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USHERING THE NEW YEAR 2012

2011-12-27T02:27:00.000-08:00

May God’s promises strike the chord of joy in our hearts....

It is a matter of few days more before the final chapter of the Year 2011 come to a close. Below are some words of encouragement as we are ushering the New Year 2012.

In Jeremiah 33:3 God says: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know....” The verse among many in the Bible speaks of God’s readiness to hear us anytime when we call on Him in spite of our shortcomings.

God’s assurance of protection and long life for believers is also found in Psalm 91, and His promise to be with believers in time of troubles (Hebrews 13:5-6). He will never leave us nor forsake us. Therefore, with the promises of God’s presence and help in mind, we as believers can move forward into the coming New Year 2012 with utmost confidence because God will manage our journey in His wise and loving ways!

May God’s promises strike the chord of joy in our hearts by the measure of our faith in Him. We will see and experience how God assists, directs and manages the outcomes of our circumstances when we declare faithfully that the Lord is our helper; we will not fear!

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

2011-12-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

Wishing Christmas-celebrants blessed Christmas and Eternal Hope.

Ngagai bala ke ngintu Hari Kristmas

Arapka pengarami Kristmas tau mai berekat enggau pengadang di serega.

May the New Year 2012 brings you all Good Health, godly Success, and Prosperity

Awak-ka Tahub Baru 2012 mai pengerai, pemujur pengawa enggau penguntung idup

CHRISTMAS & MEANINGS

2011-12-06T08:19:00.001-08:00

CHRISTMAS or MASS OF CHRIST

The Nativity by Charles-François Poerson, 1667

“CHRISTMAS literally means the Mass (celebration) of Christ (or Christ’s Mass). ‘Christ’ is a Greek word and title meaning ‘anointed’ or one set apart by God for a special purpose. ‘Christ’ is equivalent to the Hebrew word ‘Messiah’” which means God-sent deliverer of the people (= glad tidings). Christmas is: “.... cosmic symbolism...which inspired the Church leadership in Rome to elect the winter solstice, December 25, as the birthday of Christ”. The biblical-historical narratives on the birth of Jesus Christ are found in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20.
Visit by the Three Wisemen from the East

The Bible also mentions the angelic guidance (Matthew 2:10) and warning given to: (a) the three wise men or magi (Matthew 2:12) to keep Jesus away from Herod’s wrath; and the instruction given to (b) Joseph to take Mary and baby Jesus out from Bethlehem and fled to Egypt (Matthew 2:13). From my lay-man understanding, this could have been one reason why Jesus’ actual date of birth was kept unknown by God’s grace then from public knowledge.

The New Testament gives no date or year for Jesus’ birth. The earliest gospel – that of St. Mark, written about 65 CE begins with the baptism of an adult Jesus. This suggests two things: (a) That the birth of Christ was of no public interest, and (b) That the earliest Christians lacked interest in or knowledge of Jesus’ date of birth.

MEANINGS and MESSAGE

Christians believe prophecies in the Old Testament (OT) about the coming of Al-Messiah (Messianic prophecies) were fulfilled through the birth of Jesus Christ. The birth of Jesus Christ is “theophany” or “theophaneia” in Greek. Notably ‘theo’ means god while ‘phaneia’ means appearing or showing oneself. In that sense, Christmas is a joyous celebration to mark the visible appearance of God in the form of human being. The Gospel of John 1:1-3, 14 announce the pre-existence and origin of Jesus (as God through the Word of God or “Kalimatullah” born in human form), and the purpose of Jesus’ coming (salvation or “al-najat” of mankind from sins).

Between the Date and Message of Christmas – Personal Views

1. The selection of the winter solstice, December 25, as the birthday of Christ or Christmas Day is non-issue since. It has been defined, refined and accepted as sound Christians’ tradition for two thousand years. The selected date neither negates Jesus’ birth nor changes the theological purpose of Jesus’ birth.

2. Remembering and clebrating the birth of Christ are biblical therefore because His birth marks the coming of Good News (Gospels, or ‘Injeel’, or Glad Tidings) into the world at large.

3. Suffice to say while the birth of Jesus Christ brings forth the Glad Tidings, His redemptive death on the Cross and Resurrection are The Grand Finale of the Good News of God’s Salvation Plan for all believers and assurance in the world hereafter.

GOD IS BIGGER THAN “THE BIGGEST NUMBER”

2011-11-27T08:01:00.001-08:00

What is the bigest number ...?

During an inter-faith discourse, a time was set in between for any member of the audience to ask question or express an opinion on the subject matter under discussion.

Serudyn summoned up his courage stood up and pointedly said to one of the key speakers during the discourse. The speaker was a notable religious scholar-cum-professor in comparative religions.

Serudyn asked: “Professor! What is the biggest number?”

Caught by surprised the professor said: “There is none.... Why do you ask? What relevance has the biggest number in relation to God? ...... ”

Serudyn: “Why there is none? ... Can you explain ....”

Feeling a bit agitated the professor said: “Well ...... Let's say we have a very big number, and it is called gazillion.”

Serudyn: “All right ...... Is gazillion big?”

Professor replied: “Let's say it is - very big, but I don't really know how big.”

Serudyn nodded in agreement: “OK!.....”

Professor asked: “What do you get when you add "1" to the number "2"?

Serudyn answered: “Mathematically ...that’s ... "3": "2" plus "1".

Professor asked further: “What do you get when you add "1" to that gazillion number?”

Serudyn replied: “I don't know. Is it gazillion plus "1"?”

Professor said: “Yes, it is. Let's add "1" to the new number.”

Serudyn: “I think I understand. We can get many gazillion, and still add "1" more.”

Professor: “Right, that's what I mean by "there is no biggest number".

Serudyn said: “Yeah, Prof. the biggest number is like God.”

Professor asked: “Really? How so?”

Serudyn replied: “You know professor, we learn about God little by little. We can't learn all not even through the Scriptures, traditions including His many names and attributes. GOD IS too big and BIGGER THAN THE LARGEST NUMBER.”

Professor admittedly said: “Today I’m humbled .... My knowledge about All-Knowing is indeed limited”

MANAGING AN INSULT AND MAINTAINING COMPASSION

2011-11-16T18:26:00.001-08:00

During breakfast after Sunday morning service, Paulus was upset by sarcasms and insulting remarks made by Yudas.

Yudas said to Paulus: “You’ve no right teaching others .....I know you are a redeemed soul ..”

Paulus replied calmly: "Tell me Yudas, if you buy a gift for someone, and that someone does not take it to whom does the gift belongs?"

Yudas had a shock treatment being answered through such a strange question. He replied: "It belong to me ... because I bought the gift ...."

Paulus said, "Congratulation pangan (friend). Your answer is absolutely correct. And it is the same with your sarcasms and insulting remarks thrown at me freely. I do not get insulted a bit. Your sarcasms and insulting remarks belong to you and fall back on you because I don't take them .... You are the one who becomes insulted and unhappy now, not me. What you’ve done is reaping your insults and hurt yourself.”

Moral of the story

If we want to stop hurting ourselves, we must get rid of our angers and become loving instead. When we hate others, we ourselves become insulted and unhappy. But when we are forgiving and love others, everyone is happy... It is building “His kingdom come on earth”. AMEN

Quotable quote:

“If we are right then there is no need to get angry. If we are wrong then ywe don't have any right to get angry!”

A VIEW

2011-11-06T23:28:00.000-08:00

Quoted from Ex-Tanjong Group Forum (Fri, Nov 4, 2011 )

(1) “In chemistry, we learn that extreme cold burns just as badly as does extreme heat. I believe extremism (in any religion) can easily blur that thin line separating love and hate. It can also cause one to mistake illusion for reality. I learn to appreciate how Richard the Lion Heart could be motivated and influenced - from last few days' exchanges of religious views. Frankly, it scares the living daylight out of me. I sincerely hope that nobody else (besides Rev. Camping) in the human race believes he/she is capable of knowing that date...

A person who believes, without reservation, in God sees God in everything ...A person who does not believe in God sees no God in anything ...A (Steve) Job-like person may see God in something ... Fortunately, or unfortunately, Rev. Camping "miscalculated", or we could have found out, first hand, on 21-OCT-2011...”

(2) ‘A religious zealot and a false prophet of dooms’ is a fitting description of Rev. Harold Camping...

Rev. Harold Camping typified a living example of people in position of influence in our modern time making use of religions, politics, economic.... to practice cultures of fear and deceptions for the purpose of soliciting supports, recognitions.....by exchanging truths for lies.”

One day the bubbles of religious, political, economic ... lies will explode.... intolerance, suppressions and legalism are signs.

“DO YOU THINK THAT I’LL EVER FIND GOD?"

2011-10-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

A Story Worth Sharing

Ribai was a student of theology. The professor who taught the subject of FAITH noted and assumed Ribai’s shabby appearance and hair-style were nothing more than just common fashions of the time. The professor reminded himself within of the proverbial phrases: “DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER” and “it is not what is ON his head BUT what is IN it that counts”.

Soon the professor found out “who” Ribai was (an atheist) as he persistently laughed and mocked about the spiritual truth of Father-God’s unconditional love and Trinitarian.

"Prof. Do you think I'll ever find God?" Ribai cynically said to the professor on the last day during the class on Theology of Faith.

With a little shock therapy Professor replied. "NO!"

Ribai replied empathically: "Why not?"

Professor said: “Ribai, I don't think you'll ever find Him. But I’m absolutely certain GOD SHALL FIND YOU!”

Some years after the graduation, Ribai called to drop by to see the professor. When Ribai entered his office, the professor noticed Ribai’s body was very badly wasted. He was ‘bald-head’. His long hair had all fallen out due to chemotherapy treatment, but his eyes were bright and his voice was firm.

Ribai said: “I’ve been very sick ...with lung cancer ... it is now a matter of time ....”

The professor asked: “Tell me what it is like throughout your illness... especially so when you know that you‘re going to leave this world very soon.....”

With deep sigh of regret Ribai said tearfully: “Well.... being just over fifty (years) I’ve no values or ideals than thinking that booze, seducing women, and making money are the real biggies in life... In fact my coming to drop by to see you to tell you the GOSPEL TRUTH ...You answered me ‘NO’ when I asked you ‘IF I WOULD EVER FIND GOD’.... and to which you also added: ‘GOD WOULD FIND ME’ ... I thought intensely about that ...and the purpose of life in this world........"

The professor asked: “Ribai ! Have you found the purpose(s) in your life?”.

Ribai replied: “With my sufferings and pains from the illusions and frustrations generated by worldly pleasures ...and with malignant cancer, I grew serious about locating God’s presence.... I banged my fists against the ‘bronze doors of heaven’ .......God did not come out. I just quit... I didn't care to find God and what would be life after death. I DECIDED to spend my remaining time doing something more profitable on remembering what you said in one of the classes: ‘The essential sadness is to go through life without loving’. I also found out that ‘it would be equally sad to go through life and leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you had loved them’.....”

