PASTOR'S MESSAGE
Honoring our Mennonite heritage, Eben-Ezer Church has Menno Simons' favorite Bible verse prominently displayed in English and in German in our sanctuary. "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11. In times of cultural erosion and shifting sand in the Mennonite world in North America, it is comforting to know that Jesus, the resurrected Lord, creator of heaven and earth, the rock of our salvation, exalted King, seated at the right hand of God, who is coming again as judge, is our true foundation. This we know and this helps us in our daily joys and struggles.
However, we are perhaps unaware of another important scripture which was also held in high regard by our spiritual forefathers. Historians have discovered that the most quoted Biblical text among the early Anabaptists, was the great commission from Matthew 28:18-20. "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This scripture states the mandate and responsibility that all faithful believers have been given. As we continue to be challenged by these words, and renew our commitment to this great calling, a vision of God's church will look like the following description.
Through the ages many people, rich in faith and life experience, have carried the symbol of the covenant. In the Old Testament it was the Ark, and in the New Testament it is the Cross. Along the way, young people joined in on the journey and wanted to help shoulder the burden, and so the mature ones handed the symbol of the covenant over to those less experienced. This arrangement became a struggle for both young and older and put all, including the covenant, in jeopardy. This dilemma was resolved though, when they chose to work together and encouraged each other to help carry the ‘burden’ forward in unity. So now as a result, more and more people keep coming, committing themselves to the pilgrimage, and taking their turn in carrying the symbol of the covenant. The number of pilgrims is moving and keeps on growing. Through their participation in a covenant community, the members then become instruments of healing and hope in a wounded, hopeless world. That is our vision, hope, commitment and prayer.
May the Gracious God bless you,
Pastor Artur Bergen
However, we are perhaps unaware of another important scripture which was also held in high regard by our spiritual forefathers. Historians have discovered that the most quoted Biblical text among the early Anabaptists, was the great commission from Matthew 28:18-20. "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This scripture states the mandate and responsibility that all faithful believers have been given. As we continue to be challenged by these words, and renew our commitment to this great calling, a vision of God's church will look like the following description.
Through the ages many people, rich in faith and life experience, have carried the symbol of the covenant. In the Old Testament it was the Ark, and in the New Testament it is the Cross. Along the way, young people joined in on the journey and wanted to help shoulder the burden, and so the mature ones handed the symbol of the covenant over to those less experienced. This arrangement became a struggle for both young and older and put all, including the covenant, in jeopardy. This dilemma was resolved though, when they chose to work together and encouraged each other to help carry the ‘burden’ forward in unity. So now as a result, more and more people keep coming, committing themselves to the pilgrimage, and taking their turn in carrying the symbol of the covenant. The number of pilgrims is moving and keeps on growing. Through their participation in a covenant community, the members then become instruments of healing and hope in a wounded, hopeless world. That is our vision, hope, commitment and prayer.
May the Gracious God bless you,
Pastor Artur Bergen