Editorial ] The heart of this edition lies in understanding the delight
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that takes place in surveying the Promises of God. We study how the omnipotent God dispenses and fulfills His promises. We examine the significance of the Beatitudes to discover what these divine promises reveal about the character of the promise-Giver.The promises of God rest in His faithful character; it is not dependent on the strength of our obedience or the measure of our faith. The worth and weight of a promise is revealed by the character of the Giver of the promise.As we examine the Promises of God, we must be diligent about viewing each promise within the context in which it was given.Viewing a particular promise passage in isolation often causes misunderstandings that led us to apply God’s promises erroneously. The giving of a promise usually comes with the act of waiting. It is not in our nature to enjoy the act of waiting; and yet God often makes us wait to see the fulfillment of His promises.Waiting has its purpose in testing our faithfulness and developing Godly character. But as character-building as the act of waiting is; it has also driven countless men and women into weariness, bitterness, and anger at what they view as God’s failure to fulfill His promises or God’s idleness. Many men of God sinned because they could no longer wait upon the Lord. Whether it is pride in taking matters into our own hands or turning away from the Lord; the heart of the disobedience comes from doubting the faithfulness of God. In this edition, we also seek to understand the proper attitude when waiting upon the Lord. Often, believers misintepret waiting on the Lord as idleness. What many have failed to understand is that actively waiting upon the Lord is, in itself, a form of action.
Advisors Rev. Wilson Suwanto Daniel Loe Editors Rachel Atmadja Kenny Gozali Merissa Halim Hubert Kusdono Jocelyn Lee-Tindage Hendry Wijaya Designers Buddy Chung Harold Doryumu Eva Leony Fransisca Sugianto Vincent Yobeanto Cover Page Buddy Chung Printing Semiwati Oei E-mail
[email protected] Production of GII Azusa 539 N. Sunset Ave. Azusa, CA 91702 Telp: (626) 812-0326 http://lax.gii-usa.org Anniversary 2012
1
A promise is also intended to inspire hope.After an exhaustive study of all the promises in the Bible and the writings of scholars who have studied them; noted theologian Dr. Herbert Lockyer found that above all, God’s Promises were never intended to “corrupt the believer with false hope.” Once God gives a promise, He is legally bound to honor it as He can neither perjure Himself nor deny His faithful nature. Many Christians go no further than to take comfort in the promises of God. But His promises were not meant to merely soothe our fears and worries by lifting our gaze to the marvelous
Contributors Janice Atmadja Rev. Kristianto Hosea Christal Setiawan Gamas Sugiarto Ev. Julia Suwanto Rev. Wilson Suwanto Jocelyn Lee-Tindage Rocky Tindage 2012 VBS Kids and Helpers
future He has promised. God’s promises are intended for believers to claim. God’s promises are intended to stir us into action by turning our delight in His Promises into obedience.
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Contents ]
Featuring
09 Beatitudes 20 The Promises of God 36 Menantikan Janji Tuhan dengan Setia 5 Jadilah Ranting yang Berbuah Do you have comments, ideas or suggestions related to
28 Janji Tuhan
Agape Magazine or GII
44 Undivided
Azusa?
48 God-Centered Marriage Life
Please email it to
[email protected]
54 Testimony: Romans 8
or send it to one of our
60 How to Get a Job in Four Easy Steps
staff.
62 Book Review: Parenting by God's Promises
we're also online:
4
15 Ucapan Berbahagia
64 VBS 2012 Survey
www.gii-usa.org/
66 Setiap Langkah adalah Anugerah
agape.php
68 Caricature
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Jadilah Ranting yang Berbuah
(Yohanes 15:1-2)
Rev. Kristianto Hosea
Menjelang HUT ke-29 GII Azusa, hendaklah kita dengan penuh hati bersyukur kepada Tuhan karena Dialah yang membangun dan memelihara GII Azusa sampai hari ini dan seterusnya. Selama dua puluh sembilan tahun, Tuhan dengan setia memimpin hidup kita. Apa yang harus kita lakukan untukNya? Dan bagaimana kita membalas segala anugrah dan kebaikan-Nya kepada kita? Hendaklah kita menjadi ranting
gusahanya. Setiap ranting padaKu yang
yang berbuah untuk Dia. “Akulah pokok
yaitu seperti pokok anggur yang hidup.
anggur yang benar dan BapaKulah pen-
Karena Tuhan kita telah mati di atas
tidak berbuah, dipotongNya dan setiap ranting yang berbuah, dibersihkanNya, supaya ia lebih banyak berbuah.” (Yohanes 15:1-2) 1.
Tuhan adalah pokok ang-
gur yang benar Tuhan Yesus melukiskan tentang DiriNya seperti pokok anggur yang benar
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kayu salib dan, di hari ketiga, Dia bangkit
tidak berbuah akan dipotongNya yaitu
“… dan setiap ranting yang berbuah, berdosa di dalam dunia ini memperoleh
dari kematian, Tuhan kita adalah Tuhan
bahwa hidup kita di dunia ini seperti
dibersihkanNya.” (Yohanes 15:2) Tuhan
keselamatan yang datang dari Tuhan.
yang bangkit dan hidup sampai selama-
ranting yang tidak berbuah akan dipo-
ingin kita hidup di dalam dunia seperti
“Akulah pokok anggur dan kamulah
lamanya. Dialah pokok anggur yang hid-
tongNya.
ranting yang berbuah yaitu Tuhan in-
ranting-rantingnya. Barangsiapa tinggal
gin hidup kita sangat berguna di dalam
di dalam Aku dan Aku di dalam dia, ia
dunia ini. Menjadi berkat untuk orang-
berbuah banyak, sebab di luar Aku kamu
orang berdosa di dalam dunia ini se-
tidak dapat berbuat apa-apa.” (Yohanes
hingga mereka boleh berdamai dengan
15:5)
up sampai selama-lamanya. Dan apakah kehendak Tuhan terhadap kita yang mi-
B.
lik-Nya?
ing yang tidak berbuah itu?
2.
Tuhan ingin kita menjadi
ranting yang berbuah
Dan apakah akibatnya rant-
“Barangsiapa tidak tinggal di dalam Aku,
Tuhan Allah. “Kamu adalah garam dunia.”
ia dibuang ke luar seperti ranting dan
(Matius 5:13) Dan mereka yang hidup
Akhir kata, biarlah setiap kita berdoa
kering,
di dalam kegelapan dan menuju kebina-
kepada Tuhan di dalam HUT GII Azusa
kemudian dikum-
saan akan berubah hidup mereka masuk
ke-29 ini. Kita ingin makin berbuah lebih
pulkan orang dan
ke dalam terang
banyak untuk Tu-
dicampakkan
Tuhan dan mem-
han. Dan biarlah
lalu
peroleh
hidup
nama Tuhan tetap
(Yo-
yang kekal. “Kamu
dipermuliakan
Ji-
adalah
terang
sampai
kalau hidup kita
dunia.”
(Matius
seperti
5:14)
menjadi Hidup
kita
di-
lukiskan
seperti
ranting
pokok
anggur. Dan apakah kehendakNya terhadap sebagai
kita
Apa yang harus kita lakukan untukNya? Dan bagaimana kita membalas segala anugrah dan kebaikan-Nya kepada kita?
ranting-
rantingNya? A.
Dia tidak ingin kita menjadi
ranting yang tidak berbuah. “Setiap ranting padaKu yang tidak ber-
dalam
api
dibakar.” hanes
15:6)
ke
ranting
tidak berbuah di dalam dunia ini yaitu hidup kita tidak berguna di dalam dunia
D.
ini, kita akan seperti sampah demikian
berbuah untuk Tuhan.
C.
tidak berbuah itu? Kata Tuhan Yesus
yang berbuah.
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lamanya. “Dalam hal inilah BapaKu dipermuliakan,
yaitu jika kamu berbuah banyak dan dengan demikian kamu adalah muridmuridKu.” (Yohanes 15:8)
“… supaya ia lebih banyak berbuah.”
Bagaimana Tuhan terhadap ranting yang
6
Dan Dia ingin hidup kita lebih
dibakar.
buah, dipotongNya.” (Yohanes 15:2)
kepada kita bahwa setiap ranting yang
Hendaklah kita menjadi ranting yang berbuah untuk Dia.
selama-
Dia ingin kita menjadi ranting
(Yohanes 15:2) Tuhan ingin kita berbuah makin banyak di dalam dunia ini yaitu supaya makin banyak orang-orang yang
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Be Fruitful By: Rev. Kristianto Hosea
As we are near the 29th Anniversary of I.E.C. The Lord not desire unfruitful branches Azusa, let us whole-heartedly give thanks to
(John 15:2). Jesus warned that all unfruitful
the Lord. He has built and continually nour-
branches will be cut off from the True Vine.
ished our church for twenty nine years; what
Unproductive branches are useless and will
can we do to show our gratitude for His
be only fit for burning. Jesus wants our lives
grace and kindness? Let us become branches
to be like the branches that bears fruit; for
that bear fruit for Him.
our lives to be useful for others. We are to
Beatitudes By Anonymous
be a blessing to non-Christians in this world “I am the true vine, and my Father is the
so that they may learn that Jesus is the only
vinedresser. Every branch in me that does
way for peace between God and man. In
not bear fruit he takes away, and every
Matthew 5:13; we are called to be the salt
branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it
and light of the earth. The Lord desires for
may bear more fruit.”
our lives to bear fruit in the sense that we
John 15:1-2
become beacons of lights through which sinful people may be saved through hearing
The Lord is the True Vine. Jesus portrays
the Gospel and believing in the Lord.
Himself as the True Vine that is living and ac-
[RA]
tive. He died on the cross and rose again on the third day; He is the True Vine that is eternal. The Lord desires for us to be branches that bear fruits. Our lives are illustrated as branches from the True Vine. What does the Lord desire for His branches? 8
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I am the True Vine, and my Father is the Vinedresser Anniversary 2012
9
To some, the Beatitudes are the tenets of
Instead Jesus started with the Beatitudes.
means happy, fortunate of blissful, hence the
called me by His grace and mercy, I have read
the Christian life, and to others, they are a
The Beatitudes, according to Wikipedia and
word blessed. Being blessed is being in an
this text so many times, but I do not believe
form of political thought. Jesus' teachings
many other sources are a set of teachings
"emotional state represented by the word
I understood them fully. I just read them and
on the mount are considered by believers
that appear in the gospels of Matthew
happy”. It includes a spiritual well-being, moved on to the next. I tried to live by them
as the core and model of how those who
and Luke. They are eight in all and they
having the approval of God thus a happier
but in my own understanding and strength.
follow Christ should live. Those, who are
specifically talk about the blessed state and
destiny. (RC Sproul 1367) In a sense, Christ
Many believers also share this sentiment
not Christian, also see these teachings as a
the divine promise or reward if we adhere to
is sharing the conditions in order to be
in the sense that we read it at face value
model to be a “good” person and to “live
this state. Taken from Matthew 5, they are1:
happy or experience joy. John MacArthur, and sometime interpret it without further
rightly” without acknowledging the Giver
a pastor, theologian, and author, defines it
study. What does it mean to be poor in
and the Creator.The Beatitudes, as it is called,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is
as "the divinely bestowed well-being that
spirit? What kind of poverty is Christ talking
has been thought and read for generations
the kingdom of heaven. (5:3)
belongs to the faithful”. They are a set of
about? And, why is it a happy statement,
including myself. The issue is that how well we
Blessed are those who mourn: for they will
understand these teachings. My assumption
be comforted. (5:4)
Lastly, the Beatitudes also provide peace
being poor is not an ideal state and looked
would be that many of us, including myself,
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit
in the midst of trials. St Augustine calls it
down upon? This section hopes to search
take it at face value and never really analyzed
the earth. (5:5)
a perfect standard of the Christian life and
into that, and by the power of the Holy
them to fully understand what they mean. I
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst
that they guide the life of those who are
Spirit helps us get a better understanding
will first give a brief overview of Beatitudes
for righteousness: for they will be satisfied.
willing to live by them in order that they may
of what it means to be poor in spirit.
then delve into the context of the text in
(5:6)
be compared to one building upon a rock.
