOOD FOR THE SOUL
- "This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: a basket of ripe
fruit." (Amos 8,1)
-
- Are you ready for lunch?
- Imagine this! You are beseeching
the Lord for advice and direction on the nation's behalf, and there
comes the answer -- a basket full of summer fruit. This is exactly
what happened to the prophet Amos. As he opened his eyes, there was a
bowl set before him, full of bananas, pears and apples, succulently
sweet watermelon, red plum and nectarines, magnificent mangoes and
beautiful berries of all kind. (Please, eat healthy!)
- In his vision he saw a picture of
the Gospel. Look at it!
- Isn't it beautiful? Just
like the story and the influences of the Gospel. So attractive! All
sorts of yummy fruits, right here, before you -- push aside this
sticky keyboard and... and ask the Lord to feed your soul with his
love and graces!
- This heaven sent nourishment is
healthy, no junk food here! The Message of the Gospel is powerful
contribution to your spiritual, mental and even physical health.
- And yes, fruits are perishable.
Let us not forget that it is our responsibility to use the
opportunities well; "now is the accepted time" (2Cor 6,2).
- Let's thank Him for the assurance
of salvation and pray for the believers around us, in our workplace
and at home; for spiritual health and strength to serve the Savior
with joy.
- Good appetite!
-
-
- If Islam is a religion of peace
- If Islam is a religion of peace, if the majority of Muslims reject
violence and support freedom of religion and speech, they should make
their voices heard. Too often terrorist attacks perpetrated in the
name of Islam are followed by the silence of those who would have us
believe Islam rejects such acts. Democracy stands no chance of
flourishing in the Middle East until a chorus of Muslim voices rejects
terrorism and embraces the notions of freedom of religion and freedom
of speech. Until then, we should join the pope in asking tough
questions, and we should insist on honest answers.
-
Ken Connor, BPNews.net
-
(SEPTEMBER, 2006)
3rd Hungarian Baptist World Assembly, Summary Report
DEBRECEN, HUNGARY, July 4-6, 2006.
Some 5330 Hungarian attendees from fifteen countries were
registered at the 3rd Hungarian Baptist World Assembly held at
the Fonix Arena in Debrecen, Hungary on August 4-6, 2006. At the
procession, Debrecen’s City flag was marched into the arena, welcomed by
great applause; Flags of Albania, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany,
Great Britain, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the USA
were also marched in.
The most crowded event was
the Saturday night outreach service, when about 822 non-Baptist guests
listened to the Good News preached by dr. Kálmán Mészáros,
president of the Baptist Union of Hungary.
On Sunday morning, at the
closing ceremony, executive representatives of fellow denominations
participated including dr. Gusztáv Bölcskei, Reformed Bishop,
president, and Imre D. Szebik, Lutheran president of the Ecumenical
Council of Hungarian Churches, who both spoke to the congregation.
Helari Puu, president of the European Baptist Alliance was also
present. David Coffey, president of the 100 million member Baptist
World Alliance, preached the Sunday message.
The officers of the Hungarian
Baptist World Alliance with Baptist World Alliance president, David Coffey
Expressing our fellowship
with Jesus Christ and with each other, some 50 pastors, elders, and
deacons distributed the Lord’s Supper to the nearly 5000 attendants.
Lajos Marosi Nagy, European Vice-President of the Men’s Department of
BWA, read the declaration of the Leadership of the Hungarian Baptist World
Alliance. Attendants accepted the Declaration by raising hands, and in
doing so, they confessed to religious freedom, to European Christian
heritage, to the bond of Hungarian Baptists, and against ethnic
confrontations. At the conclusion of the assembly, dr. Géza Herjeczki,
pastor from Detroit, took over the Presidency of the Hungarian Baptist
World Alliance.
A notable program of the 3rd
Hungarian Baptist World Assembly was the Classical Concert held at
the Kölcsey Center, where besides the registered guests, some 600 local
prominent persons were in attendance. Furthermore, the Youth Concert
on Saturday night was visited by about 400 additional young people.
The Assembly was brought to
an end by a press conference and a reception, where executive pastors of
Hungarian Churches, managers of the event, and press representatives took
part. János Papp, director of missions, chief organizer, has
ascertained that during the Assembly, about 6500 people had a chance to
hear of Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life for us.
