252 thth AAnniversarynniversaryry EdEditionditiono Editors Note AGAPE Silver Anniversary 2008

T wenty-fi ve years old is an age that most would deem as the time when one offi cially reaches “adulthood”. But are we truly “adult” in our thinking and our faith? Or is it just a number signaling how old the walls of this church are? The Church is an institution initiated by God Himself to fulfi ll our needs as Christian people for fellowship and companionship through our time on earth. With full realization of this, the special an- niversary issue themed “God, The World, and I” is created with a goal to educate Christians on cultivating Godly relationships with not only other Christians (fellow congregation members), but also our non-Christian friends, our family, and our future spouses. Humans are social creatures Advisors: and we are relational beings. Like us, our faith is not a solo pursuit. Perhaps Daniel Loe this may be the most important reason why God ordained the Church to Ev. Wilson Suwanto be built, to be the closest physical resemblance to Heaven and to act as a Editors: source of strength and hope until His Second Coming. Janice Atmadja Merissa Halim In this issue, we introduce a new permanent section called “Christians Linda Lukminto around the World” to encourage awareness of God’s hands in every na- Debbie Wang tion worldwide. Our fi rst article will feature China’s growing Christian Linda Yusuf ministry. We also have other new interesting articles shedding light on current popular youth culture Youtube featured under our Youth Section Layout: called “What’s More Interesting than Youtube” to help us older folks catch Harold Doryumu Eva Leony up with today’s technological age! These new articles encourage aware- Irma Prasetyo ness of what is going on in our world today and how we must be aware Alvin Sugianto of them to deal with them in a manner pleasing our Lord. We also feature Vincent Yobeanto many new articles such as: “Relating Women with Men” and a “Diagnosis Buddy Yusuf on Gossip” that may spark new thought and discussion. Contributors: With the coming of age, we of Agape would like to do all we can to equip Yesaya Adidjaja Bina Kusnohadi you and publish writings that will encourage, educate, and equip us for Rev. Saumiman Saud Godly-living. We encourage involvement of the congregation through Ev. Dedy Sutendi comments and contributions. For questions or comments, feel free to Ev. Wilson Suwanto contact us through the information below. Maggie Tewuh

We wish you a Happy Birthday Azusa, and may God bless you! Printing: Semiwati Oei

Production of IEC Azusa: Agape team 539 N. Sunset Ave. Azusa, CA 91702 Phone: (626) 812-0326 Email: [email protected] http://www.gii-usa.org

2 Agape » Anniversary 2008 6 Reverends’Reve Thank-YouThThan k- You 11 DoaD UntukUtk GGerejakuerejaku 12 GoGod,d, thetheh World, and I 27 CCongratulationong Reverend Wilson Suwanto 28 SSpiritualpi Disciplines as the Journey... 34 WWhath is Sin? 36 StSStop Dating the Church 38 PePPersonal Relationship with the Church... 44 A Diagnosis of Gossip 46 ReRRelating Women With Men 50 GGraduatesr 2008 52 I LLoveo Jesus But I Don’t Read the Bible 56 HelHelpingpin Our Children to Build a Personal... 61 Recipe: CajunC Chicken Pasta & Creme Brulee 62 CCalifornia lif i 4 Sale S 70 CChristianshris in China 74 ChChristians’ris Attitude Toward Non-Christians 78 WWilliamillia Carey, Father of Modern Missions 86 Now and Then (The Interview) 88 What’sWhat More Interesting on The Internet Than Youtube&Facebook

3 AgapeAgape » AnniversaryAnniversary 200820088 and Fun Facts about IEC Loss Angeles

1983- This is when the Indonesian Evangelical Church (Gereja Injili Indonesia) fi rst came into exis- tence. However, the birth of this church took much planning and much praying. Reverend Kristianto Hosea, came to the United States in June 1979 from Indonesia after going to Malang Seminary, to attend school at Azusa Pacifi c University where he obtained his Bachelors of Arts degree, Master of Arts degree in Religion, and a Masters of Arts degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling at Azusa Pacifi c University. From his youth, Reverend Hosea knew he was called to be pastor in a church, but the question was where he would do so. Originally, Rev. Hosea was asked to go to New Jersey to help Dr. Reverend Moses Yang and his church, replacing Rev. Hasan Sutanto. However, Pastor Hosea decided his only options would be to stay here in Los Angeles or go back to Indonesia to pastor a church.

In January 1983, while praying late at night, he received a phone call around midnight (3A.M. eastern time) from Reverend Dr. Moses Yang, the founder and president of the Christian Evangelical Mission (presently called EMSI—Evangelical Mission Seminary International) stationed in New Jersey, saying that if it is the will of God, they could try to start a new church here in Los Angeles. Rev. Dr. Moses Yang then came to Los An- geles to survey the area and see the potential. He approved, and in March 1983, the fi rst Bible study started in the Recreation Building of Azusa Pacifi c University with 10 people. On the second Sunday of September, the Indonesian Evangelical Church had its fi rst offi cial Sunday service. The Indonesian Evangelical Church started out with 29 adults and 3 children, where the Sunday school met outside on the grass. From the very fi rst Sunday the church started, congregations enjoy lunch after service, with chicken curry (kare ayam) being the fi rst meal ever served; hence this lunch tradition has been going on ever since.

2008- With the growing number of our congregations and the Sunday school kids, we felt so blessed that God has given an opportunity to expand our church building and set the perfect time for us to purchase the house next to our building; which was bought with an aff ordable price. The house was remodeled and is used to hold Sunday school services. In May 2008, the building was dedicated for its use.

The unique and fun thing about our church is that we are so full of traditions and food! Our traditions have been kept since the previous generations until now. Such traditions are Father’s and Mother’s Day Celebra- tions, Christmas Caroling, Christmas Drama, Sunday School Christmas Drama, Cantatas (Easter, Anniversary, and Christmas), Cooking Competitions, Retreat, even we keep the traditions of celebrating the church “Gen- erals’ 80th Birthdays.” Along with these events, food is always served. Food! Food! Food! It is the fellowship that makes us bond with each other and feel more like one big family. In every event, we won’t miss out on food. Likely, we’ve always had, as a tradition, a ‘four legged turkey’ aka barbeque pork (babi panggang) for every Thanksgiving Sunday service.

4 AgapeAgape » AnniversaryAnniversary 2008 1983 ThThehe First Fellowship at APU Recreation Building

1991 First Building Dedication

2008 New Building Dedication

5 AgapeAAggapape » AnniversaryAAnnnniivveersrsaarry 200822000088 THEN & NOW 19983 First Deacons 2008 Deacons D

2008 Sunday School VBS

1985 Sunday School

1983 First Lunch

1988 Roast Pork 6 Thank you

In celebrating the 25th anniversary of our church, what thoughts should we have and what eye and hide me under Your wings.” actions should we do? Because of this, let us ceaselessly, with a genuine There are three things that are of the utmost impor- heart, praise Him. tance that we must do, which are: 3. Give thanks to Himl for His Blessings. 1. Give thanks for the hand of God. For 25 years IEC Azusa was blessed by God with both IEC Azusa was built by the hand of God who is all- physical and mental health. There were many broth- powerful. The hand of God built the church through ers and sisters that returned to Indonesia bringing prayer- prayer that is unrelenting and a faith that is blessings- both physical and eternal blessings. Once genuine. again we must give God the glory for all the blessings The birth of IEC Azusa was according to the will and we received in our lives. plan of God Himself. That is why we must, with all of Ephisians 1:3 said: our hearts praise Him. If not through the will of God, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the growth of our church is certainly not possible. Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Psalm 127:1 said; “If not for God who built our house, futile it is the In the end, we truly are thankful to the Lord because eff orts of the person who built it.” he built IEC Azusa with His mighty hand, and His own Because of that must we never stop praising Him eyes are the one that guards and protects us along who has blessed us with IEC Azusa who are truly un- with blessing us with all kinds of Heavenly blessings. worthy of receiving it. Let us always praise Him who according to the Word of God written in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: 2. Give thanks to Him for His protection and “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will guidance for you in Christ Jesus.” IEC Azusa has now reached 25 years in establish- ment. In those 25 years, IEC Azu- sa remained under the watchful eye and protection of the Lord Himself. Eventhough we’ve never thought that in 25 years we will have experienced many obstacles similar to a hardhitting typhoon and rain. Even so God never left us or abandoned us. Instead, He guarded His church. In what ways has God kept IEC Azusa? For 25 years, God nurtured IEC Azusa like the apple of His own eye just like what Psalms 17:8 said: “ Keep us like the apple of your

Rev. K. Hosea’s Family (Then) 7 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Rev. K. Hosea & Wife (Now)

kitaki pungkiri bahwa selama dua puluh limalim tahun ini kita mengalami banyak tantangan,tat seperti angin taufan dan hu- janja deras yang datang dan menimpa kita. AkanAkA tetapi Tuhan tidak pernah mening- galkangag atau membiarkannya, sebaliknya DiaDia ttetap melindungi dan menjaga gere- jaja Nya.ya. BagaimakahBBa cara Tuhan memeli- harahahara GII AzuAzusa?zusas SelamaSeSelama dua puluhpululuhu lima tahun Tuhan te- lahlah memelihara GIII AzAAzusa bak Biji MataN- yaya sendiri. seperti apaa yayang di kutip dari MazmurM 17:8 yang mengatamengatakan;ata “Peliharakanlah“P“Peliharakanlah aku seperti biji mata, dan sembunyikansesembunyikan lah aku dalam nnaungan sayapMu.”sasayapMu.” OlehOleh sebab itu haruslah kita setiapp hari DidalamDiddlalam rangrangka ka merayamerayakank an Hut GII Azusa yang k kee 25 bersyukurbkk kepada Tuhan dengan setulus hati. tahun ini, hal apakah yang sangat penting yang harus kita ppikirkanikirkan dan kita pperbuat?erbuat? III. Bersyu Bersyukurkur atas BerkatBerkat TuTuhan.han. Ada tiga hal yang sangat penting yang harus kita SeSelamalama 25 tatahunhun GII Azusa tetelahlah ddii bberkatierkati oleholeh Tu- lakukan, yaitu; hhanan ddenganengan bberkaterkat jasmani dandan berkatberkat kekalkekal yangyang bberkelimpahan.erkelimpahan. BanyakBanyak sausaudaradara – sausaudaridari kkitaita yyangang I. Bersyukur atas Tangan Tuhan. ttelahelah kkembaliembali kkee InIndonesiadonesia ddenganengan memmembawabawa bberkaterkat GII Azusa didirikan oleh Tangan Tuhan yang berkuasa. – bberkaterkat jasmani dandan berkatberkat – berkatberkat yang kekal.kekal. Kar- TanganTangan Tuhan mendirikan geregerejaja Azusa melalui doa – eenana itu sesekalikali llagiagi sepatutnsepatutnyalahyalah kkitaita seselalulalu bbersyukurersyukur doadoa yang tekun dan iman yang sungguh – sungguh.sungguh. ddenganengan titidakdak putus – putus atas bberkaterkat – bberkatNyaerkatNya Lahirnya GII Azusa adalah atas kehendak dan rencana yang tetelahlah kkitaita terima ddidalamidalam kkehidupanehidupan kkita.ita. TuhanTuhan sendiri. Oleh sebab itu haruslah kita dengan EEfesusfesus 1:3 mengatakan; sepenuh hati dan haruslah sangat bersyukur sekali “Terpuji“Terpujilahlah AllahAllah ddanan Bapa TuTuhanhan kkitaita Yesus Kristus kepada Nya. Jikalau bukan kehendak Tuhan dan renren-- yang ddalamalam Kristus tetelahlah mengaruniamengaruniakankan kkitaita segasegalala canaNya,canaNya, tidaklah mungkin akan lahir GII Azusa. bberkaterkat rohanirohani didalamdidalam Surga.”Surga.” Mazmur 127:1 mengatakan; “Jikalau bukan Tuhan yang membangun rumah, sia – Akhir kata, kita sungguh – sungguh sangat bersyubersyu-u- sia lah usaha orang yang membangunnya.” kur kepada Tuhan karena dia mendirikan GII AzusAzusa,us Karena itu haruslah kita tanpa henti bersyukur ke- dengan TanganNya yang berkuasa, dan Mata TuhTTuhanu pada Tuhan yang telah mengaruniakan GII Azusa sendiri yang telah dan tetap menjaga kita, sertarta den- kepada kita, yang sebenarnya tidak berlayak untuuntukk gan segala Berkat Surgawi yang telah di berikanberieri ke- menerimanya. pada kita. Biarlah kita harus selalu mengucamengucapkanuca syu- kur menurut Firman Tuhan yang tercantutercantumntu didalam I II. BersyukurBersyukur atas Mata Tuhan.Tuhan. TTesalonikaesalonika 5 : 1818;; GII Azusa saat ini tetelahlah mencamencapaipai usia 25 tatahun.hun. Se- “Mengucap syukurlah dalam segasegalaega hal, sebab itulah lamalama dduaua pupuluhluh llimaima tatahunhun ini GII Azusa tetap ddii jjagaaga yang di kehendaki Allah didadidalamidal Kristus Yesus bagi dandan ddii llindungiindungi oolehleh TuTuhanhan sensendiri.diri. MeskipunMeskipun tidaktidak kkamu.”amu.” 8 AgapeAgape » AnniversaryAnniversary 2008 Thank you IEC-LA’s 25th Anniversary

FFirstirst ofof all,all, onon behalfbehalf ofof EvangelicalEvangelical ChristianChristian MissionMission SynodSynod ofof thethe WestWest Coast,Coast, I wouldwould likelike toto saysay Hap-Hap- ppyy 225th5th AnniversaryAnniversary ttoo IIndonesianndonesian EvangelicalEvangelical ChurchChurch LosLos Angeles;Angeles; andand congratulationscongratulations ttoo EEv.v. WWilsonilson SSuwantouwanto fforor bbeingeing iinauguratednaugurated aass a ppastorastor iinn IIECEC LLosos AAngeles.ngeles.

LLookingooking bbackack andand reminiscingreminiscing whatwhat GGodod hashas donedone inin thisthis church,church, therethere areare a couplecouple ofof thingsthings wewe sshouldhould bbee tthankfulhankful ffor:or:

11.. PPraiseraise GodGod thethe All-lovingAll-loving andand AlmightyAlmighty wwhoho hhasas lleded aandnd bblessedlessed IIECEC LLosos AAngelesngeles tthroughhrough sstrug-trug- gglesles servicingservicing fforor a quarterquarter ofof a centurycentury llong!ong! EEvenven tthoughhough jjourneyourney ofof servingserving dduringuring thesethese 2525 yyearsears iiss nnotot eeasyasy aandnd iitt iiss ffullull ooff cchallengehallenge aandnd ddiffiiffi culty;culty; hhowever,owever, GGod’sod’s blessingblessing andand protectionprotection hhasas alwaysalways aaccompaniedccompanied tthishis cchurch.hurch.

22.. PPraiseraise GGod,od, becausebecause HeHe hashas startedstarted a noblenoble tasktask throughthrough Rev.Rev. MosesMoses Yang,Yang, Rev.Rev. KristantoKristanto HoseaHosea aandnd colleaguescolleagues whowho shareshare thethe samesame strugglesstruggles toto buildbuild HisHis churchchurch inin thisthis placeplace andand HeHe continuecontinue ttoo ccompleteomplete HHisis workwork untiluntil tthehe ddayay ooff JJesusesus CChristhrist (Philippians(Philippians 11:6).:6).

33.. PPraiseraise God,God, becausebecause IECIEC LosLos AngelesAngeles startedstarted fromfrom 1010 peoplepeople andand growgrow intointo hhundredsundreds ooff ccongrega-ongrega- ttions;ions; fromfrom rentingrenting tthehe bbuildinguilding ooff AAzusazusa PPacifiacifi c UniversityUniversity toto havinghaving itsits ownown building;building; fromfrom thethe fi rstrst generationgeneration ddevelopsevelops ttoo tthehe ssecondecond ggeneration;eneration; aandnd sstartedtarted wwithith sserviceervice iinn oonlynly oonene llanguageanguage ((inin IIndonesian)ndonesian) aandnd ggrowsrows iintonto hhavingaving sserviceservices iinn tthreehree llanguagesanguages ((inin IIndonesian,ndonesian, EEnglish,nglish, aandnd MMandarin).andarin). ThisThis isis aallll a ggiftift ffromrom GGod!od!

44.. PPraiseraise God,God, watchingwatching thethe fi rrstst generationgeneration tthathat ppioneeredioneered tthishis cchurchhurch iiss sstilltill ffaithfullyaithfully sservingerving ttoo tthishis dday.ay. AndAnd tthehe ssecondecond ggenerationeneration hhasas rrisenisen ttoo ccontinueontinue aandnd ddevelopevelop sserviceervice iinn tthishis cchurch.hurch. BBesidesesides tthose,hose, GodGod providesprovides servantsservants wwhoho aarere ooff oonene mindmind andand helpinghelping eacheach otherother endureendure burdenburden toto ex-ex- ttendend tthehe wworkork ooff GGod.od.

IInn orderorder toto celebratecelebrate tthishis 225th5th aanniversary,nniversary, wwee aarere rreallyeally llongingonging ttoo ccountount oonene bbyy oonene GGod’sod’s ooverflverfl ow-ow- iingng blessingblessing thatthat hhasas bbeeneen ppouredoured iinn tthishis cchurch,hurch, hhowever,owever, wwithith ourour defidefi nitenite vvocabulary,ocabulary, iit’st’s iimpos-mpos- ssibleible forfor usus toto expressexpress aandnd ddescribeescribe allall ofof it.it. Accordingly,Accordingly, wewe cancan onlyonly quotequote ApostleApostle PaulPaul fromfrom thethe sscripturecripture RomeRome 11:3611:36 whichwhich concludesconcludes “for“for HimHim andand throughthrough HimHim andand toto HimHim areare allall things.things. ToTo HimHim bebe tthehe gloryglory forever!forever! Amen.”Amen.”

Rev. Stephen Hosea President of the ECM Synod of the West Coast

9 Agape » Anniversary 2008 HUT ke 25 GII-LA

PPertama-tama,ertama-tama, atasatas namanama SinodeSinode MisiMisi KristenKristen InjiliInjili didi PantaiPantai BaratBarat AAmericamerica ssayaaya mmengucapkanengucapkan SSelamatelamat UUlanglang TTahunahun keke 2525 kepadakepada GerejaGereja InjiliInjili IndonesiaIndonesia LosLos AngelesAngeles dandan SelamatSelamat kkepadaepada Ev.Ev. WilsonWilson SuwantoSuwanto yyangang ddilantikilantik mmenjadienjadi pendetapendeta GIIGII LosLos Angeles.Angeles.

MMelihatelihat ddanan mmengenangengenang kkembaliembali aapapa yyangang AAllahllah llakukanakukan didalamdidalam gerejagereja ini,ini, adaada beberapabeberapa halhal yangyang patutpatut kkitaita bbersyukur:ersyukur:

11.. PPujiuji ssyukuryukur kepadakepada AllahAllah yygg MMahaaha kkasihasih ddanan MMahaaha kkuasauasa ygyg telahtelah memimpinmemimpin ddanan mmemberkatiemberkati GIIGII LosLos AngelesAngeles melewatimelewati pperjuanganerjuangan pelayananpelayanan sselamaelama sseperempateperempat aabadbad llamanya!amanya! MMemang,emang, pperjalananerjalanan ppelayananelayanan sselamaelama 2255 ttahunahun iinini ttidakidak mmudahudah ddanan ppenuhenuh ddenganengan tantangantantangan ddanan kkesulitan,esulitan, namunnamun berkatberkat dandan pemeliharaanpemeliharaan AllahAllah senantiasasenantiasa mmenyertaienyertai ggerejaereja iini.ni.

22.. PujiPuji syukursyukur kepadakepada Allah,Allah, karenakarena IaIa yangyang memulaimemulai pekerjaanpekerjaan yangyang bbaikaik mmelaluielalui PPdt.dt. MMosesoses Yang,Yang, Pdt.Pdt. KKristiantoristianto HHoseaosea ddanan rrekan-rekanekan-rekan sseperjuanganeperjuangan untukuntuk mmembangunembangun ggerejaNyaerejaNya ddii ttempatempat iinini ddanan IIaa ttetapetap mmeneruskaneneruskan ppekerjaaanNyaekerjaaanNya ssampaiampai ppadaada hhariari kkedatanganedatangan AAnakNya.nakNya. ((FilipiFilipi 11:6):6)

33.. PPujiuji ssyukuryukur kepadakepada Allah,Allah, karenakarena GIIGII LosLos AngelesAngeles ddimulaiimulai ddariari 1010 orangorang bbertumbuhertumbuh mmenjadienjadi ratusanratusan oorang;rang; ddimulaiimulai ddenganengan mmenyewaenyewa ggedungedung AAzusazusa PPacifiacifi c UniversityUniversity ssampaiampai mmemilikiemiliki ggedungedung ggerejaereja ssendiri;endiri; dimulaidimulai daridari generasigenerasi ppertamaertama bberkembangerkembang keke ggenerasienerasi yygg kkedua;edua; ddanan ddimulaiimulai ddenganengan kkebaktianebaktian ddalamalam ssatuatu bbahasaahasa ((bahasabahasa IIndonesia)ndonesia) bbertumbuhertumbuh mmenjadienjadi kkebaktianebaktian ddalamalam ttigaiga bbahasaahasa ((bahasabahasa IIndonesia,ndonesia, EEnglishnglish ddanan MMandarin).andarin). IniIni semuanyasemuanya adalahadalah anugrahanugrah Allah!Allah!

44.. PujiPuji syukursyukur kepadakepada Allah,Allah, melihatmelihat ggenerasienerasi yyangang ppertamaertama yygg mmerintiserintis ggerejaereja iinini mmasihasih ttetapetap setiasetia melayanimelayani ssampaiampai ppadaada hhariari ini.ini. DanDan generasigenerasi yyangang kkeduaedua ssudahudah bbangkitangkit uuntukntuk mmeneruskaneneruskan ddanan mmenggembangkanenggembangkan ppelayananelayanan ddii ggerejaereja iini.ni. DDii ssampingamping iitutu ppula,ula, AAllahllah mmenyediakanenyediakan hhamba-hambaamba-hamba TTuhanuhan yygg bbersehatiersehati ddanan bbahuahu mmembahuembahu mmemikulemikul bbebaneban bersamabersama untukuntuk mmeluaskaneluaskan ppekerjaanekerjaan AAllah.llah.

DDalamalam rangkarangka mmerayakanerayakan HHUTUT kkee 2255 iini,ni, kkitaita ssangatangat rrinduindu dapatdapat menghitungmenghitung satusatu ppersaersattuu rahmatrahmat AAllahllah yygg mmelimpahelimpah ygyg telahtelah dicurahkandicurahkan ddidalamidalam ggerejaereja iini,ni, nnamunamun ddenganengan kkata-kataata-kata kkitaita yyangang tterbataserbatas ttidakidak mmungkinungkin uuntukntuk kkitaita mmengucapkanengucapkan ddanan mmelukiskanelukiskan sseluruhnya.eluruhnya. OOlehleh ssebabebab iitu,tu, kkitaita hhanyaanya ddapatapat mmemakaiemakai uucapancapan RRa-a- ssulul PaulusPaulus dalamdalam KitabKitab RomaRoma 11:3611:36 menyimpulkanmenyimpulkan bahwabahwa “segala“segala sesuatusesuatu aadalahdalah ddariari Dia,Dia, dandan oleholeh Dia,Dia, dandan kkepadaepada Dia:Dia: BagiBagi DialahDialah kemuliaankemuliaan sampaisampai selama-lamanya!”selama-lamanya!”

Pdt. Stephen Hosea President of ECM of the West Coast

10 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Thank you WWalkingalking TTogetherogether oonn tthehe BlessedBlessed PathPath BByy Rev.Rev. MosesMoses YangYang FFounderounder ooff EEMSIMSI

On September 12, 1983, Indonesian Evangelical Church in Los Angeles was established. During the past twenty fi ve years, God has led and blessed our sister church. Thank the Lord that during all these years, pastors, coworkers, brothers and sisters have been working together in harmony. Much of God’s work has been successful and made possible by all the loving brothers’ and sisters’ prayers, ef- forts, and perseverance in the ministry.

I would like to give this verse as an encouragement: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed” (Amos 3:3) My hope is that we can continue to support one another and walk the spiritual journey together. May God help us to strive wholeheartedly toward the following fi ve goals: church establishment, discipleship, gospel outreach, loyal devotion to EMSI’s ministries, and unity in the Lord.

In the future years, my prayer is that we can continue to work together in harmony for the cause of the gospel, share the same mission burden, and ultimately walk together along God’s prepared path of blessings for us!

Berjalan Bersama di Jalan Berkat Oleh Rev. Moses Yang Founder of EMSI Pada SSeptembereptember 112,2, 11983,983, ddidirikanlahidirikanlah GerejaGereja InjiliInjili IndonesiaIndonesia didi LosLos Angeles.Angeles. SelamaSelama dduaua ppuluhuluh llimaima ttahun,ahun, TTuhanuhan ttelahelah mmemimpinemimpin ddanan mmemberkatiemberkati cabangcabang gerejagereja kkitaita iini.ni. TTerimaerima kasihkasih kepadakepada TuhanTuhan karenakarena sselamaelama iniini pendeta-pendata,pendeta-pendata, tteman-temaneman-teman ssekerja,ekerja, ddanan jjugauga ssaurdara-saudariaurdara-saudari ttelahelah bbekerjaekerja bbersamaersama ddenganengan hharmonis.armonis. BanyakBanyak pperkerjaanerkerjaan TuhanTuhan yangyang telahtelah berhasilberhasil dandan bolehboleh terjaditerjadi oleholeh karenakarena doa-doa,doa-doa, upaya,upaya, ddanan kketekunanetekunan didi dalamdalam pelayananpelayanan ssaudara-saudariaudara-saudari yyangang tterkasih.erkasih.

SSayaaya iinginngin mmemberikanemberikan ayatayat iinini ssebagaiebagai kkata-kataata-kata ddorongan.orongan. ““BerjalankahBerjalankah duadua orangorang bbersama-sama,ersama-sama, jjikaika mmer-er- eekaka belumbelum berjanji?”berjanji?” (Amos(Amos 3:3)3:3) HarapanHarapan sayasaya aadalahdalah kkitaita bbisaisa terusterus salingsaling membantumembantu ssatuatu ddenganengan yyangang llainain ddanan berjalanberjalan bersamabersama didi perjalananperjalanan rohani.rohani. KiranyaKiranya TuhanTuhan membantumembantu kitakita untukuntuk bberusahaerusaha keraskeras ddenganengan ssetu-etu- llusnyausnya kkee aarahrah llimaima ggolol bberikuterikut iini:ni: ppendirianendirian ggereja,ereja, ppemuridan,emuridan, penjangkauanpenjangkauan FFirmanirman keluar,keluar, pengabdianpengabdian yyangang ssetiaetia kkepadaepada mministriinistri EMSI,EMSI, dandan kesatuankesatuan ddii dalamdalam Tuhan.Tuhan.

DDii masamasa yangyang mmendatang,endatang, ddoaoa ssayaaya aadalahdalah kkitaita bbisaisa tteruserus bbekerjaekerja ssamaama ddenganengan hharmonisarmonis uuntukntuk ppenginjilan,enginjilan, bberbagierbagi bebanbeban misi,misi, dandan jugajuga berjalanberjalan bersamabersama didi jalanjalan berkatberkat yangyang telahtelah disediakandisediakan TuhanTuhan untukuntuk kkita!ita!

1111 AAgAgapegaappe » AnniversaryAnnnin vev rssarary 200820200088 Ya Tuhan Tak terasa sudah Dua puluh lima tahun tanpa lelah Kau sudah menggembalakan gerejaMu

Ya Tuhan Ya Tuhan Tak terasa sudah Kuatkan kami Masa remaja bak angin senja Untuk berani menaiki tangga Menerbangkan kami kepintu kedewasaan kedewasaan Yang penuh tanggung jawab dan pengorbanan By Daniel Loe Ya Tuhan Untuk memuliakan Injil Tuhan Tolong kami Mengobarkan Api penginjilan dunia ini menjadi semakin suram Tolong gerejaMu Memberitakan Kabar Keselamatan Jangan biarkan kami memadamkan Untuk tidak melupakan bimbin- Bukan hanya dengan perkataan suluh-suluh Keselamatan yang telah ganMu Tapi juga dengan perbuatan Kau kobarkan Tuntunan Tangan KasihMu Karena kami ini adalah Cermin– Dengan darah–darah martyr– Pengajaran FirmanMu Cermin kehidupan martyrMu Dari semua Firman Tuhan Ya Tuhan Yang telah Kau limpahkan Ya Tuhan Tolong kami Selama kami dalam penggemblen- Doa kami Tolong jemaatMu gan Firman Berikan kami kesempatan Untuk tidak merasa kami sudah Dan pertumbuhan di dalam membuat Pelita Keselamatan ini cukup dewasa anugerah dan berkat Tuhan semakin berkobar Sehingga kami melepaskan Biarkan kami menjadi obor–obor tuntunanMu Ya Tuhan yang hidup Ingin berjalan sendiri Doa kami Yang jelas terlihat oleh dunia yang Jangan biarkan kami telah tersesat di dalam kegelapan Ya Tuhan Menjadi orang yang lupa diri Biarkan kami menjadi tangan–tan- Ajar kami Dan tak tahu berterima kasih gan yang terulur Berikan kami hikmat Surgawi Jangan biarkan kami menyia–nyia- Yang menarik mereka yang terbe- Berikan kami selalu hati seorang kan nam di dalam lautan kenajisan dan murid Masa hidup kami ini kenistaan Untuk selalu bercermin pada Dengan perbuatan yang tak Biarkan hidup kami ini, FirmanMu berpadanan dengan FirmanMu Biarkan gerejaMu ini, Yang telah kami terima selama Biarkan jemaatMu ini, Ya Tuhan hidup kami ini Menyenangkan HatiMu Ajar kami Jangan biarkan kami Dengan mengorbankan hidup Berikan kami hati seorang anak Mempermalukan namaMu kami ini Yang selalu merindukan bimbin- Jangan biarkan kami menodai Sekali lagi ganMu KesucianMu Pada abad ini Dan selalu mau bersandar padaMu Jangan biarkan kami mendukakan Menjadi sarana Keselamatan Selalu tidak mau jauh dariMu Roh SuciMU Bagi dunia yang telah berlumuran Disetiap jalan hidup kami Jangan biarkan kami membuat oleh noda dan dosa ini 12 Agape » Anniversary 2008 God, the World, and I

By AGAPE

At this spiritual age, we want to learn how to surrender our lives to God all the time and not exclusive to hard times. As young adults at this age, there are many temptations and challenges coming from the world that sometimes hinders us from seeking God’s ways. But, all these temptations and challenges can be an opportunity for us to learn about God. We will also look at the contrast between worldly and Godly thinking and see how our church will stand as our dwelling place from the world. In addition, at this spiritual age, we should also learn on how to stop looking at life from the world’s perspective. For our model of spiritual maturity, we want to look at Job, in the Book of Job, whom was known as the most prosperous and the greatest man in his region before a great tragedy struck him (Job 1). Some of us would also wonder if we personally are in the right position of spiritual maturity or if we are lagging behind than we should be. As we go along the article, we can check on some of the points to see if we have understood and done them; as we know, knowledge without action is futile.