In his keenness to know more, the professor asked: “What did you do then...?”

Ribai continued: “I began with the hardest task by asking my father if he could sacrifice his newspaper-reading time to talk with me ... I said him that I wanted him to know that I love him...nad I asked him to forgive me for all the hurts and shames I cause him....The newspaper he held fluttered to the floor...

He cried and hugged me.. forgiving..reconciling... saying real nice things to each other....We talked all night in spite of his early tiredness to take rest and refresh for work early in the morning.... It was easier with my mother and even much easier with my little brother and sister....I shared the things I’d been keeping secret for so many years...I was only sorry about one thing that I had waited so long..... It was the beginning of my turnaround day. Though I couldn’t see Him the most important thing for me was that in time of need God was near me. I could experience His engulfing and consoling presence of love...forgiveness, and reconciliation...

GOD FOUND ME WHEN I STOPPED LOOKING FOR HIM... Some of the verses from the Bible came to me lively in meanings for example the Apostle John said that...He said: "God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him.''

The professor was deeply touched and requested Ribai to testify to new students in his theological class of faith to which Ribai gladly agreed. Just one day before the scheduled testimony, the professor was asked to visit Ribai in the hospital.

Surrounded by his parents and siblings, Ribai said faintly: “Prof ... I’m very sorry ... I may not make it to testify in your class as scheduled tomorrow... ... I know for sure now that Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life... I’m leaving to be with Him....Will you tell your students and the church how my FAITH guided me to God’s loving and forgiving presence and how I found life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen or the ear of man has ever heard or the mind of man has ever imagined.”

Ribai made the great step forward from FAITH into VISION.

********************

THEOLOGICALLY JOLTING QUESTION

2011-10-07T23:56:00.000-07:00

“...Why do you call God ‘Father’.......?”

Last Saturday Muskogee (not his real name) went and met with Jordge (not his real name) at Yeo Kee Kpoitiam in keeping-up with their occasional mid-morning fellowshipping over “kopi-o-kaw” with toasted ‘butter-kaya’ bread. He (Muskogee) was accompanied by his colleague known as Benyamin (not his real name - who was a foreign student studying in a local institution of higher learning downtown). It was the first time Jordge and Benyamin met one another. When the conversation touched the recent televised religious situations in Egypt and Europe, Benyamin politely posed one question: “Why do you call God Father.......?” The question was most unexpected. It was theologically jolting.

Both Muskogee and Jordge were aware there was no mention in the Bible to say that God married and biologically fathered a child. Both gentlemen understood Benyamin’s misunderstanding about Christians’ concept of “God as Father”. By Benyamin, it was incomprehensible (or “memeng tidak masuk akal”) according to his religious beliefs. In their attempts to explain the matter, both Muskogee and Jordge saw it was deemed necessary to make few theological cross-references of comparative values.

THE EXPLANATIONS

Muskogee: In Christianity God was not known and called as “Father” until Jesus came to earth and revealed Him as such. In Matthew 6:9 Jesus taught His disciples and believers how to pray by calling God as “Our Father who art in heaven...” “Our Father” is one topic or subject by itself about the fatherly nature or characters of God toward mankind. Jesus introduced God as “Our Father” to us. In His prayer to His Father, Jesus also said, “And I have declared to them Your Name (Father God in heaven), and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:26).

Jordge: "Father" is a metaphor used to describe the divine nature or character of God as ‘Spiritual Father’ (the “First God-head”) in Christians’ Trinitarian Concept of God. WHY called ‘God Father’? Because God is the Creator, Life-giver, Authority, Law-giver, and powerful Protector. In Torah (Law of Moses or Taurat Musa) in the book of Deuteronomy 32:6, it is written: “Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?"

In the New Testament, God is being called Father 245 times because of the Father-Son relationship revealed through Jesus Christ for the same reasons already mentioned above. There is no other designation would do what this metaphor does to reveal God as the Sovereign Creator. To call God "Father" is to use the Abrahamic covenant language when Moses spoke to Pharoah to let God’s sons (Israelites) go out of Egypt (Exodus 4.22-23)

Muskogee: “God is being addressed as Father by Christians because of God’s active interests in human affairs and welfare, in the same manner as a human father takes keen interests in the affairs and welfare of in his children - who depend on him as their father and who acts in the best interests of the children.... To call God Father is to speak of Him as the absolutely sovereign God of creation.

At times, God also punishes or disciplines wrongdoers (sinners) like earthly father punishes his children for wrongdoings for good purposes as explained in the New Testament (Hebrew 12:8)..... In the Hebrew Scriptures (or Old Testament) Isaiah 63:16 says: "Thou, O Jehovah, art our Father; our Redeemer from everlasting is thy name." This verse speaks of God’s fatherly roles and His attribute as protector. God is called the Father of the poor, of the orphan and the widow, their guarantor of justice.

Jordge: “In al-Kitab, Abraham was called or was given the title of ‘Father of all nations” although he fathered only his own children biologically..... The New Testament also teaches believers about the very concept or idea of family of believers or spiritual ‘Family of God” with God as Father. (Eph 3:15). Within the concept, there is a deeper meaning of ‘God as Father’ by which Christians believe they are made co-participants in the “Family of God” as adopted children of God through the eternal Father-and-Son Relationship, through Jesus Christ. Galatians 4:4-7 says: “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts crying out, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ”.

Muskogee: “Intimacy is one of the hallmarks of using the title “Father” for God by Jesus and by the early and modern day church. For us (Christians) to call God “our heavenly Father”, it is an expression of our deepest and highest individual and inner-most “spiritual reverence” for God as sovereign and holy Elohim other than revering Him as God of love...; most merciful; most forgiving (Father of Compassion - 2 Corinthians 1:3); "Father of glory" (Eph. 1:17); and “Holy Father” (John 17:11).

If I may for example refer to your (Benyamin’s) belief whereby God is known by 99 names in Arabic starting with: (1) Ar-Rahmaan which means ‘The Exceedingly Compassionate, The Exceedingly Beneficent, The Exceedingly Gracious’; (2) Ar-Rahim or ‘The Exceedingly Merciful’;..................(11)Al-Khaliq which means ‘The creator’.....lastly (99) As-Sabur or "The Timeless, The Patient'.....”.

CONCLUSION

As and when we pray and truly believe that God is “Our Father in heaven..,” the metaphoric-key-word automatically opens the door for us to enter God’s spiritual family and kingdom. We know good deeds or works by our own alone without Christ including reliance on religious traditions and legalisms do not and cannot “save” us. We are saved by our faith (Christ in us) and by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8). For us (Christians) to call God ‘Our Father’ is to fully affirm our close personal and direct relationship with God in His love. It is also an affirmation that we have been born and adopted into the ‘Family of God’. We are joint heirs with Christ in the Family and Kingdom of God (Galatians 4:4-7). By this, we belong to God as sons and daughters being loved by Father God with assurance that we will have our dwelling places with "Our Father in heaven". AMEN !

"EAGLE-CHRISTIANS"

2011-09-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

1. THEME

(13th GBKJIM -2011 - Zone Sarikei on 16-18 Sep. 2011)

“But those who wait for (hope on) the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not become weary, they shall walk and not faint”. Isaiah 40:3

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1 To understand the theme (meanings) of Isaiah 40:31

2.2 To internalize the theme by making it as a part of Christians’ walk or discipline.

3. PURPOSES

3.1 To explain and illustrate the meanings of “waiting” and “hoping” as key in the process (or “how-to”) in re-gaining spiritual strength (spiritual renewal), hence for the ability to “mount on wings like eagles ....”

3.2 To emphasize the importance of spiritual renewal in order to be effective as salt and light of the world (Matt. 5. 13-16) in the businesses of the kingdom building. (Matt. 28:19-20)

3.3 To examine or study the life-styles and characteristics of an “Eagle” representative of the desired Characteristics, hence the necessary Qualities of Christians’ Leadership (as individuals and/or groups) in creating an impactful church.

4. EAGLES IN THE BIBLE

4.1 Eagles mentioned 34 times throughout the Bible to explain God’s power of deliverance and His caring nature for believers.

4.2 In Isaiah 40:32, the strengths of eagles are being used figuratively to describe and explain the state of believers’ spiritual strength (also physical conditions) after “waiting” (or “hoping”) in the Lord”.

Results: (i) “...shall gain new strength...”; (ii) “....shall mount on wings like eagles...”; and (iii) “...shall run and not be weary”; and (iv) shall walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 mentions two things - STRENGTH & its ATTRIBUTES

(i) Strength (we need) is renewable by “waiting” and “hoping” in the eternal source who is God.

(ii) Attributes of strength: (a) Strength of the wings of eagles that lift high above the earth; (b) Strength necessary for running without becoming weary; and (c) Strength is necessary to walk without becoming faint.

5. LIFE-STYLES or CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EAGLE

5.1 FIVE Characteristics of eagles

(1) VISIONARY - Eagle's eyes can see great distances (>5km). Stay focus on preys. Swooping with speed and precision on targets. Not blinded by direct sun rays. Like the eagle, Christian leaders must be visionary – ability to see great distances to stay focused on goals to achieve the desired results in leading and guiding church and team members.

(2) FEED ON FRESH MEAT - Eagles hunt their

preys and do not eat meat that they did not kill – (not scavenger -strict with their diets). Likewise, Christian leaders must go (hunt) where the actions are in the marketplaces to find people to plant and nurture the seeds in the kingdom-building. They also must “hunt” for fresh and authentic spiritual food from the Bible.

(3) AIRBORNE AGILITY- Eagles love and look forward to fly in storms – mounting on their wings and with a great cry against the powerful up-drifts of the storm wind to fly to greater height above the clouds. Christian leaders must be over-comers by learning and taking the opportunity (from experiences) and use the “storms” (problems or challenges) in life to raise high abov the “storms”.

(4) GENTLE & ATTENTATIVE – Though known for their ferocity, yet eagles are gently and attentive to their eaglets. At the right time, mother-eagles start to teach their eaglets how to fly. (Explanation)

(5) MOLTING – Biological process- Yearly some feathers of an eagle come-off and new feathers grow in place. Process and waiting period are painful. This is “חרת charath” and “kalak” in Hebrew. Eagle-Christians also go through similar process of WAITING (קוה qâvâh).

5.2 Examine or study the life-styles and characteristics of an “Eagle” representative of the desired Characteristics, hence for the Qualities of Christians’ Leadership (as individuals and/or groups) in creating an impactful (or effective) church.