-
The Press Reporter (MNL)
Registered attendants by Countries: Albania 4; Australia
9; Austria 7; Czech Republic 2; Dania 2; Canada 26; Ukraine 73; Hungary
4044; Great Britain 2; Germany 15; Romania 912; Switzerland 1; Slovakia
53; USA 81; Serbia 99.
(JULY - AUGUST)
- WOMEN’S CONFERENCE - RAMA, ONTARIO, CAN.
JUNE 30 - JULY 1
-
- Annamária Kulcsár opened the meeting, emphasizing the
significance of Habakkuk 2:1: "I will climb into my watchtower and
wait to see what the Lord will say to me …."
- She said that we sometimes wonder
if our ministry is really worthwhile but we should not be discouraged
if our task may not seem important because God values everything we do
for and through Him. She related the familiar story of President Teddy
Roosevelt’s hunting trip to Africa. Upon returning on ship, he was
welcomed home by a large, cheering crowd. On the same ship a veteran
missionary couple also arrived to America’s shores. The gentleman
sadly remarked to his wife, "The president was gone for a very short
time and yet a huge crowd has gathered to greet him. We have served
the Lord for so many years and no one is here to welcome us." Later,
he sensed the Lord saying to him, "You are not Home yet!"
Eva Herjeczki,
Kamilla Gabriella Furedi, Zsuzsika Toth, Dr. Margaret Cserepka,
Gabriella Olah and Annaaria Kulcsar - Friday night, after the service
-
- Dr. Margaret Cserepka spoke of
the need to abide in Christ in order to live a fruitful life. She
quoted John 15:5: "I am the Vine; you are the branches. Those who
remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. Apart from Me
you can do nothing." She mentioned Rick Warren’s statement, "We
can’t live without realizing our purpose in life." Her emphasis
was on foreign missions. After waiting on God as the theme verse,
Habakkuk 2:1 states, Dr. Cserepka reminded us of Isaiah’s response to
God’s call.: "Here am I, send me." She said that our service
should not be out of obligation but because God has placed His love in
our hearts.
- She told of Mária Molnár, the
Hungarian missionary who said, "I don’t want to be in Hungary when
God wants me to be on a remote island, nor to be on a remote island
when God wants me in Hungary." This underscored the need to know
God’s direction and to obey it.
- Dr. Margaret recalled the
Resurrection Day of our Lord. The disciples were struggling to catch
some fish, without any success. On the shore Jesus awaited them with a
fish breakfast. Jesus confronted Peter. "Do you love Me?" In
Christ’s strength, not our own we can love Him as Peter finally did.
If we love Christ, we too should be willing to give our lives to Him.
- Gladys Aylward, the little English
chambermaid, later missionary to China was mentioned. Poor and
uneducated but with a certain call from God, she was able to collect
enough funds to reach China. Oswald Chambers in his devtional book,
"My Utmost for His Highest" said "God wants us to be broken bread
and poured out wine for others." The Holy Spirit pours out Christ’s
life through us.
- Dr. Cserepka knew the necessity of
prayer and trust. While in Bolivia, a man and his wife, about to give
birth came to them for help. Tragically the woman died after her child
was born. The husband needed the help of Pastor John Cserepka to
return to his home with his baby and deceased wife. A thunderstorm
struck and the trip would be treacherous. Margaret feared to let her
husband leave. She prayed earnestly for God’s protection for them and
the safe return of her husband. Then she was able to commit him and
the forlorn group to God’s care. Her faith was severely tested but she
found that God was faithful. The mission was accomplished and Pastor
John arrived safely home. Amazingly, at that exact time, a group of
women back home were led to pray for the Cserepkas, sensing from God
that there was an urgent need!
- Currently Margaret lives in
Kelowna, Brittish Columbia, attends tha Hungarian Church, leads home
Bible studies with Hungarian and English women and engages in
visitation to those in need.
-
- Éva Herjeczki read a beautiful
and very thought-provoking poem from János Bódás which emphasized
ministry to others. Unless we extend mercy to those in great need we
are like a seed that does not germinate or a vase, empty of flowers, a
lost letter, never reaching its destination, a life without purpose,
of no benefit to either earth or Heaven.