Surrendering Our Lives to Him---Letting in the Book of Job, whom God referred as the most Ourselves to have a Taste of God righteous man and faithful servant (Job 1:8), lost everything he had: his children, servants, properties, There might be some people claiming themselves fame, and health--the emotional, fi nancial, and physical to be Christians, and yet they boast that they never destructions that Satan caused in accord with God’s suffered or faced hard times in their lives because will (Job 1-2). So, why does God allow this tragedy to they have been so faithful and right in God’s eyes. happen to Greg or Job? Many of us know the answer On the other side, we might question their beliefs right away that God wants to discipline and test our because that’s not what Christianity teaches. As some faith. So, how can of us know, Harvest senior pastor, Greg Laurie had these such sufferings just in mourn for the death of his eldest son due be used to discipline to a car accident. Greg admitted that losing a child us? The Sunday after was the worst thing a parent could go through. For the tragedy in Greg’s a pastor who has been so faithful to God, brought family, a guest speaker many lives to God, and even carried out many funeral to the Sunday service services, in worldly view, God is not being fair. But, we by the name of Don as Christians know that hard times are essential in McClure, jokingly said our lives to seek God’s way. Similar to Greg’s situation, that we Christians

13 Agape » Anniversary 2008 had to learn everything twice--setting an example of potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in this he went on, “Sometimes we say to God: God the midst of the ashes.” (Job 2:7-8) Sitting alone with help me understand the power of resurrection. Then, no more dependability to walk through his worst you go to Bible study, pull up your lecture notes, and situations, Job could only surrender supernaturally then you come back to God saying ‘This is great God. to a higher power (God) that he had never had a I’ve learned it now.’ But God says, ‘No, My child. You sense before--letting himself to have a taste of God. haven’t learned it.’ And, you argued with God, ‘Yes, I Hopefully at this point of spiritual age, we as the have learned it.’ Then, He repeated, ‘No, you haven’t children of God are letting ourselves to experience My child. You’ve just learned the theory. You haven’t God personally as we continue to surrender our lives even had the taste of it.’” This illustration teaches us to God at all time. that there are many things that we know of God only by theory, but we actually have never experienced it Thinking Godly positive---Thinking outside in our lives. Perhaps, we can give a sharing and say to the World. other people about how awesome God’s love is, but we never feel suffered in our lives. Through sufferings, God’s love is overfl owed over us (and we will come back to this topic later). Similar to this, we have a limited understanding about surrendering our lives to God. If we face a little problem that’s easy to be solved by our own, we tend to not look for God and surrender, and if we face a very big problem and we have no idea of how to solve the problem, then it’s time for us to look for God. Isn’t this what we The world or other religions teach that if we suffer have been doing all the while? If our lives are going it’s because god is punishing us because of our sins. In smoothly, we tend to not seek God’s way and forget an attempt to give comfort to Job, who at that point to surrender ourselves to Him. We tend to wait until was looking for an answer to his tragedy, his closest we are struck with great problems, then we realized friends admonished him into confessing some of his that we need to seek God’s way and surrender. At (non-existent) sins--they kept repeating, in many the end of Job’s book, he admitted that he only heard chapters of the Book of Job, that Job’s sufferings were about God but didn’t know Him personally until the result of wickedness in his life (one example: Job then, 22:4-11). The fact is that his friends were wrong, Job’s hands were cleaned, and he shunned evil (Job 1:1, 8). “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, Job’s friends were thinking like the world, so God But now my eye sees You.” rebuked them, “… that the LORD said to Eliphaz the (Job 42:5; NKJV) Temanite, ‘My wrath is aroused against you and your Here,Here, Job,Job, who previouslypreviously knew God onlonlyy by two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is knowledge,nowledge, was able to know God ppersonallyersonally throuthroughgh right, as My servant Job has.’” (Job 42:7; NKJV) It is the sufferings in his life. And, let’s take a moment here shown here that worldly thought is trying to deceit to look at Job’s sufferings more deeply. Job actually us from the truth, especially when we are looking for lost everything he had previously: his children, wealth, answers and solutions to our problems. As Christians, fame, and even his health. So, basically at this point, he we should also take a note that there are two kinds was left alone (actually, his wife was still alive, but she of sufferings. The fi rst kind is the kind of sufferings was not supporting his faith). So now, imagine Job at caused by the consequences of our sin. And, the this point alone spiritually and physically. Imagine him second kind is Job’s kind of suffering. We need to pay sitting alone on the ground along the streets with boils close attention to the cause of our sufferings, whether fi lled from his head to toe as the Book of Job says, “So it was from our sin or not, because Satan will use all Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and his wicked ways to fail us in times of sufferings. He struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot might try to make us to become abounded by our to the crown of his head. And he took for himself a sins or he might try to deceit us from the truth

14 Agape » Anniversary 2008 about God as in Job’s kind of suffering. To overcome Job was implying that he didn’t feel God’s presence, our sufferings/hard times, it is easier if we know the even though he is trying his best to look for Him. original cause of it; but, we have to be honest here Sometimes, in our hard times, we feel like Job, we pray with ourselves and with God. The next thing we can and pray then we read the Scriptures or we did ev- do as we are trying to overcome our sufferings is erything we can to fi nd some answers from God, but thinking Godly positive, but many of you will ask, we just feel like God is not present to give us some “What does it mean to think Godly positive in these answers. But, what if God says the answer is ‘Wait’ situations?” Let’s take a look at the next paragraph. or ‘Be patient’! Even though he didn’t fi nd God’s an- swers, Job remained faithful to Him as his faith was We want to look at hard times from a positive point being tested. Job continued on with verse 10, of view--that sufferings and hard times are a good “But he knows the way that I take; opportunity that God has given us. Job’s suffering when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. was an opportunity for him to learn about God’s sovereignty. Through sufferings, Job was able to learn My feet have closely followed his steps; that death is not the end of everything (Job 19:25- I have kept to his way without turning aside. 27), to discover that God would rescue him (Job I have not departed from the commands of his lips; 14:13-17), and to know that God is wonderful (Job I have treasured the words of his mouth more than 26:5-14). (Taken from unknown source) We too, if my daily bread.” we are experiencing sufferings in our lives, want to (Job 23:10-12; NIV) take them as an opportunity to learn about God’s sovereignty. We also want to take our problems Isn’t it wonderful to see how faithful and optimistic as an opportunity to grow spiritually, mentally, and Job was in his hard times! Job was being optimistic- morally. If we learn that our suffering is caused by -he was able to think the best possibility out of the our own sin, then we need to be responsible for it worst of his situations (that he would become as as we know every sin has its consequences. With pure as gold if it were true God was testing him). overcoming the consequences, we can learn how to Job, who can be roughly said as a previously rich, fa- grow in terms of our moral and mental issues. From mous man that became a poor man, a ‘nobody,’ and an the embarrassment, shame, and disappointments of ill person, can be positive about his problems. What our sin, we would not want to fall into that sin again, about us? Are we still grumpy at a little problem we would we? But, if we eventually fall again into the are facing now? Or, are we becoming indifferent to same sin, then we haven’t really repented of our sin God because of the heavy burdens to our problems? and learn from it. On the other hand, if we are at Why don’t we look at the bright side like Job did? Job’s position, our faith is then being tested. We need In addition, we also want to take our sufferings as to draw ourselves close to God and be patient to see another opportunity to experience God’s grandeur what God’s plan for us. Really, patient is the essence love. In the case of the fi rst kind of sufferings, we can here. Off course, it’s easy for us now to look at Job’s know how expensive Jesus’ cross is by realizing our suffering because we already know the happy ending sinful nature, and yet, God was able to pay it all with of the story--God blessed him twice than what he His grandeur love! In the case of the second kind of possessed before (Job 42:10). But, does Job know sufferings, we can see that God already has the solu- the answers of why he suffered at that moment? No, tion to our problems and is trying to prepare us for he has no clue at all, and in fact, he felt like God was a bigger blessing as long as we are ready to receive it. not giving Him an answer, It is ironic to say but true that through suffering we “But if I go to the east, he is not there; can know that God loves us dearly. Every good par- if I go to the west, I do not fi nd him. ent hopes their children to grow up and be ready as the children are given more things to be responsible When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; for. Would we still consider of giving our kid a motor when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.” bike for his present even though we know that he is (Job 23:8-9; NIV). clumsy? No, he would get himself into an auto acci- dent if we do! God, our heavenly Father is like this

15 AgAgapeape » AnniversaryAnniversary 2008 good parent; He wants us to grow up and be pre- protect his children. With the false knowledge about pared as we are entrusted with more of His blessings. God, Job diligently offered burnt offerings to God to These are why God allows sufferings in this world prevent his children from being taken away in case they because they are good opportunities that God has had sinned against God. He doesn’t know all the while given us. It is usually only the good times that we can Satan was causing his sufferings, and he was roaming refer as an opportunity. But now, we can also refer into the world and noting Job’s behavior (Job 1:7-8). the bad times as an opportunity. So, get the idea of For those who watched the latest Batman movie The thinking Godly positive?! Dark Knight or know the heroic superhero named Batman, there was one scene toward the end of the At this spiritual age, we want to stop looking at life movie where the bad guy named Joker captured the from the world’s point of view. Instead, we want to be police commissioner’s or Gordon’s family members able to look at it from God’s point of view--thinking that were being tied up. Joker initiated to make the outside the world. From the world’s perspective, we one, whom Gordon loved most, to be his hostage. are the world’s possession, and therefore, we ought To test this, Joker started off with Gordon’s wife by to possess things in this world. And, we as the children putting her life in danger while watching his reaction of God, sometimes are tempted to possess things in to it. Joker with his knife pressing on her neck was this world, too. So, what happen if we possess much able to get a quick respond from Gordon, who was of the things in the world and think that they are so trying to protect his wife by negotiating with Joker. much worthy? We are then fulfi lling our lives with Joker, who then moved his knife toward Gordon’s too much of false hope. Sometimes, we Christians daughter, now found Gordon negotiating with more wonder why God allows the most precious some- options as the substitutes for his daughter. When the one or something taken away from us or allows us turn came to his son, Gordon cried louder to stop to be in the most moments that we don’t want to what Joker was doing. By Gordon’s strong reaction to deal with. Even Job, the most righteous man couldn’t the danger of his son, Joker fi nally found the perfect avoid the temptation to possess things in the world, hostage, Gordon’s son. Likely, Satan can tell if we he moaned with disappointments when all of his pos- adore someone or something too much. And, God sessions vanished, knew already if we put too much of our love into the “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, things in the world, when we eventually someday lose And what I dreaded has happened to me.” them, we would put the blame on God and becoming indifferent to Him because of our disappointments. (Job 3:25; NKJV) He had warned us in His Tenth Commandments to AAss we may know, burnt offerings in those days were avoid any idol and to put Him fi rst in everything. In used to purify and cleanse sinners from their sinssins, and his book’s ‘No-Nonsense Dating,’ Ronn Elmore says, this is what Job was doing regularly. As a father, Job “Love isn’t about meeting a need. All your needs are loved his children so much, and he was trying to overly fulfi lled in your relationship with the living God. So Job’s number one fear is that his children will be taken if God is supplying all your needs, then everything else must be a want. You need food. You need air. You away from him, need salvation. But you want a companion. You want a “And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on relationship. You want someone on this planet to know his appointed day, and would send and invite their three you and love you in spite of what they know about sisters to eat and drink with them. So it was, when the you.” Elmore reminds that even in relationships, God days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send should be put fi rst, then he continued, “So, here’s the and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning big difference between want and need: If I recognize that I don’t need you, then I’m free to love you in a and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them responsible way…Making an idol of another human all. For Job said, ‘It may be that my sons have sinned and is a sin. Make Jesus the Lover of your soul and you’ll cursed God in their hearts.’ Thus Job did regularly.” be free to love another human being in a way that (Job 1:4-5; NKJV) will set you both free from any hint of idol worship.” Elmore is saying that relationships and love are free

16 AgAgapeape » AnniversaryAnniversary 2008 but must still be done in a responsible way. By this, he our time and money as we are living our lives as is implying that we don’t own our relationships nor Christians? If for example we face a situation like Job, do we own the people we love because God owns our properties, fame, children, and health vanished them. Therefore, we don’t want to be the world’s due to some reasons, and what more left on us is--we possessions and be obsessed with the things in the can say it roughly is our inner values. But what’s the world. Instead, we should always remind ourselves worth of our inner value that now it can support our that we are God’s possessions, and that we want to lives? Let’s look at Job, whose inner value is pure and be obsessed only with God. dependable. Satan thought Job’s wealth and fame was the reason that he was righteous and faithful to God, Improving Our Inner Beauty---Godly “So Satan answered the LORD and said, ‘Does Job Character. fear God for nothing?... You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in Our outer values are temporary while our inner the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch values are eternal. For example, wealth, look, fame, all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your and health are dispersible as they can vanish slowly face!’ ” (Job 1:9-11; NKJV) Satan was wrong about with time. On the other hand, our Godly characters Job. Job surely was in mourn, but he did not sin nor such as righteousness, holiness, kindness, honesty, and insult God (Job 1:20-22; 2:9-10). How is this possible loving will be planted in us eternally. The world, like for someone who was struck with great sufferings? the owner (Satan), is so deceitful into making us think It’s because Job had been bringing up his Godly that investing on the things that can seen such us our characters as he truly is--he had a pure and true inner outer values are beauty. It turned out that Job’s inner values paid so more important much to his sufferings and hard times. It helped him than investing on to face his problems more easy by preventing himself the things that’s to create more troubles. He did not sin against God invisible inside or create some disputes with his wife or his neighbor/ us such us our relatives. Maybe at this point, it is still hard for us to inner values. Many see the importance of our inner values, so then we Christians today want to explore more of Job’s Godly characters using are spending so an inverted fi gure of Job. Now imagine this, what if much of their Job’s character was now being inverted? If Job were time to invest not a peacemaker, righteous, honest, and nice man on wealth and but rather a troublemaker, grumpy, and harsh man. fame, while they In that case, we could imagine Job easily became so don’t have the angry at God and cursed Him--which meant he had time to have a just committed an unforgettable sin and also meant regular devotional that he were not ready for God’s leading. We could time with God also imagine Job creating some disputes with his or they don’t neighbors/relatives (maybe in today’s term his church have the time to friends) as he became cynical to them or imagine Job get involve in the church activities. Or that, many creating some disputes with his wife and left her (in Christians today are spending so much of their time today’s term divorce her), but Job did none of this and money to invest on their outer look, especially things. At the end, Job received many helps from his for the ladies. They try to make themselves look relatives, and not to mention he was blessed with the more trendy and beautiful on the outside, while they most beautiful daughters (Job 42:11,15). Imagine if he don’t know how to maintain a good family or a good had divorced his wife!! So then, what about us? How relationship because they never have enough time to much is our inner value worth? Are we still cynical to read the Bible or family/relationship base Christians the people around us when we are facing problems books. But if we take a moment to think about this, or hard times? Or, are we still thinking to leave out are these outer values are really worth the cost of our responsibility as a parent, spouse, church activist,

17 Agape » Anniversary 2008 or perhaps as a congregation when problems or hard cannot afford it anymore? Would we keep going to times come in the relationship? We should bear the plunge ourselves into the world of competitions for hard times and problems. But, it will be easier for the sake of making ourselves look more beautiful or us to walk through the hard times if we have inner more famous? No, we would be in debt, which if we do, values, such as patient, perseverance, etc. If we think it will create problems for us later in the future! And, we need to build our inner values, we can get started notice this--there’s always someone better than us! as of now. We can start by reading the Bible diligently, There’s always someone prettier or more handsome having regular devotional time, reading Christian than us, there’s always someone richer than us, and based books, and having more quality time with our there’s always someone more famous than us! Like family and Christians friends. And, if we don’t like a sheep, we easily get astray from our path/focus. reading books, as an alternative, we can get involved Therefore, we want to keep ourselves close to the with the websites that post some broadcasted Bible fl ocks and to the shepherd as we are walking together study or more of ongoing Christians issues (For on the same path with encouraging and infl uencing more information on the websites, see ‘What’s More each other with (healthy) positive things. Some of us Interesting on the Internet than YouTube’ page). may say there’s no difference between the people at church and the people outside church. We want to Making the Church Our Dwelling Place---Keep look twice before we said it again. Look again closely. ing a Good Relationship with the Flocks and As Christians, we at least know about unconditional the Shepherd. love and are abided by the tenth commandments. But if some of us still insist that there’s no difference, then we should look at ourselves. Have we become involved with the church and with God? Have we had a close relationship with them? If we are not, then it’s not too late to get involved with the church’s people and its activity. And, see for ourselves the difference between the people inside and the people outside church.

Many of us feel relieved when the weekend comes. For fi ve days, we have been out dealing with the pressure and craziness from the world, and fi nally, on As we have seen from the paragraphs above, we are the weekend, we are able to come to our dwelling being reminded that the world is full of deceit. As we place, the church--it’s not referring to the building but have seen from Job’s trials, the world can make us to the fellowship with the people. Therefore, won’t feeling down and dissatisfi ed, and now we want to see we desire to have a church with a good environment the effect of the world that can also make us feeling and be able to worship God freely? We all have pressured. Nowadays, competitions are everywhere noticed about this one fact about our church, IEC as people are trying to be better and even the best Azusa, is that it’s a big family where its children come in terms of outer values. The world is full of many from a diversity of region of Indonesia and ethnic tiring and pressuring competitions of style, wealth, groups. And that, how we talk, how we express our fame, and so on. The pressure from the competition ideas, how we show our affection, how we joke, and itself usually becomes a temptation for us. If we are even how we value certain things are different. But not better than our worldly friends, we are usually sadly, these differences within us sometimes create tempted to spend more time on improving ourselves some misinterpretation that can lead to a little until we are like them. It tempts us into buying the dispute among us. What we want to do to avoid such newest luxury car, it tempts us into buying the newest misinterpretations is that we should and many of us fashion trend, and it even tempts us into getting plastic have done it to love them unconditionally, but what surgeries--usually ladies are more prone to the latter we sometimes leave out in this unconditional love is two examples. But, what if we come at the point we RESPECT and ACCEPTANCE. Can we love

18 Agape » Anniversary 2008 someone but not respecting and accepting them as human beings with different types of personalities-- they are? Can we love our disable kid but we are we won’t fi nd someone exactly like us--and this is the giving him/her away? Not really!! If this is what we beauty of God’s creation is when Christians are living have been doing to our church friends then we need in harmony. Just like He created a man and a woman, to introspect ourselves. And, ask ourselves this: is two totally different individuals but when they come it really unconditional love or routinely done love together in harmony, nothing can beat that! that we have been showing them all the while? If our answer ‘yes, it is indeed unconditional love,’ and As we are getting older, we have our own perception can we answer this now: can we accept and respect of things around us. Similarly, as we are nourished these church people who have a way of saying under the Word of God and under the experience things that seem so harsh with a quick sound pitch, that God has given us, we might think that we have or those church people who value others’ opinion learned enough. However, it is still important to better than their own before making a decision that RESPECT our Pastors as they are our shepherds in makes us became impatient about it, or these church this world. We want to listen more to their opinions, people who express their ideas after fi rst thinking concerns, and instructions as they are trying to give of it maturely, or those church people who give the the best for us. Keeping a good relationship with minimal according to their expenses as a way to our church friends and pastors give us hope and the show their love or kindness, or these church people strength when we come back to face the world on who utter jokes that attack on our weaknesses the next fi ve days of the week. As a closing statement, without intention? And maybe, at these point, some it is also very important for us to keep praying for of us would still not be convinced to accept and our pastors and fellow Christians as we are walking respect these people since we ‘suspect’ we know hand in hand with them. their ‘bad’ intentions or for whatever reasons, we would say, “But, what I suspect of them is true that May this become a blessing to the congregation as we they are not as sincere or as mature or as this or are entering the maturity age of 25th years of age! that because I’ve known the real them from my past experiences or knowledge.” But, it doesn’t mean that we could judge them and infl uence ourselves with negative things about them. If we continue thinking and reacting this same way as ever before, isn’t it the Happy 25th Birthday, same as we are not encouraging ourselves and them to grow up? We should as Christians continually and as always be nourished and grow to be Christ-like. IEC Azusa!! In addition to this, we want to start looking at our listeners before we are saying or joking about things in case we are attacking on their weakness. Taking one or two more seconds to think concerning our listeners is better than a lifetime remembering the offense that we say. Moreover, if we encounter things from our church friends that bother our feelings, we should learn to not talk behind their back as this will give a big negative impact on the listeners, whom will eventually judge these persons based on our negative perspectives. In a case like this, why don’t we learn to just leave it all up to God? Or, why don’t we just pray for them, encourage them, give them a gentle comfort, or better yet, be their real friends who understand their real thoughts, worry/ fear, and background? Just remember, God creates

19 Agape » Anniversary 2008 God, the World, and I

Oleh AGAPE

Di umur rohani ini, kita mau belajar untuk menyerahkan hidup kita kepada Tuhan setiap saat dan bukan esklusif kepada saat-saat yang susah. Sebagai pemuda rohani di umur ini, banyak godaan dan tantangan dari dunia yang terkadang menghalangi kita untuk melihat jalan Tuhan. Tetapi, semua godaan dan tantangan ini bisa menjadi hal yang baik kalau kita melihatnya dengan pandangan yang positif yang akan kita lihat nanti---sebagai petunjuk kita bisa melihat mereka sebagai suatu kesempatan untuk belajar. Kita juga akan melihat perbedaan antara pemikiran dunia dan surgawi dan melihat bertapa pentingnya gereja berdiri sebagai tempat perlindungan kita dari dunia ini. Sebagai tambahan, di umur rohani ini, kita juga harus belajar untuk melihat hidup dari sudut pandang Tuhan. Sebagai contoh kedewasaan rohani, kita ingin melihat kepada Ayub, yang mana dikenal sebagai orang terkaya dan terhebat di daerahnya sebelum dia tertimpa tragedi yang amat besar (Ayub 1). Beberapa dari kita juga akan bertanya secara pribadi jikalau kita sudah berada di posisi kedewasaan rohani atau sedang terbelakang. Sewaktu kita membaca artikel ini, kita bisa memeriksa diri kita kalau kita sudah memahami dan melakukannya; seperti yang kita ketahui pengetahuan tanpa perbuatan adalah sia-sia.

Menyerahkan Hidup Kita kepada Tuhan--- yang begitu setia kepada Tuhan, yang telah membawa Merasakan Kehadiran Tuhan secara Pribadi. banyak jiwa kepada keselamatan, dan membawakan banyak upacara pemakaman, di mata dunia, Tuhan itu Memang ada orang yang mengaku dirinya Kristen, tidak adil. Seperti situasi Greg, kalau kita membaca dan membanggakan dirinya kalau mereka tidak Buku Ayub, seseorang yang Tuhan sebut sebagai orang pernah mengalami penderitaan karena Tuhan yang paling saleh dan selalu memberkati mereka. Di lain pihak, kita akan jujur serta hambaNya menanyakan imam kepercayaan mereka karena kita yang setia (Ayub 1:8), tahu bahwah Kristen tidak mengajarkan seperti itu. kehilangan semua yand Seperti beberapa dari kita sudah ketahui, pendeta dia miliki: anak-anaknya, senior dari gereja Harvest, Greg Laurie baru-baru budak-budaknya, ini berduka cita karena kematian anak laki-laki yang harta kekayaannya, sulung karena kecelakaan mobil. Greg mengakui bahwa kemasyuran, dan kehilangan seorang anak adalah pengalaman yang juga kesehatannya--- sangat buruk seseorang ayah bisa alami. Bagi pendeta kehancuran secara

20 Agape » Anniversary 2008 emosi, fi nansil, dan fi sik yang disebabkan oleh sebenarnya kehilangan semua milik kepunyaannya: Iblis (dengan seijin dari Tuhan). Jadi, kenapa Tuhan anak-anaknya, kekayaannya, kemasyurannya, dan membiarkan tragedi ini menimpa Greg atau Ayub? juga kesehatannya. Jadi sebenarnya di saat ini, Ayub (Ayub 1:1,8). Hari minggu setelah kemalangan yang ditinggalkan seorang sendiri (sebenarnnya, istri menimpa keluarga Greg, pembicara tamu kepada Ayub masih hidup, tetapi dia tidak mendukung imam jemaat Harvest yang bernama Don McClure, dengan kepercayaannya). Jadi bayangkan Ayub di saat ini bercanda berkata bahwa kita ini sebagai orang sedang sendirian dalam rohani dan badani. Bayangkan Kristen selalu belajar semua hal dua kali---dengan dia sedang duduk sendirian di tengah jalan dengan contoh dia melanjutkan, “Seringkali kita berkata barah yang memenuhi sekujur tubuhnya dari atas kepada Tuhan: Tuhan ajarilah hamba-Mu ini untuk kepala sampai kaki seperti yang buku Ayub katakan, mengerti the power of resurrection (kekuasaan “Kemudian Iblis pergi dari hadapan TUHAN, lalu dari kebangkitan Yesus). Lalu, kamu pergi belajar ditimpanya Ayub dengan barah yang busuk dari mendalami Alkitab, mencari artinya di catatan-catatan, telapak kakinya sampai ke batu kepalanya. Lalu Ayub dan kamu kembali kepada Tuhan dengan berkata, ‘Ini mengambil sekeping beling untuk menggaruk-garuk sangatlah baik Tuhan, saya telah mengerti sekarang.’ badannya, sambil duduk di tengah-tengah abu.” (Ayub Tetapi Tuhan berkata, ‘Belum, anakKu. Kamu belum 2:7-8) Dengan tidak ada lagi yang bisa diandalkan untuk mengertinya.’ Dan, kamu membantah, ‘Sudah! Saya menghadapi situasinya yang sangat buruk, Ayub hanya sudah mengerti.’ Lalu, Dia mengulangi perkataannya, bisa berserah secara supernatural kepada kekusaan ‘Tidak anakKu, kamu belum mengerti. Yang baru saja yang lebih tinggi yang dia belum pernah rasakan kamu pelajari adalah theorinya. Kamu belum pernah sebelumnya---merasakan Tuhan dengan dirinya sendiri. merasakannnya sekalipun.’” Ilustrasi ini mengajarkan Terkadang, kita sama seperti Ayub menunggu sampai kita kepada banyak hal-hal tentang Tuhan yang yang hari-hari yang sangat susah datang ke dalam hidup kita, kita ketahui melalui pemahaman saja tetapi kita baru kita mau menyerahkan hidup kita kepada Tuhan. tidak pernah merasakannya sendiri. Kita mungkin Dengan penuh harapan di umur rohani ini, kita sebagai bisa memberikan sharing dan berkata kepada orang anak-anak Tuhan bisa terus menyerahkan hidup kita lain tentang bertapa besarnya kasih Tuhan tetapi kepada Tuhan setiap saat, bukan esklusif di hari-hari kita sendiri belum pernah merasakan penderitaan. yang susah. Karena melalui penderitaan, kasih Tuhan tercurahan kepada kita (dan kita akan kembali lagi ke topic ini Berpikir secara positif---Berpikir diluar Dunia. nanti). Serupa dengan ini, pengetahuan tentang hal berserah dihidup kita terbatas. Kalau kita mempunyai masalah kecil dan yang bisa kita selesaikan sendiri, kita cenderung untuk tidak mencari Tuhan dan berserah, dan kalau kita mempunyai masalah yang sangat besar yang kita sama sekali tidak tahu jalan keluarnya, kita baru mencari Tuhan dan berserah. Bukankan begitu? Diakhir Bukunya, Ayub mengakui bahwa dia hanya pernah mendengar tentang Tuhan, tetapi tidak mengetahui Dia secara pribadi, “Hanya dari kata orang saja aku mendengar tentang Dunia atau agama-agama lain mengajarkan kalau Engkau, kita mengalami penderitaan itu karena Tuhan sedang menghukum kita oleh karena dosa-dosa kita. Dalam tetapi sekarang mataku sendiri memandang Engkau.” usaha mereka untuk menghibur Ayub, yang pada (Ayub, 42:5) waktu itu sedang mencari jawaban atas tragedinya, DDisini,isini, Ayub,Ayub, yang dulunya mengenal Tuhan hanya teman-teman terdekatnya menegur dia untuk ddenganengan sepengetasepengetahuannyahuannya bbelaka,elaka, sesekarangkarang bbisaisa mengaku akan segala dosa-dosanya (yang tidak benar mengenalTuhanmengenal Tuhan secara pribadi melalui penderitaan di kenyataanya)---mereka mengulangi perkataan mereka hidupnya. Dan, marilah kita mengambil waktu sesaat di beberapa bagian di Buku Ayub, bahwa penderitaan untuk melihat penderitaan Ayub lebih dalam. Ayub Ayub dikarenakan oleh kejahatan di dalam hidupnya

21 Agape » Anniversary 2008 (salah satu contoh: Ayub 22:4-11). Kebenerannya menyelamatkan dia (Ayub 14:13-17), dan mengetahui adalah teman-teman Ayub salah, tangan Ayub bersih bahwa Tuhan sangat hebat (Ayub 26:5-14). (Diambil dan tidak bercela, dan dia menjauhi kejahatan (Ayub dari unknown source) Kita juga mau seperti Ayub, 1:1, 8). Teman-teman Ayub berpikir seperti dunia, menganggap penderitaan kita sebagai kesempatan lalu Tuhan menegur mereka dengan keras, “… maka untuk mempelajari kedaulatan Tuhan. Kita juga mau fi rman Tuhan kepada Elifas, orang Teman: ‘Murka- menganggap penderitaan kita sebagai suatu kesempa- Ku menyala terhadap engkau dan terhadap kedua tan untuk bertumbuh secara rohani, batin (mental), sahabatmu, karena kamu tidak bekata benar tentang dan moral. Kalau kita mengetahui penderitaan itu Aku seperti hamba-Ku Ayub.’” (Ayub 42:7) Disini kita datang dari akibat dosa kita, kita perlu bertanggung bisa melihat bahwa pandangan dan pemikiran dunia jawab seperti yang kita ketahui setiap dosa ada akibat- bisa menjatuhkan dan mengecewakan kita, terutama nya. Dengan mengatasi akibat dosa, kita bisa belajar ketika kita sedang mencari jawaban dan jalan keluar untuk bertumbuh di dalam isu-isu moral dan mental. kepada masalah-masalah kita. Sebagai Kristen, Dari kemaluan dan kekecewaan akibat dosa kita, kita kita tahu bahwa Iblis-lah penyebab penderitaan tidak ingin jatuh kepada dosa itu lagi, maukah kita? sementaraTuhan mempunyai kekuatan untuk Tetapi, jika kita akhirnya jatuh lagi kepada dosa yang membiarkan itu terjadi (menurut kehendakNya), sama, maka kita belum benar-benar mengaku dosa tetapi kita juga harus mengetahui kalau ada dua jenis kita dan belajar darinya. Di sisi yang lain, kalau kita penderitaan. Jenis penderitaan yang pertama adalah berada di posisi Ayub, iman kepercayaan kita sedang ketika penderitaan itu datang karena akibat dari dosa dicobai. Kita perlu mendekatkan diri kepada Tuhan kita sendiri. Dan, jenis penderitaan yang kedua adalah dan bersabar untuk melihat rencana Tuhan untuk penderitaan yang Ayub alami. Kita perlu benar-benar kita. Sungguh, kesabaraan adalah terpenting dalam memperhatikan kepada alasan atas penderitaan kita, hal ini. Tentu saja, itu mudah untuk melihat masalah apakah itu datang dari akibat dosa kita atau bukan Ayub sekarang karena kita sudah mengetahui akhir karena Iblis akan menggunakan semua caranya yang yang bahagia daripada cerita ini---Tuhan memberkati licik untuk membuat kita jatuh di waktu penderitaan dia dua kali lipat daripada sebelumnya (Ayub 42:10). kita. Dia mungkin akan mencoba membuat kita Tetapi, tahukah Ayub akan jawaban kepada kesulitan terikat kepada dosa-dosa kita atau dia mungkin akan dia di waktu itu? Tidak, dia tidak ada gambaran sama mencoba untuk menipu kita untuk menjauhi Tuhan sekali, dan malahan dia merasa sepertinya Tuhan tidak seperti di waktu Ayub. Untuk mengatasi penderitaan/ memberikan dia jawaban, kesusahan-kesusahan kita, lebih gampang jika kita mengetahui penyebabnya dahulu; tetapi, kita harus “Sesungguhnya, kalau aka berjalan ke timur, jujur disini kepada diri kita sendiri dan kepada Tuhan. Ia tidak di sana; Hal selanjutnya yang harus kita lakukan sewaktu atau ke barat, tidak kudapati Dia; mengatasi penderitaan kita adalah berpikir secara di utara kucari Dia, Ia tidak tampak, Godly positif, tetapi banyak dari kita akan bertanya, aku berpaling ke selatan, aku tidak melihat Dia.” “Apakah yang dimaksud dengan berpikir secara Godly positif di dalam situasi ini?” Mari kita lihat (Ayub 23:8-9) kepada paragraph selanjutnya. Ayubb menyatakan secara tidak langsung kalau dia tidak merasakan kehadiran Tuhan, walaupun dia berusaha Banyak dari kita sudah mengetahui bahwa Tuhan keras untuk mencariNya. Terkadang, di waktu susah, mengijinkan penderitaan untuk membentuk dan kita merasa seperti Ayub, kita berdoa dan berdoa lalu mendisiplin kita, dan kita juga mau melihat penderi- membaca Alkitab atau kita berusaha sebisa mungkin taan dari sisi positif yang lain. Kita mau melihat pend- untuk mendapatkan jawaban dari Tuhan, tetapi kita eritaan kita sebagai suatu kesempatan yang baik yang hanya merasa Tuhan tidak hadir untuk memberikan Tuhan telah berikan untuk kita. Penderitaan Ayub jawaban. Tetapi, bagaimana kalau Tuhan menjawab adalah sebuah kesempatan untuk dia belajar tentang ‘tunggu’ atau ‘bersabarlah’! Walaupun Ayub tidak me- kedaulatan Tuhan. Melalui penderitaan, Ayub dapat nemuka jawaban Tuhan, namun Ayub tetap setia kepa- belajar bahwa kematian bukanlah akhir dari segalan- daNya sewaktu imam kepercayaannya dicobai. Ayub ya (Ayub 19:25-27), menemukan bahwa Tuhan akan melanjutkan perkataannya dengan ayat ke 10,

22 Agape » Anniversary 2008 “Karena Ia tahu jalan hidupku; mengijinkanm penderitaan di dunia ini karena itu adalah seandainya Ia menguji aku, aku akan kesempatanke baik yang Tuhan berikan untuk kita. timbul seperti emas, BiasanyaBi hanya waktu-waktu yang baik yang bisa kita anggapan sebagai kesempatan. Tetapi sekarang, kita juga Kakiku tetap mengikuti jejak-Nya. bisabi menganggap waktu-waktu yang susah sebagai aku menuruti jalan-Nya dan tidak menyimpang. kesempatan.ke Jadi, sudahkah kita mengerti bagaimana Perintah dari bibir-Nya tidak kulanggar, berpikiranbe Godly positif?! dalam sanubariku kusimpan ucapan mulut-Nya.” (Ayub 23:10-12) DiD umur rohani yang sekarang ini, kita mau berhenti melihatm hidup dari pandangan dunia. Sebaliknya, kita BertapaBertapa indahnya melihat AAyubyub yang begitu setia maum menjadi bisa melihatnya dari pandangan Tuhan- dan optimis di waktu penderitaannya! Ayub yang --berpikir diluar dunia. Dari pandangan dunia, kita optimis bisa berpikir kepada hal yang sangat baik adalah milik kepunyaan dunia, maka dari itu, kita juga dari penderitaan dia yaitu dia akan timbul seperti seharusnya memiliki hal-hal yang berada di dunia ini. emas jika benar Tuhan sedang menguji dia. Ayub, Maka, apa yang terjadi jikalau kita mem-possess/memiliki yang secara terang bilang bisa dikatakan sebagai kebanyakan dari hal-hal di dunia ini dengan berpikiran orang yang dulunya terkaya dan termasyur yang bertapa berharganya mereka? Maka kita memenuhi menjadi orang yang miskin, yang tidak dikenal, dan hidup kita dengan banyak pengharapan-pengharapan yang sakit, bisa berpikiran positif tentang masalahnya. yang salah. Kadangkala, kita sebagai Kristen bertanya Bagaimana dengan kita? Apakah kita masih kesal kenapa Tuhan membiarkan seseorang atau sesuatu dengan masalah kecil yang kita hadapi sekarang? yang sangat kita hargai diambil atau membiarkan kita Atau, masihkan kita menjadi acuh tak acuh kepada berada di suatu situasi yang sangat ingin kita luputkan. Tuhan karena beratnya beban dari masalah yang kita Bahkan Ayub, orang yang paling saleh dan benar, tidak tanggung sekarang? Mengapakah kita tidak melihat luput dari godaan untuk memiliki hal-hal di dunia ini, kepada sisi cemerlangnya seperti Ayub? Sebagai dia mengeluh dengan kekecewaan ketika semua milik tambahan, kita juga mau menganggap penderitaan kepunyaannya lenyap, kita suatu kesempatan untuk merasakan kebesaran “Karena yang kutakutkan, itulah yang menimpa aku, akan kasih Tuhan. Di dalam kasus penderitaan jenis dan yang kucemaskan itulah yang mendatan- yang pertama, kita bisa mengetahui bertapa mahalnya gi aku.” salib Tuhan Yesus dengan menyadari nature dari pada dosa kita, dan lagi, Tuhan bisa membayarnya dengan (Ayub 3:25) lunas melalui kebesaran kasihNya. Di dalam kasus penderitaan yang kedua, kita bisa melihat bahwa Tuhan DanDan lagi, ketakutan AAyubyub yang paling besar adalah sudah mempersiapkan solusi kepada masalah kita dan jikalau anak-anaknya diambil daripadanya, sedang mempersiapkan kita untuk berkat yang lebih “Anak-anaknya yang lelaki biasa mengadakan pesta besar selama kita siap untuk menerimanya. Sangat ironis untuk dikatakan, tetapi benar bahwa melalui dirumah mereka masing-masing menurut giliran dan penderitaan kita bisa mengetahui bahwa Tuhan sangat ketiga saudara perempuan mereka diundang untuk mengasihi kita. Setiap orang tua yang baik selalu ingin makan dan minum bersama-sama mereka. setiap kali, anak-anaknya betumbuh dan menjadi siap sewaktu apabila hari-hari pesta telah berlalu, Ayub memanggi anak-anaknya diberikan lebih banyak hal-hal untuk di mereka, dan menguduskan mereka; keesokan harinya, tanggung jawabkan. Akankah kita memberikan anak pagi-pagi, bangunlah Ayub, lalu mempersembahkan kita sepeda motor untuk hari jadinya walaupun kita korban bakaran sebanyak jumlah mereka sekalian, sebab tahu bahwa dia bukanlah seorang yang berwaspada? pikirnya: ‘Mungkin anak-anakku sudah berbuat dosa Tidak, dia akan terlibat kecelakaan lalu lintas kalau dan telah mengutuki Allah di dalam hati.’ Demikianlah kita berikan! Tuhan, Allah Bapa kita seperti orang tua yang baik ini; Dia mau kita bertumbuh dan dilakukan Ayub senantiasa.” menjadi siap untuk dipercayakan dengan berkat yang (Ayub 1:4-5) lebih. Semuanya ini adalah alasannya kenapa Tuhan

