Recent Updates 2013/01/22

Hey guys, now I've been working on something important, my dad's business stuffs haha
Short story, it's kind of tiring, I've spent 6+ hours/day at a cyber cafe for 3 days. Without doing anything fun (except playing Cat Mario, is it fun? Just try it, click HERE to download and you'll understand) while checking on the download progress.
At the first day, I had to click on each file just to download, there were 785 files and my recent download was 1.9 GB in size, luckily now it's within a rar folder. There are some more problems happened like ISP Server's disturbed connection and stuffs beyond my ability scope, and I prayed once again asking for God's guidance (if you understand the story behind this business, you'll see what I mean)

I'm reminded at Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 

 

Second, my pastor in GMI Bethlehem Palembang is one of writers for Manna Sorgawi, Pdt. Sadikin Gunawan. We had some conversations about things like theology, teaching English to his daughter, books he write (Rhema Sorgawi etc), Mansor's trip to Israel, blog writing and many more hahaha.
I think he's the second person at Bethlehem (since Cuantau Jefry Lie) that I can talk many things with.
I'm blessed to know him (well, I knew him since I was a kid, but you know, I didn't expect him to be this 'fun' regarding Christian's life :D)

So he offered me to read his book collections, mostly about theology, written by credible authors.
I was being alert whenever I heard the word 'Theology', I found it was fascinating since years ago (I studied theology from bible workshops), but I'm tired of facing people with theological knowledge minus heart of God, people who chase after the 'logos' but not God Himself, people who understand many things but do less things or even nothing at all, which doesn't show that they are Jesus' followers. I don't want to become one of them.

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

 

I prefer 'know less love more' to 'know more love less'
and I decided to walk my way focusing more on the heart of God, rather than on the knowledge

During my daily devotion, I was reminded that "everything about Jesus is good, even the knowledge itself". I know that God had led me to FGCC to prepare me more and more of God's heart before I'm equipped with more knowledge.
When the time comes that I should be equipped with more theology, I'll be prepared from the inside out.
I don't need to worry too much, to the point that I'm afraid of learning so-called theology.
If it is God's will, He'll prepare everything and of course He's wiser than anyone else.

I want to share some of  what I think interesting lesson I learnt :P
Matius 5:14
Kamu adalah terang dunia. Kota yang terletak di atas gunung tidak mungkin tersembunyi.

Adalah = bentuk penegasan (by Pdt. Sadikin Gunawan)
Bukan 'jadilah terang dunia'.
Kata 'jadilah', 'haruslah' itu berarti proses: belum menjadi -> sudah menjadi.
Again, you ARE the light

There must be something wrong if you are not (living as the light)

I also read some writings such as:

Sarita's post
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, "I have no delight in them"; -  Ecclesiastes 12:1

Her friend's post

And short sentence from Pdt. Petrus Agung's sermon by Yohana Setiani
We mostly talk about Jesus, but rarely talk with Jesus. Let's change that

"Let me give you the most important lesson in reading the Bible: have a humble heart.
Because if you got a proud heart, this is what you read, absolutely nothing.
You get nothing out of the Scriptures. Because the Bible says "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
If you got a humble heart and are seeking after the truth, you open up the Bible and it'll come alive"

- Ray Comfort

Source

Posts of Comfort

-Evangelism is like diving into an unheated swimming pool.
It takes courage to take the plunge, but the flesh quickly adjusts.

-READ Gen 12‐15. 13:9: In Christ we gladly give up our rights. God will give them back, if He sees fit, and that's all that really matters.

-If I can’t hate sin for what it is, I must hate it for what it does.