-
- Kamilla Füredi spoke of her
long-awaited desire to serve her Lord in Africa, while still in
Hungary. Finally that time came and she served God in Sierra Leone for
8 years until civil war ended her stay. After becoming an American
citizen she returned to the same field for 5 months, supported by our
Convention and Christian friends. She will return in September, 2006
to continue her ministry of training pastors, evangelists, church
workers and home missionaries in the Baptist Bible Institute in Sierra
Leone in Bible knowledge and its application in evangelism and
discipleship. She taught in Freetown but she hopes to train others in
seven different awaiting districts in Sierra Leone.
- Kamilla spoke of the darkness
there- the tyranny of the government, torturous oppression of women,
many of whom are illiterate, the high mortality rate of children due
to lack of nutrition as well as of witchcraft, immorality and rampant
disease.
- She agreed with Paul in Romans that
we must go to those who have not heard or "seen" the Gospel so that
they will believe. She said that there is 1 missionary to 40,000
people world-wide and added that many missionaries go to Europe but
few to Africa or Asia.
- Kamilla showed slides of her field
and introduced us to several people with whom she labors, the women’s
conference and many views of daily life there.
- She is very grateful to the
Convention and the churches and individuals who have agreed to support
her as she returns. Her dedication to her Lord and His calling are
evident.
- Later a formal commissioning
service was conducted by the pastors of the Convention- with the
laying on of hands and committing Kamilla to the Lord in Prayer. This
was a holy moment to remember.
-
- Ethel Kish conducted the
memorial of the Hungarian ladies who passed away this past year. She
spoke of their significant lives and their selfless service to the
Lord. She said they were models for us and that we should follow their
example. All were remembered by name, placing a lily in honor of each
in a vase.
- Their names are: Márta Veszpeller ,
Eszter Bánkúti, her sister in Hungary, JúliaVarga, Ida Kuhn and Babos
néni (Marisko) who died at age 106.
- A thanksgiving prayer was offered
remembering them and a prayer for those who remain to serve Christ
faithfully.
- Then she asked the congregation,
particularly the young people, "What does T.G.I.F. mean?" "Thank God
it’s Friday" came the answer. Ethel offered a much better version:
THANK GOD I’M FORGIVEN! which she recommended everyone say instead.
-
- We were favored with lovely vocal
music: a solo by Ethel Kish entitled: "Each Step I Take" after reading
a poem: "I am Home in Heaven"; a duet by Györgyi Novák and Éva
Szabó: "Go Ye into all the World" and a solo by Joli Cserepka
called "Sweeter as the Days Go By", accompanied by her daughter,
Annamária Dan. Joli also read a poem which spoke of the
need to completely surrender our lives to Christ.
- Every selection was inspirational
and glorified the Lord Jesus.
- This concluded the spiritually
uplifting Women’s Conference of July, 2006.
-
-
Ella Marosi
- Have you ever heard the expression „TGIF"? Do you know what it
means?
- In the USA it is used often in the business world and you only
have it on Fridays. It means "Thank God it is Friday."
- Everybody waits for Friday. It can
be said joyfully "TGIF" because it means a change from their daily
routine and can do something exciting and very different. It also
means pay day to some people so they are happy.
- If they had a bad day or week it
can be said another way :TGIF". In other words - so glad the week has
ended.
- Today is Friday and we can all say
TGIF. Thank God it’s Friday. We can say itjoyfilly because we are here
enjoying this beautiful camp and the Christian fellowship together in
God’s beautiful world. We are so blessed. To me TGIF means something
else too. It means: "Thank God I’m Forgiven." My sins, big ones and
little ones are all forgiven. I will have eternal life because I
accepted Jesus as my Savior. He is loving and forgiving. He shed His
blood on the cross on a Friday - Good Friday as we observe it - for me
and for you. Everybody has sins.
- All we need to do to be forgiven is
"B" & "A". Believe and Accept. Him - Jesus. Young people, can you say
it too and mean it "Thank God I’m Forgiven"? If not, speak to your
pastor or your parents, or a Christian friend about it. They will
guide you.
- Don’t delay - so that you, too, can
join all Christians around the world with TGIF. Thank God I’m Forgiven
because I "B" & "A"- Believed and Accepted Him - Jesus.
-
Ethel Petre Kish
- TWO FAMOUS HYMNS
- By Claire Vereczky Malis
-
- Today’s younger generation seems to favor contemporary praise and
worship songs during church services, yet less than a half century has
elapsed since traditional hymns were preferred by seniors in
congregations. Famous composers Newton and Hamblin lived centuries
apart but their faith in Christ eventually brought recognition to
each.