ELABORATE - INTERNALIZE - Make the verse to become motivational pattern or discipline in our Christian-walks so that we become “Eagle-Christians”

6. HOW-TO-PROCESS

6.1 To wait (or waiting) implies two things:

(i) Subject of waiting relates to places and time during the waiting

(ii) Object of waiting relates to the expectations (or hope) from waiting

(iii)Understand the meanings of Hebrew word: קוה qâvâh translated into English word “wait” in Isaiah 40:31. It means more than just hanging around and passing time while doing nothing.

(a)The FIRST interpretative definition actually conveys the idea of “to twist or intertwined like a rope”- Gathered or brought together into oneness. Literal translation of קוה qâvâh implies the strength through numbers.

Illustrations: Rope-making & Brick-gathering

(b) The SECOND interpretative definition for the Hebrew word qavah implies “to be strong, robust” as in the notion of tying fast with a rope.

(c) The THIRD interpretive definition imparts the idea of “enduring, waiting for or expecting with strength.” (i) Psalm 25:21-“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me: for I wait for You.”and (ii) Psalm 37:34 -“Wait for the Lord and keep His way, and he will exalt you to inherit

the land ....”

(d) “Waiting on the Lord” does not imply passivity that believer sits around, doing nothing, and still hopes that his personal prophetic words will come to pass in his life.

(e) “Waiting on the Lord” (as in Isaiah 40:31) means winding and weaving ourselves around the true vine (Jesus) so that like a rope, we will be strengthened and renewed to receive the promises offered by the prophetic words which say: “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and It will be done for you.” (John 15:7)

Figurative meaning of קוה qâvâh is: “to wait”; “to hope”; and “to expect”. The word (qâvâh) conveys the idea of anticipation. Thus, it is the figurative meanings of qâvâh as explained in sub-paras: (i); (ii); and (iii) above are more applicable rather than the literal definition.

Further explanations

(1) It is noted that strength of a rope comes from strands or fibres twisted together. While the rope is not in used, the rope is said to be: “in waiting” and its strength remains constant - waiting for the owner (user) to put to use.

(2) The up-lifting strength or power of the rope is tested when the rope is attached or tightened to a load. The strength of the rope comes from the intertwining fibres and strands to uplift the load.

(3) The Hebrew word (קוה qâvâh) describes a vine or a plant that is twined together in the Lord, like the ropes that are twined together until it becomes one solid rope. That is the fullness of the word waiting and not just coming to together serve Him.

(4) To “wait” or “hope” or קוה qâvâh also means accepting God’s methods to transform, abolish, change and free us from our bad and idolatry habits (Isa. 2:18 ). God removes; breaks; and cleanses us from all those unclean things in our lives. Some need to be up-rotted and hammered (crushed) as we qâvâh upon Him. This waiting-process of spiritual renewal (removing;breaking;cleansesing; up-rotting; hammering; and crushing) are “charath” in spiritual reinforcement.

(5) To “wait” or “hope” or קוה qâvâh also includes renewal process called “kalak” or change which involves exchanging of our human strength for God’s strength. When we do so - we shall run and never be weary because we קוה qâvâh with God and His strength never runs out.

6.1 Application - Like the strength of a rope comes from multiple of strands being intertwined or twisted together, so also our strength קוה qâvâh - being “bound together’ and “abide in Jesus” (Matt. Chapter15). To abide in Jesus means connected with God – who renews and empowers us with His strength like eagles....

6.2 Impartation - A Technical Illustration - A motor vehicle must be driven to a petrol station and/or a car service station. The engine has to be switched off during refuelling or servicing and/or changing of parts after running and reaching certain thousand kilometres in distance. One point need to be distinguished is that Spiritual Renewal is more than car-servicing. Like a "car", we also need to "be still" and listen to God (stay connected with God) while “waitng” and “hoping” for the in-filling of God's power to re-new our spiritual strength

6.3 Internalization of Isaiah 40:31 includes the following activities.

(i) Keep focus on God (Heb.12:3)

(ii) Study the Bible (Psalm 119:11 / 2 Tim. 2:15)

(iii) Pray daily (1 Thes. 5:17)

(iv) Attend church regularly (Heb.10:25)

(v) Learn from Christians friends (Prov. 13:20)

(vi)Tell others about your faith in Jesus Christ(Mark 16:15)

(vii) Renewal of the mind (Rom. 12:2)

7. CONCLUSION

Paraphrasing of Isaiah 40:31

(1) Those who have their lives intertwined with the Lord, like strands of fibres twisted together into rope, shall renew their spiritual strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not become weary they shall walk and not become faint.

(2) God is talking about His divine strength. Literally Isaiah 40:31 means: “They who keep on trusting the Lord shall “kalak” (or exchange) their human strength for God’s divine strength.”(3) When we say, “Lord, I can’t do it,” the Lord answers: “I will solve the problem, I will give you the strength, I will provide everything necessary for you to meet this difficult problem in your life.”

This exchange of human strength for divine strength can only happen when we stop trusting our own human strength.

(4) This verse says, “The power of God does not come in fits and starts, it does not come in spurts and stops; The Power of God is a steady, continuous energy which is not dependent upon emotion, rationalism or anything else. It depends upon believing the Word of God! Waiting on the Lord, habitual waiting on the Lord.”

Gempuru Besai Kristin Jaku Iban Malaysia (GBKJIM)

2011-09-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

Defining Moment In My Renewed Spiritual Journey

The 13^th Gempuru Besai Kristin Jaku Iban Malaysia (GBKJIM) – Zone Sarikei [Assembly of Malaysian-Iban-Speaking-Christians for Sarikei Zone] was organized (according turn) by Life Baptist Church (LBC) Sarikei from 16^th until 18^th September 2011 under chairmanship of brother Pastor Jackson Sunatai (who I met for the first time during 10-Days Haggai National Conference held in Santubong Resort Kuching in September 2009). The main event was the Youth Seminar with the theme taken from Isaiah 40:31 which says: “...Ngerembaika Sayap Baka Menaul...” or “...Mount on Wings Like Eagles...”).

I “landed” into the seminar because of personal invitation extended to me by brother Pastor Bajau Anak Biju (of Emmanuel Bapstist Church -EBC Kuching) to be his co-speaker and co-minister throughout the seminar and also during the two nights teaching sessions. The two functions were attended by some 100 to 150 participants including adults. The youths were mainly from four churches in Sarikei namely: LBC, SIB Church, Hope Church and Anglican Church. The event kicked-off very lively with music-dances/tambourines/hand-clapping/flag-waving and shofar-blowing during “hosanna-singing-marching-in” staged by all participants as the crowd walked graciously into LBC hall prior to teaching session on the night of 16^th September 2011. The teaching topic was about: “Creating an Impactful Church” (Matt. 5:13-20) while the seminar topic was about: “Becoming and Being ‘Eagles Christians’” (Isaiah 40:31).

That evening on 16^th September 2011 was the Defining Moment in My Renewed Spiritual Journey and Personal Ministry which I call it: “Networking-for-Christ”. What made the evening and date the defining moment to me? Three reasons.

(1) It was my first time to speak about the words of God in church since 20 years ago when I had to leave Kuching for job-relocation in KL between mid 1990 until early 2010.

(2) The time and date also defined my personal roles as layman Christian in the business of “Thine Kingdom Come”. On the denominational side, my constant desire is to continue serving my home-church faithfully within in the areas of mission & evangelism ministry of St. Faith’s Church. On the non-denominational side, my "new" desire is to pursue networking together (or קוה qâvâh) with individuals and/or groups of Christ-focused believers outside irrespective of church denominations and traditions in the fields.

(3) Pastor Jackson Luat (of Hope Church) said he was personally touched and encouraged by the “uniqueness in the side-by-side speaking arrangement” through seeing and hearing two speakers from two different denominations (one was from charismatic-line EBC - in the person of Pastor Bajau, while the other one was from traditional main-line Anglican Church – who was me) stood side-by-side and spoke jointly (or in pair) on the same theme and topic throughout the teaching and seminar sessions.

In his own words, Pastor Jackson Luat said what God did was showing him a new “working-together-dimension” - that the “uniqueness in the side-by-side speaking arrangement” was a new “milestone of encouragement” for the local Iban-Speaking-Christians of different denominations in Sarikei to emulate - coming and working together in union for the glory of God.

COMMENTS

I believe that God is also in the business of encouraging and drawing believers to network and come together (or קוה qâvâh) as “One-in-Christ” outside the framework of our respective denominational identities.

As part of knowledge-sharing and spiritual enrichment, I will post notes on points and thoughts (later) for those who are interested in the two topics namely:

(i) Creating an Impactful Church

(ii) Becoming and Being “Eagle-Christians”

Have a blessed day.

THE BRIDGE BUILDER

2011-09-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I’m sharing the story below which was posted to my e-mail.

May you find the story spiritually comforting as well as faith-strengthening

GOD BLESS!! - histruths

The Carpenter – THE BRIDGE BUILDER

Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side-by-side, sharing machinery and trading labour and goods as needed without a hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference and finally, it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I 'm looking for a few days' work," he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbour. In fact, it's my younger brother! Last week there was a meadow between us. He recently took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day -- measuring, sawing and nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all.

It was a bridge.. A bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all! And the neighbour, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched..

"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder.

"No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.

"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but I have many more bridges to build."

Remember This......

God won't ask what kind of car you drove, but He'll ask how many people you helped get where they needed to go.

God won't ask the square footage of your house, but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

God won't ask how many friends you had, but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

God won't ask in what neighbourhood you lived, but He'll ask how you treated your neighbours.

God won't ask about the colour of your skin, but He'll ask about the content of your character.

KASHRUT

2011-08-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

PLEASE READ - http://www.onepakkopi.blogspot.com/

God bless !

GENESIS

2011-08-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

GENESIS 1

Below is a dialogue between members during prayer meeting. The names mentioned are fictitious and do not particularize any person either living or dead.

Bilat : “After last Sunday morning service, one of our church members commented we are no longer under the Old Covenant (referring to era of the Old Testament ) but under the New Covenant (referring to era of the New Testament ). As such, it is not really relevant for Christians to read the Old Testament...the New Testament is sufficient because Christianity is all about Christ’s redemptive mission.”

Uziat : “ I’ve also heard someone made similar remarks sometime ago .....How do we make our church members understand the importance of membaca Perjanjian Lama (Old Testament) selaras dengan Perjanjian Baru (New Testament).....”

Eliat : “If any Christian or any particular church denomination say that is so, the teaching is incomplete and not right. Because the Bible is made up of two main books: The Old and New Testament. To understand and appreciate God’s creation and plan in proper contexts and perspectives, we must read both ....Tampa Perjanjian Lama maka Perjanjian Baru tidak wujud......”

