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Reformation occurred 487 years ago

4 min read

Scripture reading: John 3:1-12. Text: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15. In our Scripture reading our Lord teaches Nicodemus and in our text apostle Paul instructs Timothy. Both sections from the Bible are appropriate to remember Reformation. It is not easy to write or speak about Reformation this time, not only because it had happened about five hundred years ago – Oct. 31, 1517 – and the world around us has completely changed, but also for our very special predicament, what are in people’ minds this time? Chiefly three things: the upcoming election, Halloween and the war in the Middle East.

THE NECESSITY TO RECTIFY, PURIFY AND EDIFY.

Whatever we consume, wear and use should be cleaned. Things we put on and eat from will become soiled, stained or dirty thus cleaning is always in order. Is purifying also needed concerning our thinking, beliefs and convictions?

Even if we would agree, who has the knowledge and authority to say what is wrong and how to correct it? Today spiritual matters are not in the center of attention; the general public is not interested in doctrines and creeds.

HOW CAN THE CHURCH SERVE GOD’S KINGDOM AND PEOPLE’S WELFARE SIMULTANEOUSLY?

We have to be mindful all the time of the primary nature of the church; it is an institution of divine origin. Structured or not, the church’s main goals are to worship God, spread the good news, call people to repent and ease the suffering as much as possible. There are four overlapping areas where we should show our concern; that is to rectify and purify whatever is wrong or impure in such a way that not the Church is correcting the people but we let God be our guide, teacher and healer.

We should always remember that God’s children are SPIRITUAL beings and thus we face not only our final hour but also what follows it. You may find something wrong in the church; therefore, you do not attend the worship services. Please ask yourself, will you leave the country if your favorite candidate will not be elected? Can any person alone bring a fast and total turn around? Please do not expect instant miracles from the church either. As you should be involved to elect the best government, likewise, you should participate in the church services so it can function as expected. In an imperfect world can the church be immaculate?

The spiritual commitment should lead us to ETHICAL obligations. What criteria do we use to distinguish, compare and judge, which one is good or bad? Ethics (“the study of standards of conduct and moral judgment”) will help us to be more objective and less subjective, to widen our horizon and be more considerate. If you hear the complaints, it is easy to notice that most of the problems originate from the relationship among us. The question is; how can we get along with each other?

Our SOCIAL concern should be obvious. While YOU will cast the vote yet the WHOLE NATION will elect our leaders. The place and time where and when we were born determine our social commitment. Our Lord made it so clear that we have responsibilities concerning our NEIGHBOR! “But he (an expert in the law) wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?'” Luke 10:29. Jesus, in his reply, presented the story of the Good Samaritan that ends with these words: “Go and do likewise.” Please read Luke 10:25-37.

Even if it sounds worldly, FINANCIAL matters cannot be neglected. Whatever we need, service or product, we have to pay for it. Without money, there is no food for the hungry or medicine for the sick. Our social concern should lead us to fair distribution of goods. We do not advocate the ideal situation that had occurred among the first Christians: “All the believers were together and had everything in common” Acts of Apostles 2:44, but God calls us to be honest, compassionate, sharing and generous.

In our text we read: “who correctly handles the word of truth” and I hope we got closer to the truth through this message. There are more to learn, tolerate and accomplish than mentioned here to follow the footsteps of the great reformers.

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.

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