Ray Comfort

Reading YOUR Bible

Unexpected development today, from a simple twit about a Bible verse, I was led to another deeper study about this topic (maafkan gua, Angel. Kalo menumpahkan isi pikiran ke lu, tapi ga terlalu berat kan? kan? :P)

First of all, I found article about BIBLE's CONTRADICTION with the explanation from Answers in Genesis (you click on it if you want, but it's long, dan tolong jangan tanya apa isinya gua lagi males menulis kesimpulan *memelas)

HOW to read your Bible?
When I was younger *ceilee, I was taught this 'Inductive' way of reading (OIA):
ps: Praying to ask for God's guidance and wisdom before reading Bible is a MUST *end of story*.

1. Observation
What, Who, Where, When, Why + How and Conclusion

2. Interpretation
What's writers want us to understand from their writings?

You can (should) check and compare each writings using the facilities:
Another Bible translation: KJV, NAS, ESV etc
Bible Dictionary
Bible Maps
Commentaries (written by Theologians)
Concordances

To read Bible verse in parallel, most of the time I use: http://bible.cc/
(just type out your desired verse, and WOOSH, it'll give you almost all versions of Bible translations).
Ah yes, with Commentaries!!

For concordance, I use http://www.biblestudytools.com/
Choose KJV or NAS as your Bible translation, type out the verse, and check the 'Strongs Numbers' box on right side below 'version' box)

Bible.cc provides us the same facility of Strongs Concordance Numbers, but well, I've gotten used to Biblestudytools (thank you for asking)

3. Application
Know + Relate + Meditate + Practise
Yes, PRACTISE
Don't let your understanding be in vain because you are not practising it

You can find the full information HERE

WHY is this kind of "How to read Bible" important?
In short words: So that we are not translating it RANDOMLY or even according to what we 'think'.
Practise EXEGESIS, NOT EISEGESIS (I hope some readers understand these terms :P)

By understanding what the writers meant, we can understand more about God (because He inspired the writers). Bible is about God, God's Stories, God's Laws, God's Loves for us, while He is the main actor.
That's why I'm not the protagonist there (if you understand what I mean)

The most crucial point is: Understanding and reading your Bible in the right way is important (read: IMPORTANT), but don't forget to DO what the Bible says

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. - James 2:26

Let's become the DOERS of God's Words (starting with understanding the Words in the right way)

Random Updates

I feel like writing a really random post, so please don't mind my writing here

It's almost been 3 weeks since my arrival,

which means my holiday is almost over no it's not and some days left before studying again (it's almost the same as the story of pessimist vs optimist who are viewing a glass of water. But that's not my point here)
*next

I watched Hitam Putih today and the guest are Annisa Bahar with her daughter Juwita Bahar (if I'm not mistaken), what I saw was that Ms. Bahar wore a huge pair of earring.

I remember some people asked about my type of girlfriend-to-be

Some say I have high standards I do
Some (Ivan Jaya, to be precise) say my gf-to-be will be a nun
Some say she will be like Jesus
Some say (I did) that she's a tough, strong, huge, scary footballer that will score a goal at my goal post
etc etc

Told you not to bother reading this post :P

I'm also now facing a dilemma, in which I can't fulfill one of my 2013 Resolutions:

Doing simple and short work-out (push up, sit up, rope jumping) 2 times a week

I still do some sports like futsal and badminton here (can you imagine that I play futsal at 7 in the morning? It's like waking up for morning class in Uni, you know. I'm so diligent)

But whenever I try to do this workout, I face many problems such as weakened physical condition, delicious foods appeared, friends were coming to my house, having  influenza, and delicious foods appeared.

Hope I'll do at least one in this week

And last thing, a serious one

I'm preparing myself to share teachings at churches

My seniors asked me to share what I learnt in Malaysia (FGCC) with some people

Again, everything's from God and everything's for God

Story: "Difference in Love and Marriage"

I found this interesting (but true) article from somewhere over the rainbow facebook actually

Story : "Difference in Love and Marriage"...

A student asks a teacher, "What is love?"




The teacher said, "in order to answer your question, go to the wheat field and choose the biggest wheat and
come back.