Manat: “ I agree with Eliat..... For me, I’m inclined to look at the issue between the two books in its shortest summary or form. The Old Testament is about JESUS CONCEALED and the New Testament is about JESUS REVEALED...”

Ideat : “ We can discuss, argue and debate the matter endlessly... not even until the cow come home ... What is imperative for us now is to start reading and meditating on the first chapter of the first book in the Old testament which is Genesis..... Let me try to explain the importance of Genesis. You’re free to agree ... disagree ... All can chip-in ...after all we’re just ordinary believers without any theological training..."

Uziat : “We pray to ask God’s Holy Spirit to come as our Helper ...Remember God’s promise in Jeremiah 33:3 – God said: ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you ....’ Let’s call upon Him as we sing ‘Come Holy Spirit ...’ prayerfully.’

Manat : “Let me just say something before Ideat begins to share ... To me the OT can be likened to the beginning part of a movie, and the NT is the last part and end of the movie ... Just to see the last and ending part of the movie doesn’t put the Bible in context and right perspective...”

Ideat: “Manat is right ... ‘Genesis’ means ‘beginnings’ or ‘origins’. Genesis introduces God. I think that it is quite helpful to explain ‘Genesis’ in terms its purposes below.

(a) Genesis unfolds the records of beginning of the world, of human history, of family (Abraham as father of multitude of nations), of civilization......

(b) Genesis is an account or a story of God’s purpose and plan for His creation.

(c) Genesis sets the stage for the entire Bible until Revelation.

(d) Genesis reveals the person and nature of God - Creator, Sustainer, Judge and Redeemer.

(e) Genesis reveals the value of dignity of human beings - made in the image of God (Gen.1:26) - saved by His grace (Eph.2:8-10), used by God in the world (Gen.1:28-29).

(f) Genesis tells the tragedy and consequences of sin. The Fall - Adam & Eve, Separation from God, and Judgement.

(h) Genesis speaks about God’s promise and assurance of salvation (through faith) – Covenant (Abraham & believers), Forgiveness, and the promised Yeshua al-Messiah (Jesus the Christ).

(i) Genesis proves God’s faithfulness using ordinary people of faith to do great things

(Isaac, Jacob, Joseph ...)

We’ll understand better about God, as we read Genesis which has 50 chapters. To start with we read Chapter 1 – God’s story of the great Creation."

Ideat: “Can any one of us identify any particular verse or verses out of the 31 verses, which stand-out according to our respective understandings....”

Bilat: “I see verse 26 as the most outstanding ....which says: ‘Then God said: Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping things that creeps on the earth.’ In other words, God creates human beings as masters and rulers of planet earth.”

Uziat: “What makes the verse most outstanding .....?”

Manat: “The verse speaks of two things (i) we (human beings) are created in the image of God, and (ii) we are given authority to rule over living creatures..It is a reason why God created man last on the sixth day....”

Eliat: “What is really meant by ‘created in God’s image’? Is it the physical image of God? What about someone who is born with physical infirmity or deformity- is he/she not created the image of God? In this, I see God has no physical image. So it follows that man’s likeness of God is not physical in the first instance – but spiritual. Why did God make the second part of man in the physical body or form using His hands?"

Uziat: “I agree with Eliat.. I see the logic why God gave Adam (hence all mankind) the physical body. Because it takes the physical body to rule the physical world ....When we read onward in Chapter 2, verse 7 says: The Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breath into his nostril the breath of life (to live in the physical world), and so man became living physical being (on earth).’ .... God-given breath of life (= life to live in the physical world) is given in through our nostrils.

The very minute we stop breathing (or the last in-and-out breath) through the nostrils, that is when the physical body cease to live and start decaying into dust (Gen.3:19...Till you return to the ground. Because from it you are taken: For your are dust, And to dust you shall return”). That is a reason to believe that the spirits or souls of the departed leave the physical bodies to return to God-created spiritual worlds.....heaven or hell depending on the lives ones live while on planet earth.”

Bilat: “It is getting very interesting... first we’re spiritual beings (the spiritual images of God) before we become physical or human beings to inhabit and rule the physical world.....To live in this world – ‘Man shall not live on by bread alone (=food for our physical bodies available from the physical world), but on every word that proceed out from mouth of God’ (=God-breatged words as spiritual food for the spiritual part of our beings -available from written and readable in the Bible.)’ -Matthew4:4".

Manat: “From the discussion so far, we can answer three emerging questions: (i) Who am I ? I’m God-created spiritual human being; (ii) Why am I here (spiiritually and physically in planet earth)? Because of God’s spiritual and physical plan and purposes for human-kinds to inhabit and rule planet earth; and (iii) Where am I going? The physical body is going to die and decay but the spiritual part is going to one of God-created spiritual worlds – Which one? Heeeee...’

Eliat: ‘For believers in Jesus Christ ... no worry lah...there is hope of eternity with God for Jesus said: ’I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one come to the Father (God), but through Me.’(John 14:6). Jesus also assures believers saying; ‘I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.’ (John 11:25). God sets eternity in the heart of man. This we can read in Ecclesiastes 3:11-22)”

Ideat: “I think we’ve more than enough to chew for the time being. When we meet again we’ll discuss further...particularly on the order of God’s creation and part of God’s genetic engineering....Read Genesis and be encouraged!”

IF MEN ARE SO WICKED AND CARELESS WITH RELIGION, WHAT WOULD THEY BE WITHOUT ONE?

2011-08-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

If men are so wicked and careless with religion, what would they be without one?

Readable in http://www.aonepakkopi.blogspot.com/

A MIRACLE - FROM DEATH TO LIFE

2011-08-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

Below is a dramatic TESTIMONY of an Indonesian Bible college student who came back miracoulously from death to life. The story (including pictures) was sent to me by "saudara sa-iman".

It is noted that some parts of the translation and/or description on some parts of the event were not quite clear. However, it is suffice to say that the overall story including the transaltion are generally clear.

Further reference: Evangelist dari Doulos Bible School akan memberi kesaksian

Published 09/04/2008 – 9:10 GMT http://www.kabarinews.com/article/subSection/Berita_America/America_SF/251

http://www.HOME/AMERIKA/SF Evangelist dari Doulos Bible School akan memberi kesaksian

Below: Photograph of Evangelist Dominggus

“Sebab sama seperti Bapa membangkitkan orang-orang mati dan menghidupkannya, demikian juga Anak menghidupkan barangsiapa yang dikehendaki-Nya.”Yohanes 5:21. ("For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will." John 5:21)

Saudara-saudara yang dikasihi oleh Tuhan, dalam kesempatan ini saya akan bersaksi tentang peristiwa kematian dan kehidupan yang saya alami pada tanggal 15 Desember 1999. Peristiwa ini juga merupakan suatu tragedi bagi yayasan Doulos, Jakarta dimana STT Doulos ada di dalamnya dan saya adalah mahasiswa yang tinggal di asrama. Sebelum penyerangan dan pembakaran Yayasan Doulos tanggal 15 Desember itu, beberapa kali saya mendapat mimpi-mimpi sebagai berikut: Brothers and sisters that are loved by God, I take this opportunity to share my testimony about how I experienced dying and then coming back to life on 15th December 1999. This incident was also a tragedy for Doulos Bible College, in Doulos, Jakarta where I was a boarding student in the college. Before the riot and burning down of the Doulos Bible College in 15 December 1999, I had dreams a few times as follows:

1. Minggu, 12 Desember 1999, saya bertemu dengan Tuhan Yesus dan malaikat, saya terkejut dan bangun lalu berdoa selesai saya tidur kembali.

2. Senin, 13 Desember 1999, saya bermimpi lagi, dengan mimpi yang sama.

3. Selasa, 14 Desember 1999, dalam mimpi saya bertemu dengan seorang pendeta pada suatu ibadah KKR, isi khotbah yang disampaikan mengenai akhir zaman, adanya penganiayaan dan pembantaian.

4. Rabu, 15 Desember 1999, kurang lebih pukul 08.00 pagi, saya mendapatkan huruf “M” dengan darah di bawah kulit pada telapak tangan kanan saya. Dalam kebingungan dan sambil bertanya-tanya dalam hati, apakah saya akan mati? Saya bertanya kepada teman-teman dan pendapat mereka adalah bahwa kita akan memasuki millennium yang baru. Walaupun pendapat mereka demikian saya tetap merasa tidak tenang serta gelisah karena dalam pikiran saya huruf “M” adalah mati, bahwa saya akan mengalami kematian.

1. Sunday, 12 December 1999, I dreamt that I met Jesus Christ and the angels. I was startled into consciousness. I prayed and then went back to sleep.

2. Monday, 13 December 1999, I dreamt again, with the same dream.

3. Tuesday, 14 December 1999, in my dream I met a pastor in a conference service. The sermon during the service was about the end times, where there will be believers who will be tortured and there would be mass murders.

4. Wednesday, 15 December 1999, at about 8 am, I saw the letter "M" with blood below my skin on my right palm. I was confused and questions arose within my heart, "Am I going to die?" (the Indonesian word for death is Mati). I asked my friends for their opinion and they said very likely it's becasue we are going into the new millenium. Even though they were optimistic, I still did not feel at peace because in my mind, "M" is death, and that I would experience death.

Saya hanya bisa berdoa dan membuka Alkitab. Sekitar pukul 15.00 saya membaca firman Tuhan dari Kitab Yeremia 33:3 “Berserulah kepada-Ku, maka Aku akan menjawab Engkau.” Dan pada pukul 18.00, tanda huruf “M” di telapak tangan saya sudah hilang. I could only pray and read the Bible. Around 15:00 hours I read God's Word from Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know". And at 18:00 hours, the sign "M" on my right palm disappeared.

Kampus dan Asrama Mahasiswa Doulos Diserang (The college and boarding students of Doulos Bible College under attack)

Pada malam hari tanggal 15 Desember 1999, kegiatan berlangsung biasa di dalam asrama kampus STT Doulos. Sebagian mahasiswa ada sedang belajar, yang lain memasak di dapur dan ada pula yang sedang berdoa. Saya sendiri sedang berbaring di kamar. Kurang lebih jam 21.00 malam itu, saya dibangunkan oleh seorang teman sambil berteriak: “Domi, bangun, kita diserang…!” Saya langsung bangun dalam keadaan panik, saya langsung berlari ke halaman kampus dan melihat sebagian kampus kami yang telah terbakar. Saat itu saya berkata kepada Tuhan: “Tuhan, saya mau lari kemana? Tuhan, kalau saya lari lewat pintu gerbang depan pasti saya dibacok.” On the night of 15th December 1999, the routine of Doulos Bible College was running as usual. Some students were studying, some were cooking in the kitchen and some were praying. I was lying down in my room. At approximately 21:00 hours that night, I was awoken by my friend who was shouting, "Domi, get up! We are under attack....!" I woke up quickly and felt very panicky. I ran to the college yard and saw some of the buildings were already on fire. At that time I said to God, "God, where should I run? God, if I run to the front gate, they will knife me."