Matthew 5. I intend to focus on the first two
Blessed are the merciful: for they will be
One can refer to the passage in Matthew
First, Jesus opened His sermon on the
Beatitudes and try to unpack their meanings
shown mercy. (5:7)
7:24 further expounding on the Sermon
mount with these words "Blessed are the
so that we can fully understand what they
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall
of the Mount. We can therefore conclude
poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
mean and, hopefully, apply them in our lives.
see God. (5:8)
that the Beatitudes are not just sayings
heaven." (Matthew 5:3) My theory is that,
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall
but also have a deeper meaning to it; they
this may mean that materially one has to be
To begin, after Jesus was tempted by the
be called children of God. (5:9)
guide our lives. And by fully understanding
poor. Jesus stressed in Matthew 19:24, Mark
accuser, He came from the wilderness, called
Blessed are those who are persecuted for
what they are and being completely guided
10, and in Luke 18:25 that it was hard for
the twelve disciples, and began His ministry
the sake of righteousness: for theirs is the
by them will guarantee divine happiness. the rich man to enter into the kingdom of
with these eight profound sayings.The Jewish
kingdom of heaven. (5:10)
teachings that direct the life of the faithful. especially in the world we live in where
heaven. This was after His encounter with To experience the divine happiness or
the rich man who wanted to know what
Secondly, the term beatitude comes from
the promise that follow these states is to
good thing he must do to inherit eternal life.
lead the fight against the Roman oppression. the Latin word of beatitude is beatus which
understand what these means. Since Christ
So, is this true? Tod Lindberg of the Hoover
establishment probably was expecting a different kind of Messiah, a rebel who would
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11
Institution at Stanford University agrees. spiritual bankruptcy. It means we realize
it does not mean that we throw away what
pain or some sort. In general, to mourn is not
He claims that, "We begin with the poor
our own sinfulness and the need to put
God has given us materially. Material things
a pleasant experience. However, Christ says
in spirit. It is an ambiguous phrase, but one
our faith and trust in Jesus. We need to be
have no connection with being poor in spirit. that happy is the one who does this. So, what
that evokes a sense of those incapable of
a broken vessel before Him. Psalm 51:17
It is simply understanding how we need Him
does it mean to be mournful in this context?
taking care of themselves at all: the dejected, says, "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit
every hour and need to depend on Him above
To mourn in this sense is to mourn over
the demoralized, those in whom the spark
a broken and contrite heart you, God, will
all else because we are spiritually bankrupt. our sin. Godly sorrow produces repentance
has gone out. They have given up, resigning
not despise.” One example is the parable of
And, it leads us into the result that it is we
that is leading to salvation without regret.5
themselves to their lonely place at the
the tax collector and publican in Luke 18:9-
must be filled. Filled with what? The Spirit of
2 Corinthians 7:10 says, "For Godly sorrow
bottom, beyond reach of all others." So then
14. The publican recognized that he was a
the living God who strengthens and sustains
worth repentance unto salvation not to be
Jesus' saying has a political motive? To be poor
sinner, depraved, bankrupt in every way,
us by His grace and, most importantly, by the
repented of: but the sorrow of the world
is to be without anything.This is for the poor
and needing mercy, forgiveness, and grace.
promise of eternal life: the kingdom of heaven. worth death." So, as the Spirit leads us to
and the downtrodden, the oppressed and
He was poor in spirit and was ready to be
realize our sin, we mourn and realize how
the demoralized. What I think Mr. Linberg
filled. It produces humility.
2
and many others may be missing is the "in
So we have an understanding of what it
much we have sinned against a holy God
means to be poor in Spirit. Jesus said in His
and deserved His wrath as expected, we are comforted. We are comforted because He
spirit" aspect of it.To be poor can be defined
Second, the poor in spirit "are those who
second statement, “Blessed are those who
as broke, destitute, or bankrupt. Thus to be
are conscious of their own sin and know
mourn for they shall be comforted." Well, forgives us and gives us rest. (Matthew 11:28)
poor in spirit means we are bankrupt, empty
in their hearts that they are completely
when one hears this off the bat, one may ask, If we ponder and contemplate our present
in spirit. Being empty spiritually means we
unworthy of the grace that a most Holy
how is it possible to mourn and be happy
state after the fall, we can only mourn our
need to be filled, and that is where the grace
and loving God pours through them."3 They
at the same time? It does not make sense
present sinful condition. The more we know
and mercy of Christ comes. Happy are those
acknowledged and came to understand that
logically. How is it that you are blessed?
Him and understand the cost, we mourn and
who are bankrupt in spirit, bankrupt to the
their righteousness is as filthy rags before
Society tells us that we always have to be
feel broken, contrite, and humbled. It is in that
point where we realize how much we need
Him (Isaiah 64:6). In a sense, our own works
happy all the time, not "sadness" in that
state that we are lifted up and comforted. St.
Christ and realizing that it is only by grace
cannot save us; nothing “good” can redeem
sense of the word. I read this earlier, and
Augustine, in his commentary on the Sermon
that He saves us. The meaning of material
us from sin. It is only by faith in God and
again like the first one, did not really get it. on the Mount, explains this point this way:
poverty or wealth has no connection with
dependence on Him (Ephesians 2:8, Romans
So the questions are: would be how do we
it. We can be poor and still be arrogant, 9:30, 31). One commentator puts it this
read this and how do you understand this?
It is sorrow arousing from the loss of things
proud, and self-centered. It means we must
way, "It is to be humble and lowly, it is to
get rid of our self-sufficiency, pride, and self-
acknowledge that God is great, and we are
First, to mourn is to weep for or over
God lose things which they are accustomed
righteousness, and instead, we must be filled
mean; that He is holy and we are sinful; that
something. It could be a loss of something or
to embrace as dear in this world: For they
with a deep humility of recognizing one’s
He is all and we are nothing." In conclusion,
someone, a regret, or an experience of some
do not rejoice in the things which they
12
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4
held dear; but those that are converted to
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13
formerly rejoiced; and until the love of
righteousness, woodworks, or religiosity
eternal things be in them, they are wounded
will bring us salvation or merit or favor
by some measure of grief. Therefore they
with God. The Beatitudes most importantly
will be comforted by the Holy Spirit who on
brings the believer to acknowledge our
this accord is called the Comforter in order
spiritual bankruptcy and the price that
that while losing the temporal joy, they
He paid to cleare our debts. They teach
may enjoy to the full that which is eternal. us of our need to depend on Christ and As we grieve over our sin, the Lord comforts
to be faithful in Him. That only by faith in
through the Holy Spirit as promised. Like the
Christ and Christ alone we can be saved.
prodigal son, we are welcomed with warmth and rest when we deserved punishment.
Sources:
This produces hope and an unspeakable
1. "The Eight Beatitudes of Jesus". July 6th
joy to the believer. Thus, it is necessary
2011. (http://www.jesuschristsavior.net/
that we continually mourn and come to
Beatitudes.html)
repentance that we might receive mercy
2. Lindberg, Tod. "What The Beatitudes
and grace. These states are not separate
Teach." Hoover Institution. July 30 2007
entities. They are connected in every way.
(http://www.hoover.org/publications/policy-
As we are emptied, we are broken and
review/article/6127)
mourn our discretion. God calls these
3. Wells, Robert. Home Page "Beatitudes
states blessed or happy because it brings
- Their Significance and Meaning" July
everything under His authority, the authority
4th 2011. (http://robertwells.tripod.com/
that His glory will be shown. For that, we
Beatitudes.html)
are rewarded, and these rewards could be
4. Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry's
in the future or in our temporal present
Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
state. Blessed because we are constantly
Publishing House.
depending on Him. By that we find rest,
5. MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible
comfort, and experience the promises that
Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc.
He has bestowed on us through His word.
6. Bridges, Jerry. Transforming Grace: Living Confidently In God's Unfailing Love.
In conclusion, no form of works or self14
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Indonesian Translation
Ucapan Berbahagia
Kotbah
di bukit merupakan pusat kehidupan orang Kristen tetapi juga merupakan
pikiran politik buat beberapa orang. Ajaran Tuhan di bukit dianggap orang Kristen sebagai inti dan model untuk berkehidupan di dunia ini. Untuk orang tidak percaya ajaran ini juga merupakan model untuk menjadi orang “baik” dan hidup dengan “benar” tanpa menyadari Pemberinya. Mungkin kebanyakan dari kita hanya mengerti dari permukaan saja tentang ajaran Tuhan di bukit. Oleh sebab itu artikel ini akan mengupas lebih dalam apa yang diajarkan Tuhan di dalam kotbah di bukit, terutama dua ajaran pertama.
Colorado: Navpress Anniversary 2012
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Setelah Yesus dicobai oleh Setan di padang
karena mereka akan disebut anak-anak
Untuk mengalami kebahagiaan ilahi
Institution menyetujui hal ini. Tod berkata
gurun dan memanggil kedua belas murid,
Allah.” (5:10)
dan janji Tuhan, kita harus terlebih dahulu
“kita memulai dengan miskin rohani.” Untuk
menujukan
memahami arti ajaran Yesus. Tetapi sejak
dapat diselamatkan, manusia harus berada
ajaran di bukit. Orang-orang Yahudi mungkin
seseorang mempunyai keadaan rohani yang
Tuhan memberikan anugrah keselamatan-
di situasi dimana ia tidak bisa lagi mengurus
mengharapkan
yang
sehat. Supaya mempunyai kerohaniaan yang
Nya kepadaku, aku masih belum bisa
dirinya sendiri: sedih, putus asa, dan dimana
berbeda yaitu nabi yang dapat memimpin
sehat, seseorang harus mendapatkan rasa
mengerti seluruh arti Matius 5.Aku mencoba
semua semangat sudah hilang. Mereka sudah
mereka untuk menghadapi orang-orang
penerimaan dari Tuhan sehingga mereka
untuk hidup di dalamnya tetapi berdasarkan
menyerah dan menyendiri di tempat yang
Romawi, tetapi Yesus memulai dengan ajaran
mempunyai pengharapan yang bahagia. John
pengertian dan kekuatanku. Banyak orang
jauh dan dalam dimana tidak ada seorang pun
di bukit. Ada delapan ucapan berbahagia
MacArthur, seorang pendeta dan penulis
percaya yang mengalami hal yang sama; kita
yang dapat membantu. Apakah ini arti miskin
yang diajarkan Tuhan sebagai hadiah jika kita
mengartikannya sebagai “keadaan sehat ilahi
hanya mengerti dari permukaan saja dan
yang dimaksud Tuhan? Miskin rohani berarti
Dia memulai pelayanan dengan delapan kedatangan
nabi
Ucapan
berbahagia
berada di keadaan tertentu. Matius 5 berkata: yang diberikan untuk orang-orang percaya”.
mengartikannya tanpa mendalaminya dahulu. kita memerlukan Tuhan, anugrah keselamatan,
“Berbahagialah orang yang miskin di hadapan
Kedelapan ucapan berbahagia merupakan
Apa artinya lemah rohani? Lapar dan haus
dan pengampunannya. Miskin sampai kita
Allah, karena merekalah yang empunya
ajaran Tuhan untuk mengarahkan kehidupan
apa yang Tuhan maksudkan? Kenapa kondisi
menyadari bertapa kita memerlukan Tuhan
Kerajaan Sorga.” (5:3)
orang-orang Kristen. Ucapan berbahagia
berbahagia yang dikatakan disini, dimana
dan menyadari bahwa hanya anugrah yang
“Berbahagialah orang yang berdukacita, ini juga dapat memberikan ketenangan di
miskin merupakan kondisi tidak ideal di dunia
dapat menyelamatkan kita. Ini berarti miskin
yang berdosa ini? Artikel ini mencoba untuk
disini tidak mempunyai hubungan dengan
karena mereka akan dihibur.” (5:4)
tengah-tengah pencobaan. Santo Agustinus
“Berbahagialah orang yang lemah lembut, mengartikan ucapan berbahagia sebagai
mengali arti sebenarnya dari lemah rohani. kemiskinan materi. Kita bisa miskin dan
karena mereka akan memiliki bumi.” (5:5)
model sempurna untuk kehidupan orang
Yesus membuka kotbah-Nya dengan
tetap sombong dan mengutamakan diri
“Berbahagialah orang yang lapar dan haus
Kristen dan bisa mengarahkan mereka yang
“Berbahagialah orang yang miskin di hadapan
sendiri. Ini berarti kita harus menghilangkan
akan
bersedia untuk hidup di dalamnnya. Maka
Allah, karena merekalah yang empunya
kesombongan dan diri sendiri sehingga
dari itu ucapan berbahagia di dalam ajaran
Kerajaan Sorga.” (Matius 5:3) Menurut aku, kita bisa dipenuhi dengan kerendahan
kebenaran, karena
mereka
akan
dipuaskan.” (5:6)
“Berbahagialah orang yang murah hatinya, Yesus di bukit bukan merupakan suatu
ini berarti seseorang harus miskin secara
karena merekan akan beroleh kemurahan.”
ucapan saja karena mereka mempunyai arti
material. Yesus menegaskan di Matius 19:24, menjadi bejana yang hancur dihadapan-Nya.