- Two favorites of the older
generation are hymns such as John Newton’s "Amazing Grace," the
favorite of the late President Ronald Reagan, and Stuart Hamblin’s "It
is no secret what God can do." Transformation in the lives of the two
composers relate experiences that have made a difference in the
traditional songs sung by today’s seniors.
- Stuart Hamblin was a radio host,
comedian and songwriter known in Hollywood for his drinking,
womanizing and partying. One of his country music hits during that
wild lifestyle was "I won’t go hunting with you, Jake, but I’ll go
with you chasing women."
- His life turned around after the
Rev. Billy Graham arrived in Los Angeles to launch an evangelical
crusade during the 1950s. Deciding to interview Graham on his radio
show and ridicule his Christian principals, Hamblin attended one of
the evangelist’s tent meetings to gather material for his program.
While Graham spoke he said there was one man in the audience who was a
"big fake."
- Hamblin was convinced Graham was
referring to him.
- A few nights later, Hamblin – drunk
– knocked on Graham’s door at 2:00 a.m. and demanded that the
evangelist pray for him. Graham refused.
- "This is between you and God and
I’m not going to get in the middle of it until you are ready to quit,"
Graham said. Then he invited Hamblin inside. They talked and prayed
until morning when Hamblin dropped to his knees and tearfully turned
to God for help with his wild lifestyle.
- Hamblin quit partying and drinking.
When he refused to accept a beer company as a sponsor, Hamblin was
fired from the station. He began to write Christian songs. His career
and the top-rated songs he had written in the past vanished.
- Struggling financially, Hamblin’s
friend John Wayne said, "All your troubles started when you ‘got
religion.’ Was it worth it all?"
- "Yes," Hamblin answered.
- "You liked your booze so much,
don’t you ever miss it?" Wayne asked him.
- "No."
- "I don’t know how you could give up
your drinking so easily," his friend remarked. Hamblin answered, "It’s
no big secret, all things are possible with God."
- From this encounter with John
Wayne, Stuart Hamblin composed one of the 20th century’s
favorite hymns:
- "It is no secret what God can do.
What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you. With arms wide open,
He’ll welcome you. It is no secret what God can do."
-
- More than three centuries have
elapsed since John Newton wrote "Amazing Grace." He could not have
surmised that it would become a favorite of Christians and would be
broadcast around the world.
- The late president Ronald Reagan
requested that this hymn be sung as his testimony when the nation
honored his memory at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and
at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
- Until his conversion, John Newton
had lived a wild, drunken existence. He had been flogged as a navy
deserter. He became a slave trader in charge of an African slave ship.
For nearly two years he had been half starved and ill treated, finally
becoming a slave himself laboring in the dank, sweaty hold of a slave
ship.
- After praying and repenting during
a terrifyingly stormy night, Newton’s repentance for the life he’d
lived deepened considerably. It may have been this experience that
caused him to include these words in his hymn "Amazing Grace."
- "Through many dangers, toils and
snares, I have already come; ’tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home."
- Today’s youth may prefer
contemporary worship and songs of praise, but these time-honored
testimonies written by two men whose lives were amazingly transformed
by an encounter with Jesus Christ have made a difference to the older
generation.
(JUNE, 2006)
- Hungarian Baptist Convention of North
America
- 99th ANNUAL CONVENTION - JUNE 30 - JULY 2.
- RAMA, ONTARIO, CANADA (6001 Rama Road, tel
(705)326-6965)
- Theme: I will stand at my watch (Hab
2:1)
-
- We cordially invite you to the 99th ANNUAL CONVENTION of the
HUNGARIAN BAPTIST CONVENTION OF NORTH AMERICA.
-
- Please join us if you relate in any way to our convention.
Officers of the convention, members of our
churches, members at large and readers of the Gospel Messenger are
encouraged to come and sit in the meetings as well as worship with us.
We want to make even our meetings a form of worship service to express
our unity with each other and with the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Date: June 30 - July 2.
For more information call (905)417-8578
- Location: Rama Hungarian Baptist Camp, 6001 Rama Road, Rama
Township, Ontario, Canada L3V 6H6
- Excerpt from the program:
- Friday
- 3:00 to 6:00 PM Committee meetings
- 6:00PM Supper
- 7:00PM Opening of the 99th Convention
- Worship service emphasis on the foreign mission, speakers: Dr.