Sementara pikiran saya bertambah kalut ketika teringat akan tanda huruf “M” yang diberikan pada tangan saya. “Tuhan, apakah saya akan mati?” Saya menoleh ke belakang, ada beberapa teman sekamar yang lari menyelamatkan diri masing-masing. Di belakang kampus kami dikelilingi pagar kawat duri setinggi 2 meter, saya tidak bisa melompat keluar dengan cara mengangkat kawat itu. Dengan tangan sedikit terluka akhirnya saya pun dapat keluar. While I was thinking and panicking, I remembered the sign "M" that was on my right palm. "God, am I going to die?" I looked behind me. There were a few of my room mates running for their lives. At the back of the college, there was a 2 metres high fence with barbed wires on top of it. I couldn't climb out without spiking my hands, so my hands were hurt but finally I managed to get out.

Kami sudah berada di luar pagar dengan keadaan takut dan gemetar karena di sana terdapat massa atau orang banyak yang tidak dikenal, mereka membawa golok, pentungan, batu dan botol berisi bensin atau Molotov. Kemudian kami berpisah dengan teman-teman, saya tidak tahu apa yang terjadi dengan mereka. We were already outside the fence, shaking with fear because there was a mass of people that we didn't recognise. They were all carrying big knives, bats, rocks, and bottles full of petrol or Molotov cockyail of burning fuel. Then we split up, so I didn't know what happened to the others.

Saya lari menuju kos kakak tingkat semester 10, yang letaknya tidak jauh dari kampus. Sementara saya berlari, saya tetap berdoa kepada Tuhan: “Tuhan berkati saya, ampuni dosa dan kesalahan saya.” Setiba di rumah kos itu, saya mengetuk pintu sebanyak 2 kali tetapi tidak ada yang membukakan pintu. I ran toward my older sister-in-Christ 's house who was in Semester 10; her home was not far away from the college. While I was running, I kept praying to God: "God please bless me, forgive all my sins and my faults." After I got to her place, I knocked on her door twice but there was no answer.

Ternyata di belakang saya ada 4 teman mahasiswi yang juga lari mengikuti dari belakang. Mereka memanggil saya: “Domi, ikut ke rumah kami,” tetapi saya berkata kepada mereka, “biar saya bersembunyi di sini.” Masih berada di depan rumah kos tersebut, saya berdoa lagi “Oh.. Tuhan, apakah malam ini saya akan mati? Ampuni dosa dan kesalahan saya.” I didn't know it but behind me were 4 other students who were running and following me. They were all shouting at me, "Domi, follow us to our house," but I said to them, "It's ok, I'll hide here." Still waiting in front of my friend's place, I prayed again "Oh...God, will I die tonight? Please forgive my sin and all my faults."

Ditangkap oleh Massa (The masses got me)

Saya mengetuk pintu lagi, tetapi tidak ada orang yang menjawab, saya berdoa kembali: “Tuhan.. ini hari terakhir untuk saya hidup.” Terdengar suara massa yang semakin mendekat kepada saya. Mereka berkata: “Itu mahasiswa Doulos, tangkap dia!” Ada juga yang berteriak: “Bantai dia, tembak!” Seketika itu saya ditangkap dan saya hanya bisa berserah kepada Tuhan sambil berkata: “Tuhan saya sudah di tangan mereka, saya tidak bisa lari lagi.” I kept knocking the door, but there was no answer. I prayed again: "God...this is the last day for me to live." I could hear the mass of people were approaching and getting closer towards me. They were all saying, "That's one of the students of Doulos, let's get him!" Others were shouting: "Let's kill him, shoot him!" They caught hold of me and I could only surrender to God and say, "God...they have already got me, I'm already in their hands, I cannot escape any more."

Kemudian tangan saya diikat ke belakang dan mata saya ditutup dengan kain putih. Saya tetap berdoa dalam keadaan takut dan gemetar: “Tuhan ampuni dosa saya, pada saat ini Engkau pasti di samping saya.” Tiba-tiba ada suara terdengar oleh saya entah dari mana, yang berkata: “Jangan takut, Aku menyertai engkau, Akulah Tuhan Allahmu.” Setelah mendengar suara itu, rasa ketakutan dan kegentaran hilang, karena saya sudah pasrahkan kepada Tuhan. Then they tied my hands behind me, and covered my head with a white cloth. I was still praying, shaking with fear. "God please forgive my sins, I know that You are beside me right now." Suddenly there was a voice, I didn't know where it came from, but it said: "Don't be afraid, I AM with you, I AM your GOD." Upon hearing that voice, my fears and shaking disappeared, because I had given up everything and surrendered to God totally.

Penganiayaan dan Kematian (Torture and Death) Mereka membawa saya ke tempat yang gelap, saya dipukuli dan ditendang. Saya dihadapkan dengan massa yang jumlah orangnya lebih banyak, saat itu mereka ragu, apakah saya mahasiswa Doulos atau warga sekitarnya. Sebagian massa ada yang terus mendesak untuk memotong dan membunuh saya. They took me to a dark place; I was beaten and kicked. I didn't know how many of them were there. At first they hesitated, not sure whether I was a student of Doulos or just another person from the neighbourhood. However, some of them insisted that I should be killed.

Saya berdoa lagi: “Tuhan, fisik saya kecil, kalau saya mati, saya yakin masuk sorga. Saat ini saya serahkan nyawa saya ke dalam tangan kasih-Mu, ampunilah mereka.” Saat itu kepala saya dipukul dari belakang dan terjatuh di atas batu, saya tidak sadar akan apa yang terjadi lagi. I prayed again: "God, my physique is small, so if I die, I believe I'll go to heaven. Right now I surrender my soul into Your loving hands, please forgive them." At that moment, I felt a blow from behind and I fell on top of a rock. After that, I didn't know what happen.

Roh Saya Keluar Dari Tubuh (My Soul came out of my Body)

Kemudian ... roh saya terangkat keluar dari tubuh saya, roh saya berbentuk seperti orang yang sedang start lari atau sedang jongkok, lalu lurus seperti orang yang berenang kemudian berdiri. Roh saya melihat badan saya dan berkata: “Kok badan saya tinggal” (sebanyak dua kali). Roh saya berdiri tidak menyentuh tanah dan tidak tahu mau berjalan kemana, karena di sekeliling saya gelap gulita, kurang lebih lima detik, roh saya berkata: “Mau ke mana?” Then.....my soul was lifted out of my body. It was shaped like a man squatting down, ready to start running. Then it doubled up like a man ready to swim and finally it straightened up. My soul looked at my body and said: "How come my body is left behind?" (about two times). My soul was standing up but didn't touch the ground and it didn't know where to go, because it was surrounded by darkness. About 5 seconds later, my soul said: "Where should I go?"

Lima Malaikat Datang Menjemput Saya (Five Angels came and picked me up)

Saat itu ada lima malaikat datang kepada saya, dua berada di sebelah kiri, dua di sebelah kanan dan satu malaikat berada di depan saya. Tempat yang tadinya gelap gulita telah berubah menjadi terang dan saya sudah tidak dapat melihat badan saya lagi. Roh saya dibawa oleh malaikat-malaikat tersebut menuju jalan yang lurus, dan pada ujung jalan itu sempit seperti lubang jarum. Roh saya berkata: “Badan saya tidak dapat masuk.” Tetapi malaikat yang di depan saya bisa masuk, lalu roh saya berkata lagi: “Badan rohani saya kecil pasti bia masuk.” Kemudian roh saya masuk melalui lubang jarum tersebut. “Kemudian matilah orang miskin itu, lalu dibawa oleh malaikat-malaikat ke pangkuan Abraham.” Lukas 16:22. At that moment, 5 angels came towards me, 2 were on my left, and 2 were on my right side and 1 angel was right in front of me. The place which was so dark suddenly turned so bright that I couldn't see my body anymore. My soul was taken by the angels to a straight road, and the end of that road was as small as a needle hole. My soul said "My body won't be able to go through that hole." But the angel in front of me said I would be able to. Then my soul said again "My eternal body is small, so I must be able to fit in." Then my soul went through that small needle hole. " "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom." Luke 16:22

Berada di Dalam Firdaus (In the Firdaus)

Saat itu saya sudah berada di dalam sebuah halaman yang luas. Halaman itu sangat luas, indah dan tidak ada apa-apa. Roh saya berkata: “Kalau ada halaman pasti ada rumahnya.” Tiba-tiba saat itu ada rumah, saya dibawa masuk ke dalam rumah tersebut dan bertemu dengan banyak orang di kamar pertama. Roh saya berkata: “Ini orang-orang yang percaya kepada Yesus Kristus, mereka ditempatkan di sini.” Mereka sedang bernyanyi, bertepuk tangan, ada yang berdiri, ada yang duduk dan ada yang meniup sangkakala.“Di rumah Bapaku banyak tempat tinggal. Jika tidak demikian, tentu Aku mengatakannya kepadamu. Sebab Aku pergi ke situ untuk menyediakan tempat bagimu.” Yohanes 14:2 Momentarily, I was in a huge yard. The yard was so huge and beautiful but there was nothing there. My soul said: "If there's a yard, surely there must be a house." Sure enough, there appeared a house. I was taken inside and saw many people in the first room. My soul said:" This are people who believe in Jesus Christ, they are put here." They were singing, clapping hands; some were standing up, some were sitting down and some were blowing the trumpet. "In My Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2

Dibawa ke Ruangan Selanjutnya (Taken to the next room)

Saya dibawa oleh malaikat-malaikat ke kamar selanjutnya atau kedua, sama dengan kamar yang pertama, hanya disini roh saya melihat orang-orang dengan wajah yang sama dan postur tubuh yang sama. Kemudian saya dibawa lagi ke kamar yang ketiga, yang sama dengan kamar yang pertama. Dan roh saya berkata: “Ini orang-orang yang percaya kepada Yesus Kristus, ditempatkan di sini.” Lalu roh saya dibawa ke kamar yang keempat yaitu kamar yang terakhir, pada saat ini saya hanya sendiri, tidak disertai oleh malaikat-malaikat tadi. Kamar itu kosong, lalu roh saya berkata: “Ini penghakiman terakhir, saya masuk sorga atau neraka.” I was taken by the angels to another room; it was like the first room, here my soul saw people with the same expressions and same actions. Then I was taken to the third room, which was the same like the first room. And my soul said: "These are people who believe in Jesus Christ." Then my soul was taken to the fourth room which was the last room, only this time I was left alone. The angels weren't with me. That room was empty and then my soul said: "This is the last judgement, am I going to heaven or hell?"