(5:7)
yang lebih dalam. Kedelapan ajaran ini dapat
Markus 10, dan Lukas 18:25 bahwa sulit
Mazmur 51:17 berkata, “Ya Tuhan, bukalah
“Berbahagialah orang yang suci hatinya, mengarahkan kehidupan kita di dunia ini dan
sekali untuk orang kaya masuk ke dalam
bibirku, supaya mulutku memberitakan puji-
kerajaan surga. Ini dikatakan-Nya sehabis
pujian kepada-Mu.” Satu contoh ialah cerita
pertemuan-Nya dengan orang kaya yang
pemungut cukai di Lukas 18:9-14. Penulisnya
ingin mengetahui hal baik apa yang harus
menyadari bahwa dia adalah pendosa dan
karena mereka akan melihat Allah.” (5:8)
dapat memberikan kita kebahagiaan ilahi.
“Berbahagialah orang yang membawa damai, karena mereka akan disebut anak-anak
Berbahagialah Orang yang Miskin
Allah.” (5:9)
Rohani
“Berbahagialah orang yang membawa damai, 16
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terhadap kemiskinan rohani. Kita harus
dilakukannya untuk mendapat hidup kekal. bangkrut dan memerlukan pengampunan Apakah ini benar? Tod Linberg dari Hoover
dan anugrah. Dia miskin rohani dan siap Anniversary 2012
17
Berbahagialah Orang yang
menghasilkan kematian.” Jadi Roh Kudus
disambut dengan kehangatan dan kelegaaan
Berdukacita
memimpin kita untuk menyadari dosa kita
walaupun kita pantas untuk dihukum. Hal
sehingga kita sedih dan menyadari bahwa
ini mengdatangkan harapan dan sukacita
kita pantas untuk mendapatkan amarah
yang besar untuk orang-orang percaya. Jadi
berkata
Tuhan, dan kita akan dihibur. Kita akan
seharusnyalah kita terus bersedih dan bertobat
kedua, “Berbahagialah
dihibur karena Dia memaafkan kita dan
sehingga kita mendapatkan pengampunan.
“Demikianlah kami sekalian seperti seorang
orang yang berdukacita, karena mereka
memberikan kita kelegaan. (Matius 11:28)
Jadi sedih dan sukacita bukanlah situasi yang
najis dan segala kesalehan kami seperti kain
akan dihibur.” Ketika baru mendengar ini,
Jika kita merenungkan keadaan kita setelah
berbeda. Mereka mempunyai hubungan yang
kotor.” (Yesaya 64:6a) Ini berarti kerja keras
seseorang mungkin bertanya “bagaimana bisa
dan kebaikan yang kita lakukan tidak bisa
sedih dan bersukacita pada saat bersamaan?”
jatuh kedalam dosa, kita hanya bisa bersedih. erat. Di dalam situasi kosong, hancur, dan Semakin banyak kita mengetahui tentang sedih yang manusia rasakan terhadap dosa
menyelamatkan kita. Hanya melalui iman
Hal ini sangat tidak masuk diakal. Dunia ini
Dia dan upah yang harus dibayar, kita akan
yang mereka perbuat, Tuhan menyebutkan
kepada Tuhan dan bergantung kepada-Nya
mengatakan bahwa kita harus bersukacita
bersedih,menyesal,dan direndahkan.Di dalam
untuk berbahagia karena di dalam situasi
(Efesus 2:8, Roma 9:30,31). Ada seorang
setiap
berkata, “Dengan merendahkan diri maka
bagaimana
kondisi inilah kita akan diangkat dan dihibur. itulah Tuhan akan berkuasa dan bekerja. Santo Agustinus menjelaskan Bersukacita dan bersengang karena kita akan
kita dapat menyadari bahwa Tuhan itu
seharusnya membaca dan mengerti hal ini?
agung. Dia adalah kudus dan kita adalah
Bersedih berarti menangisi sesuatu.
berdosa. Dia adalah segalanya dan kita tidak
Ini mungkin disebabkan karena kehilangan
anggap penting. Tetapi orang yang bertobat
mempunyai apa-apa.” Hal ini dikatakan
sesuatu atau seseorang, penyesalan, atau
akan kehilangan hal yang dianggap penting oleh
bukan
semua
kesakitan. Apa pun alasannya sedih bukan
dunia karena mereka tidak akan bersukacita di
pekerjaan, kerajinan, dan sifat beragama
pemberian materi dari Tuhan. Barang-barang
merupakan pengalaman yang menyenangkan.
dalam hal yang sama seperti dulu. Dan sampai
yang
materi tidak mempunyai hubungan dengan
Tetapi Tuhan berkata untuk bersukacita untuk
miskin rohani. Tetapi menyadari bahwa kita
orang yang demikian. Jadi apa yang dimaksud
mereka mendapatkan cinta yang sempurna, atau upah dengan Tuhan. Kotbah yesus mereka akan disakiti oleh perasaan penyesalan. di bukit tentang kebahagiaan membawa
membutuhkan Dia setiap saat dan perlu
sedih disini? Bersedih yang dimaksudkan
Jadi mereka akan dihibur oleh Roh Kudus yang
orang percaya untuk menyadari kemiskinan
bergantung kepada-Nya karena kita miskin
adalah bersedih untuk dosa kita. Sedih yang
disebut sebagai Penghibur sehingga walaupun
rohani dan upah yang telah Dia tebus untuk
secara rohani. Dengan begitu maka kita
ilahi akan mendatangkan pertobatan yang akan
mereka kehilangan kesenangan semu, mereka
menebus dosa kita. Kedelapan ajaran Yesus
akan diisi dengan Roh Kudus yang akan
memimpin kita menuju keselamatan. 2 Korintus
akan mendapatkan kesenangan yang kekal.
mengajarkan kita untuk selalu bergantung
menguatkan dan memelihara kita dengan
7:10
anugrah-Nya; dan tentu saja memperoleh
kehendak Allah menghasilkan pertobatan yang
Ketika kita menyesali dosa kita, dan beriman kepada Dia. Dan hanya Tuhan memberikan penghiburan melalui iman yang di dalam Dia dan hanya Dialah Roh Kudus sesuai dengan janji-Nya. Seperti yang mampu menyelamatkan kita. [HW] perumpamaan anak yang hilang, kita akan
dipenuhi. Ini menghasilkan kerendahan diri. Miskin rohani adalah orang-orang yang merasakan bahwa dirinya adalah
Supaya kita mempunyai pengertian
manusia berdosa dan tahu bahwa mereka tidak pantas untuk mendapatkan anugrah
tentang
yang dicurahkan oleh Tuhan kepada mereka. di
janji
berarti
hidup
kita
kekal
membuang
di
kerajaan
miskin
janjinya
saat
yang
dan kita
rohani. Yesus
bukan sebagai
berkata, “Sebab
bersedih. Jadi orang
dukacita
Kristen
menurut
surga. membawa keselamatan dan yang tidak akan disesalkan, tetapi dukacita yang dari dunia ini
18
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kalimat kedua dari kotbah di bukit begini: terus bergantung kepada-Nya sehingga kita Kesedihan datang dari kehilangan hal yang kita mendapatkan ketenangan dan penghiburan sesuai dengan janji yang telah Dia ucapkan. Untuk akan
mengakhiri, mendatangkan
tidak
ada
keselamatan
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19
did not only give Adam and Eve punishments; he also gave them a promise. In Genesis 3: 15, the Lord said, “I will put enmity between you (the devil) and the woman, and between
1
God’s Promises are born of His Grace and Mercy
G
od did not have to promise us anything. It was us who have sinned and rebelled against His
your offspring and her offspring; Commandments in the first place. In fact it
O
is safer for God not to promise us anything
shall bruise his heel.” (ESV)
because we will always sin and disobey His
T
Word. We ourselves do not dare to give his promise is unconditional in
promises to people who are egotistical,
nature; God did not say that an
selfish, and evil. But God dared to give a
action is needed in man’s part in
promise to us who are sinful and evil because
order to bring about the fulfillment of this
God is full of grace. Although we are not
ne of the things that I find most
what happens tomorrow. But when the Lord
promise. This promise is God’s grace for
deserving of His promises; He gave them to
intriguing is the amount of God’s
promises; it is sure to come in the future.
the sinful human race where one day, He
us anyways. The promise legally binds God
promises found the Bible. Thus
This gives us assurance and peace so that we
will send a Savior to save the human race
to fulfill it. This is the grace of God: rather
no longer fear for tomorrow.
from sin. Sinful human beings do not deserve
than punishing men for their sins, He gave
L
salvation; but God in His Goodness gave
them a promise for salvation instead.
far, no one is able to count the exact amount of promises there are in the Bible. Some say that there are 3000, 7000, or even 8000. Typically, we are wary of those who make too many promises; but that is not the case with God’s Promises. Why does God make
et us discuss the origin of fear for a
man this promise. Through this promise, we
moment. Fear is originally caused by
are able to study the characteristics of God’s
sin. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden
Promises in the Bible.
fruit and fell into sin. After they fell into
many promises in His Word? Because we
sin; they felt fear and shame. They hid
need promises. A promise gives us assurance
themselves from God and when God came;
and a sense of security. Man has a tendency
He condemned them for their sins and justly
to live in fear of the future and wonders
sentenced them to punishments. But God
20
he shall bruise your head, and you
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21
2
God’s
promises
rest
on
His
Faithfulness and Holiness
T
itus 1:2 says, “in hope of eternal
promises are unconditional and are
He will never destroy the earth with flood
man. Man has a long track record of being
based on the grace and faithfulness
again; no matter how evil the deeds of man
unfaithful; reneging on God’s covenants. But
of God.
become.
God never once reneged on His promises
I
to man. God never forgets nor reneges on
W
t is clear that whatever man does will
His promises. This shows God’s faithful and
never nullify or unbound God’s promises
merciful character. He binds himself into an
for them. Jesus gave unconditional
agreement to man not because He needs
promises for believers in the Bible. The
the promises; but because we need the
promises, He will fulfill. 1 John 1: 9 tells us, in order for His promise for salvation to be
term ‘promise’ is closely related to the term
promises.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just
fulfilled. Just as it was with Adam and Eve; so it
‘covenant.’ A covenant is defined as a formal
to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from
was with Abraham when God promised that
agreement between two or more persons.To
all unrighteousness.” The Lord is faithful and
out of him will come many nations (Genesis
the Lord; to enter into a promise with man
He will fulfill His promise to forgive all who
12: 1-3, 15: 18-21). Once again there were no
is to bind Himself into a formal agreement
confess their sins in His presence.
conditions set by God for Abraham to meet
with man. This is a sacrifice on the
W
in order for God’s promise to be fulfilled (1
Lord’s part; but why did He choose
The promise of salvation is not
Chronicles 17: 11-14, 2 Chronicles 6: 16).
to do it? God is sovereign; He
conditional upon the faithfulness
Before Abraham and David; God also gave
does not have to bind Himself
of man. In other words; God’s
a promise to Noah (Genesis 9: 8-17) that
in a legal agreement with
life, which God, who never lies, promises before the ages began.”
God is holy and he can not lie. God is so faithful in character that anything He
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hen God promised salvation to Adam and Eve after their fall into sin; He did not give
them a single condition that they must fulfill
e need assurance and certainty. Because the promises were given in the spirit of grace;
God’s promises for Christians are often
Anniversary 2012
23
eferred to as the Covenant of Grace. and was exiled from the Promised Land as
r
times when we feel that God’s promises
This Covenant of Grace states that
a result. Is this incident proof that there are
have not been fulfilled. Or we have not seen
God promises eternal life for those
conditional promises? In actuality that is not
the fulfillment of His promise in the sense
W
who believe in Jesus Christ. This promise is
the case. The Nation of Israel had disobeyed
that we believe it should be fulfilled.At those
unconditional; independent of any actions
God’s Commandments for so long; and yet
times, we must remember two things:
Jesus Christ comes for the second time.
done by man for its fulfillment.
God did not exile them until 567 SM when
1. God fulfills His promises in His time,
We are wanderers and strangers on this
T
King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem.
not our time.
earth until then in the sense that we are
here are some who argue that the act
Therefore, even in a promise that sounds
2. God fulfills His promise in His sense,
looking forward to the true Promised Land
of believing in God is the condition
“conditional,” the grace and mercy of God
not our sense.
that is Heaven. God’s promises are already
for receiving the promised eternal
still abounds. Although the Israelites were
life. But believing is not an action. Believing is
exiled from the Promised Land of Israel; it
receiving what God has promised. In order
served to remind them that the Promised
to believe in God’s promises; we must have
Land is actually Heaven; not the land of
faith. Having faith is not an action because
Palestine. In other words; God did not take
T
partially fulfilled; but we must still await
to have faith is to receive what God has
hatever God promises to believers in this world; we must always remember that
all those promises will be fulfilled when
here are many Biblical characters
its full fulfillment at the second coming of
that never received the fulfillment
Christ. The Lord is faithful, and He will give
of the promise in their lifetimes.
us the strength to faithfully await the full
Jesus promised Abraham a bountiful land
fulfillment of His Promises. Knowing that
the Promised Land away from them forever.
and offspring as numerous as the sand
God’s promises are unconditional gives us
promised through Jesus Christ. God Himself
The promises in Moses’ time that appeared
on the seashore and stars in the sky. But
a sense of security because the fulfillment
is the one who gave us faith. There are no
“conditional” is intended to remind us that
Abraham was still sojourning like a stranger
is not dependent on the state of our lives
actions required on the part of man in order
man is only saved by grace alone; not good
in a foreign land at the time of his death.
before God. Even though we are unfaithful,
to receive this God-given faith.
works or obedience to the Law.