23 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Seperti yang kita ketahui, korban bakaran di jaman dengan hubungan kita dengan Tuhan yang hidup. Jadi Ayub digunakan untuk menyucikan dan membersihkan kalau Tuhan sedang membekali kita dengan segala yang manusia dari pada dosa-dosa mereka, dan ini kita perlu, lalu hal-hal yang lain menjadi keinginan. Anda dilakukan Ayub senantiasa. Sebagai ayah, Ayub sangat perlu makanan. Anda perlu udara. Anda perlu salvation. mencintai anak-anaknya, dan dia terlalu berusaha Tetapi Anda menginginkan seorang pendamping. menjaga anak-anaknya. Dengan pengetahuan yang Anda menginginkan hubungan. Anda menginginkan salah tentang Tuhan, Ayub rajin mempersembahkan seseorang di planet ini yang bisa anda kenal dan cintai korban bakaran kepada Tuhan untuk menghindari tidak peduli apa yang mereka ketahui tentang anda.” anak-anaknya diambil kalau-kalau mereka telah Elmore memperingatkan bahkan di dalam hubungan berdosa kepada Tuhan. Ayub tidak tahu selama ini manusia, Tuhan harus menjadi yang pertama, lalu dia Iblis-lah penyebab penderitaan dia, dan dia (Iblis) melanjutkan, “Jadi, inilah perbedaan yang besar antara menjelajah di dunia dan memperhatikan kebiasaan ingin dan perlu: Kalau saya menyadari bahwa saya tidak Ayub (Ayub 1:7-8). Untuk yang sudah melihat fi lm memerlukan anda, maka saya bebas untuk mencintai Batman yang paling baru The Dark Knight atau yang anda dengan cara yang bertanggung jawab…Membuat tahu fi gur pahlawan yang bernama Batman, ada satu seseorang menjadi idola kita adalah dosa. Jadikanlah scene diakhir fi lm ini dimana si penjahat bernama Yesus cinta sejati anda maka anda akan menjadi bebas Joker berhasil menangkap anggota keluarga daripada untuk mencintai manusia lain dengan cara yang benar si polisi bernama Gordon dan keadaan mereka sedang yaitu yang membuat kalian bebas dari isyarat pemujaan terikat. Joker ingin mengambil salah satu dari anggota idola.” Elmore mengatakan bahwa hubungan dan cinta keluarga Gordon untuk menjadi tahanannya, dan adalah free tetapi harus tetap dilakukan dengan cara dia hanya ingin menahan orang yang paling di cintai yang bertanggung jawab. Secara tidak langsung, dia Gordon. Untuk menguji ini, Joker memulai dengan istri menyatakan bahwa kita harus menghindari dari hal dari si Gordon dengan menaruh hidup istrinya dalam mem-possess orang yang kita cintai karena Tuhanlah bahaya sewaktu Joker memperhatikan reaksi dari pemiliki mereka. Maka dari itu, kita tidak mau di- Gordon. Joker dengan menekankan senjata pisaunya possess oleh dunia dan ter-obsessi dengan hal-hal di ke leher istrinya mendapatkan reaksi yang cepat dunia. Sebaliknya, kita harus selalu mengingatkan diri dari Gordon, yang sedang berusaha menyelamatkan kita sendiri bahwa kita adalah milik kepunyaan Tuhan, nyawa istrinya dengan bernegosiasi dengan Joker. dan bahwa kita mau ter-obsessi hanya kepada Tuhan. Joker, yang memindahkan senjatanya kearah anak perempuan Gordon, sekarang mendapatkan Gordon Tingkatkan Nilai Diri Kita---Godly Karakter. bernegosiasi dengan lebih banyak pilihan sebagai ganti anak perempuannya. Ketika gilirannya datang Nilai diluar kita (outer values) adalah sementara, dan kepada anak laki-lakinya, Gordon berteriak dengan nilai didalam diri kita (inner values) adalah selamanya. kuat untuk memberhentikan kelakuan Joker. Dengan Sebagai contoh, kekayaan, kecantikan, dan kesehatan reaksi Gordon yang sangat kuat kepada bahaya adalah hal-hal yang bisa lenyap, dan kita tidak akan nyawa anak laki-lakinya, Joker akhirnya menemukan membawa hal-hal ini ke Surga ketika waktu kita tawanan yang tepat, anak laki-laki Gordon. Seperti dipanggil oleh Tuhan. Di lain pihak, Godly karakter ini, Iblis bisa melihat kalau kita memuja seseorang kita seperti kesalehan, kesucian, kebaikan, kejujuran, atau sesuatu berlebihan. Dan, Tuhan juga sudah dan kasih dapat tertanam di diri kita selamanya. Dunia mengetahuinya jikalau kita menaruh hati kita yang ini, seperti pemiliknya (Iblis), sangat menipu kita untuk berlebihan kepada hal-hal di dunia, ketika akhirnya berpikiran bahwa menginvestasikan diri kita kepada kita kehilangan mereka, kita akan menaruh kesalahan hal-hal yang dapat kelihatan seperti outer values kepada Tuhan dan menjadi acuh tak acuh kepadaNya lebih penting daripada hal-hal yang didalam seseorang karena kekecewaan kita. Dia telah memperingati inner values. Banyak orang Kristen sekarang yang kita di kesepuluh hukum-Nya untuk menjauhi hal- mengeluarkan banyak waktu untuk menginvestasikan hal yang berhala dan menjadikan Dia yang pertama diri mereka untuk kekayaan dan kemasyuran, disegala hal. Di dalam bukunya ‘No-Nonsense Dating,’ sementara mereka tidak mempunyai waktu untuk Ronn Elmore berkata, “Cinta bukanlah halnya untuk menjalankan renungan harian dengan regular atau memenuhi keperluan. Semua keperluan anda dipenuhi mereka tidak mempunyai waktu untuk melibatkan

24 Agape » Anniversary 2008 diri di aktiviti gereja. masalahnya menjadi lebih mudah dengan mencegahnya Atau, banyak orang untuk membuat masalah-masalah baru. Dia tidak Kristen hari ini yang berdosa ataupun membuat masalah dengan istirnya mengeluarkan banyak atau tetangganya/sanak keluarganya. Mungkin saat ini, uang mereka untuk masih sulit buat kita untuk melihat pentingnya nilai investasi kepada diri kita, maka kita mau melihat Godly karakter Ayub penampilan mereka, lebih dalam lagi dengan menggunakan pembalikan terutama bagi para fi gur Ayub. Bayangkan, apa yang akan terjadi jikalau perempuan. Mereka karakter Ayub sekarang diputar balik? Jikalau Ayub mencoba untuk bukanlah seseorang pendamai, saleh, jujur, dan membuat diri mereka baik, tetapi sebaliknya Ayub adalah seseorang yang kelihatan lebih trendi pembuat masalah, pemarah, dan kasar. Di dalam kasus dan cantik dari luar. ini, kita bisa membayangkan Ayub gampang menjadi sementara mereka marah kepada Tuhan dan menghujat Dia---yang tidak tahu bagaimana artinya Ayub telah melakukan dosa yang sangat buruk menjaga hubungan dan juga dia telah menyatakan ketidak-siapan dirinya keluarga dengan baik karena mereka tidak mempunyai akan pimpinan Tuhan. Kita juga bisa dengan gampang waktu untuk membaca Alkitab atau buku-buku Kristen membayangkan Ayub membuat masalah kepada istri yang lain yang bisa mengajarkan berhubungan dengan dan tetangganya/sanak familinya (atau dalam istilah baik. Tetapi bila kita mengambil sejenak untuk berpikir, jaman sekarang adalah teman-teman gerejanya) saat apakah nilai-nilai diluar begitu berharga untuk waktu dia menjadi sinis kepada mereka atau membayangkan dan uang kita sewaktu kita hidup sebagai Kristen? Ayub yang membuat masalah dengan istrinya dan Misalnya saja kita menghadapi situasi seperti Ayub, pada akhirnya dapat meninggalkannya (dalam istilah kekayaan, harta-benda, kemasyuran kita, anak-anak, jaman sekarang menceraikan istrinya), tetapi Ayub dan kesehatan kita lenyap disebabkan suatu alasan, tidak melakukan satupun dari hal ini. Pada akhirnya, dan yang tertinggal didalam diri kita adalah---kita bisa Ayub menerima banyak pertolongan dari sanak mengatakannya terang bilang adalah nilai-nilai diri kita. saudara dan kenalannya, dan tanpa mengatakan dia Lihatlah kepada Ayub yang mempunyai nilai diri yang diberkati dengan anak-anak perempuan yang sangat suci dan bisa diandalkan. Iblis mengira bahwa kekayaan cantik (Ayub 42:11,15). Bayangkan kalau dia akhirnya dan kemasyuran Ayub-lah yang menjadi alasan kenapa menceraikan istrinya!! Bagaimana dengan kita sendiri? dia begitu saleh dan setia kepada Tuhan, “Lalu jawab Berapakah harga nilai diri kita? Apakah kita masih Iblis kepada Tuhan: ‘Apakah dengantidak medapat apa- sinis kepada orang-orang disekitar kita ketika kita apa Ayub akan takut akan Allah? Bukankah Engkau menghadapi masalah dan kesusahan? Atau masikah kita yang membuat pagar sekeliling dia dan rumahnya serta berencana untuk meninggalkan tanggung jawab kita segala yang dimilikinya? Apa yang dikerjakannya telah sebagai orang tua, suami-istri, aktivis gereja, ataupun Kauberkati dan apa yang dimilikinya makin bertambah sebagai jemaat gereja ketika kita banyak masalah? Kita di negeri itu. Tetapi ulurkanlah tangan-Mu dan jamahlah seharusnya bertahan dalam kesusahan kita dengan segala yang dipunyainya, ia pasti mengutuki Engkau inner value kita, seperti kesabaran dan ketekunan. dihadapan-Mu.’” (Ayub 1:9-11) Tetapi tentu saja, Iblis Kalau kita merasa kita perlu membangun nilai diri kita, salah tentang Ayub. Ayub tentu saja berduka cita, tetapi kita bisa memulai dari sekarang. Kita bisa memulai dia tidak berdosa dan menghujat Tuhan (Ayub 1:20- dengan membaca Alkitab dengan tekun, menjalankan 22; 2:9-10). Bagaimana mungkin bisa untuk seseorang renungan harian dengan regular, membaca buku-buku yang terpukul oleh penderitaan yang begitu besar? Ini Kristen, dan mempunyai lebih banyak waktu yang karena Ayub selama ini dengan tulus telah membawa berharga dengan keluarga dan teman Kristiani kita. dirinya dengan Godly karakter---Ayub memiliki inner Kalau kita tidak suka membaca, ada beberapa website beauty yang begitu suci dan sejati. Pada akhirnya, nilai yang menyediakan pemutaran video tentang Bible diri Ayub-lah yang membayar kepada penderitaannya study atau isu-isu kekristenan (untuk keterangan dan kesusahan-kesusahannya. Nilai diri Ayub ini-lah lebih lanjut bisa disimak di halaman ‘What’s More yang membantu dia untuk menghadapi masalah- Interesting on the Internet than Youtube’).

25 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Membuat Gereja sebagai Tempat Berteduh sebenarnya. Maka dari itu, bertapa pentingnya untuk Kita---Menjaga Relasi yang Baik dengan menjaga diri kita dekat kepada kawanan dan gembala Kawanan-Kawanan and Gembalanya. kita sewaktu kita berjalan bersama dengan mereka dengan mendukung dan mempengaruhi satu dengan yang lain dengan hal-hal yang sehat dan positif. Beberapa dari kita akan berkata tidak ada bedanya antara orang-orang gereja dengan orang-orang di luar gereja. Kita mau lihat untuk kedua kalinya sebelum kita mengulangin apa yang kita katakan itu. Lihatlah lagi dengan teliti! Sebagai Kristen, setidaknya kita mengenal cinta tanpa bersyarat dan kita mengenal kesepuluh hukum Tuhan. Tetapi jikalau beberapa dari kita tetap berikeras kalau tidak ada perbedaannya, maka kita perlu melihat kepada diri kita sendiri. Apakah kita sudah terlibat dengan gereja ini dan dengan Tuhan? Seperti yang telah kita lihat di paragraf-paragraf di Apakah kita mempunyai hubungan yang dekat dengan atas, kita diingatkan kembali bahwa dunia ini penuh kedua hal ini? Kalau kita belum, maka belumlah juga dengan tipu muslihat. Seperti halnya Ayub, dunia bisa terlambat untuk menjadi terlibat dengan orang-orang membuat kita menjatuhkan dan mengecewakan kita, gereja dan acara-acaranya. Dan, lihatlah dengan mata dan sekarang kita ingin melihat dampak dari dunia yang kita sendiri perbedaan antara orang-orang di gereja juga bisa membuat kita merasa tertekan. Sekarang dan orang-orang di luar gereja. ini, kompetisi ada dimana-mana karena orang-orang mencoba menjadi lebih baik dan lebih lagi menjadi Banyak dari kita merasakan lega ketika akhir pekan yang terbaik dalam perihal (outer values) nilai luar. tiba. Selama lima hari, kita telah menjadi capai Dunia ini penuh dengan banyak kompetisi-kompetisi berurusan dengan tekanan dan kekacauan dari dunia, yang melelahkan, seperti kompetisi style, kekayaan, dan akhirnya, di hari pekan, kita bisa datang ke tempat kemasyuran, dan masih banyak lagi. Tekanan dari perlindungan kita, gereja kita---ini tidak menyatakan kompetisi itu sendiri biasanya menjadi godaan untuk kepada bangunan tetapi kepada perhimpunan kita. Jikalau kita tidak lebih baik dari teman duniawi dengan orang-orangnya. Maka dari itu, tidakkah kita kita, kita biasanya tergoda untuk menghabiskan lebih menginginkan gereja yang mempunyai lingkungan yang banyak waktu untuk memperbaiki diri sampai kita baik dan membuat kita bisa memuji Tuhan dengan menjadi seperti mereka. Ini menggoda kita untuk bebas? Kita semua telah memperhatikan satu fakta membeli mobil luxury terbaru, ini menggoda kita tentang gereja kita ini, GII Azusa, yaitu gereja yang bisa untuk membeli fashion trend yang terbaru, dan ini dikatakan sebagai keluarga besar dimana anak-anaknya bahkan menggoda kita untuk menjalankan operasi terdiri dari orang-orang Indonesia yang berasal dari plastik demi kecantikan---biasanya perempuan yang berbagai macam daerah/provinsi dan selain itu juga lebih cenderung melakukan kedua contoh yang ada suku lainnya. Dan, cara kita berbicara, cara kita terakhir. Tetapi, apakah yang akan terjadi jikalau kita mengekspresikan ide kita, cara kita memperlihatkan mencapai titik dimana kita tidak bisa mengeluarkan kasih, cara kita bercanda, dan juga cara kita menghargai biaya lebih untuk hal-hal seperti ini? Akankan kita hal-hal tertentu berbeda. Tetapi sangat menyedihkan, tetap melanjutkannya hanya untuk membuat diri kita terkadang perbedaan-perbedaan ini membuat kita menjadi kelihatan lebih cantik atau lebih terkenal? salah mengartikan maksud mereka yang kadang juga Tidak, kalau ini terjadi akan menjadi masalah kita nanti mengantar kepada keributan kecil diantara kita. Yang di masa mendatang! Dan, perhatikan ini---selalu saja mau kita lakukan untuk menghindari salah pengertian ada orang yang lebih baik daripada kita! Selalu saja ada ini adalah kita harus dan banyak dari kita sudah orang yang lebih cantik atau tampan dari kita, selalu melakukannya yaitu mengasihi mereka dengan tidak saja ada orang yang lebih kaya dari kita, dan selalu saja bersyarat (unconditional love). Tetapi, kadang ada dua ada orang yang lebih terkenal dari pada kita! Seperti hal yang penting yang kita abaikan dari unconditional domba, kita mudah menyimpang dari jalan kita yang love ini yaitu RESPECT (hormat) dan ACCEPTANCE

26 Agape » Anniversary 2008 (menerima mereka apa adanya). Bisakah kita dari pada seumur hidup mengingat kata-kata pahit yang mencintai seseorang tetapi tidak menghormati dan kita katakan. Lebih dari itu, jikalau kita menghadapi hal- menerima mereka apa adanya? Bisakah kita mencintai hal dari teman gereja kita yang menyinggung perasaan anak kita yang cacat tetapi sebenarnya kita berencana kita, kita seharunya belajar untuk tidak membicarakan memberikannya kepada orang lain? Tidak demikian!! mereka dibelakang karena ini akan memberikan Jikalau ini yang sedang kita lakukan kepada teman- pengaruh negatif yang besar bagi teman kita yang teman sesama gereja kita maka kita perlu mengkoreksi mendengarnya, yang akan pada akhirnya menghakimi diri. Dan, bertanya kepada diri kita sendiri: apakah ini orang-orang ini berdasarkan padangan negatif benar-benar mengasihi mereka tanpa bersyarat atau kita. Di dalam hal seperti ini, kenapakah kita tidak karena kebiasaan kita saja kita dapat menunjukan kasih belajar untuk meninggalkannya kepada Tuhan? Atau, kepada teman sesama kita selama ini? Jiikalau kita dapat kenapakah kita tidak berdoa untuk mereka, memberi menjawa ‘iya, ini sebenarnya kasih tanpa bersyarat,’ dorongan mereka, memberikan mereka penghiburan, dan dapatkan kita menjawab pertanyaan-pertanyaan atau lebih baik lagi, jika kita menjadi teman baik berikut ini: bisakah kita menerima dan menghormati mereka yang mengerti jalan pikiran, kekhawatiran, dan teman-teman gereja kita yang mempunyai kebisaan latar belakang mereka? Ingatlah Tuhan menciptakan untuk berbicara dengan nada yang cepat dan lantang manusia dengan personaliti yang bermacam-macam- yang terkadang kelihataan kasar, atau teman-teman --kita tidak mungkin mendapat seseorang yang mirip gereja kita yang menghargai pendapat orang lain sekali dengan kita---dan inilah indahnya ciptaan Tuhan melebihi pendapatnya sendiri sebelum membuat ketika orang Kristen hidup bersama dengan harmonis. sebuah decision yang terkadang membuat kita Seperti halnya Dia menciptakan lelaki dan perempuan, tidak bersabar, atau teman-teman gereja kita yang dua individu yang sangat bertolak belakang tetapi mempunyai kebiasaan mengekspresikan pendapatnya ketika mereka akhinya hidup dengan harmonis, tidak setelah memikirkannya matang-matang, atau teman- ada yang bisa mengalahkan ini! teman gereja kita yang mempunyai kebiasaan memberi seminimal mungkin seiring dengan pengeluaraannya Sewaktu kita bertumbuh dewasa, kita mempunyai ketika mereka menunjukan kasih dan kebaikannya, tanggapan sendiri tentang segala hal. Serupa dengan atau teman-teman gereja kita yang mengucapkan ini, sewaktu kita dipupuk dengan Firman Tuhan dan gurauannya yang menyerang kelemahan kita tanpa dengan pengalaman yang Tuhan telah berikan, kita disengaja? Dan mungkin, di saat ini, beberapa dari kita mungkin akan berpikiran kalau kita sudah cukup belum diyakinkan untuk menerima dan menghormati mengetahui. Tetapi, sangatlah penting untuk senantiasa orang-orang ini sejak kita ‘menduga’ kita sudah MENGHORMATI pendeta-pendeta kita karena mengetahui tujuan mereka yang ‘buruk’ atau karena mereka adalah gembala kita di dunia ini. Kita ingin lebih alasan yang lainnya, kita berkata, “Tetapi yang saya lihat mendengarkan pendapat, perhatian, dan pengajaran dari mereka benar karena mereka tidak setulus dan mereka sewaktu mereka mencoba memberikan yang sedewasa atau karena ini atau karena itu dan karena terbaik untuk kita. Menjaga hubungan yang baik dengan saya telah mengenal mereka dari pengalaman dan teman-teman gereja kita dan pendeta-pendeta kita pengetahuan saya yang dulu.” Tetapi, itu tidak berarti memberikan kita harapan dan kekuatan ketika kita kita bisa menghakimi mereka dan mempengaruhi diri kembali lagi untuk menghadapi dunia sepanjang lima kita dengan keburukan mereka. Kalau kita berpikiran hari yang mendatang. Sebagai kata penutup, sangatlah dan bereaksi kepada mereka dengan seperti ini terus, penting bagi kita untuk senantiasa selalu berdoa bukankah ini sama dengan tidak mendorong diri kita untuk pendeta-pendeta dan teman-teman Kristiani dan mereka untuk bertumbuh? Kita seharusnya sebagai kita sewaktu kita berjalan bersama dengan mereka. Kristen terus menerus dan selalu dipupuk untuk bertumbuh menjadi lebih seperti Tuhan kita. Sebagai Kiranya ini menjadi berkat untuk jemaat sewaktu kita tambahan, kita juga mau mulai memperhatikan kepada sewaktu memasuki umur kedewasaan yang kedua pendengar kita sebelum kita mengatakan sesuatu atau puluh lima! bercanda supaya kita dapat berjaga-jaga untuk tidak menyerang kelemahan mereka. Mengambil satu atau dua detik untuk memikirkan pendengar kita lebih baik

27 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Congratulation Reverend Wilson Suwanto

Ev.EvE Wilson Suwanto along with his wife, Julia Suwanto,SuS have started serving at IEC-LA as our youthyoy pastor, since January 2002. Before serv- ingin at IEC-LA, Ev. Wilson has served the Lord ata Reformed Evangelical Theological Seminary inin Jakarta, Indonesia as the university instructor. ForFoF almost two years, he taught the New Tes- tament,tat history and philosophy of Christianity, GreekG and Hebrew languages, and methods of research.rer Later when asked by one of the dea- conscoc to serve at IEC-LA for the year of 2002, he acceptedaca the invitation. He was glad that God ledle him to serve in this church because he was ableaba to function according to the talent that God hashah given him. He was able to see God’s lead- Rev. Suwanto Family 2008 ingi in every step of the way. Through these past years, God has helped him to pass through every obstacle in his ministry, from inside as well from outside. By this, he knows that this is not his personal predetermination, but instead it was God’s will. If something is the will of God, no one can fail it. This is the conviction of his faith, and this is what God promises to His children. Ev. Wilson got his Bachelor Degree in Theology at Reformed Evangelical Theological Seminary of Jakarta, attend- ing the university from 1994 to 1999. In January 2003, while kept serving as the youth pastor here at IEC-LA, he continued his theology study at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena and graduated in June 2006 with an M.A. degree in Theology and Biblical Studies. The reason that he chose this major was the possibility it offers at further study. While diligently serving and caring for the congregation at IEC-LA with his wife actively serving in the Sunday School, the family was blessed with two children. The boys are called Joel and John. On September 21, 2008, the day of our church 25th anniversary celebration, the ceremony of the ordination of Ev. Wilson Suwanto is also held. From that day on, he is to be addressedssed as a pastor.pastor. Reverend Wilson’s vision for being a pastor is to spread the whole truth about God, remain faithful to His Word, and equip the congrega- tion with the right attitude and Biblical knowl- edge according to the Bible. As a shepherd of God, a pastor has to be Christ-centered be- cause this is the basis of God’s calling. Reverend Wilson’s hope for our church is that we will always be reformed, to think of and pray for the Kingdom of Heaven in terms of spread- ing God’s work to every nation, and let Christ be God above the church and in every aspect of our life. He also hopes for the congregation learns to love God’s Words, be thirst of God’ss Words, and always grow ever more Christ-likee so that we will have a Christian worldview andd Biblical28 Agape value » systemAnniversary planted 2008 in our hearts. Spiritual Disciplines as the Journey in Spiritual Formation By Ev. Dedy S. Ginta

Disciplines is not a popular termin may exercise spiritual disciplines The consideration of prayer as a our cultures. Quaker writer Rich- to attempt to win God’s favor or classical disciplines of the Chris- ard Foster’s invitation to the “cel- to get God to do what we think tian tradition brings us up against ebration of discipline” is a radi- ought to be done in our lives. We the functional priorities of our cul- cal call to a largely undisciplined may practice the disciplines in the ture. We tend to think of prayer and comfort-seeking culture. Our delusion that we are transforming as something we do in order to avoidance of discipline is another ourselves into the image of Christ produce the results we believe are symptom of the pursuit of instant by our own efforts. We may engage needed or, rather, to get God to gratifi cation which characterizes in the disciplines to impress others produce the results. We are more our culture. Instant fulfi llment of with the seriousness of our spiri- interested in knowing what works needs and desires allows no time tuality, or simply to win acceptance and developing the skills that will for the long and rigorous path of by others. ensure that our prayers are effec- disciplines. Yet it is this path that The very personalized spir- tive. As a result, our prayer tends brings true and lasting fulfi llment, itual disciplines to which God calls to be a shopping list of things to not the brief and fl eeting appear- us are an integral part of the classi- be accomplished, an attempt to ances of fulfi llment that disappear cal spiritual disciplines of the Chris- manipulate the symptoms of our in the next moment. tian tradition: prayer, spiritual read- lives without really entering into a While the avoidance of ing, liturgy. These classical spiritual deep, vital, transforming relation- discipline characterizes much of disciplines of the body of Christ ship with God in the midst of what our culture, the acceptance of dis- form the scaffolding, the structure, we think we need (usually forget- ciplines can also be symptomatic the support network within which ting that “your Father knows what of brokenness. There are those we then exercise the distinctive, you need before you ask him (Matt for whom disciplines become a personalized disciplines into which 6:8) and in the midst of the symp- rigid structure of life that allows the Spirit of God leads each of us toms of our lives (usually forget- no room for divine serendipities as we journey toward wholeness in ting that “in everything God works or graced interruptions of the Christ. together for good with those who disciplines. There are those for We tend to think of the love him” [Rom 8:28]). whom disciplines become such classical spiritual disciplines of the Hearing or listening is a a fi xed order of being and doing body of Christ as secondary or good metaphor for prayer. The that the possibility of changes in even optional to the “real” spiri- good pray-er is above all a good the pattern become unthinkable. tuality of our own private spiritual listener. Prayer is dialogue; it is a There are those for whom the disciplines. But the classical disci- personal encounter in love. When disciplines become the total con- plines serve to bring our lives into, we communicate with someone tent of their relationship with and hold our lives in, God’s envi- we care about, we speak and we God, and works righteousness ronment for wholeness in Christ, listen. But even our speaking is the shape of their spirituality. so that the “treatment” of our indi- responsive: what we say depends We also practice spiritual vidual disciplines can be fully effec- upon what the other person has discipline ‘with fear and trembling’ tive. said to us. Otherwise we don’t because of the strong tempta- have real dialogue, but rather two tion to pervert the disciplines. We Prayer monologues running along side by

29 Agape » Anniversary 2008 side. reading. Spiritual reading is the dis- become the “object” addressed by In the past we have cata- cipline of openness to encounter God through the text. logued prayer under four headings: God through the writings of the Instead of coming to the adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, mothers and fathers of the church, text with our agenda, we come in and supplication (or petition)- easy beginning with the Scriptures. In a posture of openness to God’s to remember because the initial spiritual reading the text becomes agenda. We read attentively, seek- letters spell “acts.” This is helpful a means of grace through which ing not to cover as much as pos- in that it makes clear that there is we encounter the God who has sible but to plumb the depths of much more to prayer than merely spoken us forth into being and our being and doing. Rather than asking for things (supplication). But who continues to speak to us to an analytical approach, we take we have seen that we need to go shape us in the image of Christ for a contemplative posture that is deeper than “acts” of our own to others. In brief, the text opens us open to ambiguity and mystery. get to the real meaning of prayer. to God’s control of our lives for The fi nal goal of spiritual reading Prayer is essentially a dialogic en- God’s purposes. This is a radical is to be mastered by God for the counter between God and man; reversal of the dynamics of an in- fulfi llment of God’s purposes in us and since God is Lord, he alone formational enables us to impose and through us. can initiate the encounter. our purposes upon the world of Prayer, is a dialogue, an our activities. The Components of Disciplines encounter between two persons. Unfortunately, we have There are some other classical What man does or says is an inte- been trained to be information- disciplines such as: worship, daily gral part of prayer, since even God al readers, not spiritual readers. offi ce, study, fasting and retreat. cannot speak with us unless we When we do informational read- Worship, whether corpo- also speak. Even God cannot enter ing, we exercise almost total and rate or individual is the practice into dialogue with a man who is in- complete control over the text. of regularly seeking to bring the teriorly deaf and mute. The goal of We usually select the material we complete focus of our being upon prayer is the encounter with God are going to read. We read the God. It is the discipline of return- in love. text with our own agenda already ing to the true center of our indi- in place, knowing in advance what vidual and corporate existence as Spiritual Reading we expect to receive, what prob- God’s people. The pressures of life The classical spiritual discipline lems we want the text to solve for and the assaults of the fallen world of spiritual reading brings us into us. We read the text as rapidly as constantly blur our focus and tend confl ict with the informational pri- possible, to amass as much infor- to shift us away from our center orities of our culture. Our age has mation as we can in as little time in God. Worship is the means by been called the information age, as possible. which we recover over our focus and the advent of personal com- Spiritual or formational and return to our center. The qual- puters coupled with modems has reading is the exact opposite of in- ity and consistency of our worship served to expand almost infi nitely formational reading. Spiritual read- will determine how well we are the amount of information avail- ing is entered into the best, per- able to live Christ-centered lives able to us and required for effec- haps, when the text is chosen for in the world. tive performance in the world. In- us. This way we begin by yielding Daily Offi ce is regular and formation has become power. The control to someone or something consistent daily behaviors that re- person or group processing the outside of our agenda. This facili- mind us whose we are and renew best information is in a position tates one of the primary purposes us in our discipleship. These may to control their world of activity of spiritual reading- to allow the be as elaborate and complex as and interest. text to have control over us and monastic hours of personal and But this “controlling” as- become a place to encounter with corporate prayer or as simple as a pect of our approach to informa- God. Instead of the text being an daily time of personal devotion. A tion becomes a debilitating bond- object controlled by us, the text daily offi ce might include such ele- age when we approach spiritual becomes the subject; we, in turn, ments as personal quiet time with

30 God (or several such times during of ourselves from something in wholeness, our deadness into life the day-morning, midday, evening order to offer ourselves in greater and our bondage into freedom. It or a combination); prayers before measures to God. While what we is to the personal disciplines that meals, moments of prayer dis- fast from may be detrimental to we now turn. persed through the day at planned our life or our relationship with points; gathering with others daily God, generally the point of fasting References: for worship, prayer, Bible study, is to separate ourselves temporar- Dallas Willard and Jan Johnson, Christian fellowship. Whatever the ily or permanently from something Renovation of the Heart in Daily form of our daily offi ce, we need that is normally a good and proper Practice. such a discipline if we are to live part of human life. M. Robert Mulholland, Invitation our lives in a growing experience Retreat is the discipline of to a Journey. of the wholeness of Christ and setting apart a time, individually or Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual in increasing faithfulness as God’s corporately, to step aside from the Disciplines Handbook. persons for others. normal fl ow of life and give God Study is essential for the our full and undivided attention. Christian’s growth toward whole- While the disciplines of prayer, ness in Christ for the sake of oth- spiritual reading, worship, daily of- Disiplin- ers. Without disciplined growth fi ce, study and fasting all serve as in our knowledge and experience means to clarify the focus of our Disiplin of God, ourselves, others and the life in Christ and keep us centered Rohani world around us, we are handi- as citizens of God’s new order of capped in our growth toward being, we also need special times sebagai wholeness in Christ and our abil- in which we allow God to help us ity to be God’s person for others. reevaluate the whole structure of suatu The discipline of individual and our life in Christ. We need to stand Formasi corporate study keeps us aware aside from our discipleship so as of our growth needs, alert to the to be able to see more clearly the Perjalanan vital issues of the world around direction in which we are going us and sensitized to what God is and the course corrections God Rohani doing to grow us up into Christ would have us make. It is possible and call us forth to be agents of for the practice of the classical dis- Oleh: Ev. Dedy S. grace in the midst of the world’s ciplines itself to become a subtle Ginta issues. With the discipline of study, form of works righteousness in however, we must be alert to the which we come to think that by Disiplin bukanlah suatu istilah temptation to enter into the disci- our faithful exercise of the disci- yang populer dalam kebudayaan pline as a means to help us exert plines we are transforming our- kita. Penulis Quaker Richard Fos- greater control over our lives, the selves into the image of Christ. We ter merujuk “perayaan dari disip- lives of others and the problems need to take times to stand aside lin” sebagai suatu panggilan yang of the world. The liturgy of study, and allow God to show us what radikal terhadap suatu kebudayaan as with all the elements of liturgy, we are doing and what we ought yang tidak mempunyai disiplin dan is a means of offering ourselves to to be doing. yang hanya mencari kenyamanan God, willing for God to do with us saja. Kecenderungan kita untuk as God chooses. In conclusion, we must remem- menghindari disiplin merupakan Fasting involves far more ber that these classical disciplines gejala lain dalam mencari suatu than abstaining from food, although of the Christian tradition are the kepuasan adalah gambaran dari- such abstention is certainly called support structure within which pada kebudayaan kita. Pemenuhan for in the midst of a gluttonous we offer the very personalized kebutuhan dan kepuasan secara and overweight culture. The es- disciplines through which God will instant tidak akan membangun sence of fasting is the separation work to bring our brokenness into jalan menuju suatu disiplin secara