“Karena sekarang telah tiba saatnya penghakiman dimulai, dan pada rumah Eloim sendiri yang harus pertama-tama dihakimi. Dan jika penghakiman itu dimulai pada kita, bagaimanakah kesudahannya dengan mereka yang tidak percaya pada Injil Eloim? Dan jika orang benar hampir-hampir tidak diselamatkan, apakah yang akan terjadi dengan orang fasik dan orang berdosa?”1 Petrus 4:17-18. “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 1 Peter 4:17-18.

Bertemu Dengan Tuhan Yesus (Meeting with Jesus Christ)

Kemudian roh saya berjalan tiga sampai empat langkah, di depan saya ada sinar atau cahaya yang sangat terang seperti matahari, maka roh saya tidak dapat menatap. Saya menutup mata dan terdengar suara: “Berlutut!” Seketika itu roh saya berlutut, terlihat sebuah kitab terbuka dan dari dalamnya keluar tulisan yang masuk ke mata saya yang masih tertutup, tulisan timbul dan hilang terus menerus, roh saya berkata: “Tuhan...! ini perbuatan saya minggu lalu, bulan lalu, tahun lalu. Saya melakukan yang jahat dan saya tidak pernah mengaku dosa pribadi, sehingga Engkau mencatatnya di sini.” Then my soul walked about 3 to 4 steps. In front of me there was a shining light, as bright as the sun, so my soul was dazzled and couldn't see. I closed my eyes and heard: "Kneel!" My soul knelt down, and I could see a Book being opened and from inside came out words; written words that came out and disappeared progressively. My soul cried: "God...! this is what I did last week, last month, last year. I did those evil things and I did not confess personally, so You wrote them here."

“Tuhan...! Saya ingin seperti saudara-saudara di kamar pertama, yang selalu memuji dan memuliakan Engkau. Tuhan...! Saya tahu Engkau mati di atas kayu salib untuk menebus dosa saya, saya rindu seperti saudara-saudara yang berada di kamar pertama, kedua dan ketiga yang selalu memuji-muji Engkau.” "God...! I want to be like the brothers and sisters in the first room, always singing and worshipping You. God...! I know You died on the cross to take away my sins, I long to be like the others in the first, second and third rooms, who are always worshipping You."

Sesudah itu tulisan yang keluar dari kitab itu hilang, buku menjadi bersih tanpa tulisan, kemudian buku itu hilang dan sinar yang terang itupun hilang dan ada suara berkata: “Pulang! Belum saatnya untuk melayani Aku.” After that, the written word that came out of the book disappeared and the book became clean without any words in it. The book disappeared altogether with the bright light and there was a voice that said said: "Go home! It is not yet time to serve Me."

Saya melihat-lihat dari mana arah suara itu datang, saya melihat ada seorang di samping kanan. Orang tersebut badan-Nya seperti manusia, rambut hingga ke lehernya bersinar terang. Jubah-Nya putih hingga menutupi kedua tangan-Nya dan bawah jubah-Nya menutupi kaki-Nya. Ia menunggangi seekor kuda putih dengan tali les yang putih. Lalu roh saya berkata: “Ini Tuhan Yesus, Dia seperti saya, Dia Eloim yang hidup.” I looked around to see the source of that voice. I saw a person on my right side. His body was humanlike; His hair reached to his neck and it was shining brightly. His gown was so bright white and it covered both of His hands and reached down to cover both of His feet. He was riding a white horse with a white robe. Then my soul said: "This is Jesus Christ; He is like me, He is the Living Eloim/God."

“Lalu aku melihat sorga terbuka; sesungguhnya, ada seekor kuda putih dan Ia yang menungganginya bernama: “Yang Setia dan Yang Benar” Ia menghakimi dan berperang dengan adil.” Wahyu 19:11. "Then I saw the heavens opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war." Revelation 19:11

Kemudian Tuhan Yesus tidak nampak lagi dan seketika itu roh saya dibawa pulang ke dalam tubuh saya. Saat itu juga ada nafas, ada pikiran dan saya berpikir, tadi saya bersama dengan Tuhan Yesus. Setelah itu saya mencoba beberapa kali untuk bangun dan mengangkat kepala, tetapi tidak bisa, terasa sakit sekali, saya baru sadar bahwa leher saya telah dipotong dan hampir putus, kemudian saya dibuang ke semak-semak dengan ditutupi daun pisang. Saya merasa haus, lalu menggerakkan tangan mengambil darah tiga tetes dan menjilatnya, lalu badan saya mulai bergerak. Then I couldn't see Jesus Christ any more and in that moment my soul was taken back into my body. Suddenly, there was breath, there was thought and I remembered that just a moment ago I was with Jesus Christ. I tried a few times to get up and lift my head, but I couldn't. it was so painful and then I realised that my neck was cut through and almost came off. I was thrown into the bushes and covered with banana leaves. I felt very thirsty, and then I moved my hands and took 3 drops of blood and licked them. My body was starting to move.

Saya berdoa: “Tuhan, lewat peristiwa ini saya telah bertemu dengan Engkau, dan Engkau memberikan nafas dan kekuatan yang baru sehingga aku hidup kembali, tapi Tuhan, Engkau gerakkan orang supaya ada yang membawa saya ke rumah sakit.” I prayed: "God, through this incident I have already met You, and You gave me breath and new strength for me to live again, but God, please move somebody so that I can be taken me to hospital."

Tuhan menjawab doa saya, malam itu ada orang yang mendekati saya dengan memakai lampu senter, lalu bertanya: “Kamu dari mana?” Saya tidak bisa menjawab, karena saya tidak dapat berbicara lewat mulut, tidak ada suara yang keluar, hanya hembusan nafas yang melalui luka-luka menganga pada leher. Kemudian orang tersebut memanggil polisi. God answered my prayer. In the darkness, a man approached me with a bright torch, and asked me," Where are you from?" I couldn't answer, because I couldn't talk through my mouth. There was no voice coming out, just the sound of breathing through the open wound in the neck. Then that person called the police.

Puji Tuhan! Dikira sudah meninggal tetapi masih hidup. Mereka mengira saya sudah meninggal, mereka mengangkat dan membawa saya ke jalan raya. Kemudian polisi mencari identitas atau KTP saya, ternyata tidak ditemukan. Tanpa identitas, mereka bermaksud membawa saya ke sebuah rumah sakit lain, tetapi saya ingat kembali akan suara Tuhan dan takhta-Nya di sorga, ternyata ada kekuatan baru dari Tuhan Yesus yang memampukan saya dapat berbicara. Tiba-tiba saya berkata: “Nama saya Dominggus, umur saya 20 tahun, semester III, tinggal di asrama Doulos, saya berasal dari Timor.” Praise God! They thought I was already dead but I was still alive. They lifted me and took me to the main road. Then the police searched for my identity or citizenship card, but they couldn't find it. As they couldn't identify me, they tried to take me to a hospital away from Doublos, but then I remember of God's voice and His throne in Heaven. Suddenly, with new found strength from Jesus Christ, I was able to speak. I said: "My name is Dominggus, I am 20 years old, 3rd semester. I live in the Doulos boarding school. I am from Timor."

Orang-orang yang sedang melihat dan mendengar saya, berkata: “Wah, dia dipotong dari jam berapa? Sekarang sudah jam 02.30 pagi, tapi dia masih hidup.” The people surrounding saw and heard me speak and they marvelled: "Wow....how long has his neck been cut through? It is now 2:30 in the morning, but he is still alive."

Perjalanan ke Rumah Sakit UKI (Journey to UKI Hospital)

Kemudian mereka memasukkan saya ke dalam mobil dan meletakkan saya di bawah.. Saya tetap mengingat peristiwa ketika Tuhan Yesus dianiaya. Sementara mobilmeluncur dengan kecepatan tinggi, saat melewati jalan berlubang atau tidak rata mobilpun berguncang dan saya merasa sangat sakit sekali pada luka di leher. Saya katakan kepada Tuhan: “Tuhan, apakah saya dapat bertahan di dalam mobil ini? Tuhan ketika Engkau di atas kayu salib, Engkau meminum cuka dan empedu, tetapi saya menjilat darah saya sendiri karena tidak ada orang yang menjagai saya.” Then they put me in a car and laid me down. I remembered how Jesus was betrayed and tortured. The car was speeding fast and through the uneven road full of bumps and holes, I felt extreme pain in my neck. Then I said to God; "God, will I survive in this car? God, when you were on the cross, You drank sour wine and hyssop (John 19:29), and I licked my own blood because no one is taking care of me."

Saya membuka mata, ternyata memang tidak ada seorangpun yang menjagai saya, hanya seorang supir. Tetapi saya melihat beberapa malaikat berjubah putih menjaga dan mengelilingi saya. Saya katakan: “Tuhan ini malaikat-malaikat pelindung saya, mereka setia menjagai.” Saya harus berdoa agar tetap kuat. I then opened my eyes, and it was true that no one was taking care of me. there was just the driver. But I saw a few angels with white gowns surrounding and protecting me. I said: "God these are my guardian angels, they are faithfully guarding me." I needed to pray to stay strong.Perawatan di Rumah Sakit (Treatment in hospital)

Setiba di rumah sakit, suara saya dapat normal kembali. Saya dapat berbicara dan bertanya kepada perawat: “Bapak saya mana?” Perawat RS bertanya kepada saya: “Bapakmu siapa?” Saya jawab: “Bapak Ruyandi Hutasoit.” Ketika Bpk. Ruyandi menemui saya, ia berkata: “Dominggus.. leher kamu putus!” Jawab saya: “Bapak doakan saya, sebab saya tidak akan mati, saya telah bertemu dengan Tuhan Yesus.” Lalu Bpk. Ruyandi mendoakan dan menumpangkan tangan atas saya. When we arrived at the hospital, my voice returned back to normal. I could speak and asked the nurse: "Sir, where am I?" The nurse from the hospital asked me: "Sir, who is your father?" I said: "Mr Ruyandi Hutasoit." When my father saw me, he said: "Dominggus....your neck was almost severed!" I said: "Father, please pray for me. I don't want to die. I have already met Jesus Christ." Then my father prayed and laid hands on me.