But the rule is: you can go through them only once and cannot turn back to pick."

The student went to the field, go thru first row, he saw one big wheat, but he wonders... may be there is a
bigger one later.

Then he saw another bigger one... But may be there is an even bigger one waiting for him.

Later, when he finished more than half of the wheat field, he start to realize that the wheat is not as big as the
previous one he saw, he know he has missed the biggest one, and he regretted.

So, he ended up went back to the teacher with empty hand.

The teacher told him, "this is love... You keep looking for a better one, but when later you realise, you have
already miss the person..."

"What is marriage then?" the student asked.

The teacher said, "in order to answer your question, go to the corn field and choose the biggest corn and
come back. But the rule is: you can go through them only once and cannot turn back to pick."

The student went to the corn field, this time he is careful not to repeat the previous mistake, when he reach
the middle of the field, he has picked one medium corn that he feel satisfy, and come back to the teacher.
The teacher told him, "This time you bring back a corn. You look for one that is just nice, and you have faith
and believe this is the best one you get... This is marriage."

My Simple Happiness #2012

Yes, happiness doesn't necessarily have to be complicated
Alright, I think it's gonna be my last post with "2012 review" theme

Soo, these are what (I think) interesting during 2012

1. Getting injured at ISCF Futsal Cup 2012

Sounds silly? hahaha
Ga pernah gua cedera gara2 tanding futsal (ataupun futbol) sebelumnya

One of my injuries, this cool scar remained for 2 weeks haha.

Puji Tuhan, entah tulang tangan kaki gua lumayan kokoh atau gimana, kena sliding pun paling usap2 dikit terus maen lagi
And this time, I got my right ankle sprained and couldn't continue the match

My teammates often got this kind of injuries, Aloy, Andro, Jepe etc etc. Masa gua nggak pernah? hahaha

2. Guitar practise at FGCC Music Clinic

Bersama pelatih Spartan kita, Kak Tama Eka Prasetya Pakpahan
You can see how spartan he is:

"Takluklah kepadaku hai anak2"

Seorang cewek pernah ngomong sama gua kalo setelah ikutan Music Clinic ini, gua semakin bisa maen gitar n keliatan progressnya secara signifikan. Meski dia adek gua juga bilang genjrengan gua sangatlah cupu -_-

I'm truly happy you know, dulunya genjreng2 yang ga sampe selagu udah ga ngerti ini maen apaan, atau maennya C A Minor D Minor ke G pun culun2 (sekarang juga sih), dll dll. Eh sekarang mayan la, bisa nyanyiin reff lagu2 favorit dibarengin maen gitar dengan genjrengan satu arah hahaha

3. Getting to know my teammates in Fresh Ministry

Ipoh Trip

Leni's Farewell

My privilege to have been working together with all of you and it will be another, to work with same and new people in this team for one more period :D

4. Food-testing team

Bersama Ibu Peri, ce Kherina Suryadi yang suka edit2 foto dan selalu memasak makanan2 lezat dan gratis dan enak dan sering dan dan yang lainnya

First time joining the food-testing team :P

We Are Not Alone

Snow Flake, KLCC

Mafia Baru Tobat

FUNway

5. Mengenal orang2 luar biasa, as one big family in God

Guy's Fresh Com in Sunway

Ga mirip sih tapi yah oke la ya

FGCC Gahul 5 RM 2012

Monash Friends

Pre-Christmas Sunway

Fresh Com partners yang alay (kebangetan) tapi tetep awesome

ISCF Cup 2012 Euphoria
You can see I was wearing #42 jersey and had sprained ankle :P

ISCF Spirit, ISCF Cup 2012 winner + ISCF Full Team

Sg-Trip Team

Ko Budi + Ce Raissa's Wedding Day in Sg

Komsel Gabungan: Tea O' Ice + Rainbow 

Vocal Gathering (like finally) 2012

Akhirnya foto bareng juga sama Nonie haha.
Muka gua ga natural tapi ya sudahlah

FGCC Christmas Celebration 2012 #Luminous

TENGKIIUU for being the BEST part of my life!! 