31 Agape » Anniversary 2008 menyeluruh. Bagaimanapun, ini adi dimana Tuhan memanggil kita dengan Tuhan yang dalam, vital, adalah suatu jalan yang membawa sebagai suatu integrasi dari disiplin dan mempunyai kemampuan un- kepuasan yang sejati dan tahan rohani dari tradisi orang Kristen tuk mengubah daripada apa yang lama, bukan suatu kepuasan yang adalah: doa, buku bacaan rohani, kita pikir kita perlukan (seringkali timbul hanya untuk waktu singkat dan liturgy. Disiplin-disiplin rohani kita lupa bahwa Bapa kita tahu apa dan sementara yang lalu sirna pada sebagai tubuh Kristus membentuk yang terbaik buat kita sebelum saat berikutnya. rancangan bangunan, struktur dan kita minta (Matt 6:8) dan di antara Di satu pihak, menghindari jaringan penunjang dimana kita gejala-gejala dalam hidup kita (bi- disiplin adalah suatu gambaran dari melatih keunikan dan disiplin prib- asanya kita lupa bahwa “Allah tu- karakter kebudayaan kita, di pihak adi di dalamnya dimana Roh Tuhan rut bekerja dalam segala sesuatu lain penerimaan disiplin bisa juga akan membawa setiap kita berjalan untuk mendatangkan kebaikan merupakan indikasi dari suatu ke- menuju keutuhan dalam Kristus. bagi mereka yang mengasihi Dia” bobrokan. Ada orang yang oleh kar- Kita cenderung berpikir (Roma 8:28). ena disiplin mereka, mereka men- bahwa disiplin rohani secara klasik Mendengarkan atau me- jadi suatu struktur kehidupan yang sebagai tubuh Kristus adalah hal nyimak adalah perumpamaan yang kaku yang tidak membiarkan suatu yang kurang penting (bukan uta- bagus untuk doa. Doa yang benar ruangan untuk campur tangan Tu- ma) bahkan sebagai pilihan terh- adalah bukan hanya menjadi se- han dimana tangan Tuhan yang adap “rohani sesungguhnya” dari orang pendengar yang baik. Doa penuh anugerah itu mengacaukan disiplin rohani kita secara pribadi. adalah dialog; ini adalah pertemuan disiplin tersebut. Ada orang yang Disiplin-disiplin klasik tersebut pribadi di dalam kasih. Pada saat kita menjalankan disiplin tersebut den- tujuannya adalah membawa hidup berkomunikasi dengan seseorang gan begitu kakunya dimana tidak kita ke dalam lingkungan dalam Tu- yang kita perduli, kita berbicara terpikirkan lagi untuk melakukan han dan keutuhan di dalam Kristus, dan kita mendengarkan. Walaupun kemungkinan-kemungkinan untuk sehingga “perlakuan” dari disiplin percakapan kita itu responsive/ada berubah. Ada juga orang yang kar- pribadi kita bisa berjalan secara tanggapan, apa yang kita katakana ena kedisiplinannya menjadi puas efektif. tergantung dari apa yang dikatakan akan hubungan mereka dengan oleh lawan bicara kita. Jika tidak, Tuhan dan bekerja sebaik-baiknya Doa kita tidak akan memiliki percaka- untuk kerohanian mereka. Pertimbangan daripada doa seba- pan yang nyata, hanya merupakan Kita juga melatih disiplin gai disiplin klasik daripada tradisi pembicaraan satu arah (monolog) rohani “dengan rasa takut dan gen- Kristen membawa kita melawan yang berjalan beriringan. tar” karena godaan-godaan yang prioritas-prioritas fungsional dari Pada waktu yang lalu, kita begitu kuatnya untuk merusak kebudayaan kita. Kita cenderung mempunyai 4 judul daftar doa: Pen- disiplin itu. Kita mungkin melatih berpikir bahwa doa sebagai se- gaguman (adoration), Pertobatan disiplin rohani dalam usaha kita suatu yang kita lakukan untuk (contrition), Pengucapan Syukur untuk mendapatkan kasih Tuhan membuahkan hasil-hasil yang kita (thanksgiving), dan Permohonan atau membuat Tuhan melakukan perlukan atau lebih membuat Tu- (supplication) – gampang untuk di- apa yang kita inginkan dalam hidup han membuahkan hasil. Kita lebih ingat karena huruf depan keempat kita. Kita mungkin melatih disiplin tertarik dalam hal mengenal apa kata (dalam bahasa Inggris) terse- dalam bayang-bayang dimana kita yang dapat berfungsi dan mengem- but jika digabung akan membentuk menjadikan diri kita ke dalam rupa bangkan keahlian-keahlian yang da- “acts”. Ini sangat membantu untuk Kristus dengan upaya kita sendiri. pat memastikan doa-doa kita ada- mengingat bahwa dalam doa tidak Kita mungkin menjalankan disiplin lah efektif. Sebagai akibatnya, doa hanya berisikan permohonan. Kita itu untuk memberikan kesan yang kita cenderung merupakan suatu telah melihat bahwa kita harus me- baik kepada orang lain atas kes- daftar belanjaan dari hal-hal yang nyimak lebih dalam lagi dari pada eriusan kita akan rohani kita atau harus kita capai, suatu usaha untuk sekedar “acts” untuk mendapatkan hanya untuk diterima oleh yang memanipulasi gejala-gejala dalam arti doa yang sesungguhnya. Doa lainnya. kehidupan kita tanpa benar-benar adalah hal yang penting dalam per- Disiplin rohani secara prib- masuk ke dalam suatu hubungan temuan yang terjadi pada saat ter-

32 jadi percakapan antara Tuhan dan mempunyai anugerah dimana kita dan menjadi suatu sarana untuk manusia, dimana Tuhan adalah Tuan dapat bertemu dengan Tuhan yang berhubungan dengan Tuhan. Kali- dimana hanya Dia sajalah yang da- terus menerus berbicara kepada mat-kalimat dalam buku rohani itu pat memulai pertemuan tersebut. kita untuk membentuk kita ke da- akan menjadi subyek yang men- Doa adalah suatu dialog, lam rupa Kristus agar bermanfaat gontrol kita dan bukan obyek yang pertemuan antara dua orang. Apa bagi sesama kita. Secara garis besar, dikontrol oleh kita; kita sebaliknya yang dilakukan atau dikatakan ada- kalimat dalam bacaan rohani mem- merupakan obyek yang ditetapkan lah suatu bagian yang terpisahkan buka diri kita kepada kuasa Tuhan oleh Tuhan melalui kalimat-kalimat dari doa karena Tuhan tidak dapat dalam hidup kita untuk mencapai dalam bacaan tersebut. berbicara dengan kita kecuali kita tujuan Tuhan. Ini adalah pernyataan Pada saat kita membaca juga berbicara. Bahkan Tuhan pun yang radikal yang berlawanan den- buku-bukr rohani, kita tidak mem- tidak dapat berbicara pada orang gan informasi sekuler yang kita da- bawa agenda kita, melainkan kita yang di dalamnya bisu dan tuli. Tu- patkan untuk mencapai tujuan kita datang ke dalam agenda Tuhan juan dari doa adalah pertemuan di dunia ini. dengan sikap terbuka. Kita menyi- dengan Tuhan dalam kasihNya. Sayangnya, kita telah terla- mak pada saat kita membaca, men- tih sebagai pembaca informative, cari informasi sebanyak-banyaknya Buku Bacaan rohani bukan pembaca rohani. Pada saat bukan untuk mendapat input se- Disiplin secara klasik yang kita membaca bacaan yang ber- banyak mungkin melainkan untuk didapat dari bacaan-bacaan rohani sifat informative, kita melakukan menyelidiki titik terendah dari ke- membawa kita pada konfl ik dengan control kita secara hampir keselu- beradaan dan kelakuan kita. Kita prioritas yang bersifat informative ruhan dan lengkap yang kita dap- mengambil sikap dan pendekatan dalam kebudayaan kita. Jaman kita atkan dari kalimat dalam bacaan yang instropektif dimana terdapat dikenal dengan jaman informasi tersebut. Kita biasanya memilih ketidakpastian dan misteri dan bu- dan penemuan computer ditambah terlebih dahulu materi yang akan kannya pendekatan secara analitis. dengan modemnya menyediakan kita baca. Kita membaca kalimat- Tujuan akhir dari membaca buku- informasi yang hampir tidak terba- kalimat dalam bacaan itu dengan buku rohani adalah disempurnakan tas untuk kita dimana informasi ini membawa agenda kita sendiri, tahu oleh Tuhan sebagai alatNya untuk sangat diperlukan untuk berfungsi terlebih dahulu apa yang akan kita mencapai tujuan Tuhan melalui secara efektif di dunia ini. Infor- terima, jawaban apa yang akan kita kita. masi telah menjadi suatu kekuatan. dapatkan dari bacaan tersebut Orang atau kelompok yang mem- atas persoalan yang kita hadapi. proses informasi yang paling mu- Kita membacanya dengan secepat Unsur-unsur dari disiplin takhir adalah mereka yang berada mungkin, mengumpulkan sebanyak di posisi yang dapat mengontrol mungkin informasi dalam waktu Ada beberapa disiplin klasik lain- kepentingan dan aktifi tas dalam yang sesingkat-singkatnya. nya yaitu: penyembahan, kebiasaan dunia mereka. Bacaan-bacaan Rohani atau sehari-hari, belajar, berpuasa dan Tetapi aspek “mengontrol” Non Informatif adalah bertolak retreat. daripada perolehan informasi ini belakang dengan Bacaan Informatif. menjadi suatu ikatan yang lemah Bacaan Rohani akan sangat efektif Penyembahan, baik secara bersama- pada saat kita berbicara menge- apabila kita menemukan kalimat sama maupun pribadi adalah lati- nai bacaan-bacaan rohani. Bacaan- dalam bacaan tersebut telah dipilih han untuk mencari secara teratur bacaan rohani merupakan suatu secara khusus untuk kita. Dengan yang membawa diri kita untuk be- disiplin dari keterbukaan dalam cara ini kita mulai menyerahkan nar-benar fokus di hadapan Tuhan. pertemuan dengan Tuhan melalui control kita kepada orang atau Ini adalah disiplin yang membawa tulisan-tulisan dari para bapak dan kuasa yang lain di luar agenda kita. diri kita kembali kepada pusat dari ibu dari gereja kita yang dimulai Fasilitas ini adalah tujuan utama keberadaan diri kita secara pribadi dari Alkitab. Dalam pembacaan dari membaca buku-buku rohani – atau pun kolektif sebagai anak-anak tulisan rohani, kalimat dari bacaan untuk membiarkan kalimat dalam Tuhan. Tekanan hidup dan serangan tersebut mengandung arti yang buku tersebut mengontrol kita dari dunia yang telah jatuh ini se-

33 Agape » Anniversary 2008 cara konstan mengaburkan fokus akan Kristus dan peran kita sebagai ataupun secara kelompok, yaitu kita dan cenderung membawa kita anak Tuhan bagi orang lain. Disiplin untuk menarik diri dari alur nor- jauh dari fokus kita kepada Tuhan. dari belajar secara pribadi dan kel- mal kehidupan dan memberikan Penyembahan ditujukan agar kita ompok membuat kita menyadari Tuhan perhatian kita secara penuh dapat memulihkan dan mengemba- akan kebutuhan akan pertumbu- dan tidak terpecah. Pada saat disi- likan fokus kita pada Tuhan. Kuali- han kita, waspada akan masalah- plin dari doa, bacaan buku rohani, tas dan n dari penyembahan kita masalah penting di dunia ini dan penyembahan, kebiasaan sehari- akan menentukan bagaimana kita peka terhadap pekerjaan Tuhan hari, belajar dan berpuasa dilaku- dapat hidup dimana Kristus adalah untuk membuat kita bertumbuh kan dengan tujuan untuk meng- pusat dari kehidupan kita. dalam Kristus dan memanggil kita klarifi kasikan focus hidup kita Kebiasaan sehari-hari, ada- untuk menjadi wakil Tuhan da- dalam Kristus dan membuatkan lah tingkah laku secara teratur dan lam anugrahNya di tengah-tengah kita terpusat sebagai warga negara konsisten yang mengingatkan kita dunia dan masalah yang terdapat Tuhan yang baru, kita juga memer- kembali siapakah kita dan mem- di dalamnya. Dengan disiplin dalam lukan waktu khusus dimana kita perbaharui kita dalam disiplin kita. study, bagaimanapun kita harus membiarkan Tuhan untuk mem- Ini mungkin akan sedetail, sekom- waspada terhadap godaan dalam bantu kita mengevaluasi struktur pleks doa secara pribadi maupun menerapkan disiplin sebagai suatu kehidupan kita secara keseluruhan kolektif ataupun sesederhana saat alat untuk melatih kita dalam pen- dalam Kristus. Kita harus keluar teduh pribadi kita dengan Tuhan. gontrolan hidup kita, hidup orang dari hidup kita sebagai murid un- Kebiasaan sehari-hari dapat meli- lain dan masalah-masalah dalam tuk melihat arah hidup kita secara puti elemen-elemen seperti saat dunia ini. Liturgy dari belajar den- lebih jelas dan koreksi-koreksi dari teduh kita dengan Tuhan secara gan semua bagian-bagian dalam lit- yang Tuhan mau kita lakukan dalam pribadi (atau beberapa kali dalam urgy merupakan suatu alat untuk hidup kita. Ini mungkin adalah se- sehari, di pagi hari, siang hari, malam mempersembahkan diri kita kepa- bagai bentuk latihan bagi disiplin- hari ataupun kombinasi dari wak- da Tuhan, rela membiarkan Tuhan disiplin secara klasik sendiri seba- tu-waktu tersebut); doa sebelum melakukan apapun pada diri kita gai suatu bentuk yang tersamar makan, doa khusus yang terpisah sesuai dengan pilihan Tuhan. dari pekerjaan-pekerjaan yang dalam acara-acara tertentu yang Berpuasa, mempunyai benar dimana akan membuat kita telah direncanakan, persekutuan makna yang lebih jauh dari seke- berpikir oleh karena kita kesetiaan dengan sesama anak Tuhan dalam dar menjauhkan diri dari makanan, kita dalam melatih disiplin-disiplin doa, penyembahan dan penda- walaupun hal ini sangat dibutuhkan tersebut, kita merubah diri kita ke laman alkitab. Apapun bentuk dari dalam masyarakat yang mengalami dalam citra dan gambar Kristus. kebiasaan hidup kita sehari-hari, masalah berat badan, over weight Kita perlu mengambil waktu un- kita memerlukan suatu disiplin jika ini. Arti penting dari berpuasa ada- tuk menarik diri dan membiarkan kita ingin hidup dalam pengalaman lah memisahkan diri kita dari se- Tuhan menunjukkan kita apa yang yang bertumbuh dalam keutuhan suatu untuk mempersembahkan sedang kita kerjakan dan apa yang Kristus dan menambah iman dan diri kita kepada Tuhan. Hati-hati seharusnya kita kerjakan. kesetian kita sebagai anak-anak Tu- dengan apa yang kita puasakan kar- han untuk sesama kita. ena hal ini bisa merusak/berbahaya Kesimpulannya, kita harus meng- Belajar, adalah sangat pent- bag hidup kita atau hubungan kita ingat bahwa disiplin-disiplin secara ing bagi pertumbuhan orang Kris- dengan Tuhan. Pada umumnya inti klasik dari tradisi Kekristenan ini ten dalam keutuhan Kristus untuk dari berpuasa adalah memisahkan adalah struktur penyanggah dima- kebaikan sesama kita. Tanpa disip- diri kita untuk sementara atau se- na kita menawarkan disiplin secara lin, pertumbuhan di dalam penge- lamanya dari sesuatu yang biasanya pribadi dimana Tuhan akan bekerja tahuan dan pengalaman akan Tu- baik dan selayaknya dalam hidup untuk merubah kita yang tidak utuh han, diri kita sendiri, orang lain dan manusia. menjadi utuh kembali, kita yang dunia sekitar kita, akan membuat Retreat, adalah disiplin telah mati menjadi hidup kembali, kita merasa pincang dalam per- yang ditetapkan dalam memisah- kita yang terikat menjadi bebas. Ini tumbuhan kita menuju keutuhan kan waktu baik secara individual adalah disiplin pribadi kita .

34 What Is Sin? By: Ev. Wilson Suwanto

In today’s generation, the term violation to God’s laws. something or someone that is not “sin” is rarely heard. It’s like the When a person lies to his fellow, ours -- God’s tenth command- term sin will be an insult to the he isn’t only harming his fellow, ment. In the aspect of action, sin person who’s done wrongdo- but he also has sinned against the reveals itself in the form of action ings. Most of the time, instead, Holy God who says, “Thou shalt that destroys the work of God, we hear the term “weakness,” not bear false witness against thy the life of our fellow, or even “shortcoming,” “psychological neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). Sin sometimes ourselves. By nature, disorder,” or even “personality should always be seen in rela- everyone has sinned ever since defect.” Whatever the term is, this tion to God. Paul says that if we they were born. “Behold, I was generation tries to eliminate the become a stumbling block to our shapen in iniquity; and in sin did element of responsibility from fellow Christians who are weak my mother coceive me” (Psalm mankind. If sin is a psychological morally, we have sinned against 51:5). disorder or personality defect, the Christ who has given them salva- blame is not at the person be- tion. “But when ye so against the Acknowledging and confessing cause he is born like that; there- brethren, and wound their weak our sins to God is a very impor- fore, he is freed from punishment conscience, ye sin against Christ” tant step. Only with repenting of and responsibility. (1 Corinthians 8:12). our sins, we can appreciate God’s grace that He has given us. Only The Bible explicitly says that no Sin involves three aspects: mind, with this, we can appreciate the one can escape from his respo- action, and nature. In the aspect heavy burden He carried when sibility. It says, “For we must all of mind, we have sinned when He was on that cross. appear before the judgment seat we just start having a desire for of Christ; that every one may re- ceive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10, KJV). It means that no one can escape from the day of judgement. Everyone will be asked for their resposibility in front of the Holy God.

Sin is a disobedience to God’s commandments. That means God has given mankind rules to fol- low, and a violation to His rules is considered as sin. The Bible says, “For as by one man’s disobedi- ence many were made sinners ...” (Rome 5:19). Sin is not just a violation to government’s laws or man’s laws, instead, it is also a

35 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Apa Itu Dosa? By: Ev. Wilson Suwanto Tuhan yang berkata, “Jangan ber- dusta” (Kel. 20:16). Dosa harus senantiasa dilihat dalam relasi dengan Tuhan. Paulus berkata bahwa kalau kita menjadi batu sandungan kepada saudara seiman yang lemah, kita telah berdosa kepada Kristus yang menebus jiwa mereka. “Jika engkau se- cara demikian berdosa terhadap saudara-saudaramu dan melukai hati nurani mereka yang lemah, engkau pada hakekatnya berdosa terhadap Kristus” (1 Korintus 8:12).

Dosa melibatkan tiga aspek: hati/pikiran, perbuatan, Zaman sekarang, istilah yang patut diterimanya, sesuai dan kodrat/natur. Dalam aspek “dosa” jarang terdengar di tem- dengan yang dilakukannya dalam pikiran, kita berdosa ketika kita pat-tempat umum. Seolah-olah, hidupnya ini, baik ataupun jahat ” baru menginginkan sesuatu atau istilah dosa ini akan menyinggung (2 Kor. 5:10). Artinya, tidak ada seseorang yang bukan milik kita -- hati orang yang mendengarnya. seorangpun yang bisa melarikan perintah Tuhan yang ke-10. Dalam Kita lebih sering mendengar diri dari hari penghakiman. Setiap aspek perbuatan, dosa menyata- istilah “kelemahan,” atau “masalah orang akan dituntut pertanggung- kan diri dalam bentuk perbuatan psikologi.” Bahkan ada yang jawaban oleh Tuhan. yang menghancurkan pekerjaan menggunakan istilah “cacat keprib- Tuhan atau hidup sesama kita, adian.” Apapun istilahnya, zaman Dosa adalah pelanggaran bahkan diri sendiri. Dalam kodrat, ini berusaha membuang elemen terhadap hukum Tuhan. Artinya, setiap orang lahir di bawah kuasa tanggung-jawab dari manusia. Tuhan telah memberikan hukum dosa. “Dalam kesalahan aku diper- Kalau itu berupa penyakit psikolo- untuk ditaati. Pelanggaran terh- anakkan, dalam dosa aku dikand- gis atau cacat kepribadian, itu adap hukum itu adalah dosa. “Jadi ung ibuku” (Mazmur 51:5). bukan salah orang itu. Memang ia sama seperti oleh ketidaktaatan terlahir demikian, jadi tidak perlu satu orang semua orang telah Mengakui fakta dosa dihukum atau dituntut tanggung- menjadi orang berdosa ...” (Roma dan mengakui dosa-dosa kita jawab. 5:19). Dosa bukan sekedar me- di hadapan Tuhan adalah lang- langgar hukum negara atau hukum kah yang sangat penting. Hanya Alkitab menegaskan bahwa manusia, melainkan pelanggaran dengan penyesalan yang dalam tidak ada seorang pun yang bisa terhadap hukum Tuhan sendiri. akan dosa-dosa kita, kita dapat lari dari tanggung-jawab kepada menghargai anugerah keselamatan Tuhan. Alkitab berkata, “Sebab Ketika seseorang berbo- yang diberikan Tuhan kepada kita. kita semua harus menghadap hong kepada sesamanya, ia bukan Hanya dengan demikian, kita bisa takhta pengadilan Kristus, supaya sekedar merugikan sesamanya menghargai beratnya penderitaan setiap orang memperoleh apa itu, melainkan ia berdosa kepada Tuhan di atas salib.

36 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Stop Dating The Church Book Author: Joshua Harris Introduction: Janice Atmadja Book Summary & Review by Donald Kim

Happy Birthday Azusa! In honor of the church’s our church. Let us not harden our hearts. Let us fall anniversary, I felt it most appropriate to do a book in love with the body of Christ just as Jesus did when review on Joshua Harris’, enlightening book on the He called the church His beautiful Bride in white. Let Christian relationship with the Church called Stop us commit! Dating the Church. His book is not only relevant to our exploration of the Christians’ relationship with The brief summary below will give you a glimpse of the outside world. It encourages all of us, new and the book. There are much detail omitted in the sum- “old” Christians alike, to renew our dedication to the mary like references to specifi c Bible verses that Har- most visible and tangible representative of heaven on ris quotes to further emphasize his biblical teachings, earth, the Body of Christ—the Church. In this book, but this will leave you thirsting for more. Joshua Harris put a special emphasis on the local church instead of the universal Church. Oftentimes in the midst of world-missionary fervor, we forget “Stop Dating the Church: Fall in Love with about the growth of our very own local church. Har- the Church of God”A Book Review by Donald Kim ris asserts that we must take a fi rm stand in God’s commandment for us to be an active and contrib- Joshua Harris, in the past, has been writing on re- uting member of the local church. And we must do lationships, particularly those of single dating rela- it willingly, not only as professed Christians, but as tionships. In I Kissed Dating Goodbye, he presents his adopted children, inheritors of His Kingdom. He the case that single people should not be involved in wants us to commit ourselves to the Body of Christ. “directionless relationships that were romantic and Let’s face it Christians on denial, (I was one myself), physical.” In this book, his message is similar but in we need support. We need the Church, the gathering a different context—the local church. His message of a body of Believers, to help us maintain this fi ght is simple: “stop treating the local church frivolous- for joy and, most importantly, contentment in Him ly with no intentions of moving forward towards a and Him alone. commitment.” The characteristics of church-daters: me-centered and critical. Do we even truly know the meaning of “church” and why God so emphasized for us to fellowship with In chapter one, Harris is keen to identify the rea- other believers? Why is it not okay for us to grow by sons that have made a real and honest commitment ourselves? Surely, God would help you grow without to the church impossible: 1) We treat the church with depending on other people…Didn’t God say that He a consumer mentality. We want the “best product for alone is enough? These questions oftentimes come the price of Sunday morning.” 2) We are disillusioned to many Christians who are wraught with confusion with the church. and disillusionment about the meaning and purpose of the Church resulting in a lack of love for His Body (the Church). This book will help you sort out those In chapter two, Harris puts the church in perspec- confusions. To help me, Mr. Donald Kim from Fort tive, viz. heavenly perspective, through an exposition Worth, Texas (creator of http://donaldkim.word- of Eph 5:25-32. The interesting observation that Har- press.com/), has graciously allowed Agape to print his ris makes about this passage is the dynamic relation- summary of the book. So let us stop merely “dating” ship between the husband and wife, which correlates

37 Agape » Anniversary 2008 In chapter four, Harris offers seven points for joining a church: 1. You join. 2. You make the church a priority. 3. You try to make your pastor’s job a joy. 4. You fi nd ways to serve. 5. You give. 6. You connect with people. 7. You share your passion.

In chapter fi ve are ten questions for choosing the “right” church: 1. Is this a church where God’s Word is faithfully taught? 2. Is this a church where sound doctrine matters? 3. Is this a church in which the gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed? 4. Is this a church committed to reaching non- Christians with the gospel? 5. Is this a church whose leaders are characterized by humility and integrity? 6. Is this a church where people strive to live by with Christ and the church. This is the profound mys- God’s Word? tery found in God’s undying pursuit of the church. 7. Is this a church where I can fi nd and cultivate As explained in Eph 3:9-11, the heavenly rulers look godly relationships? down in awe of this magnifi cent display of glory. 8. Is this a church where members are challenged to serve? In chapter three is the explanation for why we 9. Is this a church that is willing to kick me out? need the church. Spurgeon puts it simply: “not joining 10. Is this a church I’m willing to join “as is” with the church is disobedience.” There are three ordi- enthusiasm and faith in God? nances that a church is called to keep: baptism, Lord’s Supper, and discipline. The church is called to grow The last two chapters provide some concrete steps together as a community with its identifi cation of for getting out of the trappings of cynicism towards these ordinances. John Piper’s take: “Sanctifi cation is a healthy relationship with a local church. a community project.” Mark Dever’s one-liner: “If you are not a member of the church your regularly at- Overall, Harris’ insights are provocative to spur tend, you may well be going to hell.” Dever’s point is any Christian disenchanted with the local body to not that everyone should be on a church roster, but reconsider the implications of committing to the rather his purpose to emphasize the local church as church in a new and profound way. the place where our life in Christ is lived out.

Harris makes his point clear: “Only when you and I reject self-centeredness, prideful independence, and a critical spirit can the beauty of the local church come A Book Review by Donald Kim into focus.”

38 by: Rev. Saumiman Saud*

*The writer is an alumni of Seminari Alkitab Asia Tenggara understanding and a true Christian fellowship, such pro- (SAAT), Malang. Currently, he is serving in IEC Seattle. He grams will be meaningless. Such fellowship programs can be reached through email in [email protected] or become merely a time to hang out and hear the latest through his personal website: Http://www.saumimansaud. gossip. Our Bible clearly emphasizes what it takes and org. This article is written in honor of the Silver Anniversary of how it should be to have a good fellowship. IEC Los Angeles healthy church is a church whose parishio- 1. Harmony is created through ners have a good relationship with the Lord. mutual love To keep that essential tight bond with one another, the congregation of Christ must Mutual love in this case does not mean mere sympathy faithfully fellowship, pray, and read His Word. or sweet words; mutual love must be followed by “ac- AThere is no shortcut to it. Such a relationship is a process tion” as stated by John the apostle in John 3:18: “Dear that must progress with each passing day. Our relation- children, let us not love with words or tongue but with ship with others in the body of Christ is a similar process. actions and in truth.” (NIV) If our relationship with God is not doing well, then our Love comes from people who are truly willing to relationship with others will not be satisfactory either. give their heart to others. It is not enough to accept this Therefore, the key to harmony and peace with others lies merely as a concept. Pragmatically, when we see others in our relationship with God personally. in need, we should spontaneously help them, whether Our personal relationships with others in church be it a moral support or monetary support. Actions, rath- are very diff erent from our relationships with people in er than simply emotions of mutual love are the marks of the secular world. Truthfully, the secular world also off ers true followers of Christ. us a chance to cultivate a “good” relationship, but the diff erence is that such friendships are established un- der secular common sense rules: If we treat others well, 2. Harmony is created through then they will treat us well in return. Christianity actually mutual service teaches something more that simple reciprocity. If oth- ers harm us, we must still treat them well; we must return A famous philosopher could write grandiose words, fi ll- evil with good, with the unconditional love that the Lord ing thick books which give endless advice on how to Jesus has shown for us. raise your child without ever having raised one himself. Our hectic work schedules or long distances be- Words and actions do not always go together. We re- tween the congregations’ houses can aff ect our personal spect Christ because he is the ideal example of both. He relationships with other church members. As a result, humbles Himself like a servant as He tells others to do the fellowship in church becomes distant, and many of the same, wearing the clothes of a servant and washing the members do not know one another. Meanwhile, the the feet of His disciples. “I have set you an example that active members of the church are often only the ones you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15; NIV) who live close to the church and whose job is not too Let us look at the Apostle Paul’s emphasis in Phi- demanding or tiring. This is why recently churches have lippians 2:6-7: “6Who, being in very nature God, did not initiated small group fellowships or regional fellowships, consider equality with God something to be grasped, in order to overcome the distance problem. 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of While it is tempting for a church to make all of their pro- a servant, being made in human likeness.” Verse 6 em- grams simply for the purpose of strengthening bonding phasizes that Jesus is “in very nature God.” In Greek, the within the church, without an attempt to build a spiritual aforementioned quote was actually preceded by “to be” 39 Agape » Anniversary 2008 (thus translated ‘being’ in the likeness of God). The word used was ‘hyparchon’ (to continuously be), not ‘on’ (be- “Even church is a place where we can ing). In other words, Christ has always been in the like- encounter unpleasant events.” ness of God. Even with such a high status, Christ has be- come a servant to His disciples. It would be ideal if a true mutual service could take place in church when no one ever said: “That’s not my problem,” “I’m not the deacon,” “That’s the pastor’s The acts of forgiveness and being forgiven are supposed job,” “I’m not getting paid,” etc. True servitude comes to be routine at church. However, we are not perfect. This from our love for others. If mutual service is not accom- imperfection can give us long-life confl icts. Confl ict often panied by love, then the church is simply a worldly social happens between two close people. This is why betrayal organization. can hurt so much. An old proverb says that it is our loved ones that can hurt us the most, not our enemies. 3. Harmony is created through Even church is a place where we can encounter helping each other unpleasant events. This happens not because Jesus is punishing us for our sins by making others be unkind to The Lord does not want us to be selfi sh and individual- us, but because His children are often immature and do istic, and this is why we should not ignore the tasks of not act like Christ. In the words of Ephesians 4:31-32, it God, which include testifying, having fellowship, and says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling serving (Marturia, Koinonia, and Diakonia). Helping one and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind another is certainly one of them as well. But what can and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, we do to encourage others to reach out? If a church has just as in Christ God forgave you.” (NIV) love, and the members know they can depend upon one another, then they will not be shy or afraid to share their 5. Harmony is created through prayer burdens and problems so that others can help and pray for them. The concept of the Christian faith can be seen through “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you how disciplined one is in prayer. However, it is strange will fulfi ll the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2; NIV) To carry that in many churches, the prayer group is the small- one another’s burdens and provide help when needed is est commission and the least expanding one at church, very important for people to create a healthy, balanced even though everyone knows that the power of prayer is church. The knowledge that you are not alone, that oth- great. Our Christian life is full of challenges; therefore, we ers are praying for your happiness, allows one to endure need strength from the Lord. We can gain the strength hardship more easily. Christian life becomes lighter, and through prayer. “The prayer of a righteous man is power- Christ’s love reproduces itself when those who have ful and eff ective.” (James 5:16b; NIV) I often fi nd church been helped are inspired to help others. members who confi de and ask to be prayed for, while they themselves never attended the prayer meetings. If 4. Harmony is created through we realize that prayer is very important and powerful, forgiveness why are we still depending on others to pray for us? Why won’t we personally come and pray to God as well? It is not easy to live in a foreign country, especial- ly if our family is not with us. There are many things we are unable to share with people other than our families while others might fi nd it diffi cult to understand us. Even when members of a family get together, they may be too busy to listen to each other’s problems. We must not let a similar problem happen in our church because then many people may become deeply stressed out and de- pressed without anyone realizing it. Praying to the Lord proves to be the sole eff ective key to piercing through the problem. 40 James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other with these words” (I Thessalonians 4:18; NIV) each other and pray for each other so that you may be Indeed, often we may say many unkind things without healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and thinking. This is why we must be careful with our words. eff ective.” (NIV) As children of God, we need to set aside We have to think about whether what we will say will some time to pray for each other, because the challeng- bring blessings to others or not. If we wish to have a es and problems in life will never cease. Every day, we are good relationship with others, then our words must be faced with new diffi culties, tempting us to sin. encouraging and comforting. People will not be as ready to listen to someone who has been unkind to them in 6. Harmony is created through the past. Children of God are tired of being oppressed by the secular world with its stresses. Fellowship should be a counseling and teaching one another refuge from this, a place where their faith can be strength- To learn from others in church is very important, but this ened, not where they will encounter yet another stressful will not be eff ective unless Christians already know the situation. Word of God well. Romans 5:14 says, “I myself am con- Despite all of our eff ort, there can be no perfect vinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of good- church in this world because no Christian can be per- ness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct fect. If today you hear of a perfect church in L.A., avoid one another.”(NIV) Here, “full of goodness” means that it. Why? If the church is indeed perfect, your presence in what we have learned can be used in turn to instruct and that church will make that church imperfect. help others. Such advice is one form of the Word of God. For twenty-fi ve years, even with all her shortcom- You are not asked to become a spy, or a police- ings, the Indonesian Evangelical Church in L.A. has stood man, intentionally searching for and recording each oth- strong. We must be grateful to the Lord, because He has er’s sins. Do not assume that you know everything after been willing to use His imperfect children to do perfect learning a little about the Word of God. This is not con- service. God’s blessings for us have not stopped till this structive criticism, but merely criticism. If you are given a day. I’m sure that everything is due to this harmonious chance to give advice to others, let your advice be full of relationship we have striven for. Therefore, let us hold grace, to build that person, not to trodden him down. hands, uphold and keep what is good, and cast away Children of God need to refl ect themselves and what is bad, so that we can step forward into a church ask for God’s wisdom before giving advice to others. In full of hope. Amen. addition, God’s children must be humble when given ad- vice from others. Do not judge yourself or your opinion to be better than others. If today you look innocent, it (Washington, Lynnwood, May 2008) may be because your secrets have not been revealed yet, or you have not been tempted as fully as others. It is cru- cial to counsel one another without adopting a position of superiority.