Margaret Cserepka and Kamilla Furedi
-
- Saturday
- 9 AM to 1 PM
- Official meetings of the Convention
- 1 PM Opening ceremony of a new building
- Afternoon: Women= s, Men=
s and Youth Convention
- 7:00PM Worship service
-
- Sunday
- 10:00AM Worship service, Lord=
s supper.
- 1:00PM Lunch
- 8:00PM Worship service
- Great fellowship, spirit filled teachings by our pastors, poems,
testimonials and lots of singing.
Statue of Billy Graham
- In advance of the unveiling of a statue honoring evangelist
Billy Graham at the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting
in Greensboro, N.C., SBC President Bobby Welch presented a bronze
model of the sculpture to the Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association at its headquarters in Charlotte.
- Sculpted by Terrell O'Brien -- a bi-vocational pastor -- the
bronze model depicts Graham standing before a cross, with
outstretched arms, one of which holds an open Bible.
- Welch noted that the model was being
given to the BGEA headquarters on Memorial Day.
- "What could be a better time to show
appreciation for one of the great warriors for Christ?" Welch
asked, glancing at the model. "And that's Dr. Billy Graham."
- Welch read from John 3.14: 'And as
Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the
Son of Man be lifted up.' Of course, you can see the cross in
that. Continuing with John 3.16, Welch said the verses represent
exactly what Billy Graham and his evangelistic association have
done and are committed to continue.
- "This is really about a man who
lifted up the Lord Jesus, glorified God, preached the Gospel all
around the world in a way that has never been done before," Welch
said.
- Southern Baptists, Welch said,
wanted the smaller model of the statue to reside at Graham's
headquarters as a reminder of their "thanksgiving to the Lord" for
Graham's ministry. After the Greensboro unveiling, the statue will
reside permanently in downtown Nashville, Tenn., he said.
- O'Brien described his
involvement in the statue project as a "dream come true for a
pastor."
- "It was my strong desire that this piece pay tribute to Billy
Graham in his life's work of preaching the Gospel," O'Brien said.
"As I began to think what it should look like, eventually the
cross came into view." O'Brien said God "gave me the desire of my
heart in my desire to honor not only Billy Graham, but the Gospel
of our Lord Jesus Christ."
-
|
- The cross stands 18 feet
tall, and Graham's likeness is 9.5 feet tall.
Welch officially presented the model statue to
the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association through Billy
Graham's grandson, William (Will) Franklin Graham IV.
- Said William Graham, "We
thank you for this kind gift, this gesture you have shown
not only to my grandfather but to the organization. We very
much appreciate it."
|
 |
-
-
- Citing a recent conversation
with his grandfather, William said Graham was concerned that he
not be lifted up personally. "I said, 'Daddy Bill, the cross is
what stands out,' William Graham said. It's the hope that
you found years ago when you found hope in the cross of Christ.'
- "That's the only true hope of
the world that comes through the forgiveness of sins. Since my
grandfather found that wonderful truth years ago, he's faithfully
proclaimed that same Gospel message -- that there is hope for a
hopeless world, but it's found in only one place; it's found at
the cross," William Graham said.
Norm Miller, Baptist Press
-
- Who selected the books in the New
Testament?
- (Examining the claims of "The Da Vinci Code")
-
- "More than eighty gospels were considered for the New Testament,
and yet only a relative few were chosen for inclusion -- Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John among them.... The Bible, as we know it today,
was collated by the pagan Roman emperor Constantine the Great ...
[who] omitted those gospels that spoke of Christ=
s human traits and embellished those gospels that made Him godlike.
The earlier gospels were outlawed, gathered up, and burned."
- Such is the claim of "The Da Vinci
Code" by author Dan Brown.
- Were there more than 80 gospels as
Brown claims? Bart Ehrman is an atheist New Testament critic who
specializes in the Gnostic writings. In his book "Lost Scriptures,"
Ehrman lists 17 gospels not included in the New Testament. When we add
the recently revealed gospel of Judas and the four New Testament
Gospels, we come to a total of twenty-two, rather than the
A more than eighty@
stated in The Da Vinci Code. We know of a few others, such as the
gospel of Barnabas. But these are much later than even the Gnostic
gospels. For example, a gospel of Barnabas may have circulated in the
latter part of the fifth-century. But we know nothing of it, except
that it was rejected by the church.