Setelah itu saya mendapat perawatan, seorang dokter ahli saraf hanya menjahit kulit leher saya, karena luka bacokan sudah menembus sampai ke tulang belakang leher, sehingga cairan otak mengalir keluar, saluran nafas dan banyak saraf yang putus. Kemudian saya dirawat tiga hari di ruangan ICU dan selama perawatan saya tidak diberikan transfusi darah. Pendapat dokter pada saat itu adalah bahwa saya akan mati dan saya tidak diharapkan hidup, mengingat cairan otak yang telah keluar dan infeksi yang terjadi pada otak, yang semua itu akan menimbulkan cacat seumur hidup. After that, I received treatment where a doctor specialising in nerves attended to the deep wound and just sewed up the skin of my neck, because the wound was already cut deep through to the spinal cord at the neck, and the liquid from the brain kept coming out. The breathing channel and many nerves were already severed. I was treated for 3 days in Intensive Care Unit. During treatment I was not given any blood infusion. According to doctors at that time, I was supposed to die as the liquid from the brain was draining out. There was already infection in the brain, and I would be disabled for the rest of my life.

Mukjizat Kesembuhan Terjadi (Miracles of Healing taken place)

Tanggal 19 Desember 1999 dengan panas badan 40°C dan seluruh wajah yang bengkak karena infeksi, saya dipindahkan keluar dari ruang ICU, dikarenakan ada pasien lain yang sangat memerlukan dan masih mempunyai harapan hidup yang lebih besar daripada saya. On the 19 December 1999 with a body temperature of 40 degree Celcius, and a swollen face due to infection, I was moved out from the ICU because other patients needed the bed and they still had more hope of living compared to me.

Pada malam hari, roh saya kembali keluar untuk kedua kali dari tubuh saya, roh saya melihat suasana kamar dimana saya dirawat dan kemudian roh saya berjalan sejauh kurang lebih dua atau tiga kilometer dalam suasana terang di sekeliling saya. Tiba-tiba ada suara terdengar oleh saya: “Pulang..pulang...!” That same night, my soul came out again from my body for the second time. My soul saw the room where I was being treated. A bright atmosphere surrounded me as my soul walked about 2 or 3 km. Then suddenly I heard a voice said "Go home....Go home....!"

Seketika itu juga, roh saya kembali ke dalam tubuh saya, suhu tubuh menjadi normal dan tidak ada lagi infeksi. Kemudian terdengar bunyi seperti orang menekukkan jari-jari pada leher saya, lalu otot, tulang, saluran nafas dan saraf-saraf tersambung dalam sekejab mata, saya merasa tidak sakit dan dapat menggerakkan leher. Sesudah itu saya diberi minum dan makan bubur. Saya sudah hidup kembali, dengan kesehatan yang sangat baik. Puji Tuhan! Suddenly my soul went straight back to my body. My body temperature returned to normal and there was no more infection. Then I heard a sound like someone was bending their fingers to my neck, muscles, bones and breathing channels. The nerves were connected back together in the blink of an eye. I didn't feel any more pain and I could move my neck. After that I was given a drink and rice porridge. I had already come back to live, with very good health. Praise God!

Keluar dari Rumah Sakit dalam Keadaan Sembuh Total (Came our of hospital with absolutely healthy and healed)

Saya berada di rumah sakit sejak tanggal 16 Desember 1999 dini hari dan keluar dari rumah sakit pada tanggal 29 Desember 1999, dengan berat badan normal dibanding dua minggu yang lalu karena banyak darah dan cairan yang telah keluar. Saya telah sembuh sempurna, tanpa cacat, tanpa perawatan jalan, saya hidup kembali dengan normal. I was in the hospital since early in the morning of 16 December 1999 and came out of hospital on the 29 December 1999, with a normal body weight. This was a stark contrast to 2 weeks before where I had lost a lot of blood and body fluids. I was healed perfectly, without any kind of disability, without ongoing medication or treatment. I has returned to normal life.

“Terima kasih Tuhan Yesus, Engkau sungguh Eloim yang hidup dan ajaib, terpujilah nama-Mu kekal sampai selamanya, amin!” "Thank you, Jesus Christ, You are a true Eloin/God that is alive and full of miracles. Praise Your name forever and eternally, AMEN!"

Sumber: Buletin Kampung Baru Oktober 2004 (Source: News Bulletin New Village October 2004)

The Converging Point of Forgiveness & Reconciliation

2011-07-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

"The Capital of the World," was a book written by Ernest Hemingway. The story was about a caring Spanish father and his rebellious teenage son named Paco (Paco is a common Spanish name). The father-son relation shattered when Paco ran away from home to unknown places.

For the love of his son, Paco’s father started long and arduous search to find him. Finally, as his last resort the exhausted father paid very costly for an advertisement in a Madrid newspaper with the hope that Paco would see and respond to the advertisement.

The advertisement read:

“Dear Paco,

Please meet me in front of the newspaper office tomorrow afternoon.

ALL IS FORGIVEN!

With LOVE

Your loving father.”

As the story unfolded as told by Hemingway, there were 800 Pacos came and converged in front of the office of the newspaper at noon on the appointed day to meet their fathers – SEEKING FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION.

What is the parallelism or the relevant of the story?

Many of us are like those Pacos – carrying around loads of guilt and shame, wanting love and forgiveness but not knowing where to find it. Humanly, we tend to drown our innermost problems with laughter (so goes the saying – Laughter is the best medicine) ... indulge ourselves in worldly pleasures ....to camouflage our problems.

Like the advertisement in the newspaper, the Bible speaks clearly of God’s love, unconditional forgiveness and reconciliation.

To all who are lost ...... and desirous of experiencing God’s forgiveness and reconciliation, Jesus Christ lifted-up-on-the-Cross is the converging point. "If I am lifted up," Jesus said, talking about the Cross, "I will draw all men to myself" (John 12:32).

~DEATH~ What's on the other side?

2011-07-21T00:50:00.000-07:00

~DEATH~ What's on the other side?

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?" the man said.

The doctor was holding the handle of the door. On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? It has never been in this room before. It didn't know what was inside. It knew nothing except that his master was here. When the door opened, he sprang in without fear..... I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that is enough."

SHALOM !!

ACRONYM FOR BIBLE

2011-07-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

ACRONYM FOR BIBLE

A grandfather was approached by his young grandson who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!"

His grandfather smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?

The grandson replied, "I do know!"

"Okay," said his grandfather. "What does the Bible mean?"

"That's easy, Grand-daddy..." the young grandson replied excitedly, "It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'” (Story: Anon)

Read the BIBLE before leaving the earth !

YOUR GOD WAS ABSENT FROM HEAVEN.....

2011-07-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

Couple of years ago (during one casual dinner in Bangsar Kuala Lumpur) my business colleague politely said: “Jesus Christ is regarded by Christians as God in the concept of Trinity. It meant that your God was absent from heaven for thirty-three (33) years....”

I was taken by surprise by such frank and challenging statement connected with Allah’s Omnipotent, Omniscience and Omnipresence in Trinitarian. Apparently from our conversation, my gentleman friend was quite well-versed with the story about the birth of Isa ibnu Maryam as great Prophet.

Speaking within I said (to myself): “If I could not explain what I believe, it would tantamount to denying my faith." I was in a kind of an emergency situation.

Just like the Emergency Number 999, Jeremiah 33:3 rang in my mind which spoke silently of God’s invitation and promise to believers. It said: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.”

At that point of time I scantly recalled the explanation made by an evangelist whom I met many years ago. Below is brief outline on what I remembered and used in explaining the issue.

(1) By His Omnipotent, Omniscience, and Omnipresence, the great “I AM” is neither restricted by His Name nor by “What-How-Why-Where-When-He-Want-to-be” through His Holy Spirit (or Power), and through all things He had created universally.

(2) Albeit similar in terms of languages and cultures, human understandings of God are always personal, individual and limited, and being constrained by time and space. Christianity is not a religion because it is about personal relationship between believers and God (or Allah) through Jesus Christ (or Isa al-Messiah).

(3) When one believes that Jesus Christ (Isa al-Messiah) is the Word of God (or Kalimatullah) born of Virgin Mary by the Spirit (power) of God, it not illogical for one to acknowledge and accept that God did not leave heaven during the thirty-three years. It was His Word (Kalimatullah) that went forth out of heaven (through angel Gabriel) and born as Jesus Christ.

(4) The fact God was still in heaven during the thirty-three (33) years can be explained or illustrated technologically in terms of modern telecommunication system. For example, in virtual education system, a professor need not leave the lecture hall.

Through right internet connection the image, voices and movements of the professor could be seen and heard instantaneously by students who were physically thousands of kilometres away at different locations in the world.

In considering Allah’s majestic infinity it is admitted the
technological illustration above may be considered
inappropriate and surely insufficient.

Nevertheless, the illustration was sufficiently comprehensive and appreciated by my friend although he was a skeptic about Trinity.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

2011-07-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

The Absolute Weight of Beer in the glass Did Not Matter

Yesterday (Sunday) evening I had an informal re-union over few glasses of beer with four old friends at Green Height coffee shop Airport Road Kuching. The atmosphere was one of nostalgic and discursive relaxation – recalling the ‘good-old-days’.

However, Eldad (not his real name) lamented he was getting more stressful although he had already retired from state civil service. He admitted he was currently on medication for ‘high blood pressure’ and blamed his eldest son for ‘academically wasting his money’. Further, he added the son was still without ‘proper job’ and income. The young man got married about ten years ago and had one son and daughter who had been under the care of Eldad and his wife since the grandchildren were born. His son ‘transferred’ the fatherly-cum-motherly duties to him and his wife.

On hearing Eldad’s mentioning about stress, Cyrus (not his real name) pointed it was an Iban culture for parents (upon their job retirement) to became “baby-sitters’ for their children’s children. It is called the culture of “buan-uchu” or “beribun-uchu”.

Cyrus advised Eldad to cast his stresses and worries prayerfully and trust God faithfully by referring to Mathew 11:28-30 in which Lord Jesus said:

“Come to me all of you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learned from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and load is light.”

Eldad who was a faithful ‘Sunday-church-Christian’ was spell-bounded for a while. Turning to Cyrus he said: “Jang ! It is easier said than done ......”.

I butted in instantly and said:”Let us ‘cheers’ “half-seng” [drank half-glass – not the traditional Chinese-“yam-seng’] to the stresses and worries that we all do have in one way or another.”

After putting our respective glasses on the table before re-filling, I said further: “Who can tell the weight of the beer in your own glasses? If anyone can do so accurately I’ll buy him or all of you guys dinner tomorrow at Singapore Chicken Rice.”

“Why do you ask us to do that? Is that a joke?” quipped Johnny (not his real name) rather curiously.

Holding his glass, Hendrick (not his real name) said: “I guess miine is about 10 ounces! But how can we know for sure because we don’t have a weighing scale here?”

The other three (Eldad, Cyrus and Johnny) also held their glasses and made their estimation on the weight of the beer respectively which was between 12 and 15 ounces.

“Never mind about the accuracy of the weight”, I replied. Turning to Eldad, Cyrus, Johnny and Hendrick I said:”Could you please lift up again and hold your glasses. Don’t put it down until I ask you to do so....”