Does this mean that God reneged on His
He will remain faithful because He “cannot
A
promise? Does this proof God unfaithful?
deny himself (2 Tim 3:13).”
E
xodus 19:5 says that, “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my
ll the promises of God are born of His Grace and are unconditional in nature. We are saved only by grace
treasured possession among all peoples, alone. We became children of God through
H
ebrews 11:3 says, “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen
for all the earth is mine.” Does this verse
God’s grace. As children, we inherit all the
them and greeted them from
indicate that God’s promise will only be
promises of God in Christ (2 Corinthians
afar, and having acknowledged
fulfilled if the Israelites obey His Voice and
1: 20). For instance, God promises to fulfill
that they were strangers and
stay faithful to the covenant? We know that
all of our needs, to protect us, and to care
exiles on the earth.”
Israel failed to be faithful to the covenant
for us until the end. It is true that there are
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25
H B
ow should Christians respond towards God’s Promises that are unconditional and beautiful?
1. He learns faithfulness
Waiting on God’s promises gives us the
promised is faithful.” We must read the Word
John 3: 3 says, “And everyone who
strength to be patient and persevering in
of God and personally discover His promises.
thus hopes in him purifies himself
prayer.We learn not to insist that everything
Study His promises by holding on to them in
as he is pure.” When we await
must happen now or instantly.
your heart and uttering it in your prayers to
3. He learns to live a holy life
1
the fulfillment of His promises; we learn
ecause God is faithful in keeping
to prepare ourselves. Because God who
His promises; we must also learn to
promised is holy; we learn to follow His lead
be faithful. In the bond of marriage, to live a holy life. The world teaches us that
the faithfulness of one will encourage the
it is unnecessary to wait. In learning to wait
faithfulness of another. God’s faithfulness
on His promises; we learn to live like Christ;
ought to inspire us to be faithful.
not like the world.
God. You will find that God’s promises give 5. He learns humility
B
us strength to face this life until we meet the
ecause God’s ways is above our ways
Lord. With God’s promises, we can face any
and God’s timing is not our timing;
situation in this life. [RA]
we learn to always be humble. God
knows what is best for us and for His Glory. By learning to submit to God’s ways and God’s timing; we learn humility. We are not
2. He learns to trust
G
od promised; but He does not reveal when the fulfillment will take place. By doing this He is
teaching us to fully trust in His Word. God
4. He learns patience and perseverance
God or masters of the universe. We are
aiting on God’s promises
always reminded that we are all creations
is
that receive the kindness of God.
W
different
from
regular
waiting. Waiting on God’s
promises
yields
Godly
character
in
is holy and true; he can not lie. We learn to
ourselves; characters such as patience and
trust in God’s Word and to hide His Word in
perseverance. Many prayed once; did not
our hearts; strengthening our trust in Him.
see a result of the prayer, and quit praying.
26
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I
n Hebrews 10: 23, Christians are urged to “hold fast the confession of our hope
without wavering, for he who
Anniversary 2012
27
tidak hanya memberikan hukuman; Tuhan juga memberikan janji kepada mereka di dalam Kejadian 3:15 yang berkata, “Aku akan mengadakan permusuhan antara ini,
engkau antara
perempuan
belas kasihanNya.
T
uhan tidak harus berjanji apapun kepada kita. Kita telah berdosa dan melanggar perintahNya. Lebih aman
keturunanmu
dan
keturunannya
akan
janji apapun kepada manusia sebab kita akan
meremukkan kepalamu, dan engkau
terus berdosa dan melanggar firmanNya.
akan meremukkan tumitnya."
Kita juga tidak berani berjanji kepada orang yang egois, serakah, dan berniat jahat. Tetapi
keturunannya;
S
dan
1
Janji Tuhan lahir dari anugerah dan
atu hal yang selalu menarik bagi saya
esok). Tetapi ketika Tuhan menjanjikan
J
adalah begitu banyaknya janji-janji
sesuatu yang pasti di masa yang akan datang,
Tuhan bagi manusia berdosa dimana suatu
Tuhan di dalam Alkitab.Tidak ada orang
kita bisa merasa tenang dan damai. Kita tidak
hari Dia akan mengutus Juruselamat untuk
bagi Tuhan kalau Dia tidak mengucapkan
anji ini tidak bersyarat (unconditional). Tuhan berani berjanji kepada kita yang penuh Tuhan tidak berkata bahwa manusia
dengan berbagai dosa dan kejahatan.
harus berbuat sesuatu agar janji ini
I
dapat terlaksana. Janji ini adalah anugerah
ni disebabkan karena Tuhan penuh dengan anugerah. Sekalipun kita tidak layak, Ia mengucapkan janji itu, dan janji
yang sanggup menghitungnya dengan persis. takut akan hari esok.
menyelamatkan mereka dari dosa. Manusia
Ada yang berkata 3000, 7000, bahkan 8000.
berdosa tidak layak diselamatkan, tetapi
menepatinya.
awalnya
Tuhan bermurah hati dengan memberikan
bukannya memberikan penghukuman bagi
disebabkan oleh dosa. Adam dan
janji ini. Melalui janji ini, kita bisa belajar
manusia berdosa, Ia malah memberikan janji
Hawa memakan buah yang dilarang
tentang sifat atau karakteristik janji Allah di
keselamatan.
Biasanya kita berhati-hati dengan mereka yang terlalu banyak mengucapkan janji, tetapi tidak demikian dengan Tuhan. Mengapa Tuhan membuat begitu banyak janji di dalam
K
etakutan
itu
pada
Tuhan sehingga mereka jatuh dalam dosa.
itu mengikat Tuhan dan mewajibkan Tuhan Inilah
kemurahan
Tuhan;
dalam Alkitab.
firmanNya? Karena kita memerlukan janji; Setelah berdosa, mereka merasa takut dan janji itu memberikan jaminan dan rasa aman. malu. Maka mereka menyembunyikan diri Manusia cenderung hidup dalam ketakutan
dari Tuhan. Tuhan datang dan menjatuhkan
tentang masa depan (apa yang akan terjadi
hukuman atas dosa mereka. Tetapi Tuhan
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29
2
Janji Tuhan ditopang oleh kesetiaan
Tuhan
dan kekudusanNya
ketaatan manusia. Dengan kata
T
tidak
tergantung
kepada
lain, janji Tuhan tidak bersyarat itus 1:2 berkata, “Dan berdasarkan pengharapan akan hidup yang kekal
atau unconditional.
T
J
elas bahwa apapun yang manusia lakukan
mengikat diriNya dalam perjanjian dengan
tidak bisa menggagalkan janji Allah bagi
manusia bukan karena Ia perlu, tetapi karena
mereka. Tuhan memberikan janji-janji
kita memerlukan janji. Kita perlu jaminan dan
yang tidak bersyarat ini kepada orang-orang
kepastian.
percaya di dalam Alkitab. Itu sebabnya istilah
K
uhan berjanji kepada Adam dan
‘janji’ (promise) ada hubungan dengan istilah
Hawa setelah mereka jatuh ke dalam
‘perjanjian’ (covenant). Tuhan mengadakan
dosa. Tidak ada syarat apapun yang
perjanjian dengan manusia berarti Tuhan
disebutkan di dalam janjiNya. Demikian juga,
masuk dalam ikatan persetujuan dengan
istilah Perjanjian Anugerah (Covenant of
yang Ia janjikan akan Ia tepati. 1 Yohanes
Tuhan berjanji akan memberikan Abraham
manusia.
pengorbanan
Grace). Perjanjian anugerah ini menyatakan
1:9 mengatakan, “Jika kita mengaku dosa
dan keturunannya sebuah negeri (Kej. 12:1-
dari pihak Tuhan. Mengapa? Tuhan adalah
bahwa Allah menjanjikan hidup kekal bagi
kita, maka Ia adalah setia dan adil, sehingga
3; 15:18-21). Tidak ada syarat apapun yang
Tuhan yang bebas, Ia tidak harus mengikat
mereka yang percaya kepada Yesus Kristus.
Ia akan mengampuni segala dosa kita dan
disebutkan di dalam janji-janji ini. Demikian
diriNya dalam perjanjian dengan manusia.
Perjanjian ini bersifat tanpa syarat sebab
menyucikan kita dari segala kejahatan.” Tuhan
pula kepada Daud dan keturunannya (1
Manusia sering tidak setia dan melanggar
tidak menuntut perbuatan apapun dari pihak
setia dan Ia akan menepati janjiNya untuk
Taw. 17:11-14; 2 Taw. 6:16). Jauh sebelum
perjanjian Tuhan, tetapi Tuhan tidak pernah
manusia.
mengampuni setiap orang yang mengaku
Abraham dan Daud, Tuhan juga memberikan
melanggar
dosa di hadapanNya.
janji kepada Nuh (Kej. 9:8-17) bahwa Ia tidak
manusia. Tuhan
akan menghancurkan bumi dengan air bah
melupakan atau mengingkari
lagi, betapapun jahatnya perbuatan manusia.
janjiNya.
yang sebelum permulaan zaman
sudah dijanjikan oleh Allah yang tidak berdusta.” Tuhan itu kudus dan Ia tidak bisa berdusta. Dan Allah itu setia sehingga apa
Karena berdasarkan pada anugerah dan
30
kesetiaan Tuhan,
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janji-janji
Ini
merupakan
perjanjianNya
Ini
tidak
arena
ini
bersifat
anugerah,
perjanjian Tuhan dengan orang percaya juga sering dikenal dengan
dengan pernah
menunjukkan
kerendahan hati Tuhan. Ia
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31
A
da
yang
bertanya, “Bukankah
sampai tahun 567 SM ketika Nebukadnezar
1.Tuhan
perjanjian ini menuntut manusia
menghancurkan Yerusalem. Jadi
waktuNya, bukan waktu kita.
ketika Tuhan Yesus datang kedua kali. Kita
untuk percaya, dan kalau tidak
dalam
2.Tuhan menepati janjiNya menurut
adalah pendatang dan orang asing di dunia
caraNya, bukan cara kita
ini. Kita sama-sama masih menantikan tanah
B
air kita yang sejati, yaitu: sorga. Janji Tuhan
percaya, tidak akan beroleh hidup kekal yang
perjanjian
yang
bahkan
kedengarannya
“conditional” (bersyarat), ada anugerah dan
dijanjikan?” Percaya bukanlah perbuatan. kemurahan Tuhan. Ketika akhirnya Israel Percaya adalah menerima apa yang Allah
dibuang ke Babel dan kehilangan tanah
janjikan. Percaya kepada janji Allah berarti
perjanjian, itu hanya mengingatkan mereka
beriman. Iman bukanlah perbuatan. Iman
bahwa tanah perjanjian sebenarnya adalah
adalah menerima apa yang Allah janjikan
surga, bukan Palestina. Dan perjanjian zaman
melalui Kristus. Dan Tuhan itu sendiri juga
menepati
janji
menurut
bahwa semua janji itu akan mencapai puncak
anyak tokoh iman di dalam Alkitab
sudah digenapi sebagian, tetapi kita masih
tidak menerima apa yang dijanjikan
menantikan penggenapan seluruhnya pada
dalam masa hidup mereka. Tuhan
kedatangan Yesus kedua kali. Tuhan itu setia,
menjanjikan Abraham tanah dan keturunan
dan Ia memberikan kita kekuatan untuk
Musa yang nampak “bersyarat” ini bertujuan
seperti pasir di laut dan bintang di langit,
setia menantikan penggenapan janjiNya.
dengan memberikan iman. Tidak ada syarat
mengingatkan
hanya
tetapi ketika ia mati, ia tidak melihat banyak
Mengingat janji Tuhan yang tidak bersyarat,
atau jasa apapun dari pihak manusia.
diselamatkan oleh anugerah, bukan karena
keturunan, dan ia masih pengembara di
kita merasa aman sebab penggenapan janji
B
melakukan hukum Taurat.
tanah asing. Apakah berarti Tuhan ingkar
itu tidak tergantung kepada situasi hidup kita.