- This brings us to Brown=
s next claim: The Roman Emperor Constantine was responsible for the
approving of the writings we find in today=
s New Testament, since he omitted earlier gospels which spoke of Jesus
in human terms and embellished the four New Testament Gospels in order
to make Him divine. Four major assertions are here made. The first is
that the Gnostic gospels in the Nag Hammadi library are earlier than
the four New Testament Gospels. Except for a very few scholars on the
far left, nearly every scholar in the world holds that the four
Gospels in the New Testament are the earliest Gospels and that the
Gnostic gospels in the Nag Hammadi library were written later.
- Brown also asserts that the Gnostic
gospels spoke of Jesus in far more human terms than the New Testament
Gospels. This, too, is inaccurate. One of the major differences
between Gnosticism and what Jesus taught is that Jesus said one could
find the truth in Him and that He is the light. Gnosticism taught that
truth and light are found in oneself. Accordingly, Gnosticism did not
speak of Jesus in human terms, but rather spoke of Gnostic humans in
divine terms.
- Brown=
s assertion that the four New Testament Gospels were embellished by
Constantine to speak of Jesus=
divinity is likewise mistaken. A number of manuscripts which predate
Constantine contain passages that clearly refer to the divinity of
Jesus. For example, a manuscript dated c. A.D. 200 (known as P46)
contains at least four texts where Jesus is spoken of as divine: a
prayer to Jesus addressing him as divine Lord and asking him to come,
Maranatha (1 Corinthians 16:22); an early creed referring to Jesus as
YHWH (Romans 10:9, 13); an ancient Christian hymn that says Jesus
existed in the form of God, was given the name/title above all
names/titles, and will be honored one day when every knee will bow
before Him (Phil 2:6-11); a text where Jesus is referred to as
A the exact representation@
of God= s nature (Hebrews
1:3). What makes these passages all the more interesting is that all
four come from letters which predate the four New Testament Gospels.
Therefore, even if Brown was correct on this point -- and I challenge
him to find a single bona fide scholar in agreement -- we have
Christian writings even earlier than the four New Testament Gospels
that clearly speak of Jesus as divine.
- The fourth and final major
assertion of Brown is that Constantine selected the writings to be
included in the New Testament. Canonicity was a lengthy process that
involved much debate and disagreement. Always beyond dispute were the
four Gospels and all of Paul=
s letters. It was not until A.D. 367, more than 40 years after the
Council of Nicea, that we find in the writings of Athanasius a list of
the 27 books and letters which are included in today=
s New Testament. In short, the writings had to have apostolic
authority and have received widespread and long-term acceptance from
the universal church to be included in the New Testament canon.
- We have seen in this article that,
contrary to the claims of "The Da Vinci Code," the writings in the
New Testament were selected after much reflection and debate over the
course of hundreds of years and that the writings that made it are not
only the earliest, but also those which contain the original
traditions about Jesus and the early Church. Moreover, Jesus was
thought of in divine terms from the earliest time in Christianity.
Nothing spoils the creative statements found in "The Da Vinci Code"
like the facts.
-
Mike Licona, Baptist Press
(MAY, 2006)
America, honor God
By: Henry Blackaby
- This 2006 National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 4, may be
one of the most important and significant in our history as a nation.
We are facing real threats to our national security and the moral
fiber of America. Spiritual decay is causing a great social unrest,
including the breakdown of the family. In short, we are facing a
national crisis that has the potential to bring about some very dire
consequences.
- "America, Honor God" -- this is the theme
for this year' s National Day of Prayer. In a moment of national
crisis in the nation of Israel, God' s covenant people, God announced,
"Those who honor Me, I will honor" (1 Samuel 2:30). This promise is
clear and short and simple. Yet, it is most profound. When God chooses
to honor a person or a people or a nation, it is awesome what happens
next!
- On the other hand, we should tremble with
great fear if we do not honor God. For God also declares in 1 Samuel
2:30 that "those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed." Our nation
hangs in the balance as we teeter between these diametrically opposing
truths.
- In the days of God' s messenger,
Malachi, the people lived with a false sense of security of what had
been a very blessed relationship with God. They continued to
"practice" religion while their hearts drifted far from the Lord. Even
the priests had "... departed from the way" (Malachi 2:8). The
nation became so sinful that God' s Word fell on deaf ears. Hypocrisy,
divorce, idolatry and wickedness were the standard for the day. And
God pleaded: "Return to Me and I will return to you" (Malachi 3:7).
