Summary of dr. Péter Hack’s sermon on January 14, 2024
God knows us better than we know ourselves. We must strive to form a realistic self-image. The goal of the Christian life is to find ourselves in Christ. He holds a fantastic diversity within Himself, so if we become like Him, we don’t need to fear becoming completely identical.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE ARE UNITED, AS THE CHURCH CAN ONLY FULFILL GOD’S WILL IN THIS WAY.
Lucifer wanted to replace Christ, but the Father did not allow it. When we were baptized, we were given a chance to become Christ-like individuals. We didn’t become perfect immediately after; instead, we became capable of leading people to the Lord.
Satan does everything to make people hate God. This is the essence of antisemitism. Despite all attacks, the Jewish people have preserved their language and identity for four thousand years.
Abraham’s original name was Abram, meaning exalted father. God blesses the nations through Abraham. The key to Abraham’s calling was his obedience to God, even though this decision was highly irrational.
OUR GOAL SHOULD BE WHAT ABRAHAM’S WAS: TO ENTER THE CITY OF THE LORD. TO ACHIEVE THIS, INDIVIDUAL AMBITIONS MUST BE PLACED ON GOD’S ALTAR. GOD PROMISED ABRAHAM THAT HE WOULD BE BLESSED, AND THROUGH HIM, OTHERS WOULD BE BLESSED.
Do not envy the blessings of the Jewish people; instead, rejoice that if Abraham’s faith is in us, we also receive these blessings through obedience. Wherever Abraham went, he was blessed. This applies to us too because blessings do not depend on our geographical location but on whether we are in the place declared by God. Circumstances do not determine our success! Jesus Christ is the seed of Abraham, and we identified with Him in baptism.
HE WHO CLOTHES HIMSELF WITH CHRIST INHERITS THE BLESSINGS OF ABRAHAM AND, THROUGH FAITH, CAN CLAIM THE PROMISES.
If we diligently listen to the Lord’s word and act upon it, blessings will come upon us. Among these is the blessing of having children. Only God can give life. Let your faith not depend on whether God provides the ability to have children. Leave this to God, seek His will, not allowing the devil to deceive you. Anyone desiring to have children should come before God, leaving it to Him to grant or deny the request.
God also blesses the obedient in the realm of material life. We need to change our perception of poverty and wealth. There is no need to consider wealth dishonest, as this is a crude prejudice against the rich. It is not true that one can only get rich dishonestly; rather, obedience’s blessing can lead to prosperity.
GOD BLESSES OUR JOURNEY, OUR ACTIVITIES, AND TIME MANAGEMENT IF WE ALWAYS BEGIN ACCORDING TO HIS GUIDANCE. LET’S APPROACH ANY TASK WITH THE AWARENESS THAT SUCCESS COMES THROUGH GOD’S GRACE.
This promise also applies to our transportation. Do not shut yourself in, as reclusiveness is not according to God’s will. God also blesses in battles. He gives victory in every situation; we just need to engage in the noble fight of faith. It is essential to examine whether we are in the place where God wants to see us, on the land He has given.
THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN LEAD US TO PLACES WHERE THE LORD EXALTS US. THIS DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN BEING A LEADER BUT THAT YOUR WORKPLACE NEEDS YOU MORE THAN THE OTHER WAY AROUND.
God has also promised savings. The essence is that we can find contentment, which may not necessarily manifest in wealth or fame but in peace.
THE SUM OF BLESSINGS IS TO LOVE LIVING! CHRIST HIMSELF IS LIFE, SO LET THE LOVE OF LIFE SHINE FROM CHRISTIAN PEOPLE!
When we pray, we seek God’s mercy to help us achieve our goals. At such times, we express that we expect the solution from Him.
SCRIPTURES CITED:
- Galatians 3:26-29
- Genesis 12:1-3, 18:18-19
- Hebrews 11:8-10
- Deuteronomy 28:1-14
- Romans 9:16
Notes by György Hrabovszki