D
janji? Apakah berarti Tuhan tidak setia? Ibrani
Sekalipun kita tidak setia, Tuhan tetap setia
11:13 berkata,
sebab Ia tidak dapat menyangkal diriNya (2
agaimana dengan Keluaran 19:5 yang mengatakan,“Jadi sekarang, jika kamu sungguh-sungguh
mendengarkan
firman-Ku dan berpegang pada perjanjian-Ku,
bahwa
manusia
engan kata lain, seluruh perjanjian Tuhan lahir dari anugerahNya dan
Tim. 2:13).
tidak bersyarat. Kita diselamatkan
“Dalam iman mereka semua ini
maka kamu akan menjadi harta kesayangan-
hanya oleh anugerah. Kita menjadi anak-
telah mati sebagai orang-orang
Ku sendiri dari antara segala bangsa, sebab
anak Tuhan hanya oleh anugerah. Sebagai
yang
Akulah yang empunya seluruh bumi”?
anak, kita merwarisi seluruh janji Tuhan di
yang dijanjikan itu, tetapi yang
Bukankah janji Tuhan akan terlaksana kalau
dalam Kristus (2 Kor. 1:20). Tuhan berjanji
hanya dari jauh melihatnya dan
bangsa Israel memenuhi syaratnya, yaitu: akan mencukupkan segala kebutuhan kita,
melambai-lambai kepadanya dan
sungguh-sungguh mendengarkan firman dan
melindungi kita, dan memelihara iman kita
yang
berpegang pada perjanjian Tuhan? Israel gagal
sampai akhir, dan sebagainya.
adalah orang asing dan pendatang
M
di bumi ini.”
untuk taat dan akhirnya dibuang dari tanah perjanjian. Bukankah ini membuktikan bahwa ada perjanjian yang bersyarat? Sebenarnya tidak
demikian.
Bangsa
Israel
sudah
emang ada kalanya kita merasa bahwa
janji
Tuhan
belum
ditepati, atau kita belum melihat
melanggar perintah Tuhan begitu lamanya, penggenapan janji Tuhan. Dalam keadaan namun Tuhan tidak membuang mereka 32
Anniversary 2012
demikian, kita harus mengingat dua hal:
tidak
memperoleh
mengakui, bahwa
A
apa
A
pa respon seorang Kristen terhadap janji Tuhan yang tidak bersyarat dan demikian indah ini?
mereka
papun janji Tuhan bagi
orang
percaya di dunia
ini, kita harus selalu ingat Anniversary 2012
33
1. Ia belajar setia.
sekali berdoa, lalu tidak melihat hasilnya,
I
brani
10:23
berkata, “Marilah
kita
K
3. Ia belajar hidup kudus.
seperti Dia yang adalah suci.” Ketika kita
menuntut segala sesuatu harus sekarang juga
temukan janjiNya, pegang janji tersebut, dan
ikatan pernikahan, kesetiaan satu pihak akan
menantikan penggenapan janji Tuhan, kita
atau instan.
nyatakan dalam doa-doa kita kepada Tuhan.
mendorong kesetiaan pihak lainnya. Kesetiaan
belajar mempersiapkan diri kita. Karena
Tuhan mendorong dan memberikan inspirasi
Tuhan yang berjanji adalah kudus, kita belajar
agar kita juga setia.
mengikuti teladanNya. Dunia mengajar kita
arena Tuhan itu setia, dan janjijanjiNya setia adanya, kita juga perlu belajar untuk setia. Seperti
dua orang yang mengingatkan diri dalam
1
Yohanes 3:3 berkata, “Setiap orang
kemudian berhenti berdoa. Menantikan janji
yang
itu
Tuhan memberi kekuatan kepada kita untuk
kepada-Nya, menyucikan diri sama
sabar dan bertekun dalam doa. Kita tidak
menaruh
pengharapan
untuk tidak usah menunggu, dan menuntut 2. Ia belajar percaya.
T
uhan
berjanji,
segala sesuatu datang secara instant. Dengan tetapi
memberitahukan
Ia
34
Anniversary 2012
K
melewati kehidupan ini sampai kita bertemu
kita, kita belajar untuk senantiasa
dengan Tuhan.
belajar tunduk kepada waktu dan jalan
pegangan kita sehingga kita tidak menjadi
menjanjikannya, setia.” Bacalah firman Tuhan,
sanggup menanggung segala perkara.
kita dan bagi kemuliaan namaNya. Dengan
perkataanNya di hati kita. Ini menjadi
tentang pengharapan kita, sebab Ia, yang
dan waktu Tuhan bukanlah waktu
hidup berbeda dari dunia ini, dan lebih serupa
percaya pada firman Tuhan, dan menyimpan
pengakuan
dengan Tuhan. Dengan janji Tuhan, kita
waktu
adanya. Ia tidak bisa berdusta. Kita belajar
pada
arena jalan Tuhan di atas jalan kita,
rendah hati. Tuhan tahu yang terbaik bagi
perkataanNya. Tuhan kudus dan benar
ragu-ragu atau tidak percaya.
5. Ia belajar rendah hati
belajar menantikan janji Tuhan, kita belajar
Ia mengajar kita untuk percaya penuh akan
berpegang
Janji Tuhan memberikan kita kekuatan untuk
tidak
penggenapanNya. Dengan demikian
teguh
Tuhan, kita belajar rendah hati. Kita selalu diingatkan bahwa kita adlaah ciptaan
4. Ia belajar sabar dan bertekun
M
enantikan sekedar Proses
janji Tuhan menantikan menantikan
bukan sesuatu. ini
yang
menerima
belas
kasihan
Tuhan. Kita bukan Tuhan ataupun Penguasa alam semesta.
menghasilkan karakter di dalam diri kita, yaitu: kesabaran dan ketekunan. Banyak orang Anniversary 2012
35
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
M
enunggu atau menanti bukanlah hal yang mudah bagi banyak orang. Sebagai contoh, kita tidak suka
kalau lalu lintas macet. Kita merasa kemacetan itu sebagai pembuangan waktu. Demikian juga, kita tidak suka antrian yang panjang kalau berbelanja. Kita tidak mau buang waktu dan tenaga untuk menunggu. Tetapi
menunggu
adalah
pekerjaan
yang
penting. Seorang wanita harus menunggu sembilan bulan supaya anaknya dapat lahir ke
dalam
dunia. Seorang
petani
harus
menunggu agar tanamannya berbuah pada waktunya.
36
Anniversary 2012
Kita
tidak
bisa
menghindari
Anniversary 2012
37
1 pekerjaan
2
menunggu
dalam
3 hidup
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
ini.
Tuhan juga mau kita belajar menunggu, itu sebabnya Ia memberikan janji-janjiNya
Apa yang terjadi kalau Tuhan memberitahu
dan tidak langsung menggenapinya. Untuk
tanggal dan jam kita meninggal? Pasti kita
sesuatu yang berharga, kita rela menunggu.
tidak bisa hidup dengan tenang, dan kita akan
Kadang-kadang kita mengeluh kalau harus
menjadi orang-orang yang tidak ada semangat
menunggu sesuatu yang kita anggap tidak
dan pengharapan. Itu sebabnya Tuhan tidak
berharga. Tetapi janji-janji Tuhan itu sangat
memberitahukan waktuNya supaya kita
berharga. Mazmur 119:103 berkata, “Betapa
belajar berharap dan menantikan Dia.
manisnya janji-Mu itu bagi langit-langitku, lebih dari pada madu bagi mulutku.” Yesus pernah menceritakan perumpamaan Menantikan janji Tuhan adalah pekerjaan
Tetapi
memerintahkan
Waktu Tuhan bukanlah urusan kita, yang pasti
tentang hamba-hamba yang setia. Tuannya
yang sangat indah sebab janji Tuhan itu sangat
mereka menunggu janji Bapa akan Roh
janji Tuhan itu akan digenapi sebab Tuhan itu
pergi jauh dan mempercayakan kepada
manis dan berharga. Menantikan janji Tuhan
Kudus, mereka tidak diberitahu waktunya.
setia dan maha-kuasa. Ia rela menggenapi
mereka talenta untuk dikembangkan. Dan,
bukan berarti diam dan tidak melakukan apa-
Yesus hanya berkata ,”Tidak lama lagi.”
janjiNya, dan Ia sanggup menggenapi janjiNya. Tuannya tidak pernah memberitahu kapan Sering kita ingin tahu waktu Tuhan supaya ia akan datang kembali. Namun hamba-
orang Kristen menjadi orang yang pasif. Setelah Yesus menyuruh murid-muridNya
waktu
Yesus
apa sampai janji itu digenapi. Kalau demikian, menunggu, apa respon mereka? Mereka
kita bermalas-malas sampai waktu itu datang. hamba itu dengan setia mengerjakan Ambil contoh seorang anak raja yang sudah talenta yang tuannya berikan. Suatu
Ia
bertanya, “Tuhan, maukah Engkau pada masa
tahu bahwa ia akan menggantikan ayahnya
hari, tuannya tiba-tiba kembali, dan ia
untuk
ini memulihkan kerajaan bagi Israel?" (Kis.
sebagai raja tahun depan. Ia tidak perlu susah-
mendapati hamba-hamba itu tetap setia
menantikan janji Bapa (Kisah Para Rasul
1:6). Mereka tidak sabar, dan mereka ingin
susah sebab ia tahu bahwa tahun depan ia pasti
mengerjakan talentanya. Tuan itu akan
1:4). Dan Yesus tidak memberitahukan
tahu waktu Tuhan. Tetapi Yesus menegaskan
menjadi raja. Tuhan tidak mau kita menjadi
memberikan upah kepada hamba yang setia.
berapa lama mereka harus menunggu. kepada mereka, “Engkau tidak perlu Kita tahu bahwa mereka menunggu mengetahui masa dan waktu, yang ditetapkan
orang Kristen yang malas seperti demikian.
selama sepuluh hari sampai Roh Kudus
Mengapa
Sebelum
Yesus
memerintahkan
akhirnya
38
turun
naik
ke
sorga,
murid-muridNya
pada
hari
Anniversary 2012
Pentakosta.
Bapa sendiri menurut kuasaNya” (Kis. 1:7).
Tuhan
tidak
memberitahukan
waktu penggenapan janjiNya kepada kita?
Ketika seorang anak minta sebuah mainan, orang-tuanya
berkata, “Tunggu
sampai
Anniversary 2012
39
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
hari ulang tahunmu bulan depan.” Orang-
hati. Kita lebih sabar. Kita lebih berserah. percaya kepada Tuhan. Kita ingat bagaimana
tua anak itu bisa memberikan mainan itu
Kita lebih melayani. Kita lebih mencintai
langsung, tetapi mereka ingin mengajar anak
Firman Tuhan. Kita lebih tekun berdoa. mengambil hak kesulungan yang Tuhan
itu agar sabar. Demikian juga, Tuhan ingin
berikan kepadanya. Ia tidak sabar menunggu,
mengajar kita sabar dengan cara menunggu
dan ia mengambil dengan caranya sendiri.
janjiNya. Itu sebabnya Yesus menyuruh
Apa akibatnya? Ia hidup dalam ketakutan
murid-muridNya menunggu di Yerusalem
terhadap
sampai Roh Kudus diberikan pada hari
Abraham yang mengikuti nasihat istrinya
Pentakosta. Itu sebabnya Simeon menunggu
dan mempunyai anak melalui hambanya yang
sampai hari tua sebelum ia bisa melihat
bernama Hagar. Apa akibatnya? Ishmael, anak
bayi Yesus. Itu sebabnya Hannah menunggu
Abraham dan Hagar, menjadi batu sandungan
sekian lama sebelum Tuhan memberikan
untuk Ishak dan keturunannya. Banyak orang
anak
kepadanya. Tuhan
melatih
anak-
anakNya untuk sabar menantikan Dia, karena kesabaran mengajarkan orang menjadi tekun.
Apa yang harus kita lakukan sementara kita menantikan janji Tuhan? 1. Berdoa 2. Membaca firman 3. Melayani Tuhan
Ketika kita tidak sabar menantikan janji Tuhan, kita akan mengambil jalan pintas atau shortcut. Apa akibatnya? Kita kehilangan apa yang kita nantikan. Ambil contoh seorang yang ingin mendapatkan gelar dari sekolah tetapi tidak sabar bersekolah. Ia mengambil jalan pintas dengan membeli gelar, dan menyatakan kepada semua orang bahwa ia mempunyai gelar pendidikan. Apa yang dia dapatkan? Gelar pendidikan (palsu). Apa yang ia kehilangan? Pendidikan. Shortcut
Yakub menggunakan caranya sendiri untuk
Esau. Demikian
juga
dengan
mengambil jalan pintas mengira bahwa mereka
memperoleh
sesuatu.
Mereka
tidak memperoleh apa-apa. Bahkan, mereka kehilangan banyak hal atau segala-galanya. Tuhan menjanjikan hari depan yang indah di bumi dan langit yang baru. Untuk mencapai itu, Tuhan membimbing kita lewat proses menantikan janjiNya dengan sabar. Proses lebih penting daripada hasil. Hasil ada di tangan Tuhan, tetapi proses
Shortcut
membuktikan karakter seseorang. Tuhan
dalam kerohanian kita. Kita lebih mengenal
tidak lain adalah menipu diri sendiri. ingin kita melewati proses menunggu dengan sabar sehingga boleh kelihatan buah-
dan mengasihi Tuhan. Kita lebih rendah
Mengambil jalan pintas juga berarti tidak
buah atau karakter Kristen di setiap kita.