- Today, I believe God is sounding
the same clarion call for America. Therefore, let us pray for the
nation: "Oh Heavenly Father, You have made Yourself known
to us as a nation by Your mighty works throughout our history. From
the beginning, You have been with us and through many wars and
conflicts Your right arm has saved us. We have been amazingly and
graciously blessed.
- Today, we confess our sin of not
responding to Your right to rule in our lives and our nation. Too
often we have despised and rejected Your will while imposing our own,
and are now facing the consequences of our disobedience. Draw us back
to Yourself, that you may return to us once again. Without You we can
do nothing. You have promised that if we honor You, You will once
again honor this great nation.
- That is our fervent prayer, for
Your honor and glory we pray. Amen."
-
www.bpnews.net. BP News
 |
-
- The Biblical Portrait of Women
By John MacArthur
-
- The Bible is, and has always been, a revolutionary book. It stands
like a coastal rock cliff to resist the surging, crashing waves of
cultural change. And there may be no clearer demonstration of the
Bible's immutable word than what it teaches about genuine femininity.
- The Bible rightly exalts
women against cultures that distort, degrade, and debase them. Many in
our society tout the sexual and reproductive liberation of women
against the supposed oppressive, outmoded strictures of the Bible. I
have to ask, "In what way are women truly free? In what way does our
culture honor them?" Sure they can vote; sure they have opportunities
to compete in the marketplace. But are they really free? Is their
dignity and honor intact?
- I contend that women are
used and abused more today than at any time in history. Pornography
turns women into objects and victims of dirty, cowardly Peeping Toms
who leer at them with greedy eyes. Throughout the world, women are
traded like animals for sexual slavery. In more "civilized" places,
men routinely use women for no-consequence, no-commitment sex only to
leave them pregnant, without care and support. Abortion rights groups
aid and abet male selfishness and irresponsibility, and they "free"
women to murder their unborn children. Women are left alone,
emotionally scarred, financially destitute, and experientially guilty,
ashamed, and abandoned. Where's the freedom, dignity, and honor in
that?
- ...
- Contrast all of that,
ancient and contemporary, with the Bible. From cover to cover, the
Bible exalts women. In fact, it often seems to go out of the way to
pay homage to them, to ennoble their roles in society and family, to
acknowledge the importance of their influence, and to exalt the
virtues of women who were particularly godly examples.
- From the very first chapter
of the Bible, we are taught that women, like men, bear the stamp of
God's own image (Genesis 1:27; 5:1-2)-men and women were created
equal. Women play prominent roles in many key biblical narratives.
Wives are seen as venerated partners and cherished companions to their
husbands, not merely slaves or pieces of household furniture (Genesis
2:20-24; Proverbs 19:14; Ecclesiastes 9:9). At Sinai, God commanded
children to honor both father and mother (Exodus 20:12).
- Of course, the Bible teaches
divinely ordained role distinctions between men and women-many of
which are perfectly evident from the circumstances of creation alone.
For example, women have a unique and vital role in childbearing and
the nurture of little ones. Women themselves also have a particular
need for support and protection, because physically, they are "weaker
vessels" (1 Peter 3:7 NKJV). Scripture establishes the proper order in
the family and in the church accordingly, assigning the duties of
headship and protection in the home to husbands (Ephesians 5:23) and
appointing men in the church to the teaching and leadership roles (1
Timothy 2:11-15).
- Yet women are by no means
marginalized or relegated to any second-class status. The Bible
teaches women are not only equals with men (Galatians 3:28), but are
also set apart for special honor (1 Peter 3:7). Husbands are commanded
to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loves the church-even, if
necessary, at the cost of their own lives (Ephesians 5:25-31). The
Bible acknowledges and celebrates the priceless value of a virtuous
woman (Proverbs 12:4; 31:10; 1 Corinthians 11:7).