7. Harmony is created through mutual comforting

Encouraging one another is not an easy task because every one of us has a very diff erent walk of life. When we are happy, rich, healthy, it is easy to comfort those in need, but they may feel we cannot appreciate their situ- ation. When we are having problems ourselves, it is dif- fi cult to comfort others because we are focused on our own challenges. Paul emphasizes giving comfort to oth- ers, especially in his pastoral letters, such as the ones he wrote to the Thessalonians and Philippians, even though Paul himself was in jail at the time. Paul instructs the people, “Therefore, encourage

41 Agape » Anniversary 2008 oleh: Rev. Saumiman Saud*

*Penulis adalah alumni Seminari Alkitab Asia Tenggara (SAAT), Ma- Memang gereja dapat saja membuat segala pro- lang. Saat ini, beliau melayani di Gereja Injili Indonesia Seattle. Beliau gram untuk mempererat relasi sesama anggota jemaat, dapat dihubungi via email [email protected] atau kunjungi web- namun tanpa dibarengi pemahaman dan pengenalan site pribadinya di http:///www.saumimansaud.org. Artikel ini ditulis dalam rangka HUT-25 Gereja Injili Indonesia Los Angeles akan makna persekutuan Kristen yang benar, maka tidak ereja yang sehat adalah gereja yang je- jelas pula apa artinya persekutuan itu. Akibatnya perse- maatnya memiliki relasi yang baik dengan kutuan dianggap sebagai ajang gossip, makan-makan, Tuhan. Untuk menjalin ikatan yang erat itu dan ngobrol yang tidak menentu tujuannya. Alkitab kita maka jemaat Tuhan harus senantiasa ber- sangat jelas sekali menekankan tentang apa saja yang sekutu, berdoa, dan membaca fi rman-Nya. seharusnya dilakukan dalam sebuah persekutuan itu se- TidakG ada jalan pintas untuk menciptakan relasi baik ini, hingga tercipta relasi yang indah dan harmonis. perlu adanya suatu proses, dan itu berlangsung setiap hari. Demikian juga relasi kita secara pribadi sebagai 1. Relasi harmonis tercipta melalui saling anggota tubuh Kristus dengan gereja dalam arti tubuh mengasihi Kristus atau persekutuan orang-orang di dalamnya. Jika Mengasihi yang dimaksud di sini bukan sekadar rasa relasi kita dengan Tuhan tidak beres, maka hubungan simpati atau kata-kata manis di bibir saja namun kasih kita dengan sesama pasti tidak beres juga. Jadi sebe- itu harus diwujudkan di dalam “perbuatan” atau “tinda- narnya kunci utama supaya kita dapat menjalin hubun- kan” seperti yang dinasihati oleh Yohanes, “Anak-anakku, gan yang harmonis dengan sesama terletak pada ba- marilah kita mengasihi bukan dengan perkataan atau gaimana hubungan kita dengan Tuhan secara pribadi. dengan lidah, tetapi dengan perbuatan dan dalam ke- Relasi pribadi di gereja dengan jemaat berbeda benaran.” (1 Yohanes 3:18) dengan relasi kita dengan sesama di dunia sekuler. Dun- Tindakan mengasihi akan terwujud apabila ses- ia sekuler sebenarnya juga menawarkan relasi yang baik, eorang dengan rela memberikan hati dan perhatiannya namun perbedaannya terletak pada syarat-syarat secara kepada orang lain. Tidak cukup hanya di situ, tindakan manusiawi. Jika relasi kita baik dengan orang lain, sudah praktisnya adalah bila kita melihat saudara kita membu- pasti secara normal orang lain juga baik dengan kita. tuhkan maka kita secara spontan membantunya berupa Kekristenan justru mengajarkannya berbeda. Walaupun moril dan materil. Wujud nyata saling mengasihi yang orang lain itu relasinya tidak menunjukkan gelagat ke- demikian merupakan tanda bahwa orang-orang percaya baikan terhadap kita, namun kita tetap saja harus mem- benar-benar adalah pengikut Kristus yang sejati. balasnya dengan kebaikan. Inilah yang bisanya disebut dengan kasih tanpa syarat (unconditional love), seperti 2. Relasi harmonis tercipta melalui saling me- yang telah Tuhan Yesus kerjakan buat kita. layani Kesibukan kerja di sana-sini atau rumah yang berjauhan sangat mempengaruhi relasi pribadi sese- Seorang ahli fi lsafat yang terkenal dapat saja menulis orang dengan jemaat di gereja. Akibatnya, persekutuan dengan kata-kata muluk melalui buku yang tebal ten- sesama jemaat menjadi renggang, bahkan ada yang tang tips bagaimana mendidik anak walaupun ia send- tidak saling kenal walaupun satu gereja. Sementara itu, iri tidak pernah mengurus anak-anaknya; perkataannya yang aktif hanya mereka yang memang rumahnya dekat dan perbuatannya tidak sejalan. Tidak dapat dipungkiri dengan gereja dan pekerjaannya tidak begitu sibuk bila lagi bahwa hanya Tuhan Yesus adalah satu-satunya tela- akhir pekan. Itu sebabnya belakangan ini di gereja-gere- dan kita dalam pelayanan. Ia merendahkan diri-Nya sama ja muncul persekutuan dalam bentuk kelompok-kelom- seperti seorang hamba dengan suka-rela menanggalkan pok kecil atau persekutuan wilayah, tujuannya agar mer- jubah kebesaran-Nya dan mengenakan pakaian seorang eka yang tidak terjangkau dalam kelompok besar dapat hamba, dan Ia juga rela membasuh kaki murid-murid- dipantau melalui kelompok kecil ini. Nya. Ia berkata, “Sebab Aku telah memberikan suatu 42 Agape » Anniversary 2008 teladan kepada kamu, supaya kamu juga berbuat sama terwujud. seperti yang telah Kuperbuat kepadamu.” (Yohanes 13:15) 4. Relasi harmonis tercipta melalui saling Coba lihat penekanan rasul Paulus dalam Filipi mengampuni 2:6-7, “6Yang walaupun dalam rupa Allah, tidak men- ganggap kesetaraan dengan Allah itu sebagai milik yang Mengampuni dan diampuni adalah hal yang sehar- harus dipertahankan, 7melainkan telah mengosongkan usnya terlihat dalam sebuah gereja. Manusia itu tidak diri-Nya sendiri, dan mengambil rupa seorang hamba, sempurna namun jangan gara-gara ketidaksempurnaan dan menjadi sama dengan manusia.” Ayat 6 menekank- ini sehingga tercipta musuh seumur hidup. Konfl ik itu an bahwa Yesus “dalam rupa Allah” yang di dalam bahasa biasanya terjadi karena kita sudah akrab, dan hasilnya Yunaninya didahului dengan kata “berada” (jadi terjema- sangat menyakitkan. Ada pepatah mengatakan bahwa hannya berada dalam rupa Allah); kata yang dipakai ada- hal yang paling menyakitkan kita adalah tatkala orang- lah “hyparchon” (terus menerus berada) dan bukan kata orang yang kita kasihi itu menyakiti kita. “on” (sedang berada). Maksudnya adalah Kristus senan- Gereja merupakan satu-satunya tempat yang tiasa telah di dalam rupa Allah dengan pengertian sam- sangat rentan terjadi hal-hal yang menyakitkan. Semua pai sekarang masih tetap demikian. Nah, Kristus yang itu terjadi bukan karena Tuhan Yesus tidak mengasih kita, demikian pernah mempraktekkan diri seperti seorang tetapi karena tindakan anak-anak Tuhan yang belum de- hamba yang melayani murid-murid-Nya sendiri. wasa dan yang sikapnya tidak meneladani Kristus. Efe- Bila saling melayani terwujud di dalam gereja be- sus 4:31 mencatat, “Hilangkanlah segala perasaan sakit tapa indah sekali. Kita tidak akan pernah mendengar lagi hati, dendam, dan marah. Jangan lagi berteriak-teriak orang-orang yang berkata: “Itu bukan urusanku,” “Saya dan memaki-maki. Jangan lagi ada perasaan benci atau bukan majelis,” “Itu tugas pendeta,” “Saya tidak di gaji,” perasaan lain semacam itu. Sebaliknya, hendaklah kalian dan sebagainya. Pelayanan yang sesungguhnya adalah baik hati dan berbelaskasihan seorang terhadap yang akibat dari kita meresponi kasih. Jika saling melayani itu lain, dan saling mengampuni sama seperti Allah pun tidak disertai dengan kasih maka gereja tidak ada be- mengampuni kalian melalui Kristus.” danya dengan lembaga sosial. 5. Relasi harmonis tercipta melalui saling 3. Relasi harmonis tercipta melalui saling me- mendoakan nanggung beban Konsep iman kepercayaan Kristen akan terlihat melalui Tuhan tidak menginginkan kita hidup egois atau me- seberapa tekunnya seseorang berdoa. Namun heran nyendiri, oleh sebab itu tugas gereja yang sangat pent- sekali, ada banyak gereja - komisi yang paling sulit ber- ing adalah bersaksi, bersekutu, dan melayani (Marturia, tambah anggotanya adalah komisi doa; padahal semua Koinonia dan Diakonia) tidak boleh diabaikan. Menang- orang tahu doa itu memilki kuasa yang dahsyat. Jalan gung beban merupakan salah satu wujudnya. Namun, kehidupan kekristenan kita senantiasa menghadapi tan- apa saja yang dapat dilakukan? Jika gereja memiliki tangan, itu sebabnya diperlukan kekuatan dari Tuhan. kasih dan saling melayani, maka anggota jemaatnya Satu-satunya cara adalah melalui doa. “Doa orang be- tidak sungkan untuk menceritakan pergumulan yang di- nar, bila dengan yakin didoakan sangat besar kuasanya.” alaminya untuk didoakan dan untuk ditolong karena ia (Yakobus 5:16b) Saya sering menemukan jemaat Tuhan tahu jelas kasusnya tidak bakal diangkat menjadi ajang yang menitip masalahnya untuk di doakan sementara gossip. dia sendiri tidak datang dalam persekutuan doa terse- “Hendaklah kalian saling membantu menang- but. Jika kita sadar bahwa doa itu penting dan berkuasa, gung beban orang, supaya dengan demikian kalian masihkah kita menitipnya pada orang lain? Mengapa mentaati perintah Kristus.” (Galatia 6:2, BIS ) Saling me- kita tidak mau melibatkan diri secara pribadi berdoa? nanggung beban itu penting supaya tercipta keseim- Hidup di negeri perantauan tidak gampang, bangan di dalam jemaat Tuhan, termasuk kerohanian apalagi sanak saudara jauh dari sisi kita. Banyak hal yang mereka. Dengan membagikan beban pergumulan, merupakan persoalan hidup ini kadang sulit diceritakan problema, atau persoalan kepada orang lain baik untuk kepada orang lain karena sangat sulit ditemukan mere- di doakan atau ditolong, maka seorang jemaat itu tidak ka yang mau memahami, peduli, dan mengerti keadaan perlu menanggung sendiri masalahnya. Kehidupan kita. Kesibukan dalam keluarga dan pekerjaan masing- kekristenanpun terasa lebih nikmat dan awet. Dengan masing sudah cukup, maka persoalan lain sebisanya demikian, yang disebut suka-cita dalam Kristus itu boleh dihindari. Jika keadaaan itu muncul di gereja tentu ba- 43 Agape » Anniversary 2008 haya sekali sebab akan terjadi seseorang itu bergumul dan Saling memberikan penghiburan bukan suatu hal yang stress sendiri tanpa diketahui dan pertolongan orang mudah, soalnya kita sebagai manusia memiliki hidup lain. Berdoa pada Tuhan adalah kunci rahasia pemeca- yang berliku-liku. Tatkala kita senang, bahagia, kaya, se- han masalah yang paling jitu. hat, mungkin kita dapat dengan gampang menghibur “Sebab itu, hendaklah kalian saling mengakui orang lain namun apa yang terjadi tatkala kita juga be- kesalahan dan saling mendoakan, supaya kalian disem- rada pada posisi yang sulit. Rasul Paulus selalu meneka- buhkan. Doa orang yang menuruti kemauan Allah, mem- nkan masalah memberikan penghiburan ini, terutama di punyai kuasa yang besar.” (Yakobus 5:16) Oleh sebab itu, dalam surat-surat pastoralnya, misalnya surat Tesalonika kita sebagai anak Tuhan perlu mengambil waktu saling dan Filipi; padahal kondisi Paulus sewaktu menulis surat mendoakan sebab tantangan dan godaan itu berlang- itu berada di dalam penjara. sung setiap hari dan selalu mengancam serta hendak Paulus mengatakan, “hiburkanlah seorang akan menjatuhkan kita. yang lain dengan perkataan-perkataan ini.” (1 Tesalonika 4:18) Memang perkataan yang keluar dari mulut kita ka- 6. Relasi harmonis tercipta melalui saling me- dang sangat berbahaya; oleh sebab itu, setiap perkataan nasihati kita perlu dipikirkan matang-matang. Apakah perkataan kita menjadi berkat atau malah menjatuhkan iman ses- eorang? Bila kita hendak memiliki relasi yang harmonis Belajar satu dengan yang lain di dalam gerreja itu san- maka kata-kata yang keluar dari mulut kita semestinya gat penting sekali namun semua ini tidak dapat dilak- yang menguatkan dan menghiburkan. Anak-anak Tuhan sanakan jika orang-orang percaya tidak dibekali fi rman sudah begitu capek dan lelah serta tertekan di dunia Tuhan. “Saudara-saudaraku! Saya yakin bahwa ada ban- sekuler dengan segala pekerjaan, sekolah, dan kehidu- yak sekali hal yang baik padamu. Kalian pun mengetahui pan, maka di dalam persekutuan umat Tuhan mereka segala-galanya dan dapat mengajar satu sama lain juga.” memerperlukan sesuatu yang menguatkan iman keper- (Roma 15:14) Kata “banyak sekali hal yang baik padamu” cayaan mereka bukan yang menambahkan tekanan ke- itu berarti apa yang sudah kita terima dan pelajari terse- pada diri mereka. but dapat dipakai untuk menolong orang lain melalui Di dunia ini, tidak ada gereja yang sempurna nasihat kita; jadi nasihat yang diberikan itu berupa fi r- karena anak-anak Tuhan memang tidak ada yang sem- man Tuhan. purna. Jika hari ini anda mendengar berita bahwa di Los Anda tidak diminta menjadi mata-mata atau poli- Angeles ada gereja yang sempurna, maka anda dianjur- si yang sengaja mencari dan mencatat kesalahan orang kan supaya tidak berbakti di sana? Tentu anda bertanya lain. Janganlah karena pernah belajar sedikit fi rman mengapa? Karena kehadiran anda akan membuat gere- Tuhan lalu menganggap telah mengetahui segalanya. ja itu menjadi tidak sempurna; karena anda sendiri tidak Anda bukannya memberi nasihat, tetapi jadi mengkritik sempurna. dan memprotes sana-sini. Namun, jika memang anda Duapuluh lima tahun cikal bakal Gereja Injili In- diberi kesempatan untuk memberi nasihat, berilah nasi- donesia Los Angeles berdiri, dengan segala kelebihan hat dengan penuh kasih yang artinya bukan untuk men- dan kekurangan yang ada. Kita patut bersyukur kepada jatuhkan orang tersebut tetapi justru membuat orang Tuhan karena Dia mau memakai anak-anak-Nya yang itu bertambah sukses dan berhasil dalam kehidupan tidak sempurna ini untuk mengerjakan suatu tugas pe- kekeristenannya. layanan yang sempurna sehingga berkat-berkat Tuhan Anak-anak Tuhan perlu bercermin diri dan minta hingga hari ini tidak pernah habis. Saya yakin semua ini hikmat dari Tuhan sebelum menasihati orang lain, seba- dapat berjalan karena adanya relasi yang harmonis ini. liknya anak-anak Tuhan harus rendah hati apabila men- Oleh sebab itu, marilah kita bergandengan tangan ber- erima nasihat itu. Ingatlah bahwa anda tidak lebih baik sama, tingkatkan, dan pertahankan segala yang baik. dari orang lain, jika hari ini anda belum terlihat bersalah, Buanglah hal-hal yang tidak berguna supaya kita me- kemungkinan kesalahan anda belum terungkap. Oleh langkah ke depan - menuju kepada gereja yang penuh karena itu, sejak dini saling menasihati untuk menguat- harapan. Amin. kan satu dengan yang lain sangat diperlukan oleh anak- anak Tuhan. (Lynnwood, Washington; Mei 2008) 7. Relasi harmonis tercipta melalui saling menghiburkan 44 Agape » Anniversary 2008 “For the mouth speaks out of that which fi lls the heart…every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justifi ed, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:34b-37; NASB). Gossip... A Diagnosis of Gossip in the Church By Margaret Tewuh

Some people say that they just like to talk about • High risk of causing a decrease in church atten- others or gossip and cannot control their tongues. dance due to hurting other people’s feeling as Actually, the tongue is control by the nerve impulse evidenced by gossiping. in the brain and is activated by the thought process. • Ineff ective Christians by inability to be witnesses Therefore, normal individuals with no neural dis- to Jesus Christ as evidenced by gossiping. ease can control their tongues. It is just the matter • High risk of being farther away from God due to of whether they want to control it or not. NO MORE no personal growth as evidence of gossiping. EXCUSES. They have to be admitted immediately for • High risk of an environmental toxic due to the treatment. spreading of infectious rumors as evidenced by gossiping. History of leading to admission: These are females and males patients being admit- Goal: ted to the Indonesian Evangelical Church at 10:30 AM Stop gossiping by the end of this year. on September 9, 1983. They complained about the Interventions: pastors, boring church programs, boring music, un- • Start helping other church member to meet their controllable impulses of talking and clapping hands needs through action, not just talk. during sermons, long sermons, and also complained • Take a balance diet by reading the Bible and pray- about other church members gossiping about them. ing daily. Their needs are not being met. • Find one’s purpose in life. Diagnosis: • Do creative activities or hobbies. • Ineff ective emotional coping due to a disturbed • Do breathing exercise by singing praises to God thought process. daily. • High risk of committing a crime of destroying a • Do physical exercises to strengthen the mind and church member’s reputation due to an uncon- the body. trollable tongue as evidenced by gossiping. Evaluation: • High risk of bringing a division to the church When the goal is met, patients are spreading the due to unsatisfi ed needs and an uncontrollable GOSPEL instead of GOSSIP. tongue.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building oth- ers up according to their needs, that it may benefi t those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29;NIV).

45 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Gossip... Diagnosa Gossip di Gereja Oleh Margaret Tewuh

“Karena yang diucapkan mulut meluap dari hati… Setiap kata sia-sia yang diucapkan orang harus dipertanggungjawabkannya pada hari penghakiman. Karena menurut ucapanmu engkau akan dibernarkan, dan menurut ucapanmu pula engkau akan dihukum” (Matius 12:34b-37)

Beberapa orang berkata bahwa mereka hanya • Resiko tinggi atas meyebabkan penurunan da- suka membicarakan tentang orang lain atau ber- lam jumlah kehadiran gereja diakibatkan oleh gosip dan tidak bisa mengendalikan lidah mereka. menyakiti perasaan orang lain berhubungan Sebenarnya, lidah itu dikendalikan oleh rangsangan dengan bergosip. saraf dalam otak dan diaktifkan oleh proses pikiran. • Orang Kristen yang tidak berguna diakibatkan Oleh sebab itu, individu yang normal tanpa penya- oleh ketidakmampuan menjadi saksi bagi Yesus kit saraf bisa mengendalikan lidah mereka. Ini hanya Kristus terbukti dengan bergosip. masalah apakah mereka mau mengendalikan diri • Resiko tinggi menjadi lebih jauh dari Tuhan tanpa sendiri atau tidak. TIDAK ADA ALASAN LAGI. Mereka pertumbuhan pribadi sebagai akibat bergosip. harus segera dibawa untuk perawatan. • Resiko tinggi akan racun yang disebabkan oleh penyebaran infeksi rumor yang menjangkit di Sejarah pendaftaran: lingkungan terbukti dengan bergosip. Ini adalah pasien perempuan dan laki-laki didaftar- kan ke Gereja Injili Indonesia jam 10:30 pagi tang- Tujuan: gal 9 September 1983. Mereka mengeluh tentang Berhenti bergosip pada akhir tahun ini. pendeta, acara gereja yang membosankan, music yang membosankan, dorongan yang tak terkendali Campur tangan: untuk berbicara dan bertepuk tangan saat khotbah, • Mulai membantu sesama anggota gereja me- khotbah yang panjang, dan mereka juga mengeluh menuhi kebutuhan masing-masing melalui tin- tentang anggota gereja yang lain bergosip tentang dakan, bukan hanya dengan perkataan. mereka. Kebutuhan mereka tidak terpenuhi. • Jaga keseimbangan pola makan dengan mem- baca Alkitab dan berdoa sehari-hari. Diagnosa: • Temukan tujuan dalam hidup. • Mengatasi emosi secara tidak efektif yang dise- • Cari aktivitas yang kreatif atau hobi. babkan oleh proses pikiran yang terganggu. • Lakukan latihan pernafasan dengan menyanyi- • Resiko tinggi atas melakukan tindakan kejahatan kan pujian kepada Tuhan sehari-hari berupakan penghinaan reputasi anggota gereja • Lakukan olahraga jasmani untuk memperkuat yang lain yang diakibatkan dari lidah yang tak batin dan tubuh. terkendali berhubungan dengan bergosip. • Resiko tinggi atas membawa pemisahan dalam Evaluasi: gereja diakibatkan oleh kebutuhan yang tidak Ketika tujuan sudah tercapai, pasien menyebarkan dipenuhi dan lidah tidak terkendali. INJIL bukan GOSSIP.

“Janganlah ada perkataan kotor keluar dari mulutmu, tetapi pakailah perkataan yang baik untuk mem- bangun, di mana perlu, supaya mereka yang mendengarkannya, beroleh kasih karunia.” (Efesus 4:29)

46 Relationships, Relationships… Relating Women With Men By Janice Atmadja HThere have been many books 1992 Song Dedication written on the “evils” of dating. on the 9th Anniversary There are also plenty of books that advice us how to have a godly relationship with a potential future spouse. This leads me to the fol- lowing questions. Considering all these books on how to “relate”, is there then a special way that we must also relate to men as friends, the step that infamously comes before “dating”? Are there things we should do as women to help our men overcome tempta- tions and lead them to the way of God? What should we understand about them to help us relate to HAlthough this article is perhaps and trust in Him to provide, while preparing ourselves to be women them the way God wants us to more aimed towards the youth relate to them? Are relationships and the women population, this after God’s own heart above all else, even our own desires for a even as complicated as everyone article remains to be helpful and says? Or is everything really much suitable for everyone, especially life-partner. HMrs. Dahlia Warda is the mother simpler than I thought? I invite when dealing with questions re- you to explore these questions garding the nature of the opposite of Daniel Warda and wife to Pas- tor Jeff Warda who has served as with me and answer them yourself sex and how that infl uences our with the help of God. choices in whom we date and who a shepherd in Harvest Church for we enter into courtship with. fi ve years now. She has spoken in HThis article is based on a sum- numerous women retreats about How did God Intend mary of a Women’s Tea Time event the subject of Godly relationships for Men and Women to held by my pastor’s wife from and has counseled the women of Relate to Each Other? San Diego Harvest Church, the Harvest alongside Pastor Jeff to al- church that I call home while I am low us to be the growing ministry HIn the beginning of time, when in San Diego. Mrs. Dahlia Warda is we are today. God made the earth and us per- a woman after God’s own heart HHarvest Church San Diego is a fectly in His image, the relationship and the story of the romance be- unifi ed body of believers, who are between Adam and Eve was per- tween her and my pastor, Pastor committed to the biblical man- fect. Eve was made from Adam’s Jeff Warda, has always touched my dates of worship, study, service, rib to be his equal and to be his heart and encouraged me to wait fellowship and evangelism, to the helper. However, because of sin, for my own perfect romance. Yes, end that Jesus Christ will be ex- the relationship between men and this may sound “cheesy”, but it’s alted and God will be glorifi ed. women became that of an adver- true that God intended the best -http://www.harvestsd.com/ sarial relationship, a relationship for us, especially in our romantic harvest.html - driven by the search for power. life. All we need to do is be patient Genesis 3:16 said of Eve, “Your de

47 Agape » Anniversary 2008 ing about what others think about 1994 Funny Skit the man you choose. This requires us to pay attention to what makes us attracted to him and even put our own preconceived preferences aside. Focus on what we like about him, (because oftentimes God does not bring us our physically “ideal” man of our dreams to be our life-partners) and ignore what the rest of the world has to say. It is only important to God and you what you think about him.

Question: So how do we break this enmity? How do we break sire will be for your husband and attitude with them the tradition of adversarial re- he will rule over you.” Men and HWhen a man is just physically lationships? women relate as enemies af- attracted to you, he is one to be ter the fall. It becomes a fi ght to afraid of. They are in what Dahlia HThis becomes a journey of make one dependent on the other. called, the “take mode” which trusting the Lord with our hearts. Men and women equally manipu- gives you: “the hibby-jiibbies”, and We must change our approaches late the other to get what they the hibby-jibbies are right! What on relationships from that of a sin- want, and the fi ght arises in full can we do in this case? Run away ful nature to one in the nature of view today. in the other direction! Girls, God. HEspecially for women, we are a true Christian man looking to surrounded by dependency on build a true God-centered rela- Philosophies of Dating men because this relationship we tionship with you will be attracted have with men, a relationship be- to your spiritual qualities above all for the Christian Wom- tween enemies, makes us use and else. A Christian man will provide an. look for power from the one who for all your needs, not what you has more power as God had in- want, but what you NEED. Money Dating, for the Christian woman, is tended, the men. doesn’t make anybody happy. That the sorting out process to single HGirls and women, these instanc- is a well-known fact that is not out which man you should enter es will prove to be our downfall well accepted. So…how do we into courtship with. Dating is the when we seek a relationship with fi nd him? process of sorting, while courtship men: H The answer- Give up the con- is the “dance” and the procession • When we have the strongest cern of what others will think with the goal of marriage in mind physical attraction to them of your man. This is actually Make no mistake though. Dat- -Ideally, Dahlia said, our attrac- harder than we think; especially ing is also done with the goal of tion level to men from 1-10 when being done in a world full of marriage under God. An “okay” in (10 being the highest), should expectations that confuses even dating does not mean you are al- be a 3-5 for us to have a clear us. I’m not saying for us to make a lowed to negligently date “around” head and a God-centered rela- choice between defending, adher- to pick and choose the criteria for tionship. Of course, this point ing, or giving up the labeled “tra- the guy you want to have a court- is disputable and is different ditional” roles of men and women ship with. Before you date anyone, for everyone. many often associate with a bad there are philosophies of dating • When we are the least our- connotation. I am simply asking that you should really take into selves and have an adversarial you to do what it says: stop think- heart and consider as a Christian woman. We 48 Agape » Anniversary 2008 must also look for qualities of our as : a believer, a man who loves the example, things that you defi nitely date (before we go out with him), Lord. must have or cannot stand in a that enhances the goal of God for man. For example: faithfulness, self- your lives so without saying, the HHave these four subqualities motivated, and self-controlled. man must, fi rst and foremost, be a added to your non-negotiable as HRelationships are the expres- man after God’s own heart. they are fruits of the perseverance sion of who you are as a believer. in the character of a true God- An authentic, sincere relationship To do before we begin pursuing man: in which you are yourself allows dating: i. Trustworthy for an open and honest interac- The defi nition of partnership is tion that is both transparent to the 1. Read This Idea Below: persons on the same side of the outside world and God-glorifying. Contentment and happiness de- team, with equal shares in the HThis is where dating and court- pends on God, not men. This, ladies, “risk”. We can’t create a partner- ship differs and why courtship is is a very very very important point ship if we do not trust him. When better than mere secular “dating”. to understand, internalize, and live we trust someone, that person In dating both men and women by. As women, we don’t have to must undoubtedly have integrity make an effort of continuing the emasculate men for them to pro- and reliability. So the important relationship and there is a standard vide for you. It is by nature that question becomes: Do you trust of politeness. In courtship, there they love to protect, to give, and to him? is still that standard of politeness guide you. Surrender to that role. ii. Strength but less obstacles to put aside the It does not mean at all minimizing Not physical, but spiritual strength! desire to merely please the other the value of yourself. Simply give This is important as the man will person as you are both in it for a up emasculating men and expect- be the leader, both in your home long-term goal, marriage. ing them to live by your interpre- and in your spiritual life. Does he tation of what is “manly” or what 3. Stop strategizing! is not, what is “desirable” or what has strength in spirit? Express who you are! is not. Stop interpreting everything iii. Integrity Stop getting ready resources be- they do from your point of view This is the quality that’ll make you fore prior engagement to the ene- as a woman. It is hard to accept feel SAFE. Integrity is the sign that my. Instead, make your true selves (and I know this) that we women a man knows himself and abides by be known! do think and interpret actions dif- it. Strength and integrity come to- HI understand that this is a life- ferently than men. This is not at all gether. One sign of integrity is him changing concept, but read them bad! God created us this way, to owning up to what he did wrong. all: think many things at once, to be al- This is why, women, it is so impor- 1. Stop reacting to what you most scatter-brained, for a reason. tant for us to be who we really think someone else wants. He made us gentler for a reason. are around them so that he may 2. Stop being careful and conceal- Do not conform to the world’s understand you and see what you ing things. ideas of masculine/feminine duality need. 3. Stop adapting your conduct to or the concept of the “modern” iv. Confi dence, Positive please other people. woman vs. the modern man. Think confi dence (not arrogance!) If the man should not like who you only of God’s commandment and in himself and in his abilities are and leaves, he is actually doing His approval of your relationship. Last, but not least. All four qualities you a favor. Be a person who is be- Women, do not take everything are stems from a man who walks ing reacted to instead of the other personally. These are words of ad- with God. Looking for these four way around. Start expressing! vice from Dahlia. qualities should aid in your deter- 4. This fi nal step relates to your 2. Have a set criteria mining the true man of God. authenticity to relationships. of who we want to be in a HIn addition to the four qualities Know the answer to these relationship with. listed above, it is helpful to add questions. Know your “non-negotiable” such another three of your own. For a. What are you really up to?

49 Agape » Anniversary 2008 ING HURT that will not allow you 2007 Valentine’s Night to have ANY REAL relationship. Everything wonderful that hap- pened between men and women is because someone was vulner- able. Authenticity without risk is not possible, and so, with this fi nal message, a prayer of strength and God’s guidance as well as wisdom is the last, but not least, absolutely necessary action before you take that next step into dating and courtship. HWe thank you for your atten- tion on this very special edition on various relationships of the Christian, and article especial- (What do you want from this re- qualities, and etc….. ly contributed for this: Relating lationship?) 1. What are you willing to pro- Women With Men. I pray that this b. Where do you want the vide in a relationship? has been helpful and should you relationship to end up at? 2. What are you hoping to pro- have further questions regarding c. What are your deal-break- vide in a relationship? the article or anything else, please ers in your relationship? Don’t 3. What do you want to receive? feel free to contact me, and I will wait to say the deal-breaker HDiscuss these questions openly forward your questions to Mrs. until you can manipulate the with your potential boyfriend or Dahlia Warda. relationship. Relationships sink girlfriend. Determine the answers from the holes that were in to these questions BEFORE you start ANY relationship. These are them from the very beginning. Janice Atmadja HAs Christian women, among our things that are true and impor- (909) 896-1181 list of “should-be-discussed” deal- tant to you and who you are. This [email protected] breakers should be the following: is why answering these questions 1. If he is not a Christian are important. 2. If you disagree on whether HSometimes it is necessary to tell Chapel to have children or not. Even him from the very beginning to not HSanta Fe Christian School disagreeing on the number of waste your time. Don’t waste your 838 Academy Dr. children may be a potential im- time, and don’t waste your heart. Solana beach, CA 92075 portant deal-breaker. This is where he should shine as a Church offi ce 3. Lifestyle choices leader in the relationship, by bring- H531 Stevens Ave. West Suite B 4. When to get married ing up this conversation! However, Solana Beach, CA 92075 For men, there is a concept called if he does not bring it up, YOU 858-523-9768 “ready for marriage” that we as SHOULD BRING IT UP! telephone 858-523-9763 women do not understand be- HBe clear in the relationship email Pastor Jeff Warda at cause women are driven towards from the very beginning and end [email protected] marriage. Yes, that’s right women, the relationship immediately as you saw it correctly. We are cre- soon as you know that this man ated this way and driven towards is not for you. We women have marriage. this strange idea that if we are not HSo what should we think about authentic, we won’t be hurt. This is after the deal-breakers, and the UNNECESSARY LONGSUFFER-

50 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Graduates on a Roll Class of 2008

As our church grows and gets older, so does its congre- gations. Several youth of IEC are also growing up as they enter a new chapter in their lives…. COLLEGE!!! These college-bound youths are willing to share with the rest of us what they are looking forward to in college.

David Soendjojo College: UC Berkeley Mabel Tjioe Major: Chemical Engineering College: Pasadena City College Jennifer Tjong Experience you gain from high Major: Accounting College: UCSD school: never give up Experience you gain from high Major: Visual Arts Experience you want to gain from school: High school is boring Experience you gain from high college: I don’t know… Experience you want to gain from school: don’t plan, let God plan for Things I’ll have most diffi culty with college: straight A’s you in college: being away from home Things I’ll have most diffi culty with Experience you want to gain from Favorite Quote: Common sense is in college: staying up late to do college: God’s faithfulness and not so common. homework more of mine Shout out: your face Favorite Quote: aim for the moon Things I’ll have most diffi culty with because if you fail to aim for it, you in college: probably not helping will fall down to one of the stars people Shout out: I owe you love. Favorite Quote: I like walking in the rain, because no one knows I’m crying Shout out: I love you, Mom and Dad!!

51 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Debbie Wang College: UCR Major: Psychology Tesia Trisnadi Experience you gained from high College: Mt. SAC, transfer to APU school: God will never fail you. Major: Nursing Rachel Jao Experience you want to gain from Experience you gain from high college: Being more independent College: UCSD school: Don’t change to fi t in with and responsible. Major: Bio/Chemistry other people and keep your mouth Things you’ll have most diffi culty Experience you gain from high shut no matter what with in college: Living without my school: Life isn’t easy and some- Experience you want to gain from parents' home-cooked meal and times when you feel like giving up, college: to become more respon- getting enough sleep. you shouldn’t; just trust in God sible and be more mature Favorite Quote: If you judge people, in your problem, cause God will Things I’ll have most diffi culty with you have no time to love them. make a way. in college: not being friends with Shout Out: Good luck for those Experience you want to gain from everyone who are taking SATs and APs in college: I want to meet new people Favorite Quote: do not worry the future. and experience different aspects of about anything, but pray about ev- college. I want to experience free- erything dom of doing things on my own. Shout out: Thank you Mom and Things I’ll have most diffi culty with Dad, for helping me with every- in college: not being used to living thing that I’ve been through… Yes, by myself and being in a new envi- thanks Andrew. ronment. Favorite Quote: proverbs 3:5-6 Shout out: to my family, thanks for supporting me through everything. I love you so much

52 I Love Jesus but I Don’t Read the Bible

By Isaiah Adidjaja

Who is the fi rst President of the United States? If you’re a product of American education system you will know the answer is George Washington. What more questions. Bible study is not a study of others’ is the value of x in the following equation: 2x + 10 opinion of the Bible but rather is a study of one true = 20? Probably all high school students would know interpretation that God wants His children to know that x = 5. Now, for the million dollar question, what so our lives can be transformed by that knowledge. is the interpretation of John 3:16? If your answer Bible study will last your entire lifetime. It does not begins with the phrase ‘I think’, there is a likelihood end when you fi nish all 66 books in the Bible. The that you’re not 100 percent sure of the answer. Bible is so rich in truth because of who the Author The Bible says “All scripture is inspired by is. You will understand its richness when you begin God and profi table for teaching, for reproof, for studying. correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If the word of God has this transforming power to change a person’s life, Interpretation vs. Application how many of us take time to really study God’s word? All of us, whether we are in school or have fi nished Many times when we study the Bible we are confused school, young or old, still study about something. between interpretation and application. For example, If you are in school, you may be studying Calculus, let’s take Matthew 28:18-20, Chemistry, Physics, or English literature. If you have fi nished school, you may be studying how to assemble And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority the cabinet that you just bought from IKEA, how to has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore play the latest video game, or how to cook a certain and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in dish. The fact is we continuously learn new things in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, our lives. The question remains: is learning to read teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and the Bible, for all it is worth, one of them? lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Some of you might say that the Bible is so hard to understand. You might have attended a Bible study The interpretation of this passage is that Jesus was where you tried to learn a passage and ended up with declaring His authority or Lordship over heaven people in the group giving different answers. Rather and earth, the assurance that His disciples needed than learning something, you left with confusion and because their faith had been shaken when Jesus was

53 Agape » Anniversary 2008 captured and crucifi ed. There was also fear of the quite understand what she said chief priests and the Jews, people of authority who had but knowing the jingle helps me conspired to kill Jesus. Jesus’ resurrection validated understand her answer. His authority. The disciples could rest assured that Reading the Bible for all Jesus indeed has authority over heaven and earth as it is worth requires our time and Jesus commissioned them for a very dangerous task. effort as we study God’s word The command was to go and make disciples of all the so we can understand what He nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and is trying to communicate to us. the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe Studying the Bible is not done all that He has commanded them. The disciples once a week at Bible study but would be persecuted, rejected, even killed because it is an everyday lifestyle that of this command. As One with authority, Jesus gave you develop by disciplining them a promise that He is always with them, even to yourself as you seek to know the end of the age. the marvelous Creator who The application of this passage is different for each loves you so much. One study is different individual. As we study our Bible, we should learning the different literary styles in the Bible. We always ask for the Holy Spirit to illumine our hearts wouldn’t read a mystery novel in the same light as to teach us the truth about Himself that He wants us reading a biography. The same can be said about the to learn so we can apply it in our lives. Upon reading Bible. We read the Psalms differently than we would this passage the Holy Spirit might be speaking to a read the two books of Kings. The book of Psalms person to go to China on a mission trip. Another is poetic compared to the historical narrative in the might be a call to full time ministry, or some might be books of Kings. Understanding the literary style a reminder to start spreading the good news to their helps us to understand the intent of the book that we friends. The interpretation is one but the applications are reading. The Bible contains metaphors, similes, vary. fi gures of speech, and other literary forms just as we use metaphors, similes, fi gures of speech, and other But it’s so hard… literary forms in our communication. Jesus Himself spoke in parables and used different metaphors in His Reading the Bible requires teaching. When Jesus says, “I am the true vine” (John effort because God 15:1), we are not to think that He is a grape plant. communicates to us through Rather, He is using a metaphor that His disciples could His word in the Bible. relate as He is teaching them about the relationship Any good communication between them and God and by being Jesus’ disciples always requires effort. I they ought to bear fruits for God. have a three year old and a two year old niece. When I communicate to my three year old niece, I have to Context, context, context use her vocabulary for her to understand me and I have to learn her words to understand her. My three Have you ever been misunderstood year old niece used the word “awi” for pain. I didn’t because what you said was taken know what it meant until I saw her hurt her little out of context and it created fi nger and started yelling “awi.” I cannot use the word a negative effect on you? If you “awi” for the word pain to my friends. If I do so, they read a newspaper headline that says, wouldn’t understand me and think that I’m a lunatic. “Isaiah broke the window to take some My two year old niece is the same. She uses musical prestigious trophies from the cabinet.” tunes that she learned to communicate her answer. It would be silly to conclude that I’m a thief Every time I ask her what colors found in the rainbow, without reading the entire story to learn she would answer by singing a jingle. Because she is what really went on, unless if you have some still learning to properly pronounce words I couldn’t grudges toward me. If the story explains that there

54 Agape » Anniversary 2008 was a fi re in an elderly woman’s home and the elderly woman asked me if I could go back and take some of From its context, verse 20 is not talking about two or the trophies that belonged to her late husband then I three people gathered together for a church service. would look like a hero rather than a thief for breaking The context is spiritual discipline within the body the window to take the trophies for her. Context of Christ. Jesus is appealing to the Old Testament is important in any form of communication including mandate for two or three witnesses to confi rm a reading the Bible. You would not want to start reading testimony (Deut. 19:15). Therefore, the two or three a book in the middle or start watching a movie with who gather in His name (not for a church service) 35 minutes left. You would want to start from the to rebuke a sinning brother/sister are approved beginning so you can understand the context of the by God (v. 20). It is never easy to bring a sinning book or the movie. One of my professors used to member in the church before the entire congregation remind us to never read a Bible verse. We should to excommunicate him/her from the fellowship after memorize Bible verses but knowing a verse by itself failed attempts to rebuke him/her privately. However, without knowing the entire passage that explains the God’s promise of His presence ensures that He verse will probably not enhance your spiritual growth approves the action taken. because you miss out on the true intention that God is trying to communicate through that verse. Here is a good example of a verse that is often taken out Spiritual Transformation of context: It is important to remember time and time again that “For where two or three have gathered together in My as you read and study the Bible to ask the Holy Spirit name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20) to illumine your heart so your life can be transformed by the truth that is being revealed to you. Having We probably have heard this verse being used in a head knowledge is useless without being able to worship service, Bible study, or prayer meeting where apply that knowledge in your life. Just knowing the only a few people showed up and the Pastor used this Bible without experiencing the transforming power verse to comfort the few people that came because all of God would be meaningless as you deepen your it takes is two or three individuals to gather together relationship with Him. to have Jesus in their midst. Although, there are other verses that are better suited for this situation, this is If you love God, why wouldn’t you want to spend not one of them. The context of this verse begins more time reading God’s word to know more about in verse 15 and let’s read the entire context of this Him who can transform your life? Why wouldn’t you verse: want to know more about God who loves you and has a plan for you life? If you love somebody, wouldn’t “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; you want to spend time to know more about that if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he person? Do you love God enough to want to know does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so Him more? that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Matthew 18:15-20)

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“YOUNG TEENS OFTEN DON’T FEEL THE NECESSITY TO STUDY THE BIBLE BY THEMSELVES IN THEIR OWN QUIET TIME. WE HAVEN’T SEEN OUR TEENS TAKE MUCH INITIATIVE UNTIL THEY REACH HIGH- SCHOOL AGE.”