Dengan ketiga hal ini, sementara kita menantikan Tuhan, kita bertumbuh dewasa
40
Anniversary 2012
tidak
menghasilkan
apa-apa.
Anniversary 2012
41
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
faithful and just. He does not want us to be
are waiting on God, our spiritual life will
concerned with timing because He does not
grow more mature. We will know and
want us to be lazy while waiting. For example, love God more. We will be more humble, a prince who knows that he will one day
more
patient, more
surrender, more
replace his father to be a king. He does not
serving, love His Word, and pray more.
need to work hard because he knows that
By: Ev. Julia Suwanto Waiting is not an easy task to do because
he will one day become a king. God certainly does not want us to be lazy like the prince. We will lose what we are waiting for. For
the disciples to wait on God’s promises (Act
we do not like to waste time and energy. 1:4). He told them to wait for God’s promises
example, a person who wants to get a
However, waiting is a very important task, for the Holy Spirit. However, when Jesus told
degree so he takes a shortcut and gets
and we cannot keep on avoiding it. God
them this, He did not tell how long they have
a fake certificate degree. He will get a
also wants us to learn to wait. This is why
to wait. He just told them that it will not
1.Teach us to have hope in all
fake certificate, and he will not get what’s
He gave us promises and does not fulfill
be long. We know they waited ten days until
situation
important: education. Shortcut does not
them immediately. We are usually able to
the Holy Spirit filled them on Pentecost day.
2.Teach us to be faithful
give anything. Shortcut is only deceiving
3.Teach us to be patient
oneself.
wait willingly for something precious and important but will complain for something
After Jesus gave them His command, the
unimportant and not precious. However
disciples asked Him ,“Lord are You at this
God promises a beautiful future with a new
God’s promises are very precious. Psalm
time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
world and sky. To get there, God guides us
119:103 said “How sweet are your words to
(Act 1:6) They were impatient and wanted to
through a process of waiting patiently. Process
my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
know God’s timing. But Jesus told them, “It is
is more important than the result. Results
not for you to know the times or dates the
1. Pray
are in God’s hand, but process will show a
Waiting on God’s promises does not mean
Father has set by His own authority.” (Act
2. Read His Words
person’s characteristics. God wants us to go
that we stay still and do nothing until those
1:7) God’s timing should not be our concern
3. Serve God
thru a process of waiting patiently so we will
promises fulfilled. Christians are not passive
and focus.We only need to know and be sure
people. Before Jesus rose to heaven, He told
that God will fulfill all His promises as He is
42
Anniversary 2012
be fruitful in our Christian character. [HW] When we do all of these three while we
Anniversary 2012
43
W
hat does it mean then to be
are a byproduct of spiritual growth. As we
pure in heart? In the context
go through the process of sanctification (to
of Matthew 5 verse 8; to
be set apart for God’s work), our character
be pure in heart is to be undivided in
approaches that of God’s character. In every
allegiance. When we are devoted to Jesus
pronouncement of the blessed state of
entirely, we are blessed for we exist for one
man (beatitude) found in Matthew 5; each
purpose: to serve the Lord. In Matthew 6,
blessed state (for example poor in spirit,
Jesus spoke of how a heart with a divided
pure in heart) is always connected to the
allegiance can not serve God. “No one
pursuit of Godly holiness and being in awe
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5: 8
A
t first glance, Matthew 5 verse 8 seems to convey a cause and effect relationship; if that is the case, which comes first? Does purity in heart result in the ability to see God? Or must you first see God and then acquire a pure heart? Often times, we see the beatitudes as a promise followed by a divine reward; like a cause and effect clause. For example, to be poor in spirit (to rely on God for spiritual fulfillment) seems to be a prerequisite for inheriting the
44
Anniversary 2012
kingdom of heaven. However, upon closer examination, we can not view the beatitudes as a cause-and-effect or a formula for receiving a divine promise. If we view the beatitudes in this manner, then we are viewing the work of His grace and His plan of salvation as something we have earned. This is where we fall into error by viewing our salvation as a product of our works.We must not forget that we are saved purely by grace alone, and not by works.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5: 8
can serve two masters,” Jesus warned, “for
of the Holiness of God. Christians undergo
either you will hate the one and love the
sanctification in order to understand the
other, or he will be devoted to the one and
Holy God.The pursuit of holiness is essential
despise the other (ESV, Mat. 6: 24).”
to a Christian’s walk with God.
H
B
ow is it possible for us to be purely devoted to Christ and to serve Him only for the rest
y contrast, seeing and knowing God is impossible for those who are impure in heart. Impurity in the sense that
of our lives? The answer is through the
one has divided allegiance; that something or
power of the Holy Spirit. The beatitudes
someone is vying with God for the throne Anniversary 2012
45
i
n our hearts. We often define purity
desires as to desire God Himself through
and being a faithful steward to God’s
who are aware of the poverty of their spirit
as the absence of filth; but the Biblical
the power of the Holy Spirit, can see God
call of being set apart for Him. Purity
because of their sins (see Psalms 10:25, 34:6,
definition of purity goes a step further to
through the revelation of Christ Jesus.
in heart is the recognition of the evils of sin
40:17, 68:10). When one is aware of sin,
T
and staying ‘set apart’ amidst temptation.
one is aware of the Holiness of Christ and
here are many misunderstandings
The only way a man may remain pure in
is grieved by their spiritual depravity. When
about the nature of the beatitudes.
heart is by “guarding it according to His
one is aware of his spiritual depravity, only
According to the world, the blessed
Word (Psalm 119:1).”
then can one know the
B
full weight of the joy of
define purity as being of one heart with God. A divided heart is considered unclean and impure before God. Those not undergoing sanctification will have a much more divided heart; making
state of man are nothing
it difficult to “see” God
to rejoice about. Far
and less sensitive to
from it, these blessed
God’s leading in their
states are where men
lives. Having
divided
are
allegiances
deprive
eing
pure
in
the grace of salvation.
heart is related
For this reason, we are
to being poor
blessed for undergoing
in spirit. In Matthew
the
and weak; in the eyes
5 verse 3, the poor
blessed states of man
them of the joy that
of the world these
in spirit are given the
mentioned in Matthew
comes
God’s
characteristics suggest
promise to inherit the
5. May the humility with
promises. We will never
naiveté. But being pure
kingdom of heaven. The
His grace remind us to
be truly pure in our
in heart is not a state
poor in spirit are those
look forward to His
from
most
vulnerable
motives and our devotion to God as we are
of being naïve or simple. The Biblical
sinful beings, but those who are pure in heart,
definition of purity in heart is to guard
single-minded in their purpose, innocent as
oneself against double-mindedness; it
lambs in their motive, and purified in their
is the recognition of one’s weakness
46
Anniversary 2012
sorrowful
albeit
promises. “Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2
Anniversary 2012
47
this statistic as well? It would be nice if the
U.S. Let us take a look at what seems to
answer is “no”, but in reality, Christians are
be the problems with marriage in the U.S.
not immune to divorce. In this short article, Most of us enter relationships with poor I want to discuss briefly about problems
skills of maintaining the relationships and
with marriage in the U.S. and share some
have highly unrealistic expectations. We also
Most of us have seen a lot of Disney animation movies where the princess meets her
principals and scientific techniques that can
tend to pick unsuitable partners, mistakenly
prince charming; the beauty meets the beast, Fiona meets Shrek, and all of their stories
help us improve our marriage love life. A lot
believing that we are in love simply because
end in “happily ever after”. Often times, we also have a notion about a nice godly young
of the materials in this article is taken from
we feel the physical attraction and have a
couple, who meets with each other, falls in love at the first sight, dates, and then gets
the works of two well-known authors and
lot of passions and a strong feeling. Often
married, is guaranteed to have a nice and rewarding marriage life. Well, let us see the facts
physiologists: Dr. Robert Epstein and Dr. in marriage, within a mere 18 months, these
to this claim. About 50% of the first marriages in the United States end in divorce. About
James Dobson2.
BY Gamas Sugiarto
1
66% of the second marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. About 75% of the third marriages in the U.S. end up in... well, I think you can finish my sentence here. Are Christians a part of 48
Anniversary 2012
passions and the feeling disappear, and we begin to see our partner with new clarity.
1. Problems with marriage in the
All too often, we react by saying, “Who Anniversary 2012
49
are you?” or “You’ve changed”. We might
2.2 Read the Bible
estimated 95% of the marriages are arranged, 3. Love Building Exercises Nothing
try hard for years after that to keep things
Secondly, we need to read the Bible regularly.
and although divorce is legal, India has one of
is more fulfilling than being in a successful
going, especially if children are in the picture. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. The
the lowest divorce rates in the world. The
love relationship. Yet, we leave our love lives
However, since we start the relationship
more you read the Bible, the more you know
marriages are brokered by either the parents
entirely to chance. Maybe we do not have
with the wrong person and with a lack
the mind of our heavenly Father. Marriage
or the professional matchmakers.Their main
to anymore. Dr. Epstein has compiled 8 love
of basic tools for resolving conflicts and
and parenthood are His ideas, and He tells
concerns are long-term suitability and family
building fun exercises which can increase the
communications, most often than not, we
us in His Word how to live together in peace
harmony. The Indian couples usually meet
relationship between a man and a woman. In
end up like most Hollywood celebrities’
and harmony. Everything from handling
each other for the very first time in a few
this article, three of these exercises will be
marriages with “irreconcilable differences”
money to sexual attitudes is discussed in the
weeks to one month before their wedding
discussed:
problem.
Holy Scriptures.
day. Some Indian couples usually describe their first meeting as “LIKE at the first
3.1 Two as One
2. Principals for Strong Marriage
2.3 Commitment
sight” instead of “LOVE at the first sight”. Embracing each other gently, begin to sense
life. Now let us look at some principles
Thirdly, we need to have a commitment in
A 1982 study done by psychologists Usha
your partner’s breathing and gradually try to
that can help us build and sustain strong
our marriage. Commitment is so critical
Gupta and Pushpa Singh of the University
synchronize your breathing with his or hers.
marriage foundations. These two principles
to the success of a marriage. There are
of Rajasthan in Jaipur, India resulted in
After a few minutes, you might feel that the
apply assuming that both you and your
occasions when we as husband and wife feel
the following conclusion: love in arranged
two of you have merged.
spouse are true born again Christians
as though we will never love our partner
marriages usually started low and gradually
again. Emotions and passions dissipate. What
increased. On the other hand, Western-
2.1 Strong Prayer Life
will we do then? Will we throw in the towel
style love marriage usually started high and
First of all, we need to have a meaningful
and declare, “I don’t love you anymore.”
declined fairly rapid. However, in about five
prayer life. Prayer is our communication
Absolutely, the answer is “no”. Just as Pastor
years, the love in the arranged marriages
with the God of the universe who is very
Hosea always says, “Marriage is no refund,
usually surpassed the love in the Western-
interested in the success of our marriage
no exchange, and no discount!” Nothing
style marriages. And in ten years into the
life. Prayer of course is very important not
short of death must be permitted to come
marriage, the arranged marriage love was
only in our marriage love but in all aspects of
between the two of you.This kind of attitude
nearly twice as strong as compared to the
our lives as well. Pray together regularly. You
is very essential in staying in your marriage
regular love marriage. Basically, couples in
will have a close relationship with God in a
when things get tough.
India emphasize their marriage heavily on
strong prayer life. And as you build a strong
Commitment is not based on feelings or
relationship with God, you and your spouse
emotions, and it is the essential element in
will also have a strong spiritual bond.
building and growing your love. In India, an
50
Anniversary 2012
3.2 Soul Gazing Standing or sitting about two feet away from each other, look deeply into each other’s eyes, trying to look into the very core of your beings. Do this for about two minutes and then talk about what you saw. More than 90 percent of Dr. Epstein’s students in his course reported using these methods successfully improved their relationships, and more than 50 of the 213 students submitted
commitment rather than feelings, emotions, detailed reports about their experiences. Nearly all the reports documented increases or physical attraction alone. in liking, loving, closeness, or attraction by 3 Anniversary 2012
51
to 30 percent in about a month. In a few
2
Dr. James Dobson is the founder of Focus
akan dapat membangun hubungan
Amerika dimana pernikahan diawali
cases, ratings tripled.
on the Family ministry and can be heard
rohani dengan Tuhan. Ini juga akan
dengan cinta, dan perlahan-lahan
daily at Dr. James Dobson Family Talk
menghasilkan hubungan suami-istri
perasaan cinta menghilang.
radio broadcasts. His website is http://
yang lebih erat dan dekat.