(Ala Nonie Marshella) :P

Thank you guys, meeting you all is one of the proudest moments in my life and will always be
I am grateful for your presence in my life :D
I am sorry for everything I did wrong

Let your light shine
Let's face our new adventures in 2013
God bless

The Evidence Bible

I found it at Ray Comfort's page
I fell in love with it right away hahahah

The Evidence Bible. All you need to understand and defend your faith.
New King James Version. Includes a Concordance, Topical Subheads, and the Words of Jesus in red. Hardcover.

How do you respond when a coworker labels you intolerant for believing Jesus is the only way to God? How would you answer those who claim the Bible is filled with contradictions, or there is no absolute truth?

Newly revised and expanded, The Evidence Bible arms you not just with apologetic information to refute the arguments of skeptics, but with practical training on how to effectively and lovingly share the truth.

• Discover answers to over 200 questions such as: Why is there suffering? How could a loving God send people to hell? What about those who never hear of Jesus?

• In addition to thousands of verse-related comments, over 130 informative articles will help you better comprehend and communicate the Christian faith.

• Over two dozen articles on evolution will thoroughly prepare you to refute the theory.

• Dozens of articles on other religions will help you understand and address the beliefs of Mormons, Hindus, Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses, cults, etc.

• Hundreds of inspiring quotes from renowned Christian leaders and practical tips on defending your faith will greatly encourage and equip you.

The Evidence Bible provides powerful and compelling evidence that will enrich your trust in God and His Word, deepen your love for the truth, and enable you to radically impact those you care about.

Norman Geisler: "The Evidence Bible is filled with excellent apologetic tools and insights to help Christians reason with those who need to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I highly recommend it."

Franklin Graham: "In a day when Christians are too often silenced by the questions of skeptics, The Evidence Bible will help you be prepared to give an answer. Compiled by seasoned evangelist Ray Comfort, its innovative format makes it especially easy to use. You'll find it to be an invaluable tool for becoming a more effective witness."

D. James Kennedy: "The Evidence Bible is specifically designed to reinforce the faith of our times by offering hard evidence and scientific proof for the thinking mind."

Tim LaHaye: "The Evidence Bible is a handy tool for anyone interested in proving the reliability of Scripture, the deity of Jesus Christ, and the incredible offer of our eternal salvation. It makes the defense of Scripture easily understood and should be read by all serious Bible students."

Allan Parker, President, The Justice Foundation: "The Evidence Bible is the most interesting, amazing and useful Bible I have ever read. It has become my favorite of all and is incredibly useful for devotionals, evangelism, apologetics, and even nagging doubts or questions we hear in the world and don't quite have the answer. I urge everyone to have a copy."

Kirk Cameron: "The Evidence Bible is a reservoir overflowing with powerful quotes from famous people, amazing anecdotes, sobering last words, informative charts, and a wealth of irrefutable evidence to equip, encourage, and enlighten you, like nothing else could. I couldn't recommend it more highly."

Ken Ham: "In our modern scientific age when God's Word is coming under increasing attack, Christians need to be equipped with answers to defend the reliability of the Bible from its very first verse. I thank God for resources like The Evidence Bible and am glad to have had a small part in it."

Josh McDowell: "The Evidence Bible will certainly assist you to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks to give the reason for the hope that you have."

Posts of Comfort

Preachers who talk about everything but the reality of Hell, are likeable betrayers of the gospel.

Facebook Posts of Comfort

"JC Rider: Jacob, history absolutely does not prove "jesus" was real and most atheist and many historians believe he never lived. You are not educated on the historicity of this fictional character. No one wrote a single solitary word about this character until somewhere between. 40-100 years AFTER his supposed death. It's just mythology, which is why it is dying out." 