Helping Our Children to Build a Personal Relationship with Christ in This ‘Crazy-Mixed-Up World’ Summarized byby JaJanicen Atmadja | Article contribution by Mrs. Bina Kusnohadi

The desire for personal Bible study comes when d. The Scriptures are God’s Word and serve as my they are more independent and are able to see the daily guide. need to develop their relationship with God; so e. Nothing is more thrilling than fulfi lling God’s helping our teen to realize that becomes a task we command in my life. should undertake as Christian parents. It is important f. I will pass on a godly legacy to the next to begin this when they are young, as they absorb generation. more when they are younger. If it is too late, then 2. Participation in the life of a church is a must. there are still ways parents can involve themselves 3. Setting standards for appropriate clothes for in their children’s life as to direct them as much as church is important because the church is an possible to the light of Christ. opportunity to participate in a formal time of worship. A couple key-points to emphasize with growing teens: Help your teen accomplish these mindsets 1. Help your child develop these convictions as they beginning with developing a Christian mindset grow and experience the outside world: in school and life! a. Jesus Christ must be my Savior and Lord b. Regular prayer must be a crucial part of my According to Dennis and Barbara Rainey, writers of daily life “Helping Your Child Develop a Growing Relationship c. I must be the same person in private that I am with Christ”, there are two roles that children play at in public. school as: a mission-fi eld or a missionary. Mission-

57 Agape » Anniversary 2008 fi eld teenagers are those seeking approval from their To respond to the Bible stories, other than seeing peers, while the missionary teen reaches out to his their parents be the example of living Christianity, peers. We as parents may become fellow missionaries children need options in which to express their with our child by starting a ministry in schools or knowledge and understanding. We, as parents must involving yourself in the high school Christian club be wary and utilize that to engage them in Christian of Campus Crusade. Another way of having activities living. Children, especially in elementary grades, ask with your child is to go to a youth conference together important questions especially the why question. We for example the “Something’s Happening USA” youth should not reply to them with superfi cial or simple congress organized by a Christian organization answers. Instead, saying I don’t know sometimes focused on teens called the Student Venture. You may might be wise and is fi ne. As the Scriptures said in also go on a short-term mission with your child to 1Corinthians 1:25 -“The foolishness of God is wiser enable them to learn both the joy and the sacrifi ces than the wisest man.” For example, if a child asks of being a missionary. why Pharaoh allowed Joseph to be imprisoned or his brothers to sell him to Egypt, this then becomes So then…why is it important for us as parents an opportunity for us to talk about how God has to involve ourselves with our kids? a plan for every life. God moves in a child as He does in ‘grown-ups’. “Teachers and parents can help 1. Kids take their cues from us. by providing an example of what it means to be a 2. We must be living examples of faithful individuals Christian, by explaining the plan of salvation, by throughout the day, the week, and throughout listening to your children, and by watching for the our lives because they best learn from their time when the Holy Spirit moves.” (McComas) environment. Childhood is a critical time, and God uses What actions can we take to help direct them children in His own ways. We don’t have to wait to Christ? for them to ‘mature’ before talking to them 1. By referencing the Bible and having conversations about God. It is crucial for us as parents to about the Lord. (The younger the child learns, the involve ourselves with our children and invest more they absorb) them in Christ now. 2. Reading them the Bible. A recommendation from Allie McComas, author of “God Loves Me! Children’s Spiritual Growth Depends on Parents: A word about our sources: Egermeier’s Bible Story Book” 3. Encourage children to ask questions and discuss Dennis and Barbara Rainey are co-founders of Family devotionals and personal experiences during Life, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ whose dinner time or in daily conversations. mission it is to effectively develop godly marriages and families who change the world one home at a time. From christianbook.com- Dennis & Barbara Rainey How must we prepare to share the Word with our kids? “God Loves Me! Children’s Spiritual Growth Depends We must be in the Word and study it for ourselves on Parents” by Alice McComas. Alice McComas is a so that we may teach them. Sharing our fi rsthand fun-loving, Christian wife and mother of three. This knowledge of Him with our kids is another great way former school teacher enjoys writing articles high- for children to be able to comprehend things of the lighting the humor that can be found in everyday life. spirit as Jesus said in Luke 18:17- “Anyone who will She has been writing poetry and children fi ction for not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will nineteen years and recently fi nished her fi rst young adult novel. never enter it.” “Spiritual Growth in Children” from LifeWay Chris- “Telling is not the same as teaching.” tian Resources established by the Southern Baptist Providing an example is absolutely necessary to Convention in 1981 to assist churches and believers provide the best environment for children to learn. to evangelize the world about Christ.

58 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Membantu anak kita dalam membangun hubungan kepribadian dengan Kristus di dunia yang kacau ini

Ringkasan dari Janice Atmadja | Kontribusi artikel dari Ibu Bina Kusnohadi

Ini adalah satu fakta yang sulit untuk diterima: “ANAK REMAJA SERING TIDAK MELIHAT PERLUNYA BELAJAR ALKITAB SENDIRI DI SAAT TEDUH. KITA TIDAK MELIHAT REMAJA KITA MENGAMBIL INISIATIF SAMPAI MEREKA MENCAPAI UMUR SMA.”

Kemauan untuk belajar Alkitab sendiri datang 3. Membuat standar untuk pakaian yang pantas ketika mereka merasa lebih mandiri dan bisa melihat dipakai ke gereja merupakan kepentingan, karena kebutuhan untuk membangun hubungan mereka gereja adalah kesempatan untuk berpartisipasi dengan Tuhan; dengan demikian membantu remaja dalam ibadah yang formal. kita menyadari hal ini adalah satu tugas yang kita harus lakukan sebagai orang tua Kristen. Memulai proses ini Bantu anak anda mencapai angan-angan ini penting semenjak mereka masih muda karena akan dimulai dengan membangun Kekristenan lebih mudah bagi mereka untuk menangkap sesuatu dalam hidup dan sekolah! dalam hidupnya. Jikalau agak terlambat, masih ada jalan bagi orang tua untuk dapat melibatkan diri sebanyak Menurut Dennis dan Barbara Rainey, penulis buku mungkin dalam mengarahkan hidup mereka ke cahaya “Helping Your Child Develop a Growing Relationship Kristus. with Christ”, ada dua peran yand anak- anak mainkan di sekolah: sebagai lapangan Beberapa inti untuk ditekankan kepada remaja misi atau sebagai utusan Injil. Lapangan dalam masa pertumbuhannya: misi adalah remaja yang mengikuti 1. Bantulah anak anda memperkembangkan cara kawan-kawannya, sementara pendiriannya di bawah ini selama mereka utusan Injil menginjili kawan- bertumbuh dan mengalami dunia luar : kawannya. Kita sebagai orang tua a. Jesus Kristus adalah penyelamat dan Tuhan saya bisa menjadi penginjil bersama anak b. Doa secara regular adalah bagian penting dalam kita dengan memulai pelayanan kehidupan saya sehari-hari di sekolah atau melibatkan diri c.Saya harus menjadi orang yang mempunyai kita dalam klub Kristen sekolah pribadi yang sama sewaktu di rumah dan di di Campus Crusade. Cara lain masyarakat. untuk beraktivitas dengan anak d. Alkitab adalah kata-kata Tuhan dan merupakan kita adalah untuk pergi ke seminar pegangan hidup saya. remaja, contohnya congress pemuda “Something’s e. Tidak ada hal yang lebih memuaskan daripada Happening USA” yang diselenggarakan oleh organisasi memenuhi perintah Allah dalam hidup saya. Kristen yang berfokus kepada remaja dalam Student f. Saya akan mewarisi kesalehan kepada generasi Venture. Anda juga bisa pergi ke misi sementara selanjutnya. bersama anak untuk memungkinkan mereka belajar 2. Partisipasi dalam kehidupan gereja adalah sukacita dan pengorbanan dalam penginjilan. kewajiban. Kemudian… mengapa ini penting bagi kita

59 Agape » Anniversary 2008 sebagai orangtua untuk melibatkan diri manusia.” Contohnya, jika seorang anak menanyakan bersama anak? mengapa Firaun memperbolehkan Yusuf untuk dipenjarakan atau dijual oleh saudara-saudaranya ke 1. Anak meniru bimbingan orangtua. Mesir; ini adalah kesempatan untuk kita membicarakan 2. Kita harus menjadi contoh pribadi beriman tentang bagaimana Tuhan mempunyai rencana dalam sepajang hari, minggu, dan selama hidup kita karena setiap kehidupan. Tuhan bekerja di dalam anak kecil mereka belajar terbaik dari lingkungan mereka. seperti di dalam orang dewasa. “Guru dan orang tua dapat membantu dengan memberikan contoh tentang Apa yang bisa kita lakukan untuk membantu arti menjadi orang Kristen, dengan menjelaskan mengarahkan mereka ke Kristus? rencana keselamatan, mendengarkan pendapat anak- 1. Melalui refrensi Alkitab dan pembicaraan tentang anak, dan mengamati di waktunya Roh Kudus bekerja.” Tuhan. (Semakin muda mereka belajar, semakin (McComas) banyak mereka tahu) 2. Membacakan Alkitab kepada mereka. Rekomendasi Masa kecil adalah masa yang genting, dan Tuhan dari Allie McComas, pengarang buku “God Loves menggunakan anak-anak dengan caraNya Me! Children’s Spiritual Growth Depends on sendiri. Kita tidak perlu menunggu mereka Parents: Egermeier’s Bible Story Book” ‘bertumbuh’ untuk berbicara kepada mereka 3. Mendorong anak untuk menanyakan dan tentang Tuhan. Ini sangat penting bagi orang membicarakan renungan dan pengalaman pribadi tua untuk melibatkan diri dengan anak kita saat makan malam atau percakapan sehari-hari. dan menanam mereka dalam Kristus mulai sekarang. Bagaimanakah seharusnya cara kita menyiapkan Firman dengan anak? Kita harus belajar dan mengerti Firman Tuhan supaya kita bisa mengajarkan mereka. Berbagi pengetahuan kita tentang Tuhan bersama anak merupakan salah satu cara untuk anak supaya mereka bisa memahami hal-hal rohani seperti apa yang Tuhan Yesus katakan Sumber: dalam Lukas 18:17- “Sesungguhnya barangsiapa tidak menyambut kerajaan Allah seperti seorang anak kecil, Dennis dan Barbara Rainey adalah pendiri Family Life, ia tidak akan masuk ke dalamnya.” pelayanan dalam Campus Crusade for Christ yang mempunyai misi untuk membangun secara efektif “Memberitahu tidak sama dengan mengajar.” pernikahan dan keluarga Kristen yang merubah dunia Orang tua perlu memberikan contoh untuk mulai dari satu rumah per satu. menyediakan anak untuk belajar di lingkungan terbaik. Dari christianbook.com – Dennis & Barbara Rainey Untuk menanggapi cerita-cerita Alkitab, selain melihat orangtua mereka menjadi contoh hidup kekristenan, “God Loves Me! Children’s Spiritual Growth Depends anak-anak perlu kebebasan untuk mengungkapkan on Parents” oleh Alice McComas. Alice McComas pengetahuan dan pengertian mereka. Kita sebagai adalah seorang istri Kristen dan ibu dari tiga anak. orang tua harus waspada dan menggunakan Mantan guru sekolah ini menikmati menulis artikel kewaspadaan kita untuk mengikut sertakan mereka yang menyoroti humor dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. dalam kehidupan Kristen. Anak-anak, terutama kelas Beliau telah mengarang puisi dan fi ksi anak-anak sekolah dasar, sering menanyakan pertanyan penting, selama 19 tahun dan baru saja menyelesaikan novel khususnya pertanyaan “mengapa.” Kita sebaiknya pemuda yang pertama. tidak menjawab pertanyaan mereka dengan jawaban yang sulit atau sederhana. Menjawab dengan “tidak “Spiritual Growth in Children” dari LifeWay Christian tahu” terkadang merupakan jawaban bijak dan lebih Resources didirikan oleh Southern Baptist Convention baik. Seperti dalam Firman 1 Korintus 1:25 - “Sebab tahun 1981 untuk membantu gereja-gereja dan orang- yang bodoh dari Allah lebih besar hikmatnya dari pada orang percaya menginjil dunia tentang Kristus.

60 Agape » Anniversary 2008 11994994 CookingCookin Competition g Competition

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611 AgAgapegaappe » AnniversaryAAnnninivveerssaary 20082000088 Recipe

Cajun Chicken Pasta Elegantly Easy Creme Brulee

SERVE : 4 people PREP TIME : 20 Min COOK TIME : 20 Min TOTAL TIME: 40 Min SERVE: 4-6 people

INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS • 1/2 pound linguine pasta • 8 egg yolks • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves • 1/3 cup granulated white sugar • 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning • 2 cups heavy cream • 1/4 cup butter • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 2 red bell pepper, sliced • 1/4 cup granulated white sugar (for the caramelized • 2 green bell pepper, sliced tops) • 8 fresh mushrooms, sliced • 2 green onion, chopped DIRECTIONS • 2 cups heavy cream 1. Preheat oven to 300ºF. • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 2. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sug- • 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper ar until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is • 1/2 teaspoon salt thick and pale yellow. • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 3. Add cream and vanilla, and continue to whisk un- • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper til well blended. • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 4. Strain into a large bowl, skimming off any foam or bubbles. DIRECTIONS 5. Divide mixture among 4-6 ramekins or custard 1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. cups. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until 6. Place ramekins in a water bath (large pan fi lled al dente; drain. with 1 or 2 inches of hot water) 2. Place the chicken and the Cajun seasoning in a 7. Bake until set around the edges, but still loose in plastic bag. Shake to coat. In a large skillet over the center, about 50 to 60 minutes. medium heat, saute the chicken in butter or mar- 8. Remove from oven and leave in the water bath garine until almost tender (5 to 7 minutes). until cooled. 3. Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, mush- 9. Remove cups from water bath and chill for at rooms and green onion. Saute and stir for 2 to 3 least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. minutes. Reduce heat. 10. When ready to serve, sprinkle about 2 teaspoons 4. Add the cream, basil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic of sugar over each custard. For best results, use a powder and ground black pepper. Heat through. small, hand-held torch to melt sugar. If you don’t Add the cooked linguine, toss and heat through. have a torch, place under the broiler until sugar Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve. melts. Re-chill custards for a few minutes before serving. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cajun-Chicken-Pasta/ Detail.aspx http://www.cremebrulee.com/creme.htm

62 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Perekonomian di California semakin memburuk. Bisnis real estate sudah hampir sepuluh tahun jatuh. Ban- yak rumah–rumah yang ditinggalkan oleh para pemiliknya ataupun yang ditelantarkan oleh bank dan pe- merintah oleh karena daerah yang tidak bagus sehingga kalau bank atau pemerintah mendandani rumah itu tetap saja setelah satu atau dua tahun tetap tidak ada pembelinya maka rumah itu akan menjadi kumuh kembali. Sehingga realtor, banker, atau pemerintah cuma akan membuang uang, tenaga, dan waktu.

Kemanakah penduduk California ini? Dimanakah Hol- Hollywood Blvd. telah hancur berlubang-lubang, dan lywood? Dimanakah julukan Los Angeles sebagai surga semua nama-nama bintang fi lm besar yang tercetak di makanan ataupun San Franscisco sebagai tempat yang sepanjang jalan Hollywood Blvd tsb. dicungkil oleh para paling cool dan indah di California selama ini? gelandangan dan gangster. Batu–batu granite di sepa- njang Hollywood Blvd. tersebut banyak yang berpindah Sejak tahun 2006, California sudah mulai menunjukan kerumah–rumah rakyat untuk menjadi lantai di rumah gejala–gejala bahwa masa jaya Los Angeles dan San mereka karena mereka tidak mempunyai uang untuk Francisco mulai menurun dan pudar. Begitu juga den- membangun rumah mereka yang hancur atau retak gan dunia perfi lman atau hiburan sudah mulai keropos karena gempa bumi yang sering pula terjadi di Cali- sejak tahun Millenium dimulai apalagi sejak ada DVD, fornia akhir–akhir ini. Hollywood cuma tinggal nama VCD dan CD bajakan yang harganya cuma sekitar satu saja, dan malahan yang saat ini sedang menanjak dan atau dua dollar dan mudah dijangkau di Downtown, naik daun adalah Bollywood alias Bombaywood. Yang Chinatown, atau di persimpangan jalan besar. Semua mana fi lm–fi lm mereka banyak disukai karena di dalam bajakan–bajakan ini merajalela di pasaran, dan pemer- fi lm mereka banyak diajarkan cara–cara Yoga yang bisa intah tidak mengambil tindakkan apa–apa. Belum lagi diterapkan langsung di dalam kehidupan manusia pada semua Union, seperti SAG, AFTRA, Equty, dan semua masa kini untuk menenangkan pikiran dari anxiety bentuk Union yang lain berkali–kali mengadakan aksi modern yang telah melanda dunia. mogok menuntut bayaran yang lebih tinggi. Sehingga ini membuat pada mulanya bisnis perfi lman tersenda– Sejak Iran, North Korea, dan China berlomba–lombah sendat. Sehingga rakyat menjadi terbiasa nonton DVD menciptakan senjata nuklir dan dengan diam–diam yang lama atau fi lm–fi lm asing yang memberikan udara melakukan percobaan di dalam tanah atau di dasar dan atmosphere yang lebih segar daripada cuma made lautan maka sampah–sampah nuklir itu akhirnya meng- in Hollywood yang cuma berkisar pada drug abuse, kotori seluruh dunia dan menumpuk di United States gangsters, atau korupsi di bidang pemerintahan. Pe- dan California khususnya. (karena pembuangan sisa nonton sudah jenuh dengan semua aneka ragam fi lm bahan-–bahan kimia dari factory–factory yang ada, plus yang ujung–ujungnya cuma berkisar seputar masalah gubernur setempat pun sudah gampang disogok den- duniawi yang tidak benar. Tidak heran banyak produc- gan jutaan dollar untuk membiarkan sampah–sampah er–producer yang berputar haluan untuk melakukan liar ini dibuang ke lautan dan danau di sepanjang bisnis yang lain. Sehingga pada akhirnya ke-glamour-an California) Tidak heran kalau segala macam penyakit Hollywood telah pudar hancur. Walk of Fame sepanjang baru mulai berjangkitan dimana para dokter dan ahli 63 Agape » Anniversary 2008 medis tidak dapat menemukan penangkalnya. Jangan mengatakan bahwa President menjadi korban terrorist. kata penyakit yang ditimbulkan akibat senjata nuklir ini, Walaupun telah kedapatan a little note dari President penyakit Aids yang sudah puluhan tahun digumuli oleh buat keluarganya, tetapi tetap saja pihak CIA mengatakan para ahli-ahli kesehatan pun masih belum didapatkan bahwa President menjadi korban pembunuhan para ter- obat yang benar-benar jitu. Banyak rakyat yang men- rorist. inggal dengan terlantar di rumah–rumah sakit yang dijubeli dengan orang–orang yang sakit, para home- Masalah–masalah inilah yang telah membuat President less, dan para illegal immigrant yang tidak mempunyai yang bertugas ini mengabaikan himbauan dari Guber- asuransi kesehatan. nur California untuk meminta kiriman uang dan sunti- kan–suntikan yang tidak sedikit untuk membangun Gambaran yang menakutkan mulai tercipta di Amerika, California kembali. di California khususnya. Ini membuat para penduduk setempat sadar dan mulai urbanisasi ke Midwest atau Masalah politik sekarang bukanlah masalah yang ke- East Coast, dimana udaranya lebih bersih sehingga benarannya 50/50 menjadi dugaan para rakyat seperti masih banyak oksigen–oksigen yang bergantungan di masa–masa sebelum millenium. Pada masa sekarang udara yang bisa dihirup dengan cuma–cuma oleh ma- inilah, rakyat hampir mengetahui semua gerak–gerik nusia tanpa harus membayar dengan harga yang mahal dan tindakan yang akan diambil oleh pemerintah. kalau sudah diolah ke dalam tabung yang dijual oleh Sehingga masalah pengabaian pembangunan kembali rumah sakit. California inilah yang telah membuat orang berbon- dong-bondong berurbanisasi ke EastCoast dan Mid- Pihak Asuransi banyak yang pailit sehingga semua west. Bahkan, orang–orang kaya banyak yang berimmi- bentuk claims akan banyak makan waktu, bahkan bisa grasi ke Eropa Timur karena disana mereka merasa lebih berlarut–larut karena terlalu banyak orang yang sakit aman. Memang di Eropa timur banyak negara–negara karena musibah ataupun kecelakaan sehingga perusa- Komunis dan sarangnya para Terrorist, tapi dengan han Asuransi hampir tidak bisa mendapatkan untung tinggal diantara mereka itulah mereka menjadi bebas yang bisa mencukupi budget dan salary untuk karywan dari ancaman dan terhindar dari kepingan–kepingan mereka karena terlalu banyak claims. Disamping itu, sampah nuklir yang sewaktu–waktu bisa menghantam tidak sedikit clients yang quit karena mereka jobless. Amerika.

Washington DC juga sudah kepusingan dengan Hari ini begitu tiba di kantornya, Gubernur California masalah–masalah antar negara, PBB yang sekarang memanggil semua Staff nya untuk mengadakan rapat sudah tidak ada wibawanya lagi. Mereka tidak bisa darurat. Pagi ini, ketika gubernur bangun tidur secara berbuat apa–apa lagi ketika Iran, North Korea, dan tiba-tiba, timbul ide di benaknya. Ide yang sangat China dengan terang–terangan melipat gandakan bagus, yang bisa dipakai sebagai ujung tombak untuk Nuclear Mass Weapon. President United States pusing menyerang President dan House Representatives. bernegosiasi dengan pihak Afganistan dan Pakistan yang menyandera Army dan tentara yang bertugas Semua Staff Gubernur ini sebenarnya mangkel dan disana. Negara sedang dalam keadaan defi cit, ressesi, marah pada atasan mereka ini. Mereka semua sudah dan infl asi yang jauh lebih parah dibandingkan pada jemu kerja di kantor kegubernuran ini, tetapi mereka jaman Franklin D. Rosevelt, Presiden yang sebelumnya tidak berani berhenti bekerja karena mereka tahu kedapatan bunuh diri karena tidak dapat meng-handle bahwa mereka tidak akan bisa berbuat apa–apa kalau tanggung-jawab dan tekanan yang bertubi–tubi dari mereka quit pekerjaan mereka ini dan sudah pasti tidak dalam dan luar negeri sehingga dengan mata gelap akan ada lowongan kerja diluar, kecuali menjadi drug President menghabiskan nyawanya dengan memasang dealer atau pindah ke tempat lain atau ke luar negeri. bomb di mobilnya sendiri. Sewaktu hal ini terjadi pihak Senat berusaha menutup–nutupi suicide ini dengan “Begini saudara-saudara...,” Gubernur membuka ra- 64 pat darurat ini. Lalu dengan jelas dan tegas, gubernur menciptakan perang saudara kembali...pusat bukannya mengatakan bahwa dia membutuhkan dukungan yang tidak ingin membantu California, kami juga sudah tidak seratus persen dari semua orang yang bekerja di kantor mempunyai dana cadangan untuk membangun Cali- Gubernur di Sacramento tsb. Ternyata, Gubernur akan fornia. Kami tidak mau apa yang dialami oleh California memberikan ULTIMATUM kepada Washington D.C. dan akan dialami oleh states yang lain kalau kami memaksa- H.R. bahwa kalau pusat tidak segera ambil tindakan kan menyediakan dana untuk California.” untuk membantu California ini, maka mereka berkepu- tusan bahwa mereka akan menyatakan lepas dari pusat “Benar bapak President, kami mengerti kalau negara dan mereka ingin membangun Negara sendiri. Tin- mencetak uang tanpa alasan buat California akan ter- dakan itu akan diambil oleh semua orang yang masih jadi defl asi, akan tetapi usulku adalah untuk mendapat- tinggal di California ini, selanjutnya gubernur menga- kan uang dari luar...itulah satu–satunya cara yang akan takan sebelum California ini benar-benar di-abandon menyelamatkan California bahkan mungkin seluruh oleh dunia dan menjadi tanah kosong, maka Gubernur United States.” mengusulkan untuk menjual California ini kepada negara manapun yang mampu membayar harga yang President diam sebentar, hati kecilnya menyetujui usul ditawarkan. Semua orang kaget sewaktu gubernur gubernur California, bahkan dia mengutuk dirinya mencetuskan ide ini, dan banyak suara menggerutu sendiri kenapa dia tidak bisa berpikir kesana, kenapa dan keluhan dilontarkan kepada gubernur. Tetapi otaknya di bekukan dengan urusan–urusan yang tidak gebernur menenangkan mereka dengan mengatakan ada jalan keluarnya ini.“Akan tetapi...apa kata Gubernur bahwa dia bukan menjual California selamanya, akan State yang lain kalau kami menuruti usulmu…dan apa tetapi dia hanya ingin menyewakan California ini untuk kata dunia nanti…kalau hal ini benar terjadi?” menjadi negara Coloni dari siapa pun yang bersedia “mengcolonize” California ini, seperti halnya dahulu “Bapak President, siapakah dunia itu? PBB kah? Eropah- China, menjual Hongkong kepada negara Inggris untuk kah? Lihatlah pada masa ini siapakah yang peduli menjadikan Hongkong Koloni Inggris. “Lihat..., nyatanya dengan apa yang dilakukan oleh negara lain? Semua setelah beratus tahun menjadi koloni Inggris, Hong- negara–negara besar sibuk dengan senjata nuklir mer- kong menjadi maju dan terkenal…” eka. Negara–negara Arab sibuk dengan minyak mereka dan urusan terrorist mereka....yang penting sekarang ini “Sekarang kita lagi butuh uang dan pusat dengan selamatkan dahulu California sebelum California men- jelas–jelas tidak peduli kepada kita yang tinggal di jadi bahan tertawaan para musuh–musuh Amerika...” California ini, mau kalian punah bersama–sama dengan tanah California ini kalau kita sudah tidak mempunyai President diam, semua yang ada di conference room uang untuk melakukan apapun, apalagi membangun diam. Lalu setelah kesenjangan terjadi sejenak, Presi- kejayaan California seperti dulu lagi... Hah, kalian cuma dent berkata, “…baik besok aku akan terbang ke Sac- bermimpi.. doang kalau tidak ada budget sama sekali...” ramento. Kita akan membicarakan hal ini lebih detail Akhirnya setelah dijelaskan panjang lebar, semua sepa- lagi dan sekarang aku dan House Representatives akan kat dengan usul gubernur. mengadakan rapat lagi.”

Gubernur langsung mengirim fax ke Oval building Hubungan via telepon di putuskan, semua bernafas tepatnya ke meja President langsung dan meminta lega. Lalu masing-masing kantor sibuk rapat kembali. President untuk segera menelpon ke Sacramento. Di President dan H.R. dengan serius membahas masalah Washington D.C., President juga mengadakan rapat ini, demikian juga dengan Sacramento. Setelah mereka darurat menunjukan fax dari California, lalu President pada dasarnya menyetujui usul yang bagus ini, kini dengan speaker phone langsung menelpon ke Sac- mereka dihadapkan kepada masalah siapa yang mau ramento. “Apa yang kau lakukan...bung, apa kau mau membeli California? Atau kepada siapakah mereka har-

65 Agape » Anniversary 2008 us menjual atau menyewakan California ini? Dan, untuk kesini…bisa–bisa bukan kita mendapatkan untung berapa lamakah California ini dijual atau disewakan? malah kita yang akan disedot oleh mereka. Kalian bisa lihatlah kalau nge-deal dengan komunis dari permu- Jam 10 pagi, President dan beberapa kaki tangannya laan saja sudah ketahuan mereka itu tidak bisa diper- sudah mendarat di Sacramento. Kedatangan yang caya. Lalu negara Arab,…mereka ini kadang–kala tidak mendadak ini telah membuat para wartawan dan sta- realistik, moody kalau aku boleh katakan…plus mereka siun TV memberikan headline “Another Breaking News itu kebanyakan “Terrorist.” from California.” Para Security Negara melarang para wartawan ini untuk meliput lebih lanjut. Mereka akan Gubernur California menyangkal semua pandangan diberitahu pada waktunya, demikian kata Juru bicara negative dari kepala negara. “Apa yang bapak President negara. katakan mungkin ada benarnya…tapi kita belum me- Rapat kali ini antara gubernur dan staff tingkat atas lihat dari segi positive-nya…sekarang coba kita lihat… serta rombongan dari pusat saja. Mereka langsung kalau pembelinya Chinese, mereka ini orang pintar, ke permasalahnya, yaitu kepada siapa mereka akan jenius, mereka nomor satu didalam menciptakan bisnis, menjual California dan untuk berapa lama mereka mulai dari tidak ada sampai menjadi berlimpah–limpah. akan menyewakan California? Lalu satu–persatu mer- Nah, orang–orang yang seperti inilah yang dibutuhkan eka memasang list dari negara–negara yang saat ini untuk membangun California kembali. Aku yakin begitu mempunyai ekonomi yang stabil dan mantap, ternyata Chinese ini menjejakan kaki mereka disini, maka semua mereka cuma mempunyai beberapa pilihan saja yaitu bisnis di California ini akan hidup kembali. Bisnis yang calon pembeli California yang memenuhi syarat cuma mereka lakukan akan mengalir ke states yang lainnya, China, Arab (termasuk Iran), dan satu negara Komunis dan itu akan memberikan suntikan tambahan buat kita yang kuat. juga. Disamping itu orang–orang Chinese ini berpe- nampilan sopan dan rapi apalagi kaum wanitanya, bu- Mereka mulai meneliti untung dan rugi kalau mereka kankah hal ini akan membuat California menjadi Classic menyewakan California kepada China. “kalau pembelin- dan anggun dengan hadirnya wanita–wanita cantik ya China,…California tidak mungkin menjadi semakin berbadan langsing, bermata sipit, dan berkulit kuning maju…dan culture kita akan berubah total, disamping langsat seperti gadis–gadis Chinese ini. Akan jauh be- itu kalian tahu sendiri, orang Chinese itu tidak bisa dite- danya bila dibandingkan dengan gadis–gadis Amerika bak…dan yang paling membahayakan adalah mereka yang kebanyakan overweight ini.” itu licik dan licin…lalu kalau dijual kepada orang Ko- munis…ini akan lebih parah lagi…komunis kan mem- “Sekarang kalau pembelinya orang Arab… aku tidak punyai paham semua harta milik negara, meskipun kita pungkiri kalau mereka ini banyak duitnya, tetapi benar bisa bikin perjanjian tapi kalau mereka sudah masuk seperti kata bapak President, bahwa mereka kebanya- kan terrorist, akan tetapi… kalau mereka mengkolonize “Aku yakin California…kita justru akan menjadi aman…hidup berdampingan dengan mereka, mereka akan menana- begitu Chinese ini menje- mkan bisnis mereka di sini, keluarga mereka disini…jadi kalau kita tinggal berdampingan dengan terrorist itu jakan kaki sendiri siapakah yang akan mengancam dan men-teror kita? Siapa tahu dengan langkah ini kita justru akan mereka disini, maka se- menciptakan kedamaian dunia… Nah, kalau pembelin- ya Komunis dari Eropa Timur, memang aku sangsikan mua bisnis di California akan lebih baik ditangan mereka, malah aku kuatir bisa–bisa California dijadikan camp pengasingan California ini akan hidup bahkan dijadikan tempat pembuangan tahanan–tahan- kembali.” an mereka.” 66 “Kurang ajar…” President United States ini ngedumel States ini meminta persetujuan dari anggota staff yang dalam hati dan iri dengan kecerdasan gubernur Cali- hadir bersama dengannya di rapat itu. fornia ini. Dan, yang membuat President ini semakin Semua staff dari DC menyetujui President. marah adalah dia harus menyetujui lagi pandangan Gubernur yang kelihatannya bisa menjadi calon presi- “Nah, sudah jelas calon pembeli California ini either dent yang akan datang. “Semprulll ini orang,” katanya Chinese atau Arab. Sekarang hasil meeting ini akan lagi dalam hati. Padahal dia mulai berpikir kalau benar aku bawa ke pusat dan kami akan mengadakan rapat California sukses di sewakan, dia akan menyewakan gabungan para congress mengenai masalah ini. Karena lagi Wyoming yang seperti tempat jin buang anak dan masih banyak langkah yang harus kita pikirkan dan kita jarang immigrant mau tinggal di sana. Kalau dia bisa ambil dan belum tentu juga di setujui oleh congress menjadi president pada pemilu mendatang, dia sudah atau HR, meskipun aku bisa mem-veto-nya. Nah, aku merencanakan bisa dapat uang sampingan dari hasil ingin bertanya kepadamu gubernur California, apa kau ‘leasing’ states-states berikutnya. Tapi “Aaahhh” presi- ada ide…bagaimana caranya menawarkan kepada dent mendesah di dalam hatinya, “Kelihatannya Guber- kedua calon pembeli ini secara halus tanpa memper- nur California ini bisa–bisa diminta mencalonkan diri malukan negara kita ini?” buat pemilu yang akan datang…Aaah nasib-nasib..... “Wah untuk hal itu belum saya pikirkan tuh bapak padahal aku sudah merencanakan pensiun di Swiss President…” atau di Lexemburg…” “Yah sudah pasti kau belum bisa memikirkan hal ini “Bagaimana bapak President dengan komentar saya…” karena ini bukan levelmu atau ini belum levelmu…” gubernur California bertanya kepada President yang (dalam hati President ini tertawa...’rasain lu’…elu kira sedang bengong–bengong memikirkan nasibnya yang elu aja yang bisa punya ide cemerlang). “Cukup sudah lagi apes menurutnya. “Ooooh…yeah…yeah…aku dengan idemu yang bagus itu kini biarkanlah aku dan setuju dengan pandanganmu. Tentang calon pembeli staff ku akan memecahkan masalah ini. Sekaligus aku California ini…benarkan Gentlemen?” President United ingin memberitahukan kau bahwa selama kami sedang