3.3 Secret Swap Write down a deep secret and have your partner do the same. Then trade papers and
drjamesdobson.org.
talk about what you read. You can continue this process until you have run out of secrets.
Indonesian Translation
Better yet, save some of your secrets for
Masalah Pernikahan di Amerika
another day. This is another exercise which creates vulnerability when people disclose secrets to each other. This can increase intimacy between a husband and a wife.
Banyak
sekali
orang
yang
memasuki
hubungan pernikahan tanpa mengetahui cara untuk bisa tetap menjaga keeratan hubungan,
Latihan memperkuat hubungan
Selain berdoa, suami-istri juga harus
Berpelukan
sering membaca Alkitab. Alkitab
merasakan pernapasan satu dengan
merupakan salah satu cara Tuhan
yang
mengajarkan
menjadi satu.
sehari-hari
cara
berkehidupan
termasuk
kehidupan
pernikahan. Di dalam Alkitab kita dapat menemukan cara yang benar dalam menghadapi berbagai masalah, mulai dari masalah keuangan sampai
4. Conclusion Keeping solid marriage
dan banyak yang mempunyai ekspetasi-
love life requires good relationship with
ekspetasi yang tidak masuk akal. Selain itu
God, hard works, and deliberation. A God-
kebanyakan orang berasa cinta hanya karena
Komitmen
centered life and a careful look at arranged
tertarik dari segi fisikal saja. Tentu saja
satu
marriages (commitment), combined with
perasaan cinta seperti itu akan lenyap sekitar
hubungan
the accumulating knowledge in the science
18 bulan setelah pernikahan. Hal-hal inilah
dan ketertarikan fisikal akan hilang
of relationship, have the potential to give us
yang membuat orang-orang bercerai dengan
tetapi komitmen tidak dapat hilang.
the real control over our marriage life. The
“irreconcilable differences” atau berarti
Kita dapat melihat pasangan India
alternative of leaving marriage love life to
perbedaan yang tidak dapat diselesaikan.
untuk contohnya. Di India masih
chance makes little sense.
1
Dr. Epstein can be frequently heard in
Christian Radio stations such as KKLA 99.5 and also seen in Fox News channel television. His website is http://www.drrobertepstein. com/. 52
Anniversary 2012
hal
merupakan terpenting
salah
di
pernikahan.
dalam
Perasaan
sehingga
erat
dan
pernapasan
Berdiri atau duduk berhadapan sehingga dapat memandang mata dengan
mata.
Setelah
melihat
selama dua menit kalian dapat membicarakan apa yang kalian lihat. Menulis
rahasia
kelemahan
diri
sendiri di dalam kertas, bertukaran, dan membaca dengan suara. Ini dapat meningkatkan
rasa
kepercayaan
suami-istri. [HW]
ada banyak orang yang dijodohkan Cara
Sources:
masalah hubungan.
lain
dengan
mendapatkan
pernikahan
oleh orang tua, jadi mereka belum tentu dapat melihat satu dan yang
We're also on Facebook Group
Tuhan harus dapat dilibatkan di
lain. Mereka memulai pernikahan
Search for:
dalam pernikahan. Berdoa adalah
dengan
cara kita melibatkan Tuhan di dalam
merupakan perasaan yang perlahan-
Los Angeles Indonesian Evangelical Church
pernikahan. Jika sepasang suami-istri
lahan meningkat di dalam hubungan
dapat berdoa bersama maka mereka
mereka. Lain halnya dengan di
yang kuat
komitmen,
dan
cinta
Anniversary 2012
53
“Kita tahu sekarang, bahwa Allah turut bekerja dalam segala sesuatu untuk mendatangkan kebaikan bagi mereka yang mengasihi Dia, yaitu bagi mereka yang terpanggil sesuai dengan rencana Allah.” (Roma 8:28)
yang lahir dengan sehat dan sempurna. saya berangsur-angsur mulai kehilangan
tracheostomy, G-tube, dan 5 tusukan selang
saya dengan ambulan ke tempat gawat
Testimony: Romans 8
chest tubes di kedua paru-paru saya.
darurat yang lebih baik di kota Hanford
By Christal Setiawan
54
Anniversary 2012
Kurang lebih dua bulan setelah itu, saya
kesadaran. Dokter berkata bahwa saya harus
mendadak mengalami sakit yang sangat
dirawat di rumah sakit tersebut dengan
parah yang mengancam nyawa saya dan saya
segera karena jumlah sodium didalam tubuh
pun harus dirawat di 5 rumah sakit di 5 kota
saya berkurang drastic, dan bila tidak dengan
yang berbeda selama hampir 5 bulan. Saya
segera dirawat, saya akan mengalami seizure
mengalami puluhan prosedur kritis selama
dan kerusakan otak. Selama lima hari saya
berada di rumah sakit, mulai dari tusukan
dirawat di Coalinga Regional Medical Center
jarum untuk test darah dan pemberian
tanpa ada yang tahu penyebabnya. Pada
obat-obatan, tusukan infus yang memenuhi
hari yang kelima, mendadak jumlah oksigen
kedua lengan dan tangan saya, bahkan karena
di dalam tubuh saya semakin berkurang.
penuh, tusukan infus juga harus diberikan
Karena kondisi ini dapat menyebabkan
dari central line dari leher saya. Setelah
kelumpuhan dan kerusakan otak, dokter
itu saya juga mengalami proses intubasi, kemudian memutuskan untuk mentransfer
yang bernama Adventist Medical Center.
Saya percaya bahwa Tuhan memegang kendali atas segala sesuatu. Tuhan terlibat di dalam
Perjalanan panjang saya dari rumah
setiap langkah kehidupan kita bukan saja pada
sakit ke rumah sakit berawal di kota
Malam tersebut yaitu tanggal 25
waktu kita merasa senang dan berkecukupan,
Coalinga, tempat dimana saya, suami saya
Februari, saya mulai tidak sadarkan diri
tetapi juga pada masa-masa yang sukar. Dan
Heri, dan Clement tinggal. Kami pindah dari
setelah mengalami proses intubasi. Proses
justru melalui saat-saat yang sukar tersebut,
Los Angeles ke Coalinga karena pekerjaan
ini bertujuan untuk memasukkan jumlah
Ia
kepribadian,
suami saya dan kota tersebut terletak sekitar
oksigen yang lebih banyak kedalam paru-paru
pertolonganNya, dan membuat kita semakin
tiga jam perjalanan dari kota LA. Pada tanggal
saya. Setelah dibius, dokter memasukkan
bertumbuh seperti halnya yang terjadi di
21 Februari, saya menderita sakit panas yang
selang
dalam kehidupan saya dan keluarga saya.
semakin parah. Saya hampir tidak dapat
mesin oksigen dan paru-paru saya melalui
bergerak, hampir tidak dapat bangun, bahkan
mulut dan tenggorokan saya. Keesokan
Pada tanggal 29 Desember 2010,
hampir tidak dapat berjalan dari tempat
harinya, saya mengalami krisis besar. Karena
Tuhan mengaruniakan kami seorang anak
tidur. Dengan segera Heri membawa saya
kekurangan oksigen, tubuh saya terus
laki-laki, Clement Christopher Setiawan
ke ruang gawat darurat terdekat, dan disana
menerus menggelepar disertai dengan alarm
menyatakan
keagungan,
panjang
yang
menghubungkan
Anniversary 2012
55
gawat darurat dan mesin vital sign yang terus
semakin mengkhawatirkan dengan tubuh dan
merawat saya melakukan tugasnya dengan
menyala dan berbunyi. Dokter dan perawat
mata yang semakin membengkak, dan kedua
terus menerus menangis. Malam tersebut, sembilan bulan kehamilan, proses operasi
kehilangan
oksigen
tangan saya yang sempat direstraint berhari-
keluarga, saudara-saudara seiman dari GII, c-section, dan breast feeding selama dua
telah terus menerus memompa sebanyak
hari karena tanpa sadar saya berusaha untuk
dan kedua Pastor pun datang menjenguk. bulan pertama sehingga daya tahan tubuh
100% oksigen tetapi paru-paru saya hanya
mencabut selang infus dan pipa intubasi saya.
Mereka berdoa sepanjang malam dan sempat
saya semakin menurun. HLH adalah penyakit
dapat menyerap sebanyak 50-60% oksigen. Setelah para dokter spesialis dan perawat di
memperdengarkan suara Clement lewat
dimana tubuh saya memiliki terlalu banyak
Tetapi karena Anugerah Tuhan, setelah lima
kota Hanford menyerah dan pengharapan
rekaman di telinga saya yang waktu itu tidak
jumlah immune system dan cell darah putih
jam mengalami krisis, tanpa sengaja para
untuk sembuh semakin menipis, pada tanggal
sadar dan di dalam
tersebut saling men-
perawat menemukan posisi dimana tubuh
8 Maret, saya ditransfer ke kota Visalia,
kondisi yang semakin
yerang
saya dapat menerima
tepatnya di rumah
m e n g h aw a t i r k a n .
lain sehingga tubuh
oksigen lebih lancar.
sakit yang lebih cang-
akal
karena
mesin
se-
Delta Medical Center.
belas hari di kota Hanford,
satu
sama
saya tidak terlindung Pagi
hari
dari serangan virus
berlalu
dan
atau
gih bernama Kaweah Selama
oleh proses perubahan hormon selama
pun
bakteri
dari
karena pertolongan
luar tubuh. Akibat
Tuhan, kondisi saya
serangan
stabil
paru-paru saya pun
tiga
menjadi rusak dan
ke-empat
Di tempat ini pun
dokter spesialis yang
saya mengalami pera-
mendadak
ternama di kota ter-
watan yang lebih baik.
dan
sebut beserta dengan
Tetapi pada tanggal 13
hari ke depan, saya
tidak
begitu banyak test
Maret, saya mengalami
berhasil
ditransfer
yerap oksigen untuk
darah
krisis besar dimana
dengan helicopter ke
disalurkan ke seluruh
dan
tempat perawatan yang lebih baik di UCLA. tubuh saya.Setelah diketahui penyebabnya,tim
dan
obat-
dalam
tersebut,
dapat
men-
obat mahal yang diberikan (termasuk obat
selain
Xigris yang bernilai 24,000 dollar per vial)
menemukan penyumbatan di saluran jantung
Disinilah kemudian tim dokter berhasil
dokter UCLA pun segera memberikan saya
tidak juga memberikan kesembuhan. Begitu
saya. Setelah itu paru-paru saya collapse
melakukan
chemotherapy dan steroid untuk mengurangi
banyak test yang saya lalui mulai dari test
dan saya tidak dapat bernafas. Dokter ahli
menemukan penyebab dari penyakit saya. jumlah sel darah putih di dalam tubuh saya.
Valley
Fever, Lupus, H1N1/Swine
pneumonia
ARDS,
dokter
Flu, pun akhirnya kehilangan akal dan meminta
bone
marrow
biopsy
dan
Menurut Dokter, saya menderita penyakit
bahkan test HIV, tidak ada satupun yang
suami saya Heri untuk memberitahu anggota
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis atau
Pergumulan saya waktu itu belum
positifDokter hanya memutuskan bahwa
keluarga dan teman-teman untuk bertemu
disingkat dengan HLH. Dokter berkata
selesai karena selama berhari-hari saya
saya mengalami pneumonia yang sangat
dengan saya terakhir kalinya. Heri pun
bahwa penyakit ini mungkin telah ada di
mengalami lung collapse sehingga dokter
parah dan Acute Respiratory Distress
kemudian bertemu dengan social worker
dalam tubuh saya bahkan sejak saya lahir dan
harus menusukkan chest tubes ke dalam
Syndrome (ARDS). Situasi saya pada saat itu
dan hospital chaplain. Kedua perawat yang
mendadak keluar kemungkinan dikarenakan
paru-paru saya untuk mengeluarkan udara
56
Anniversary 2012
Anniversary 2012
57
dan jumlah air yang berlebihan dari paru-paru
Melalui pergumulan yang berat ini,
saya agar paru-paru saya bisa mengembang
Tuhan menyatakan diri-Nya dan mengajarkan
kembali. Kemudian, supaya pipa intubasi tidak
saya tentang banyak hal antara lain adalah:
merusak pita suara saya, dokter membuat lubang di leher saya agar saya bisa bernafas
1. Tuhan adalah sumber kekuatan saya dan
(tracheostomy), dan juga dokter membuat
keluarga saya. Saya yakin tanpa kekuatan
lubang di intestine saya agar tubuh saya dapat
dari Tuhan, tidak mungkin kami semua
menerima nutrisi (g-tube) langsung dari
akan tetap setia menjalani semua ini.
lubang tersebut tanpa harus melalui mulut dan tenggorokan. Pada tanggal 5 April, 5
2. Tuhan kita adalah Jehovah Jireh yang
hari sebelum saya berulang tahun, saya mulai
mencukupi segala kebutuhan saya dan tidak
sadar penuh setelah tertidur sejak tanggal
pernah lalai dalam memelihara keluarga
25 Februari. Pada waktu itu saya tidak dapat
kami melalui bantuan orang tua, saudara-
Dr. R. C. Sproul, the founder and president of Ligonier Ministries, is known for his ability to communicate the deep truths of the Christian faith. He is president of Reformation Bible College, preaches at Saint Andrew’s in Sanford, Florida, and teaches on the daily raido program Renewing Your Mind. He has written more than seventy books, including The Truth of the Cross.
bergerak sama sekali dan hanya bisa bernafas, saudari seiman, dan teman-teman kami. bahkan menggerakkan jari sedikit pun saat itu belum bisa. Saya merayakan ulang tahun
3. Melalui kehidupan suami saya Heri saya
saya di intensive care di UCLA dan untuk
mengalami kasih Tuhan yang Agape, yaitu
pertama kalinya kembali bertemu dengan
kasih yang sempurna, kasih yang tidak
Clement pada tanggal 15 Mei. Akhirnya
mengharap timbal balik, dan kasih yang
pada tanggal 9 Juni, saya berhasil ditransfer
penuh pengorbanan.