Hendrick held his glass for 10 minutes (for estimating10 ounces in weight for his glass). Similarly Eldad held his for 15 minutes; Cyrus held his for 12 minutes; and Johnny held his for 15 minutes.

They complained of tiredness started from their arms for holding their respective glasses beyond five minutes

The ABSOLUTE WEIGHT of beer in the glass DID NOT MATTER.

For one to hold a glass of beer for one or two minutes was not a problem.

The PROBLEM appeared and became increasingly heavier (and would multiply) when one held the glass for half hour, one hour, one day .......

It is the same with burden of stress or anger we carry.

We need to learn to put the burden down and take good rest prayerfully in the light of the invitation made by our Lord Jesus Christ as quoted above.

The holding of the glass was just a Stress Management Exercise.

For believers, it is about trusting God and His promises.

The BIBLE is believers’ LIFE’s MANUALS.

“It is written: “MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT THE MOUTH OF GOD". (Matt. 4:4)

Ishmael & Isaac - THE DIFFERENCES

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[Biblical references: Genesis Chapters: 16- 17]

1. The Conception and Birth of Ishmael

(a) The Human Plan – Hagar as Surrogate Mother

In their state of frustration and hopelessness to have a child or son, Sarah (called Sarai before the birth of Isaac) humanly planned (Gen.16:1-3) and agreed by Abraham (or Abram before the birth of Isaac) to marry Hagar (or Hajar) (Gen.16:4). Hagar was Sarah’s favourite Egyptian maid (Gen.16:3).

(b) The Conception of Ishmael

When Hagar conceived, Sarah felt devastated in her presence, and the blamed Abraham’s sinfulness for their childlessness. (Gen.16:5). Hagar fled because of Sarah’s mistreatment (Gen. 16:6). While on way to the wilderness of Shaur, Hagar stopped by a spring or well [called Beer-lahau-roi located between Kadesh and Bered].

Hagar’s Obedience

An angel of God spoke instructed Hagar thereat to return home to her mistress (Sarah): “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.” (Gen.16:9)

The angel also said to Hagar: (Gen.16:11-12)

“Behold, you are with child, And you shall bear a son, And You shall call him Ishmael, Because the Lord has given heed to your affliction.” The angel also gave Hagar descriptions of Ishmael - what would Ishmael [including Ishmael’s descendents] be like.

“And he will be like a wild donkey of a man. His hand will be against everyone, and everyone hand will be against him, And he will live to the east of his brothers.”

(c) The Birth of Ishmael Abraham was 86 years old when Ishmael was born.

2. God made Covenants (promises) with Abraham

When God spoke to him Abraham was ninety-nine (99) years (Ref: Genesis 17:7-) God said:-

Verses 1-2 : “I am God Almighty, Walk before Me and be blameless.

Verse 3: And will multiply you exceedingly....(verse:4) Behold My Covenant is with you(Abraham) And you shall be the father of a multitude of nations ... No longer you name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham.....

Verse:7:“And I will establish My Covenants between you and Me and your descendants after you through their generations for an everlasting Covenant to be their God ....”

Verse: 8: “I will give you and to your descendants after you the land of your sojourning, all the land of Canaan for an eve lasting possession, and I will be their God.”

3. The Conception and Birth of Isaac

(a) God’s Plan - The Conception and Birth of Isaac

Verse: 15-16: As for Sarai your wife, she will not call her name Sarai, but Sarah will be her name I will bless her and I will give you a son by her. I will bless her and she will be a mother to all nations ....”

In his disbelief, Abraham laughed in his heart saying (to himself – stated in Gen 17:18): “Will a child be born to a man one hundred (100) years old?And will Sarai, who is ninety (90) years old , bear a child?”

Abraham was sceptical and doubtful questioned God: “Oh that Ishmael might live before Thee” (Gen.17:18)

But God said [to Abraham] (Verse 19): “No, But Sarah your wife shall bear you a son and his name shall be called Isaac (Ishaq), and I will establish My covenants with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him”

God also said- Verse 20: ”And as for Ishmael, I will bless him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become father of the twelve (12) princes, and I will make him great nation.

Verse 21: “But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you this season of the year.”

Ref: Gen. 18

Verse 12-: [Having heard the conversation from inside the tent] “And Sarah laughed to herself, saying “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”

Verse 13: “And the Lord said to Abraham: “Why did Sarah laugh saying, “Shall I indeed bear child, when I am so old?”

Verse 14: (The Lord said) “Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I shall return to you. At this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”

(b) The Birth of Isaac – Ref. Gen. 21

Verse 3: Isaac born at appointed time.

Verse 5: Abraham was one hundred (100) years old

Verse 9: Ishmael bullied his half- brother Isaac

Verse 10 – 14: Ishmael and Hagar were sent away from the house of Abraham.

(c) The Offering of Isaac – Ref: Gen. 22

Verse 2: ‘And He (God) said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac and go to Moriah and offer him there as your burnt offering ....” ’

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

COMMENTS
1. There are spiritual laws to be learned from the above account.
    Few examples:-
   (a) God is faithful and blesses human plans and endeavours although he/she sidestep
        God and seek not God’s guidance and/or help.
(b) Through faith and under God’s instruction and guidance, oppression can be blessings
       (Hagar’s case)
   (c) What is impossible by man, by God nothing is impossible
   (d) God’s ever faithfulness in keeping His promises. God’s delay is not God’s denial.
   (e) “FAITH”, “OBEDIENCE”, and “SUBMISSION” are keys to unlock the door of God’s
        blessings.
2. From the account above, some of the differences between the two brothers of the same
   father are tabulated below.

The Two brothers	DIFFERENCES
The Two brothers	Plan	Mother	Blessings & Characteristics
Ishmael	Human’s Plan	Hagar – an Egyptian	God’s blessed son – “Wild donkey of a man ...” [Gen. 16:12]
Isaac	God’s Plan	Sarah - Hebrew	God’s promised son [Gen.17:16] God’s covenanted son [Gen.16:21] God’s chosen sacrifice [Gen..22:2]

The Triune God

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The Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit

SYMBOL OF TRINITY

What is Trinity?

Trinity is a concept or doctrine describing ”Three-in–One- nature” of One Almighty God.[Inferred in: Genesis 1:26/John 17:21]. It is about the invisibility of God revealed through the Bible to be understood in three natures.

The three natures are:-

(i) God as spiritual Father in heaven – reflecting God’s fatherly love and great providence for humankinds.

(ii) God’s Word [or Kalimatullah] sent down to earth through Virgin Birth [Inferred in John1:1-4; 14/Matthew 1:18; 20-2] in human form as Son in the person of Jesus Christ [or Yeshua al-Messiah] – reflecting and demonstrating God’s loving-kindness [like father-son relationship], His saving-grace, forgiveness, and empowerment over sins sickness/evil forces ...for believers and humankinds on earth. [Mark 16:17-18/John 1:12]

(iii) God’s own Holy Spirit or God’s invisible power by His omnipotent, omniscience, and omnipresence. [Inferred in Joel 2:28-29/Matthew 28:19/John 16:5-15/Acts 1:8/]

Is the word “Trinity” mentioned in the Bible?

No, there is not specific word “Trinity” written per se in the Bible. But the triune nature of God is inferred. Some of the inferences are already quoted above.

“The concept of Trinity contradicts the concept of your Christian belief in monotheism [believe in one God].Trinity also implies that you Christians believe in three distinctive gods namely: God the Father, God the Son in the person of Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit. What makes it even more confusing is when certain group of Christian referred to Mary as mother of God because Mary was the mother of Jesus Christ – implying that your God married”. The quotation is a summary of what someone said to me some years ago during an informal one-to-one-dialogue. To me the dialogue was useful. Below was my simple explanation in return.

The concept in regarding Jesus Christ as God’s Son can be understood contextually in term of four idiomatic comparisons or equivalent in Bahasa Malaysia below.

(i) The description of emerging moon at night is called “anak bulan”[literally means ”child of moon”]. Does it mean that there is male moon/bulan as father, and female moon/bulan as mother to produce “anak bulan”?

(ii) The description of small rivers being tributaries of a main river called “anak sungai” ”child of river”. Does it mean that there is male river/sungai as father, and female river/sungai as mother to produce “anak sungai”?

(iii) The description of an arrow as “anak panah” liyerally means ”child of an arrow”.......

(iv) The description of thumb as “ibu jari” (mother of fingers) hence implying that there is also “bapa jari” and “father of fingers” and “child of finger”.

The triune nature of God can be also understood in term of water in its liquid form, ice in its solid from, and steam in its boiling form [becoming power in propelling a steamship]. “Jesus Christ is Son of God” is Christian spiritual idiom to describe the nature of the invisible One God who said to Moses that His name was: “I AM WHO I AM” [Genesis 3:14]

To One Almighty God be gloty in Trinity !

About http://www.histruths.blogsopt.com

2011-06-19T01:48:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCING http://www.histruths.blogspot.com/

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:23
“Kita deka nemu utai ti bendar, lalu pemendar nya deka ngelepas ke kita.” John 8:32 “Kamu akan mengenal Allah, Oleh itu kamu akan dibenaskan.” Yohanes 8:32

This “histruths.blogspot.com” is purely about my layman understandings and personal interpretations of the Bible [or Bup Kudus or al-Kitab].

This blog spot DOES NOT in any way represent any particular church or Christian denomination, although I belong to a “protestant group’ called Gerija Anglika (or Anglican Diocese of Sarawak). The views, opinions, stories and experiences which I post in the blog are purely my own.

The prime purpose of this blog is to share some knowledge connected with selected biblical narratives, doctrines and teachings as I understand them in relationship to selected happenings and/or current issues connected with al-Kitab and Christianity (in which I am familiar).

The objective is to present or discuss the subject matters and/or issues analytically in order to understand and appreciate their inter-and-intra relationships or connections. It is NEVER to “menghina”, or seeks to despise religious beliefs and/or cultural practices of others.

It is hoped that the postings in this blog may of some value to readers and visitors to understaand and appreciate the timeless relevance of biblical narratives, historical facts, doctrines, and teachings in al-Kitab contextually. In doing so, it may be necessary to draw references and/or make comparisons with established and/or traditional religions and cultures at some points in the process of blogging. It is solely to explain certain or some issues better and clearer.

To the readers, users and visitors [out there], may this cyber forum serves its purpose better with your participation [in moderation] by sharing your knowledge, comments, opinions, views and questions.

The end-goal of this blog is to play a fractional role in the nation-building agenda in promoting religious understanding and tolerance toward creating a truly 1Malaysia in the midst the reality of “multi ... multi .....” in the country.

Salam 1Malaysia - The current nation-building slogan

To God be glory in the Highest !