67 Agape » Anniversary 2008 “Kalau aku tidak peduli kenapa aku dan staff ku terbang “Lebih baik daripada kalau dari D.C. ke Sacramento ini…, tidakkah kalian lihat itu dibocori oleh orang lain semua?” dengan “Kalau bapak President care dengan California.. apa buktinya dan tindakkan apa yang bapak mau ambil?” kata yang lebih “Aku akan mengusahakan cara apapun untuk memban- menyakitkan.” gun California kembali!” membahas masalah ini…kau harus tetap mempertah- “Berikan kami specifi c answer bapak President...” ankan California dan usahakanlah sekeras mungkin bagaimana caranya kalau bisa California jangan dijual… “Apakah kau mempunyai uang?” dan jangan punya pikiran macam–macam lagi yah apalagi ingin bikin negara sendiri…mengerti…kah “Loh apa hubungannya jika aku mempunyai uang atau kau?” President dengan tegas bertanya kepada Guber- tidak dengan masa depan California…jangan berbelit– nur California. belit dong bapak President!” “Jelas ada hubungannya dengan uang…If California for “iya bapak President aku mengerti....” Sale…do you have enough money to buy it? Begitu mendengar jawaban itu semua yang hadir Di pelataran luar kantor gubernur di Sacramento itu terkejut, Gubernur dan staff nya hampir pingsan ketika sudah dipenuhi oleh para wartawan dan crew–crew TV mendengar komentar President, begitu juga dengan yang ingin tahu apa yang sebenarnya telah dirapatkan staff dari D.C. yang mengikuti President tidak percaya oleh President dan Gubernur California ini. Sepanjang dengan apa yang baru saja didengarnya. Setelah ber- sejarah berdirinya America belum pernah terjadi hal kata demikian President melangkah lebih cepat lagi ke yang mendadak seperti ini. Apakah ini ada hubungan arah Limo yang akan membawa President ke Air One dengan keamanan California yang semakin lama se- yang akan membawa President terbang kembali ke D.C. makin ditinggalkan oleh rakyat ataupun oleh orang Para Wartawan berlari memburu President dan mem- yang menanam saham. berondongnya dengan pertanyaan–pertanyaan ten- “Bapak President…apakah kedatanganmu ke Sacra- tang “California 4 Sale.” mento ini ada hubungan dengan keamanan California ini atau United States,” seorang wartawan berteriak Di dalam Limo, jubir bertanya kepada President kenapa bertanya kepada President sewaktu President United dia mencetuskan hal itu? President berkata, “Lebih baik States terlihat keluar dari kantor Gubernur. daripada kalau dibocori oleh orang lain dengan kata “Benarkah…berita–berita angin yang mengatakan yang lebih menyakitkan. I did it in purpose…aku in- bahwa Iran akan membidikkan senjata Nuklir-nya ke gin para wartawan itu yang menjadi iklan kita kepada California ini?” seorang wartawan TV bertanya kepada dunia…sebelum hal penjualan California ini terjadi para President. wartawan terus akan berspekulasi tentang penjualan California ini…sehingga berita ini menjadi berita yang “Apakah kalian peduli akan California…atau kalian bisa membuat dunia bahkan mungkin lama-kelamaan cuma haus berita saja hah?” President bertanya balik orang tidak peduli akan hal ini. Nah, bila Congress dan kepada para wartawan. H.R. menyetujui mengenai California 4 Sale ini, dan transaksi penjualan terjadi, maka hal ini bukanlah hal “Kalau bapak President peduli dengan California, ke- yang baru atau yang menggoncangkan dunia. Sehing- napa California di-abandon-kan oleh bapak sendiri?” ga dimata dunia, kita tidak kelihatan begitu jatuh atau wartawan tidak kalah sengitnya berbalik menyerang miskin.” President. 68 1999 Christmas Cantata

1995 Easter Cantata

20062200 Christmas Drama

1998 Christmas Drama

69 Agape » Anniversary 2008 1996 Christmas Drama Titled ‘Suci Sang Pragawati’

1984 The First Christmas Drama (Rev. Hosea as usual openned with an introduc- tion)

1986 Christmas Drama

2003 Vocal Group 1983 Vocal Group

7070 AAgAgapegaappe » AnniversaryAnA nin versrsaarry 200820200808 Christians in China

As some of us know, Christianity is one of the great- the establishment of short-lived cults.lF For example, l est growing religions in China these past years. But, there was a Chinese cult named Taiping Kingdom this is not because China has just recently opened its (Taiping means ‘heavenly peace’) lasted from 1850 door to Christian missionaries. In fact, according to to 1864. The founder of this cult was a fellow from Wilfred Wong, a parliamentary offi cer for the Jubilee Guandong province by the name of Hong Xiuquang Campaign, China still feels estranged and threatened whose idea came from reading missionaries’ tracts by foreigners or any popular ideology that’s different about Jesus Christ and that later claimed of having than theirs. Actually, since the modern age, Christian a vision that he was the younger brother of Jesus missionaries from Europe and America had started Christ. And hence, the cult of Taiping Kingdom came to plant Christianity seeds in China, but the country from. Its main purpose of the establishment was to just seemed to bear few fruits.1 And today, in spite bring peace to China especially to benefi t the peas- of many restrictions on its religious practice in the ants by cleansing the corrupt feudal system of the 3 country, we are starting to see that a big harvest is Qing dynasty. This revolutionary movement resulted coming soon in China and from China. Along with in the killing over 20 millions of Chinese. Next is the this article, we should also reminded ourselves that most shocking cult movement in the Chinese history none of our work in God will be in vain although called the cult of Mao founded by Mao Tse-Tung. This we feel that the work seems pointless or not bearing secular religion in china result in the greatest mass any fruits, as Apostle Paul says, “Therefore, my dear murderer in the historic record of mankind killing 60 brothers, stand fi rm. Let nothing move you. Always millions human beings as listed in the Guinness Book give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because of World Records. you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” None of these religious sects in China lasted long, (1 Corinthians 15:58; NIV) and they ironically did not provide peace within its Before we go on with the article, let’s start off with an- country and the world, instead they brought wars swering this question to check our knowledge about and genocides. So, is there a religion that can provide the Chinese: In general, Americans and Europeans are the Chinese with a source of spiritual fulfi llment and known to be Christians. Arabs are Moslems, and Indi- at the same time is able to create peace within the ans are Hindus. And, the Chinese are ______? country and with the rest of the world. It may be too soon but not too early to say yes--and the possibility If we have trouble fi lling in the blank, it may be be- is called Christianity. cause the answer is blank. As a matter of fact, the Chinese has been the least religious one. We know Three-Self Patriotic Movement4 and the that Daoism, Chinese Buddhism, and Confucianism House Churches5 are more like a rationalistic kind of religions that’s The Chinese constitution says, “Citizens of the Peo- lacking a personal relationship with a higher deity. ple’s Republic of China enjoy freedom of religious Their worships and prayers are only individualized to belief,” implying its people are free to worship any their ancestor spirits.2 religion as they wish. However, up until today, some However, there are many failed attempts in overcom- Christians are still reporting that their religious prac- ing the Chinese lack of spiritual fulfi llment that led to tice is restricted by the states. According to Wilfred

71 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Wong, a parliamentary offi cer, the reason to the re- believe, but you can’t evangelize. But that is a natural striction is that China’s new generation leaders is try- act for Christians. The Bible commands us to preach ing to consolidate control of the country as it goes the Gospel.” through rapid social and economic changes, and it feel threatened by any popular ideology that’s differ- Here, we see what the Chinese constitution says and ent than their own. In addition, he said, “The percep- the reality are different. However, God is still work- tion that China’s Christians have close links with the ing on China. As we know, there is a great number of West adds to their plight.” Chinese Christian converts in China, and the number is still growing. In his book “Jesus in Beijing” (Regnery, “Citizens of the People’s Republic of 2003), David Aikman estimates the number of prac- China enjoy freedom of religious belief” ticing Christians in China were over 80 millions and Chinese constitution predicts that within three decades by 2033 this number will quintuple TThehe Christian religiousreligious ppracticeractice is restricted with to about 400 milllions Christian Chi- a movement called Three-Self Patriotic Movement nese. This would make China to have (TSPM). It was started during Mao Tse Tung time, it the largest Christian population in was fi rst intended to bring all Christians dominations the world. This would also mean that to unite under TSPM control. Until today, TSPM are the underground Christian house still in control of the churches. It is such that the churches are about to reach its criti- TSPM decides what buildings can be used for church cal mass in spite of the restriction services, which pastors can preach and what areas to evangelize. With this, Aikman is susuggestingggesting that can be traveled to spread religion. Church activi- “a Christian view of the world will be the dominant ties are restricted to Sunday services. No mid-week worldview within China’s political and cultural estab- meetings. No Bible studies. No gatherings in private lishment.” Aikman sees the Christianization in China homes. Religious activities are outlawed outside of as happening concurrently with China’s becoming a church buildings. No one under 18 may be evange- global power, such that it will exercise power as re- lized or baptized. Members are allowed no contact sponsibly and benevolently as has the United States.2 with overseas church groups and forbidden to read foreign Christian literature, listen to foreign Christian However, up to this day, most members of unreg- tapes or tune in to gospel radio broadcasts. Most of istered churches must meet secretly in abandoned all, the State is the head of the Church. building, and even caves, their need of prayers, Bibles, and training is strongly needed and virtually insatiable. As a result to this, many Christians chose to abandon And here in America, we can take our part of Chris- TSPM churches and began to meet secretly in their tianization in China by giving a support (fi nancially or homes and formed what is known as house church- spiritually--praying with a hope that this prediction is es--unregistered churches. The majority of Christians intended to be God’s will). in China are in house churches. Despite TSPM rules, these Christians preach, worship, and evangelize, risk- Chinese Christian Crusade ing the loss of their jobs and houses, imprisonment, Take a note of this, folks: The next Christian Crusades torture, and even death. A testimony from Peter Xu will be conducted by the Chinese! Yongze, the founder of a house church during one of his fi ve jail sentences on account of his Christi- This crusade even has a formal name “The Back to anity belief: “They hung me up across an iron gate, Jerusalem Movement.” It has been organized by the then they yanked open the gate and my whole body Chinese Evangelical Protestant leaders with the in- lifted until my chest nearly split in two. I hung like tention of sending out a minimum of 100,000 Chinese that for four hours.” Mr. Xu added, “They say you can Christian missionaries over the next 10-20 years to

72 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Wong, a parliamentary offi cer, the reason to the re- believe, but you can’t evangelize. But that is a natural striction is that China’s new generation leaders is try- act for Christians. The Bible commands us to preach ing to consolidate control of the country as it goes the Gospel.” through rapid social and economic changes, and it feel threatened by any popular ideology that’s differ- Here, we see what the Chinese constitution says and ent than their own. In addition, he said, “The percep- the reality are different. However, God is still work- tion that China’s Christians have close links with the ing on China. As we know, there is a great number of West adds to their plight.” Chinese Christian converts in China, and the number is still growing. In his book “Jesus in Beijing” (Regnery, “Citizens of the People’s Republic of 2003), David Aikman estimates the number of prac- China enjoy freedom of religious belief” ticing Christians in China were over 80 millions and Chinese constitution predicts that within three decades by 2033 this number will quintuple TheThe Christian relreligiousigious ppracticeractice is restricted with to about 400 milllions Christian Chi- a movement called Three-Self Patriotic Movement nese. This would make China to have (TSPM). It was started during Mao Tse Tung time, it the largest Christian population in was fi rst intended to bring all Christians dominations the world. This would also mean that to unite under TSPM control. Until today, TSPM are the underground Christian house still in control of the churches. It is such that the churches are about to reach its criti- TSPM decides what buildings can be used for church cal mass in spite of the restriction services, which pastors can preach and what areas to evangelize. With this, Aikman is susuggestingggesting that can be traveled to spread religion. Church activi- “a Christian view of the world will be the dominant ties are restricted to Sunday services. No mid-week worldview within China’s political and cultural estab- meetings. No Bible studies. No gatherings in private lishment.” Aikman sees the Christianization in China homes. Religious activities are outlawed outside of as happening concurrently with China’s becoming a church buildings. No one under 18 may be evange- global power, such that it will exercise power as re- lized or baptized. Members are allowed no contact sponsibly and benevolently as has the United States.2 with overseas church groups and forbidden to read foreign Christian literature, listen to foreign Christian However, up to this day, most members of unreg- tapes or tune in to gospel radio broadcasts. Most of istered churches must meet secretly in abandoned all, the State is the head of the Church. building, and even caves, their need of prayers, Bibles, and training is strongly needed and virtually insatiable. As a result to this, many Christians chose to abandon And here in America, we can take our part of Chris- TSPM churches and began to meet secretly in their tianization in China by giving a support (fi nancially or homes and formed what is known as house church- spiritually--praying with a hope that this prediction is es--unregistered churches. The majority of Christians intended to be God’s will). in China are in house churches. Despite TSPM rules, these Christians preach, worship, and evangelize, risk- Chinese Christian Crusade ing the loss of their jobs and houses, imprisonment, Take a note of this, folks: The next Christian Crusades torture, and even death. A testimony from Peter Xu will be conducted by the Chinese! Yongze, the founder of a house church during one of his fi ve jail sentences on account of his Christi- This crusade even has a formal name “The Back to anity belief: “They hung me up across an iron gate, Jerusalem Movement.” It has been organized by the then they yanked open the gate and my whole body Chinese Evangelical Protestant leaders with the in- lifted until my chest nearly split in two. I hung like tention of sending out a minimum of 100,000 Chinese that for four hours.” Mr. Xu added, “They say you can Christian missionaries over the next 10-20 years to

73 Agape » Anniversary 2008 society. This action should then put pay to rumors God is showing His will in this perfect moment and started by overseas agencies saying the Chinese au- that He is able to work even through those unbeliev- thorities would not make the Bible available at the ers. “This is a major and exciting opportunity. We are Games. privileged to be able to support the Church in China in the publishing of the Bible during the Olympics,” Although the Olympic Bible contains only the four says James Catford, chief executive of the Bible So- Gospels, this is considered a perfect choice because ciety. this is where the central of the Gospel of the resur- rection and the teachings of Jesus Christ lay. The four Let us continue to pray for China as God is work- Gospels are a symbol and a proclamation that Bible ing to move the hearts of its people. Also, let us be is not forbidden to revolve in this communist coun- encouraged to help plant the seed of Christianity to try. We do not need to think far that the Chinese unbelievers anywhere we are and will be because government has converted. We know how deep the nothing for God’s work will be in vain.

ideology of communism rooted in this country. Some References: of us might see these acts cynically: the printing of 1 http://www.yutopian.com/religion/ the Bible is just a way of “marketing, public relation, 2 Jack Wheeler is Editor of ToThePoint™, a geopolitical analysis service at (www.tothepointnews.com) http://archive.newsmax. propaganda” of China for the sake of the success of com/archives/articles/2003/12/8/132707.shtml the Olympic. 2 http://chinaaid.org/persecution/the-underground-church/ 3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiping_Rebellion 4 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacifi c/3993857.stm Whatever the reason is, let us look at the other 5 http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-11/08/ dimension that this is not just the greatness of Hu content_7034886.htm Jintao as the current China’s leader. Nevertheless, 6 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/ar- ticle2835638.ece there’s interference from a higher power that is our 7 http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-07/07/ Lord, where in the Olympic on-going event the name content_6822978.htm 8 http://www.cross-written.com/kabar-baik-olympic-bible-136. of our Lord, Jesus Christ will be glorifi ed. Presumably, html

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7474 AgAAgapegaappe » AnniversaryAnAnnniiveerssarary 200822000088 Respect Christians’ Attitude Toward Non - Christians basic idea, we’ll know our role or task toward other By Ev. Wilson Suwanto people, especially non-Christians. RESPECT A question that always comes up: If a Christian is God commands every believers to respect their par- already paid full in price and defi netly will go to ents (Genesis 20:12). Maybe, some of our parents heaven, why don’t God just send these believers have not yet receive Christ, and their eyes can be to Heaven? Why he or she has to keep living in this open once they witness the beautiful testimonies world when there is even a possibility for him or her from their own child if they are fi lled with respect. to fall into sin? Won’t sin saden God even more? We are not supposed to show respect only to our parents but also to everyone, including the govern- Why are we still living in this world? Even though ment. Peter said: “Show proper respect to everyone: God knows we will be tempeted and eventually fall Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor into sin, God is not directly sending us to heaven. the king” (1 Peter 2:17). And, He has obvious reason and purpose of why He keeps us living in this world. The answer can The terminology of respect (timao) means to give be found in Jesus’ sermon on the mount when He the proper price or value of something. If this ap- says: plies to men, respect means to give the proper 13 ”You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses value to another person as the image of God. This its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is task is not always easy. There are some actions from no longer good for anything, except to be thrown certain people that should not be honored. How- 14 out and trampled by men. You are the light of the ever, God calls us to show respect, not to correct the 15 world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do wrongs. We can respect a person without having to people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead respect what he has done. they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine MODEL before men, that they may see your good deeds and “So in everything, do to others what you would praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16). have them do to you...” (Matthew 7:12). In this verse, In other words, we are here in this world it’s not be- Jesus implies that there is a law of justice placed in cause of a coincidence. We are here in this world this universe. Even non-Christians recognize this because we are in a mission. Missionary means God law that is given by the Creator. However, there is a sends us with a reason or a purpose, which is to af- diff erence, where Christians are encouraged to be fect this world with a good infl uence. Likewise, salt active in setting good examples to other people. infl uences the taste of the food. We are in a mission Christians won’t wait for other people to do good to lite the dark world. onto them fi rst, instead they will actively setting good examples. With this, they fulfi ll the standard Therefore, as a Christian, one has to realize that he of God’s law in this world. or she is on a mission. He/She should not have the attitude of living just to pass by the days until he This World is like a jungle. Men are competing and takes his last breath. Also, he should not live to just eliminating each other. When a Christian is follow- earn money or build a family. Instead, he should live ing the golden rules from God, he is off ering anoth- to carry out God’s mission. With understanding this er alternative to non-Christians. As if, he is saying,

75 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Love “Hi Friend, you do not have to live by following the law of the jungle. We can start loving and respect- others from sinning against God. ing each other, istead of destroying or failing each other.” TRUTH There is a non-Christian complaining about his LOVE Christian friend: “My friend says that he is a Chris- “And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as your- tian, but he often doesn’t keep his promise. Not self” (Matthew 22:39). Once again, Jesus reminds only that, he doesn’t even want to apologize.” This us that man is not supposed to live for himself. He kind of comment makes us speculate ourselves. As should not love himself only. He ought to love other a Christian, are we living in the truth? The truth is people as if he has loved himself. The reason: we all broad, but at least, the truth is not a “lie.” are God’s creation. This is something that cannot be bargained; therefore, it is called “the law.” When non-Christians see that we keep our promises or that we sincerely and humbly apologize for our Jesus doesn’t command Christians to love one an- failure of keeping the promise, they will realize that other with non-Christians. A non-Christian has not we live according to the truth. As much as possible, yet understood God’s love. How can they be claimed we live according to the standard of the truth. And, to love one another? Therefore, Jesus reminds us: if we fail, we admit our mistake. Why do we have to If we return the love of those who fi rst loved us, admit our mistakes? It is because we have the stan- then we are no diff erent than nonbelievers. God’s dard of the truth. love or AGAPE love is diff erent in the sense that it is an active and unconditional love. If we love oth- Sadly, many Christians live as if there is no standard. ers like we have loved ourselves, nonbelievers will This becomes a stumbling block to non-Christians. feel God’s presence in our love. That is what our task They live in lie and inconsistency. Someone who should be. lives in the truth, although they are not perfect, they defi nitely are trustworthy. The trustworthy charac- WISDOM AND SINCERITY ter of a Christian will give him the power to proclaim “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Christ. Non-Christians would say: “If this Christian is Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent trustworthy, for sure his proclamation of Jesus is as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Christians are called to also trustworthy. I will consider his words.” Once we love others, but this doesn’t mean we let other peo- lost our trustworthiness, it will take us some time to ple take an advantage of us. Christ reminds us that regain others’ trust. And, it will take some time for us around us are wolves; however, He clearly states to be useful for the work of God. that we are sheep. We cannot turn into wolves. As sheep, we are very weak as compared to wolves. Remember, we are here living in this world because However, Jesus wants us to learn to be wise like the we are on God’s mission. God sent us equipped with snakes but not becoming a poison for other people. resources: the attitude of respect, a good model, On the other hand, Jesus wants us to be as genuine love, wisdom and sincerity, and truth. With these and pure as a dove but not becoming easy to be equipments, other people will see that Christians caught. are men who are going to eternity with God. And, they do not put their hope to this temporary world. When non-Christians see there are wisdom and This attitude will have a very strong pull to worldly sincerity in us, they will know that there’s a balance people who live without direction and future. This that can only be found inside Christians. They will attitude will open a wide door to evangelism. Let us learn to understand that Christians are obeying then live according to our call. Someone, so that they do not dare to infl ict a loss on other people. Not only that, a Christian will not let him to be taken advantage of. Not because of his ego or his pride, but because he wants to prevent Truth 76 Kasih tian inilah, kita bisa menemukan apa peranan atau tu- Sikap Kristen Terhadap gas kita terhadap sesama manusia, khususnya, yang bukan Kristen. Sesama Manusia HORMAT Oleh Ev. Wilson Suwanto Tuhan berkata supaya setiap orang percaya menghor- mati orang-tuanya (Kel. 20:12). Tidak sedikit orang-tua Sebuah pertanyaan yang selalu muncul: kalau orang yang belum percaya kepada Tuhan, dan mereka bisa Kristen sudah diselamatkan dan pasti masuk surga, melihat kesaksian yang indah dari seorang Kristen mengapa Tuhan tidak langsung memindahkan orang (anaknya sendiri) jika mereka penuh dengan hormat. percaya ke sorga? Mengapa ia harus hidup dalam Bukan hanya orang-tua, tetapi juga semua orang, bah- dunia, bahkan bisa jatuh dalam dosa? Bukankah ini kan pemerintah sekalipun. Petrus berkata: “Hormati- malah menyedihkan hati Tuhan? lah semua orang, kasihilah saudara-saudaramu, takut- lah akan Allah, hormatilah raja!” (1 Peter 2:17). Alkitab Mengapa kita masih ada di dalam dunia ini? Sekalipun tidak menyuruh kita hanya menghormati orang Kris- Tuhan tahu kita akan dicobai dan jatuh dalam dosa, ten saja, melainkan semua orang. Tuhan tidak langsung memindahkan kita ke sorga. Dan, Ia mempunyai alasan dan tujuan yang jelas, men- Istilah hormat (timao) berarti memberikan harga atau gapa Ia masih membiarkan kita hidup dalam dunia. nilai yang sepantasnya bagi sesuatu. Kalau diterap- Jawabannya dapat ditemukan dalam khotbah Yesus kan kepada manusia, hormat berarti memberikan di bukit ketika Ia berkata: nilai yang sepantasnya kepada manusia lain sebagai 13”Kamu adalah garam dunia. Jika garam itu menjadi gambar dan rupa Allah. Memang hal ini tidak selalu tawar, dengan apakah ia diasinkan? Tidak ada lagi gu- mudah. Ada tindakan orang-orang tertentu yang nanya selain dibuang dan diinjak orang. 14Kamu ada- tidak patut dihormati. Namun Tuhan memanggil kita lah terang dunia. Kota yang terletak di atas gunung untuk menunjukkan hormat, bukan membenarkan tidak mungkin tersembunyi. 15Lagipula orang tidak perbuatan yang tidak benar. Kita bisa menghormati menyalakan pelita lalu meletakkannya di bawah gan- seseorang tanpa harus menghormati apa yang ia per- tang, melainkan di atas kaki dian sehingga menerangi buat. semua orang di dalam rumah itu. 16Demikianlah hen- daknya terangmu bercahaya di depan orang, supaya TELADAN mereka melihat perbuatanmu yang baik dan memu- “Segala sesuatu yang kamu kehendaki supaya orang liakan Bapamu yang di sorga” (Matius 5:13-16). perbuat kepadamu, perbuatlah demikian juga ke- pada mereka...” (Matius 7:12). Dalam ayat ini, Tuhan Dengan kata lain, kita hidup dalam dunia bukan kar- Yesus mengatakan secara tidak langsung bahwa ada ena kebetulan atau sekedar dibiarkan bernafas oleh hukum keadilan yang ditaruh di alam semesta. Bah- Tuhan. Kita ada di dunia karena diutus oleh Tuhan. kan orang non-Kristen pun mengetahui hukum alam Diutus berarti dikirim dengan satu misi atau tujuan, yang diberikan Sang Pencipta ini. Namun ada sesuatu yaitu: mempengaruhi dunia ini dengan pengaruh yang berbeda dalam hukum ini, dimana orang Kristen yang baik, seperti garam mempengaruhi rasa maka- didorong untuk aktif memberikan contoh/teladan nan. Kita diutus untuk memancarkan terang di dunia bagi orang-orang lain. Orang Kristen tidak menunggu yang gelap. orang lain berbuat baik kepada mereka, melainkan secara aktif memberikan contoh yang baik. Dengan Itu sebabnya, seorang Kristen harus menyadari demikian, ia menghadirkan standard hukum Tuhan di akan pengutusan ini. Ia bukan hidup di dunia sekedar dalam dunia ini. untuk melewati hari-hari sampai ia menghembuskan nafas terakhir. Ia bukan hidup sekedar untuk mencari Dunia ini adalah seperti hutan rimba. Manusia men- nafkah atau membangun keluarga. Ia hidup untuk jatuhkan dan menyingkirkan sesamanya. Ketika se- menjalankan misi dari Tuhan. Dengan dasar penger- orang Kristen mengikuti perintah emas dari Tuhan Ye- sus ini, ia sedang menawarkan alternatif lain kepada orang-orang non-Kristen. Seolah-olah ia berkata: “Hai 77 Agape » Anniversary 2008 teman, anda tidak harus hidup dengan hukum rimba. tetapi ia ingin mencegah orang lain berbuat dosa ter- Kita bisa saling mengasihi dan menghormati, tidak hadap Tuhan, dan dengan demikian, menumpukkan harus mencelakakan dan menjatuhkan.” penghakiman dan penghukuman Tuhan atas orang tersebut. KASIH “Dan hukum yang kedua, yang sama dengan itu, ialah: KEBENARAN Kasihilah sesamamu manusia seperti dirimu sendiri” Ada orang non-Kristen mengeluh tentang teman yang (Matius 22:39). Sekali lagi, Yesus mengingatkan kita Kristen: “Memang ia seorang Kristen, tetapi seringkali bahwa manusia tidak boleh hidup untuk dirinya send- tidak menepati janji. Sesudah itu, tidak minta maaf iri. Ia tidak boleh mengasihi hanya dirinya saja. Ia harus lagi.” Komentar demikian membuat kita memeriksa mengasihi orang lain seperti ia telah mengasihi dirinya diri. Apakah sebagai orang Kristen, kita hidup dalam sendiri. Alasannya: kita adalah sesama ciptaan Tuhan. kebenaran? Kebenaran itu memang luas, tetapi paling Ini adalah sesuatu yang tidak bisa ditawar-tawar. Kar- sedikit kebenaran berarti “bukan dusta.” ena itu tidak heran ini disebut dengan “hukum.” Ketika orang non-Kristen melihat bahwa kita mene- Yesus tidak memerintahkan orang Kristen agar pati janji, atau dengan tulus dan rendah hati meminta saling mengasihi dengan orang non-Kristen. Seorang maaf jika kita gagal menepati janji, mereka akan sadar non-Kristen belum mengerti kasih Tuhan. Bagaimana bahwa kita hidup berdasarkan kebenaran. Kita seda- bisa dituntut mengasihi sesama? Maka Yesus mengin- pat mungkin hidup menurut standard kebenaran, dan gatkan: Kalau kita mengasihi orang yang mengasihi jika kita gagal, kita mengaku salah. Mengapa mengaku kita, maka kita tidak ada bedanya dengan orang lain. salah? Sebab kita mempunyai standard kebenaran. Perbedaan kasih Kristen adalah bahwa kasih itu bersi- fat aktif dan tanpa syarat. Jika kita mengasihi sesama Sayang sekali banyak orang Kristen hidup seolah-olah seperti diri sendiri, orang akan melihat kehadiran Tu- tidak ada standard. Ini menjadi batu sandungan untuk han dalam kasih kita. Inilah tugas kita. orang non-Kristen. Mereka hidup di dalam dusta dan inkonsistensi. Seorang yang hidup dalam kebenaran, HIKMAT DAN KETULUSAN memang tidak sempurna, tetapi bisa dipercaya. Sifat “Lihat, Aku mengutus kamu seperti domba ke tengah- trustworthy seorang Kristen akan memberinya kuasa tengah serigala, sebab itu hendaklah kamu cerdik untuk berbicara tentang Kristus. Kata orang non-Kris- seperti ular dan tulus seperti merpati” (Matius 10:16). ten: “Jika orang Kristen itu trustworthy, tentu kata-ka- Orang Kristen dipanggil untuk mengasihi, tetapi tidak tanya tentang Injil juga trustworthy. Saya akan mem- berarti membiarkan diri diinjak-injak orang lain. Kris- pertimbangkan kata-katanya.” Sekali kita kehilangan tus memperingatkan bahwa sekeliling kita adalah trustworthiness kita, entah berapa lama bisa memuli- serigala. Namun Ia menegaskan bahwa kita adalah hkan rasa percaya orang. Dan, entah berapa lama kita domba. Kita tidak boleh ikut menjadi serigala. Seba- bisa kembali berguna untuk pekerjaan Tuhan. gai domba, memang kita sangat lemah. Namun Yesus meminta kita belajar berhikmat seperti ular, namun Ingatlah bahwa kita hidup dan bernafas karena kita tidak menjadi racun bagi orang lain. Sebaliknya juga, diutus Tuhan ke dalam dunia ini. Tuhan mengutus Yesus menyuruh kita tulus seperti merpati, namun kita dengan memberikan perlengkapan, yaitu: sikap tidak mudah terperangkap. hormat, teladan, kasih, hikmat dan ketulusan, dan ke- benaran. Dengan perlengkapan ini, orang lain akan Ketika orang non-Kristen melihat bahwa kita memiliki melihat bahwa orang-orang Kristen adalah umat yang hikmat dan ketulusan, mereka tahu ada sesuatu kes- sedang berjalan menuju kekekalan bersama Tuhan. eimbangan yang hanya bisa ditemukan dalam orang- Mereka tidak menaruh pengharapan kepada dunia orang yang percaya pada Tuhan. Mereka akan belajar yang sementara ini. Sikap ini akan memiliki daya tarik mengerti bahwa seorang Kristen adalah seorang yang yang sangat kuat bagi orang-orang dunia ini, yang tunduk pada Seseorang, sehingga ia tidak berani mer- hidup tanpa arah dan masa depan. Sikap ini membuka ugikan orang lain. Bukan hanya itu, seorang Kristen pintu yang lebar bagi penginjilan. Mari kita hidup se- juga tidak mau membiarkan orang lain menginjak-in- padan dengan panggilan kita. jak haknya. Bukan karena ia egois atau tidak mau rugi, 78 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Kebenaran WILLIAM CAREY THE FATHER OF MODERN MISSIONS Edited from the original writing of Diana Wiring http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com

“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God”

All these, as well as other startling In fact, he was given the nickname contrasts, were part of the story “Columbus” because he often pre- of William Carey, one of the most tended to be the great explorer amazing people in all history. of the New World! He also loved to read the newspaper accounts WIW LLLLIAAM CAAREEY (AAuggust ababout the adventures of Captain 17, 17616 - Juunee 9, 18834) ...Imagine living the fi rst thirty-two CCook1o on the Pacifi c Ocean, and waw s a Baaptp ist miissiioonaryy to IIndia years of your life without traveling eventually,ev he would utilize the annd sppent an actiive ffortr y-y one more than thirty miles—then trav- discoveriesdi Captain Cook had yey ars seerviinng thhe LoL rdd in Inddia,a, in- eling tens of thousands of miles, madem as he taught others about cclluddiinng trana slslattini g thhe Scriptp ures. to the other side of the world, to diffdi erent islands, continents, and CCaarey neever returnedd to EnE glglandd. live the rest of your life! people.pe HeHe’’ss wele l--kknoown as one of thhe ggi- OneO day, in perusing some books annts of the mimisssiionaaryy traill to thhe ...Imagine that you had a formal leftlef by his sea-faring uncle, Wil- PPaacic fi c OOceae n. Like thhe eearlly ddiiscs ii- education only until you were liamlia found one about plants that pples, CCarey hhad the comppasa siiono to twelve years old—then being containedco words in a diff erent sshhara e thhe GoG sppel to thhe whhole naa- made a university professor be- language.la His father was able to tiono andd hence got thee titlel as the cause you were so qualifi ed to tellte that the language was Latin, “ffatheh r off moddere n miissionss.”.” teach the Sanskrit and Bengali butbu he did not understand it him- languages! self.se Yet, there was an old Latin William was born near Northamp- grammargr on the bookshelf, so he ...Imagine dreaming of swash- ton, England in 1761 to a poor fam- dusted it off and gave it to Wil- buckling adventures as a poor, ily of weavers. When William was liam. Within a couple of months, land-locked boy—then, as an six, however, his father was given William could not only read the adult, clearing the jungle to make the job of clerk at the Church of St. book, he could also speak Latin room for a hut, while others fl ed James the Great. This was an aus- though he had to hold conversa- because of man-eating tigers! picious change because it meant tions with himself, as no one else that not only did the family have around spoke the language! ...Imagine writing a book about more money and a nicer home, At the age of twelve, students at the call of God to Christians of but William could now attend the the church school had either to go all times to go throughout the church school. One of the great- on for further education or get a world to share the Gospel—then est joys to William was that he had job. As William’s parents could not becoming the fi rst Englishman access to many books, which fi red aff ord to send him to study, he had in modern history to answer that his active imagination about ge- no choice but to go to work. Since call! ography, history, and adventure. William loved working with plants