Trust? Hope? Or Something Else? The word faith is heard often these days, but it is given many different meanings. Sometimes it is used in the sense of trust. Other times, it has more to do with hope. Perhaps most often, it is used to mean belief in something apart from rational or empirical support.
dari UCLA ke Garfield Medical Center dimana saya dengan perlahan mulai belajar
4. Saya mengalami belas kasihan Tuhan
untuk makan, berbicara, menulis, berdiri, dan
melalui dukungan dan doa-doa
berjalan kembali. Pada tanggal 8 Juli, saya
teman-teman, dan saudara-saudari seiman
pun diijinkan Tuhan untuk keluar dari rumah
di seluruh dunia (Los Angeles, Indonesia,
sakit dan kembali tinggal di rumah kami di
Singapore, China, German, Canada, dan
El Monte. Melalui prosedur bone marrow
Australia). Saya percaya Tuhan mencurahkan
biopsy
belas kasihanNya melalui doa-doa anak-
bulan
lalu, dokter
menyatakan
bahwa saya telah sembuh dan tidak perlu menjalani proses stem cell transplant. 58
Anniversary 2012
anak-Nya,
dan
Ia
sangat
keluarga,
bersukacita
“I Trusted CHRIST, Am I Still Saved?” Many people in the church today are plagued by doubts about their salvation. Satan whispers that it is impossible that sinners such as they could be in a state of grace, and some churches compound the problem by teaching that it is possible for believers to lose their salvation.
Library hours are every Sunday 12:30 - 2 PM For more information, please contact our librarian Janice Atmadja (626-123-4567) Anniversary 2012
59
How To Get A Job In Five Four Easy Steps
by Rocky Tindage
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:9
Testimony: Romans 8 I don’t fully know why God allowed me to remain unemployed for 523 days, lose our
melihat
pengorbanan
mereka
dalam
home and sit many days in seeming idleness. melayani sesama dengan kerendahan hati. I know I did reap many spiritual fruits such as trust, hope and patience, and that today
5. Selama mengalami recovery di Garfield
I have fulfilling job that I believe is the
Medical Center, saya mengalami pribadi
beginning of my ministry/career in Airport
Tuhan yang
Administration (basically I work for the
dalam
landlord of the airport and the airlines and
memilih untuk memproses saya dengan
concessionaries are our tenants) but to say
sabar ketimbang memberikan saya jalan
in complete confidence that I understand
pintas yang akan berakhir kepada kebinasaan.
begitu sabar. Ia sangat sabar
membentuk
karakter
saya
dan
God’s plan and path for my life would be
I
n the words of Paul, “May it never be!”
often and so well that time and time again
shortsighted and foolish. Part of the reason
6.
we fall into this mindset more often than we
is that my story is not over yet! I wasn’t
kita
dan
ought, or even worse, we use it as an excuse
exactly fond of the latest chapter, but it was
dan
Anugerah. Walaupun
for our sins!
necessary to lead to the next chapter in the
manusia yang sangat berdosa dan lebih
story of my life.
kecil dari debu dihadapanNya, tetapi Ia
It is tempting to believe that our present
Tuhan
adalah Ia
penuh
sumber
anugerah
dengan kita
Rahmat adalah
state of misery and struggle is a direct result
Even in retrospect, the temptation lingers.
of hidden sins, as if God were the god of
“God had let this and this happen so that
So to my brothers and sisters that are
saya (Yesaya 42:3). Karena begitu besar Kasih
“an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”
today I can have this.” We are in such a
struggling, remember the next chapter is
Allah di dalam kehidupan saya, sehingga Ia
The reasoning is actually quite simple. If I
hurry to get a handle on our situations and
just around the corner!
May the words
mengaruniakan Anak-Nya, Yesus Kristus
do “A” then God will give me “B”, but if I do
explain how our defeats are stepping-stones
of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ be an
untuk mati di kayu salib menebus dosa-dosa
“C” then God will give me “D.” Aha! I have
to victory that we fall right into another
exhortation in your greatest times of need.
saya. Saya tidak layak menerima semua ini
figured out how to get God to do what I
snare. The truth of that matter is,
“I have said these things to you, that in
tetapi Tuhan mencurahkan anugerah-Nya
me you may have peace. In the world you
kepada saya. Untuk itu selama-lamanya saya
"For as the heavens are higher than the
will have tribulation. But take heart; I have
bersyukur atas anugerah-Nya yang begitu
earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
overcome the world.” – John 16:33 [END]
besar.
want! As ridiculous as this may sound, we do it so 60
Anniversary 2012
tetap menyembuhkan dan menyelamatkan
Anniversary 2012
61
This book is available in our library
Book Review Parenting by God's Promises By Jocelyn Lee-Tindage
I
stared at the cover of what I thought
especially Christian parents. He encourages
But of course, a family in this fallen world is
parents with a reminder that it is by God’s
rarely perfect or idyllic. While the concept
grace alone that sinners (both parents and
of a perfect family is easy to grasp, the
their children) are saved, and because He
execution is, well, perhaps more elusive.
is a “covenant-keeping God”, we can look
Thus, in the final two sections of the book,
to Him and trust Him who is our strength. Dr. Beeke spends the last eight of his twentyFrom there, Dr. Beeke continues to discuss
two chapters offering practical advice to
the implication of God’s covenant in raising
parents. He refers parents to the ways of
children in the faith, the purpose/significance
the Puritans as example of godly parenting;
of infant baptism, and bringing children to
he gives counsel on issues such as taming
Christ.
the tongue, learning to listen, handling
would be the most boring read of my life
sibling relationships and guiding teenagers
since the days of managerial accounting
From the foundation of Scripture, he moves
through the beginning of their adulthood.
(which promptly put me to sleep during
on to nine chapters worth of parents’
He emphasizes in all of these chapters, that
many late college nights). The silver title is
“office-bearing responsibilities as prophets, parents are to model the behavior they wish
elegantly embossed along the coffee brown
priests, and kings.” He spends two to three
spine of the book:
Parenting by God’s
chapters describing each office and how each
Promises by Dr. Joel R. Beeke1. Not only
office effects the duties and responsibility of
This book is a perfect reminder of the good
is the topic of the book irrelevant to me,
parents. In essence:
ol’ adage: “Do not judge a book by its cover”
but what qualifications would I have for
•
(or in my case, by its title). I have learned
reviewing on a subject to which I was not
their children the truth;
much from this book about God’s covenant
privy to experience? Nonetheless, I began
•
from which His mercy and faithfulness is
reading (however reluctantly) because it was
and sympathize with their children;
evident. We can rest assured because He
assigned. Imagine my surprise to find that
•
has promised: “He remembers his covenant
it was not at all what I had expected and I
to rule over their children.
like prophets, parents are to teach like priests, parents are to pray for finally, like kings, parents are called
actually enjoyed reading it.
to see in their children.
forever, the word that He commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant that he
covenant with Abram in Genesis 15. He then
As I read, I find myself imagining the household
made with Abraham, His sworn promise to
Rather than opening with anecdotes, child
spends the next four chapters delving deep
that Dr. Beeke described – one that is filled
Isaac, which he confirmed to Jacob, to Israel
psychology, child development, or a list of
into the theological foundation of God’s
with the Truth, with prayer, and with love. A
as an everlasting covenant.” (Psalm 105:8-10)
to-dos, Dr. Beeke begins his book with God’s
covenant and what it means to Christians,
very idyllic scene lingers in my mind.
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63
Name: Steven Age: 8 I learned that God’s word is life, delight, wisdom, truth, and hope. My favorite activity was painting the hands. Name: Hubert Kusdono (helper) Age: 16 I learned that it is not embarrassing to just be yourself with the little kids. In fact, it’s actually pretty fun to goof off with the kids. My favorite activity was playing games and activities with the kids before lunch.
VBS 2012 Survey Name: Megan Age: 7 I learned about the words wisdom, my hope, and my delight. My favorite activity was playing all the games. All of them were my favorite. Name: Timmy Gozali (helper) Age: 15 I learned that humans are strangers on Earth. People like us are meant to be alone. As Christians, we must stand firm in our faith. My favorite activity was helping preschool with their games and activiy. Also eating food. :-P 64
Anniversary 2012
My favorite activity was the game where we tried to protect our balloon. Name: Michelle Lam Age: 7 I learned that God’s word is life, my hope, truth, wisdom, my delight. My favorite activity was painting and drawing the bag.
Name: Stuart Kusdono (helper) Age: 13 I learned that if you have a non-Christian friend, you must have 7 different prayers for them to help evangelize him/her. Name: Jessica Lam My favorite activity was the snack time beAge: 9 I learned that God’s words is life, my delight, cause the food was good and you could get more (especially the fried dumplings). wisdom, truth and hope.
Name: Sarah Lam (helper) Age: 12 I learned that you need God’s help and wisdom to survive school. My favorite activity was helping with craft. Name: Melody Age: 10 I learned that God’s word is life, my delight, and true. My favorite activity was game time. Name: Joel Age: 8 I learned that God’s word is life, delight, wisdom, truth and hope. My favorite activity was painting the hands. Anniversary 2012
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tentang tugasnya saat membersihkan
Setiap LANGKAH
ADALAH
ladang ranjau, dan bagaimana ia harus menyaksikan satu per satu temannya tewas terkena ledakan ranjau di depan matanya. “Saya belajar untuk hidup di antara pijakan setiap langkah.” Katanya, “Saya tidak pernah tahu, apakah lang-
ANUGERAH
kah berikutnya adalah pijakan terakhir, sehingga saya belajar untuk melakukan segala sesuatu yang sanggup saya lakukan tatkala mengangkat dan memijakkan kaki serta mensyukuri langkah sebelumnya. Setiap langkah yang saya ayunkan merupakan sebuah dunia baru, dan saya kira sejak saat itulah saya menjalani ke-
S eorang
professor diundang untuk
berbicara di sebuah basis militer. Di
professor dengan senyum lebar menghiasi wajahnya.
sana, ia berjumpa dengan seorang prajurit yang tak mungkin dilupakannya, Ralph, “Dari mana anda belajar melakukan penjemputnya di bandara. Setelah saling
semua hal itu?,” tanya sang professor.
memperkenalkan diri, mereka menuju tempat pengambilan bagasi. Ketika ber-
“Melakukan apa?,” tanya Ralph.
jalan keluar, Ralph sering menghilang. Banyak hal dilakukannya. Ia membantu
“Dari mana anda belajar untuk hidup
seorang wanita tua yang kopornya jatuh
seperti itu?,” desak sang professor.
dan terbuka, kemudian mengangkat dua anak kecil agar mereka dapat melihat
“Oh,” kata Ralph, “selama perang .....
sinterklas. Ia juga menolong orang yang
Saya kira, perang telah mengajari saya
tersesat dengan menunjukkan arah yang
banyak hal.” Lalu ia menuturkan kisah
benar. Setiap kali, ia kembali ke sisi sang
perjalanan tugasnya di Vietnam. Juga
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Anniversary 2012
hidupan seperti ini. Kelimpahan hidup tidak ditentukan oleh berapa lama kita hidup, tetapi sejauh mana kita menjalani kehidupan yang bermakna bagi orang lain.” Nilai manusia tidak ditentukan dengan bagaimana ia mati, melainkan bagaimana ia hidup. Kekayaan manusia bukan apa yang ia peroleh, melainkan apa yang telah ia berikan. Selamat menikmati setiap langkah hidup anda dan BERSYUKURLAH SETIAP SAAT ....... Banyak orang berpikir bagaimana mengubah dunia ini. Hanya sedikit yang memikirkan bagaimana mengubah dirinya sendiri.. Sumber: Anonim
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