- Christianity, born at the
intersection of East and West, elevated the status of women to an
unprecedented height. Jesus' disciples included several women (Luke
8:1-3), a practice almost unheard of among the rabbis of His day. Not
only that, He encouraged their discipleship by portraying it as
something more needful than domestic service (Luke 10:38-42). In fact,
Christ's first recorded, explicit disclosure of His own identity as
the true Messiah was made to a Samaritan woman (John 4:25-26). He
always treated women with the utmost dignity-even women who might
otherwise be regarded as outcasts (Matthew 9:20-22; Luke 7:37-50; John
4:7-27). He blessed their children (Luke 18:15-16), raised their dead
(Luke 7:12-15), forgave their sin (Luke 7:44-48), and restored their
virtue and honor (John 8:4-11). Thus He exalted the position of
womanhood itself.
- Scripture never discounts the
female intellect, downplays the talents and abilities of women, or
discourages the right use of women's spiritual gifts. But whenever the
Bible expressly talks about the marks of an excellent woman, the
stress is always on feminine virtue. The most significant women
in Scripture were influential not because of their careers, but
because of their character. The message these women
collectively give is not about "gender equality"; it's about true
feminine excellence. And that is always exemplified in moral and
spiritual qualities rather than by social standing, wealth, or
physical appearance.
- And that's setting the
record straight. Far from denigrating women, the Bible promotes
feminine freedom, dignity, and honor. Scripture paints for every
culture the portrait of a truly beautiful woman. True feminine
beauty is not about external adornment, "arranging the hair, wearing
gold, or putting on fine apparel"; real beauty is manifest
instead in "the hidden person of the heart ... the incorruptible
beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the
sight of God" (1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV).
-
Read the whole article at crosswalk.com
|
BWA
Day |
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- Dear Brothers and Sisters Worldwide,
- The Baptist World Alliance has
always designated one special day of the year on which we collectively
pray for our brothers and sisters around the world. Indeed we want to
fulfill that great hymn, "Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in
Christian love."
- This year Baptist World Alliance
Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 7. This is a change from the
traditional celebration of BWA Day on the first Sunday in February. We
have moved BWA Day to May so that it will fall within the Pentecost
period. We want to emphasize the missionary and evangelistic goal that
unites Baptists worldwide.
- We pray that Baptists around the
world will gather on Sunday, May 7, in our 160,000 congregations
worldwide and pray for one another. Pray for those who are persecuted.
Pray for those who suffer from lack of religious freedom. Pray for
those who suffer economic hardship. Pray for those who are suffering
from HIV/AIDS. Pray for those whose leaders are discouraged and whose
conventions and unions are in disarray. Pray that the Holy Spirit will
unite Baptists worldwide as we seek to evangelize the world in our
generation!
-
Denton LotzGeneral SecretaryBaptist World Alliance
-
Survey: Christians' Lack Basic Bible
Knowledge
- LONDON B -- Less than a quarter of Christians in the United
Kingdom possess enough knowledge of the Bible to be able to place key
events in the order they appear, according to the results of a new
survey by the Bible Society released last week.
- The Christian evangelical
organization carried out a survey of regular churchgoers, which
revealed that 76 percent of people were unable to put a series of ten
popular Bible stories in the order that they appear in the Bible.
- Events used in the survey included
Noah's Ark, Solomon's building of the Temple, and Jesus feeding the
five thousand, among other similar incidents.
- The survey was carried out by
asking the questions in a quick-fire quiz style, and was designed to
assess the common assumption that Christians possess an in-depth
knowledge of the Bible.
-
www.bibleresources.org.uk.
(April, 2006)
OUR CONVENTION MID YEAR MEETING
PALM BAY, FLORIDA
P ictures
from Palm Bay
- Our Convention meets twice during the year to plan for each year's
activities. This year it was planned to be held during the last few
days of February in Florida. It was a joy and a privilege to host that
meeting for us. Reports were given and plans were formulated for the
ensuing year. These plans will be submitted to the convention at our
next full meeting in July. A budget proposal will also be presented at
that time.
- It was also a Christian fellowship
with the leaders of each of our churches within our Convention. Our
church fellowship hall was not available for the mid year meeting and
a suitable alternative had to be found.
We were fortunate to have the vacant Bankuti house in the neighborhood
available, therefore, all meetings and meals were held in the pristine
garage room. The tables were covered with red table-cloths which added
a festive look to our meetings. The meals were prepared by the ladies
of our church and they were delicious. We were a little crowded when
the church folks joined us for meals, but the Christian fellowship was
so nice.
-
Etelka Kish and some of her helpers. The brothers and sisters of the
Palm Bay Church accepted us with wonderful hospilatily.
More pictures < |