79 Agape » Anniversary 2008 and being outside, he was thrilled story to the surface. William was the death of William’s fi rst-born to have the opportunity to work revealed as the thief, but was mer- daughter, Ann. Even more tragi- on a farm as a laborer. However, cifully not sent to the magistrate cally, Dorothy was plunged into a he developed an intense, painful (which could have easily resulted deep depression, from which she rash from being out in the sun— in having him shipped to the West never truly recovered.4 not a good sign for a budding gar- Indies as punishment!). It was one dener! He toughed it out for two of the signifi cant events leading Carey’s preaching became well years, but the pain was so intense William to his realization that he known throughout the area, and that he fi nally had to quit. Next, was a sinner, in great need of a eventually he was off ered a po- he was formally apprenticed for Savior. 2 sition as a full-time pastor and seven years to a man who made schoolmaster. Though it didn’t shoes in a town eight miles away. This was the time of the American pay any better than his shoemak- As a fourteen-year-old, he bid his Revolution, a time of greatly di- ing, it allowed him greater time family goodbye and walked to his vided opinion among the people for study. To many, Cook’s Journal new dwelling and new job. of England. Most people followed was a thrilling story of adventure, the lead of King George III in see- but to Carey it was a revelation of In this new surrounding, William ing the American colonists as reb- human need!5 As he taught stu- learned not only how to make els in need of defeat, while many dents geography in the school, he shoes, but he learned new lan- of the townspeople in William’s was more and more aware of the guages as well. His boss did not village believed that the need vast numbers of people around mind if William had a book open was for a new king! When King the world who had never heard above his workbench as long George III called for a national day the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his as the work was completed in a of prayer on February 10, 1779, so heart was increasingly moved by timely way, so he pursued the that the entire nation would pray their plight. This was an unusual study of Greek, Hebrew, French, in the Church of England for the viewpoint for a man of his day. The Italian, and Dutch! defeat of the Americans, William majority of ministers in England It was not only a time to learn had no mind to obey this direc- believed that Jesus’ command to languages; however, it was also a tive. Instead, he attended a Dis- go and preach the gospel to ev- time to learn a signifi cant lesson in senter’s3 prayer meeting, which ery creature was given solely to honesty concerning money. Wil- had an entirely diff erent motive— the twelve disciples, and that af- liam was sent to collect payment they were praying for the revo- ter they died, that commandment from the blacksmith for a pair of lutionaries to win! This was Wil- was no longer applicable. Howev- shoes, and since it was Christmas liam’s fi rst taste of the Dissenting er, Carey studied the Scriptures in- time, the blacksmith off ered the Church, and he grew to love it. tently, as well as studying Church poor apprentice a gift of money. history, and he became convinced It was such a joy to William be- In spite of the fi nancial diffi cul- that the command to “go” was still cause the shilling he received ties of being a mere apprentice, in eff ect. would enable him to buy a quill William decided to marry Doro- pen. When he discovered that the thy Plackett, a Dissenter, when As a result of his studies, Carey shilling he was given was coun- he was nineteen. In the second wrote a book entitled ‘An enquiry terfeit, he made the foolish deci- year of their marriage, he began into the obligations of Christians sion to trade the good shilling he preaching part-time at a Dissent- to use means for the conversion received as payment for the shoes ing church eight miles away. The of the heathen in which the re- for his counterfeit shilling in order congregation was so poor; they ligious state of the diff erent na- to purchase the pen. William had could not even aff ord the leather tions of the world, the success not realized that his boss would to replace the shoes William was of former undertakings, and the send the counterfeit shilling right wearing out as he walked back practicability of further undertak- back to the blacksmith and de- and forth to serve them! Tragi- ings are considered.’ Long titles mand full payment for the shoes. cally, this all-encompassing pov- were more popular in that day, This, of course, brought the whole erty was largely responsible for 80 but this was long even by their standards! This well-researched, well-written book was the most comprehensive book on history, religion, and geography up to that time. It provided an incredible in- sight into the needs of unreached people and practical suggestions for reaching them. On May 30, 1792, in the same year after the enthusiasm of this book aroused some attention among Christians, he was invited to preach at a ministerial gathering.6 Preaching out of Isaiah 54:2-3, Carey put forth two thoughts that summed up his ministry and have since become an incredible missionary motto, “Expect great things from God; attempt great ety, he told them that if a partner things for God.”7 Step by step, temperature of 120 degrees up an would go with him, they could ac- God led Carey to break through alligator-infested river and much, complish far more than one man with His vision. Months later af- much more. Eventually, however, alone. Carey knew this was the ter his sermon, Carey at the age several missionary families joined moment he had been working of thirty-one, on October 2, 1792, the Careys in the city of Seramp- toward for many years. “I will go.” was called to meet with the other ore, where they set up a printing Despite the diffi culties of a young eleven ministers inside a widow’s press to print the Scriptures in the family, a wife who struggled with home and formed the fi rst English many languages of India. depression, lack of fi nances, and missionary society, “The Particular the total unknown, Carey was Baptist Society for Propagating At this point in his life, after all his ready to answer the call to “Go.” the Gospel to the Heathen” (later experiences in language learning, After many trials, including his renamed to the “Baptist Mission- in preaching, in writing, and in wife’s categorical refusal to go ary Society”). The society then traveling, the design of God in this with him (though she changed concerned with practical matters man came to fruition. His remark- her mind just before they got on such as raising funds, as well as able ability to use words, not only the ship!), William Carey sailed to deciding where they would direct in his own language, but also in India. Their adventures there in- their eff orts.8 every language he came into con- cluded jumping ship upon arrival As the group met and prayed, they tact with. Carey was gifted with in order to avoid the East India met Dr. John Thomas, who had what is called the Linguistic Intel- Company, (who would never give just returned from four years as a ligence—being “word-smart”— missionaries permission to work doctor for the East India Company is the ability to work with words. among the native people), run- in the Bengal region of India. He Because of this intelligence in his ning out of money in Calcutta (Dr. had become a Christian in Calcut- life, Carey was able to quickly learn Thomas had a habit of living high ta, and he was eager to return as Bengali, and with more diffi culty, on the hog, and spent everything a missionary to serve the urgent Sanskrit (the ancient language within weeks), being given a plot needs of the people there. At the used in the religious writings of of uncleared land in a tiger-infest- moment, he was currently in Eng- India). He labored to translate the ed jungle which was their only land raising funds. As he agreed New Testament into Bengali and source of food and shelter, a twen- to represent the missionary soci- Sanskrit, which were then printed ty-two day boat trip with a regular on the mission’s printing press. 81 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Having the Word of God in their him, Carey thought it was a joke! we feel afraid or embarrassed to own language made a huge im- Imagine someone who had left share the Gospel to unbelievers, pact on the people of that region: school at the age of twelve teach- but God sees the willingness in doors began to open, hearts be- ing on the university level. Lord our heart, and He will add unto us gan to respond and lives began to Wellesley convinced Carey that the strength that we need. The Bi- change. he was the man for the job, and ble says that God sees the heart of After 7 years of missionary with no by the Lord’s grace, another door men, “…The LORD does not look native convert, in the year of 1800, for ministry was opened. at the things man looks at. Man Carey fi nally baptized the fi rst Hin- Yet through these many accom- looks at the outward appearance, du Protestant convert—a tremen- plishments, William Carey re- but the LORD looks at the heart.” (2 dously signifi cant event, which mained humble and gave all glory Samuel 16:7; NIV) More to this, the caused rioting in the city. He also and honor where it was due, the Bible also says that He will give us translated the Scriptures into 44 Lord. Saying to a friend shortly be- the strength if we are truly com- languages, produced grammars fore his death, “Mr. Duff , you have mitted to Him, “For the eyes of the and dictionaries for the Indian been speaking about Dr. Carey, Dr. LORD range throughout the earth people, founded 26 churches and Carey. When I am gone say noth- to strengthen those whose hearts 126 schools, ended the native tra- ing about Dr. Carey—speak about are fully committed to him.” (2 ditional practice of Sati (Sutee)9, Dr. Carey’s Savior.” William Carey Chronicles 16:9; NIV) With this organized India’s fi rst medical shows one the prime example of said, without having to carry out mission, savings bank, seminary, a man of faith, one willing to at- missionary to other countries, we Indian girls’ school and ethnic lan- tempt great things for God and can also be God’s amazing vessel guage newspaper! expecting to see God do a mighty by having our own missionary at At the point when the British gov- work.10 our very own community, like in ernor-general of Calcutta, Lord Isn’t it amazing what God’s de- our work place, our school, our Wellesley, opened Fort William sign can produce in and through home or dorm, and anywhere College (modeled after Cambridge a person’s life? William Carey, one you can think of—many in these and Oxford), he needed someone of the world’s most accomplished places haven’t even reached and to teach English students the lan- linguists, gave the Bible—the saved, yet. May God bless each guages of the local people. The Word of God—to more of the and every one of us who listens to one Englishman in the entire re- earth’s inhabitants than any other His command to “Go”—like Wil- gion who was qualifi ed to do this man has! Maybe, we do not have liam Carey! was William Carey. However, when a vision for missionary as great as the position was originally off ered William Carey’s, and sometimes, On Footers note: 1Captain James Cook was an English explorer, navigator, and cartographer. During Carey’s life time, he made three voyages to the Pacifi c Ocean: fi rst voyage (1768-71), second voyage (1772-75), and last voyage (1776-79). He inspired little William to explore the New World. 2His introduction to Christ was also thanks to another young apprentice to their master by the name of John Warr, who had Christ-like love. He invited William to attend prayer meetings; William fi nally converted to Christianity and got baptized in 1783. <”The Father of Modern Mis- sions” by Rit Nosotro; http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/bios/b3careyw.htm> 3Dissenter - one who refuses to accept the doctrines or usages of an established or a national church, especially a Protestant who dissents from the Church of England. 4Dorothy Plackett Carey was a faithful and devoted wife, but sadly she did not share the passion he had for missions. 5Inserted to the original article from “William Carey: Missionary-Evangelist” by Fred Barlow. 6Carey used his preaching on May 30, 1792 as his pro-missionary sermon. It is also well-known as the Deathless Sermon. 7Inserted from ”The Father of Modern Missions” by Rit Nosotro. 8Inserted from 9Sati was the burning of an Indian widow in the funeral of her husband and was prohibited in 1829 through Carey’s diligent eff orts. <”William Carey: The Father of Modern Missions” by Galen B. Royer; http://www.wholesomewords.org/missions/bcarey3.html> 10Miller, Basil, “William Carey: The Father of Modern Missions,” Minneapolis, Minn.: Bethany House Publishers, 1980. Recommended Book: Travel with William Carey: The Missionary to India Who Attempted Great Things for God by Paul Pease. England: Day One Publications, ©2005. ISBN 1903087767. Biography and travel guide. 128 pages. 82 WILLIAM CAREY BAPA MISI MODERN Diedit dari tulisan asli oleh Diana Wiring: http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com

“Harapkanlah hal yang besar dari Tuhan; Usahakanlah hal yang besar untuk Tuhan”

kepada umat Kristen untuk me- William lahir di suatu desa ke- nyebarluaskan injil keselama- cil dekat Northampton, Inggris tan—kemudian menjadi orang tahun 1761 kepada sepasang English pertama di sepanjang suami-istri penenun yang miskin. sejarah modern untuk menjawab Ketika William berumur enam ta- …Bayangkan selama tiga pu- panggilan itu! hun, ayahnya diberikan jabatan luh dua tahun pertama di dalam sebagai penjabat gereja di gereja hidupmu tidak pernah berjalan Semua ini, termasuk kejadian- St. James the Great. Ini merupa- lebih dari tiga puluh mil—kemu- kejadian lain yang mengher- kan suatu perubahan yang men- dian travel lebih dari sepuluh ribu ankan, adalah bagian cerita dari guntungkan karena ini berarti mil, kesebelah bumi yang lain, salah satu orang-orang yang me- bukan hanya keluarganya mem- untuk tinggal disana sampai sisa nakjubkan di sepanjang sejarah, punyai penghasilan tambahan hidupmu! bernama William Carey. dan rumah yang lebih baik, tetapi William juga bisa mengikuti seko- ….Bayangkan jikalau anda lah dari gereja tersebut. Salah WILLIL AMM CARREY (Auugug st mendapat pendidikan yang res- satusa kebahagiannya yang amat 117, 177611- Juune 9, 188343 ) mi hanya sampai umur dua be- sangatsa untuk William adalah dia adala ahh missionariis Baptp is ke India las tahun—kemudian dijadikan mempunyaim akses kepada banyak dan melayay nii Tuhhan dengag n ak- dosen universitas karena anda buku-bukubu yang bisa mengkor- ttiiv ddisanaa sellama empap t puluh memenuhi syarat untuk mengajar bar-korbarkanba imaginasinya ten- saatu tahhun, termasukk menterjje-e bahasa Sanskrit dan Bengali! tangta ilmu pengetahuan seperti mahhkan Alkl ittabb. CaC rey ttidaak pep r- …Bayangkan memimpikan petu- geografige , sejarah, dan petualan- nah kkembala i kke neggeri asallnyya,a alangan mengarungi lautan se- gan.ga Sebenarnya, dia dijuluki “Co- Ingggriiss.. Diaa dikkene all baaik sebab - bagai anak laki-laki miskin yang lumbus”lu karena dia sering beraksi gag i sallah sas tu orangg besar yang dikelilingi daratan—kemudian, di sepertise seorang penjelajah Dunia meningggag lkkana jejjakk ke SSamuddra hari dewasamu, membersihkan BaBaru yg hebat! Dia juga menyukai Paasifi k.k Seppere tii murridi -mmuru idd Ye-e hutan belantara untuk membuat bberitae koran tentang petualangan suus yay ngg pertama, CCarer y mem-m sebuah gubuk, sementara orang KaKaptain Cook1 ke Samudra Pas- pup nyyaii dorono gag n hatii untukk lain melarikan diri karena macan ifi kk, dan akhirnya, dia memakai mem nyyebbara luaskkan IInjij l kke seggalla buas! ppenemuane dari Kaptain Cook un- pep juruu duniaia dan sebbabb ituu diiaa tutuk mengajar orang lain tentang mem nddappat jullukkan “bapap misi …Bayangkan menuliskan sebuah ppulau-pulau,u benua-benua, dan mom ddern.” buku tentang panggilan Tuhan ssuku-sukuu yang berbeda. 83 Agape » Anniversary 2008 Suatu hari, ketika mengamati gaimana untuk membuat sepatu, Kebanyakan orang mengikuti buku-buku yang ditinggalkan tetapi ia juga belajar bahasa-baha- pimpinan Raja George ke 3 untuk pamannya, William menemukan sa asing yang baru. Dengan maji- mengalahkan Amerika si Pem- sebuah buku tentang tumbuh- kan yang tidak keberatan kalau berontak, saat itu juga banyak tumbuhan yang ditulis dalam William bekerja dengan sebuah penduduk di desa William yang suatu bahasa asing. Ayahnya bisa buku terbuka selama pekerjaan- percaya bahwa mereka memer- mengenali bahwa itu adalah ba- nya selesai dengan tepat waktu, lukan raja pengganti! Ketika Raja hasa Latin tapi tidak mengerti- dia menguasai bahasa Yunani, George ke 3 memanggil seluruh nya. Namun, terdapat tata bahasa Ibrani, Prancis, Itali, dan Belanda! warga negara Ingriss untuk men- Latin kuno di rak buku, lalu dia Ini bukan hanya waktu un- jalankan hari doa nasional pada mengebaskan-ngebaskan debu tuk mempelajari berbagai macam February 10, 1779, supaya semua dan memberikannya kepada Wil- bahasa; tetapi, juga waktunya un- orang Inggris berdoa bersama un- liam. Dalam waktu beberapa bu- tuk mempelajari pelajaran yang tuk mengalahkan Amerika, akan lan, William bukan hanya bisa penting mengenai kejujuran da- tetapi William tidak mempunyai membaca buku itu, tetapi dia juga lam hal keuangan. Suatu saat, pikiran untuk mematuhi penga- bisa berkata-kata di bahasa Latin William dikirim untuk menagih rahan ini. Sebaliknya, dia mengi- walaupun lawan bicaranya ada- bayaran sepasang sepatu kepada kuti kebaktian doa orang Dissent- lah dirinya sendiri sebagaimana seorang pandai besi, dan waktu er3, yang motivasinya bertolak orang disekitarnya tidak ada yang itu adalah hari Natal, si pandai besi belakang—mereka mendoakan berbicara Latin! itu menawarkan magang yang Amerika untuk menang dalam Di saat umur dua belas tahun, miskin ini sebuah hadiah uang. Itu pertempuran! Ini adalah pertama murid-murid di sekolahnya harus merupakan suatu kebahagiaan kalinya William ikut terlibat dalam memilih untuk meneruskan seko- yang sangat untuk William karena gereja Dissenter, dan dia menjadi lah atau mulai bekerja. Karena dia mengingikan pen bulu angsa. suka dengan kebaktiannya. orang tua William tidak mampu Ketika dia menyadari uang itu membiayainya untuk sekolah palsu, dia membuat sebuah kepu- Walaupun dalam kesusahan lebih tinggi, dia tidak mempunyai tusan yang bodoh yaitu menukar- keuangan karena penghasilannya pilihan lain tetapi untuk bekerja. kan uang asli majikannya dengan hanya sebagai magang, William Sejak William menyukai tanaman- uang palsu itu. William tidak me- memutuskan untuk menikahi tanaman, dia sangat bergembira nyangka bahwa majikannya akan Dorothy Plackett, seorang Dis- mempunyai kesempatan untuk mengirim balik uang palsu itu senter, sewaktu ia berumur sem- menjadi buruh di ladang. Tetapi, dan menagih harga penuh sepatu bilan belas tahun. Di tahun kedua dia menemukan bercak-bercak itu kepada pandai besi. Akhirnya, pernikahan mereka, William mu- yang menyakitkan pada kulit- kejadian penukaran uang itu ke- lai berkothbah sebagian waktu nya disebabkan berdiri terlalu tahuan. William dianggap seba- di sebuah gereja Dissenter yang lama dibawah matahari. Walau- gai pencuri, tetapi untungnya jauhnya delapan mil. Jemaat san- pun, dia sempat bertahan untuk dia tidak dikirim ke hakim (yang gat miskin; mereka tidak sanggup dua tahun, tetapi penyakitnya mungkin akan membuat dirinya memberikan kulit untuk meng- bertambah parah yang akhirnya di kirim ke West Indies/India Ba- gantikan sepatu William yang membuat dia terpaksa berhenti. rat sebagai hukuman!). Ini adalah sudah rusak sewaktu dia pulang Kemudian, ayahnya memagang- salah satu kejadian yang menun- dan pergi untuk melayani mer- kan dia kepada seorang tukang tun Wiliam kepada Tuhan dalam eka! Sangat tragis, kemiskinan sepatu di suatu kota yang jauhnya kesadarannya bahwa dia adalah sepasang suami-istri muda ini delapan mil. Sebagai anak yang seorang bedosa yang memerlu- menyebabkan mereka kehilangan berumur empat belas tahun, dia kan Juru Selamat.2 anak perempuan mereka yang harus meninggalkan keluargan- pertama, Ann. Lebih tragis lagi, nya dan berjalan ke tempat ting- Waktu itu adalah revolusi negara Dorothy jatuh di dalam depresi gal dan pekerjaan yang baru. Amerika, waktu dimana juga ban- yang sangat dalam dimana dia Di keadaan sekitar yang baru ini, yak pendapat yang berbeda-be- tidak pernah mendapat kesem- William bukan hanya belajar ba- da diantara orang-orang Inggris. buhan yang pulih setelahnya.4 84 Kothbah Carey semakin terkenal lebih panjang daripada biasanya! as, yang baru saja kembali dari di seluruh daerah sekitar, dan akh- Buku yang termasuk diteliti dan pelayanannya untuk East India irnya dia mendapat tawaran po- ditulis dengan baik ini mencang- Company selama empat tahun sisi penuh sebagai pendeta dan kup banyak hal dalam hal sejarah, sebagai dokter di Bengal, India. guru. Walaupun itu tidak memba- agama, dan geografi sampai pada Dia juga menjadi Kristen selama yar lebih baik daripada membuat waktu itu. Buku ini menyediakan di Calcutta dan berantisipasi un- sepatu, tetapi itu memberikan dia wawasan yang luar biasa ke da- tuk kembali kesana kali ini un- waktu yang lebih banyak untuk lam keperluan orang-orang yang tuk mengkabarkan injil kepada belajar. Untuk kebanyakan orang, belum percaya dan saran-saran penduduk asli. Sewaktu itu dia buku harian Kaptain Cook hanya yang praktis untuk menjangkau sedang berada di Inggris untuk sebagai cerita petualangan yang mereka. mengumpulkan dana. Sewaktu mengejutkan, tetapi untuk Carey dia bersedia untuk pergi, dia ber- itu merupakan sebuah pengung- Pada May 30, 1792, di tahun yang kata alangkah baiknya jikalau kapan atas keperluan manusia!5 sama setelah keberhasilan dari ada seorang yang lain yang akan Sewaktu dia mengajar muridnya penerbitan buku itu membangkit- pergi bersama dengan dia karena geografi , makin hari dia makin sa- kan perhatian dari umat Kristen, mereka akan mencangkup lebih dar bahwa sejumlah orang di se- dia diundang untuk berkothbah banyak hasil daripada satu orang luruh dunia belum pernah mend- di antara perkumpulan pendeta- sendiri. Carey tahu bahwa ini ada- engarkan kabar Injil keselamatan pendeta.6 Berkothbah dari Ye- lah kesempatan yang sedang dia Tuhan Yesus, dan hatinya makin saya 54:2-3, Carey menaruh dua usahakan selama bertahun-ta- tergerak oleh keadaan mereka. pemikiran yang meringkaskan hun. “Aku akan pergi.” Walaupun, Ini adalah pandangan yang luar inti dari pelayanan dia dan sejak kesusahan keluarga muda ini, istri biasa bagi seorang pria di jaman- saat itu menjadi sebuah motto yang berjuang melawan depresi, nya. Mayoritas pendeta-pendeta missionari yang luar biasa yaitu: dana yang kurang, dan hal-hal di Inggris percaya bahwa perin- “Harapkan hal yang besar dari Tu- lain yang tidak bisa dibayangkan, tah Tuhan Yesus untuk pergi dan han; Usahakan hal yang besar un- Carey siap untuk menjawab pang- menyebarkan injil kepada semua tuk Tuhan.”7 Selangkah demi se- gilan untuk “pergi.” makluk di bumi hanya diberikan langkah, Tuhan menyertai Carey Setelah beberapa kali percobaan, kepada kedua belas murid, dan untuk menjalankan kehedak-Nya. termasuk istrinya yang menolak setelah mereka tiada, perintah ini Beberapa bulan setelah ini, Carey, untuk pergi dengan dia (walau- tidak lagi berlaku. Tetapi, Carey di umur tiga puluh satu tahun, pun pada akhirnya dia berubah mempelajari Firman Tuhan den- pada October 2, 1792, dipanggil pikiran tepat sebelum mereka naik gan seksama dan juga mempela- untuk bertemu dengan kesebelas ke perahu!), William Carey berla- jari sejarah gereja, dan dia men- pendeta yang lain untuk berkum- yar ke India. Pertulangan mereka jadi yakin bahwa perintah “pergi” pul di rumah seorang janda, dan disana mencangkupi loncat dari masih berlaku sampai sekarang. mereka mendirikan sebuah kel- kapal laut sesampainya untuk Alhasil dari belajarnya, Carey ompok pengabaran injil orang In- menghindari East India Company menulis sebuah buku berjudul ggris yang pertama, “The Particu- (yang melarang memberikan ijin ‘An enquiry into the obligations lar Baptist Society for Propagating untuk bekerja diantar penduduk of Christians to use means for the Gospel to the Heathen” (yang asli), kehabisan uang di Calcutta the conversion of the heathen in nanti namanya diubah menjadi (Dr. Thomas mempunyai kebi- which the religious state of the the “Baptist Missionary Society”). asaan buruk dengan uang yang diff erent nations of the world, the Kelompok ini mendiskusikan ditangannya dan menghabiskan success of former undertakings, masalah pratikal seperti dana, ke- semuanya dalam waktu beberapa and the practicability of further mana mereka akan memulai, dan minggu), menghadapi keadaan undertakings are considered.’ sebagainya.8 yang asing ditengah-tengah hu- Panjangnya nama buku mem- Ketika perkumpulan itu berkum- tan belantara yang berkumpulan buat buku semakin populer pada pul dan berdoa bersama, mereka macan-macan, dua puluh dua jaman itu, tapi nama buku ini bertemu dengan Dr. John Thom- hari berlayar dengan panas 120

85 Agape » Anniversary 2008 degrees di sungai yang dikelilingi kamus untuk orang-orang India, meraih hal yang besar untuk Tuhan buaya-buaya, dan banyak pengal- mendirikan 26 gereja dan 126 dan berharap untuk melihat Tuhan aman-pengalaman yang lainnya. sekolah, mengakhiri tradisi pen- melakukan hal yang besar.10 Pada akhirnya, beberapa mission- duduk untuk mempraktekan Sati Tidakkah ini menakjubkan melihat ari dari Inggris bergabung den- (Sutee)9, mengorganisasikan misi apa yang Tuhan ciptakan bisa laku- gan kelompok Carey ini di kota medis India yang pertama, bank kan melalui hidup seseorang? Wil- Serampore, dimana mereka me- saving, seminari-seminari, seko- liam Carey, salah satu ahli bahasa masang mesin cetak untuk menc- lah khusus perempuan India dan yang sukses di dunia, memberikan etak Alkitab di berbagai macam koran etnis! Alkitab—Firman Tuhan—kepada bahasa India. Di titik ini sewaktu gubernur penduduk di dunia lebih banyak Di titik hidup dia ini, setelah se- jendral Inggris di Calcutta, Lord dari pada orang lain yang pernah mua pengalaman-pengalaman Wellesley, membuka Fort William hidup! Mungkin, kita tidak mem- yang dialaminya dalam belajar College (dimodel mengikuti Cam- punyai rencana untuk misi sebesar bahasa, berkothbah, menulis, dan bridge dan Oxford), dia memerlu- William Carey, dan kadangkala, kita berpergian, rancangan Tuhan atas kan seseorang yang bisa mengajar merasa takut dan tidak pede untuk pria ini mulai menghasilkan buah. murid-murid Inggris bahasa pen- mengabarkan Injil kepada orang Kemampuannya yang luar biasa duduk local. Satu-satunya orang yang belum percaya, tetapi Tuhan untuk memakai kata-kata, bu- Inggris diseluruh daerah itu yang melihat kemauan hati kita, dan Dia kan hanya di bahasa dia sendiri, memenuhi syarat untuk tugas sendiri yang akan menambahkan tetapi juga di setiap bahasa yang ini adalah William Carey. Tetapi, apapun kekuatan yang kita perlu. dia ketemui. Karena bakat yang sewaktu posisi ini ditawarkan Alkitab mengatakan bahwa Tuhan diberikan kepadanya ini, Carey kepadanya, Carey mengira ini melihat hati kita, “…Bukan yang bisa mempelajari dengan ce- adalah suatu lelucon! Bayangkan dilihat manusia dilihat Allah; ma- pat bahasa Bengali, dan dengan seseorang yang meninggalkan nusia melihat apa yang di depan kesulitan, Sankrit (bahasa kuno sekolah sewaktu dia berumur dua mata, tetapi TUHAN melihat hati.” (2 yang dipakai untuk tulisan-tulisan belas tahun mengajar di tingkat Samuel 16:7) Lebih dari itu, Alkitab beragama orang India). Dia bek- universitas. Lord Wellesley akh- juga mengatakan bahwa Tuhan erja keras untuk menterjemahkan irnya dapat meyakinkan Carey akan memberikan kita kekuatan buku Perjanjian Baru ke bahasa bahwa dia adalah orang yang bila kita benar-benar besungguh Bengali dan Sanskrit. Adanya Fir- pantas untuk pekerjaan ini, dan hati terhadap Dia, “Karena mata man Tuhan dibahasa mereka dengan kasih Tuhan, pintu minis- TUHAN menjelajah seluruh bumi sendiri menghasilkan dampak tri yang lain telah terbuka. untuk melimpahkan kekuatan-Nya yang besar kepada orang-orang Dengan banyak hasil pekerjaan- kepada mereka yang bersungguh disekitar daerah itu: pintu-pintu nya yang sukses, William Carey hati terhadap Dia.” (2 Tawarikh 16:9) mulai terbuka, hati penduduk- tetap rendah hati dan mengem- Dengan ini dikatakan, tanpa har- penduduk mulai menanggapi, balikan semua kemuliaan dan us pergi mengabarkan Injil keluar dan hidup penduduk-penduduk hormat kepada yang seharusnya, negeri, kita juga bisa menjadi alat mulai berubah. yaitu Tuhan. Berkatalah ia kepa- Tuhan yang menakjubkan dengan Setelah 7 tahun pengabaran in- da seorang teman sebelum dia menjalankan misi kita di lingkun- jil tanpa seorang penduduk asli meninggal. “Mister Duff , apakah gan kita sendiri, seperti di tempat yang percaya, di tahun 1800, anda sedang bercerita tentang pekerjaan, di sekolah, di rumah atau Carey akhirnya menjalakan bap- Dr. Carey, Dr. Carey? Sewaktu saya di tempat kost, dan dimana saja tisan kepada seorang Hindu prot- pergi sama sekali tidak berkata kita berada—karena banyak orang estan yang pertama—kejadian apa-apa lagi tentang Dr. Carey— di tempat-tempat ini yang belum yang besar sekali, yang mana berceritalah tentang penyelamat pernah mendengar Injil Tuhan dan menyebabkan huru-hara di kota Dr. Carey.” William Carey menun- mendapatkan keselamatan. Kiranya itu. Dia juga yang menterjemah- jukan salah satu contoh yang ter- Tuhan memberkati setiap dari kita kan Alkitab ke dalam 44 bahasa, baik untuk seorang yang setia, yang menanggapi perintah-Nya un- memproduksi tata bahasa dan seseorang yang bersedia untuk tuk “Pergi”—seperti William Carey!

86 (The Interview)

Looking back to 25 years ago, this church was practically brand new; compared to what our church was then, signifi cant changes have occurred during the years that passed by. People come and go, but some of the congregations have been members of our church since it fi rst started 25 years ago; and they are willing to share their anecdote with the rest of us. Edgar Kusnohadi What kind of progress have you seen in this church from then until now? A big one, from having no building to having one, from having only 20 congregations until 250-ish, what else…. From only 5 Sunday school kids until it’s a lot like now. What makes you stay in this church until now? I stay in this church because it becomes my family. I become very comfortable with this church. I have been serving here since then and I have no desire to move to anywhere else. How does this church help you go through your struggles? We have lots of advice from Rev. Hosea as a spiritual dad and fellowship with others keep us strong passing through our struggles. Unforgettable memories: We get married here and much more memories. Message for the congregations: Continue to serve the Lord at our church, make our church better and grow in Christ. Herwi Trisnadi What kind of progress have you seen in this church from then until now? There are more church events for family outing than it used to be. Usually it was only retreats. More people join activities and youths of age 12 and up take part in ministry, activities, cleaning, etc. What makes you stay in this church until now? Pastor Hosea and Ci Paula are living examples of good Christian. I can feel God’s love through them. God’s love is so real in their daily life. I want to experience the same thing like them and follow their steps. How does this church help you go through your struggles? Adult fellowship every Saturday once a month and Friday night prayer meetings; without those 2, I’ll feel alone and rejected in my struggles. Unforgettable memories: One time I visited Pastor Hosea in his home. He cooked kwetiau (horfun) for me from scratch and we ate together with Ci Paula. I think it’s a very special thing to do for a pastor. Message for the congregations: Do not exclude yourself from church whenever you are struggling, look for God during your hard times.

Angelia Sidarta What kind of progress have you seen in this church from then until now? Sunday school has improved. When I started joining Sunday school, there were just 2 kids. We also started English fellowship. What makes you stay in this church until now? Because of the family environment that still exists and the Sunday school program How does this church help you go through your struggles? I think it’s the people in this church that help me. To me church is the people in it, not just the building. Unforgettable memories: I think each year is fi lled with unforgettable memories from diff erent people and diff erent generation. Message for the congregations: If we continue to unite as a family, we will fl ourish and prevail in Christ.

87 Agape » Anniversary 2008 2008 Sunday School Performance on Mother’s Day

2007 Sunday School Christmas Performance

1988 5th Anniversary Sunday School Singing

1985 Easter Sunday School Performace

IEC-LA Expectingg MMothersotthhers LLiLiningin ing uupp bbyy DDueDateue Dat e 2008 1995

NT Our Church Tradition is amazing right?! We even have similar picture of the mothers now as we 8888 AAgAgapegaappe » AnniversaryAnAnniniveversrsaarry 200820200808 did back then!! What is More interesting on the internet than &

Do we sometimes forget that God always has His eyes on us, watching us? Or do we sometimes forget the purpose of our life? These may be why we sometimes, do extra unnecessary things in our daily life. We either go home from school or work, and the fi rst thing we do is open the computer to see who’s online in our messenger list. We check our emails, and then, here it comes, we go to YouTube or even worse, Facebook! Facebook is the largest connected community available. It also comes in many languages: Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indonesian, etc. There are too many applications that we don’t even have time to apply to all of them. Ever wonder why they let us apply? Perhaps, to make them feel like reality. First we apply and then we are committed to the application. So below, we provide a number of alternatives to avoid things such brows- ing Facebook for too long. We can try to learn God’s word and apply them to different applications; several exciting subjects include such examples as creation science, learning God’s word by the books, and watching positive videos at GodTube.

GodTube (http://www.GodTube.com) Similar to YouTube, GodTube is a free video sharing website but with positive infl uences. Harvest New Beginning Radio (http://www.harvest.org/radio/) Brought by Greg Laurie Although the program is named the new beginning radio, it’s not only for new believers. It is also suitable for Christians who has been years “growing up”. Greg’s topical teaching from the Bible changes weekly. With his funny and great life stories as implications, he makes the teaching interesting and easy to follow. It is also good to share the program with your unbelieving friends or relatives. It is broadcasted from Monday to Friday at KWAVE radio station at 11:00 o’clock. For those who miss this radio program, you can still catch up with Greg’s teaching at the website above. In Harvest.org, you can fi nd also his Sunday’s sermon.

AIG Creation Science (http://www.answersingenesis.org/) & Creation Science Evangelism (http://www.Dr.Dino.com) As the world delves towards atheism, more and more unbelievers are wondering about their origin. Hence more people believe in the theory of the origin of life (evolution) opposite our Christian belief. This is a very challenging debate aroused between evolutionists and creationists. This question is especially challenging to teenagers and young people, who tended to be more exposed to the evolution belief when they are in col- lege. So if we want to learn more on how to answers questions of our belief in creation or possibly counter their belief in evolution, Ken Ham from AIG association and Kent Hovind, provide a very good video as refer- ence.

(http://the18inchgap.net/) This website is created by our brothers and sisters in Christ here at IEC Azusa (LA). It provides a support community for Christians through media. It is also a great introductory site for non-Christians to familiarize themselves with our church and beliefs. Some features that they may want to check out is the updated blog that contains the writings of some of our youth church-members, pictures, as well as shortened versions of sermons or topical messages relevant to the struggles of today’s Christians.

As Christians, we know that we are susceptible to temptation, but we always have a choice. We can always choose to do things that are benefi cial to our Christian faith or the opposite. Moreover, we should know that knowing God’s word is more important than knowing what’s going on in our network. Perhaps someday we might be in need of the knowledge to encounter a challenging unbeliever. May this become a blessing to you! 89 Agape » Anniversary 2008 www.GII-USA.org/AGAPE/PHP