JC. Would you agree that the year in which we are living is 2013? Since Whom? (If you are not sure, your first two initials should give you a clue).

(Almost) Everything Important in 2012

2012 had been a pleasant journey for me personally

I can't even describe the whole things happened
(But well, please let me describe it through this blog huahaha)

- Starting with my 2012 Resolution after consulting with Ko Reza: Hanging out with Jesus and Holy Spirit (sound cliche, doesn't it? But it's true :D)
I've been walking on this journey to find out more about Him
My reason is simple "If we are to call Him God, Lover of my soul or Father, you should understand with your life those titles of Him. Noone would call a stranger (or a non-lover) as your lover, right?"

- Godly jealousy
I shared with my friends about this experience, which I was reminded about being 'complete' as a single.
God loves me too much to let me be lovey-dovey with a particular person, no not yet, not this time.

Even things that distract me most of all the times, manga, anime or anything.
He really dislikes when I'm not thinking of Him
It's affirming Ko Reza's sharing and Ko Geboy's sermon about "Surat Cinta Tuhan yang Bikin Guling2"

Renewing my resolution and improving my mindset regarding this matter, I focused on seeking Jesus

- Promotion
Viewing the previous days, I couldn't believe how much opportunities I've been trusted with.
Masih saja bingung soal teknik2 'worship leading', 'how to improve in singing' and my other life-long studies, gua sudah dipercayakan dengan banyak hal.
Memimpin pujian di acara Paskah (Servant King), acara Natal (Luminous) misalnya
Bertemu teman2 sepelayanan yang luar biasa, dan juga faithful yet excellent teammates in FGCC #Luminous

Bahkan sebelum itu, in 2011, I was trusted as Vocal Ministry Coordinator
Dan sekarang, as Fresh Ministry Coordinator menggantikan teman seperjuangan saya yang sudah lulus dan bekerja, Bu Leniwatih Handoko
many many things to be grateful for!!

Wow, who am I really?
I never miss the point I always say: It's not about us, it's about Jesus

- Apologetic and Evangelism
From Answers in Genesis' Demolishing Stronghold, until Living Waters' Way of the Master, I really learnt a loottt of things

I found who I am to be, my planning about future, my passion and my calling
I slowly began to understand the prices, risks, and facts in doing all these services

I have not completed my "What's next after I graduate?" plan yet
At least I know what I'm going to do, to keep, to bear in the future. Be it as a full-timer or a part-timer in this ministry

The more I see this thrilling yet exciting calling for me, I understand that some things should be done properly:
1. Getting more intimate with God
2. Faithful in what I've been given (Mechatronics Engineering in Monash, FGCC Fresh Ministry, Fresh Com, etc)
3. Communicating my plans with my family (believe me, not an easy task :D)
4. Finding out and doing what I have to do according to His plan (I'm seeking even more)

People asked me about this girlfriend topic and I found hard to explain it to some of them hahah
My calling in God is not an easy one (never be, for all God's followers, in meaning that you should carry His cross), so the question I'll ask to my gf-to-be is "Are you willing to suffer with me in fulfilling God's will?"

 27Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 
28in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 
29For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 
30experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

It's hard to find one like that, I know.

But I'm not afraid of my tomorrow, God will prepare a special one for me.
I will not focus on this thing, let's focus on what He wants us to do

Once I dreamed of building a happy family in God, but now I surrender everything to Him. Even if I am called to remain single for my whole life because of doing His will, I have no problem as well

(conversation with brother Brian Adam)

- Last thing in sequence, I am deeply grateful for everyone I know, especially in FGCC:

Ko Eddy and family, Kak Dicky and family, Kak Tama, Ko Geboy, Ko Epi,
Fresh Ministry Team 2011/2012 and 2012/2013
#Luminous Team (again)
Tea O' Ice, my family that I need
Brothers and Sisters in Christ


Thank you