Learning Tobe Humble

By Sahala Napitupulu.

{ In my Facebook, April 18, 2009, I said : lord, please help me, I want to write to my blog about learning tobe humble, it is one of my wrestlings..in Jesus name, Amen…Nancy Dinar, my beloved friend christian blogger from south Korea, gave comment : Humility is an urge tobe humble. Yo”ve got it, Bro..}

There is a Christian blogger from Jakarta, Indonesia. He, 46 years old, worked as journalist and corrector for some popular tabloid in Jakarta. He have written a book Terima Kasih Hampir Selesai, a biography about St.K.M.Sinaga, founder Insurance Bumi Asih Jaya, with preface by Dr.S.A.E.Nababan, ex-vicar H.K.B.P. He also editor some pocket book used to missionary in Indonesia.

Truely, he isn’t handsome. Maybe ugly man. But, he has good taste of life.He loves music, cinema, reading, writing and traveling. He has dreams. One of the dreams he wants to hangout from the city of Paris to Jerusalem. If you ask him why the city of Paris ? He always said that French’s culture and their life style more excited than others countries. Therefore, he learned French language every saturday at Centre Culturel Francais (CCF) in Salemba raya, Jakarta. Listening their music and going to cinema as well.

If you ask him why the city of Jerusalem ? He always said that reading the Holy Bible more beneficial than others books. In fact, the city of Jerusalem is the center history of Jews and Christian, before and after Christ Jesus come to the world. He expected one day he will be there take a pilgrim. He knows the power of dream, by faith to God everything is possible.

Last week the man was sad but now be happy. Nobody knows what’s going on, except God and himself. Really, there is something wrong in his mind or heart. But the main point here how God loves him. God reveals his sin. Terrible sin, that is sin of arrogance !

What happened ? Last week he felt as super star ! What a capable he is ! He thought that he more intelligent than the colleagues, friends, the servants of God. He proud for every thing his achievement. From proud to proud, from arrogant to arrogant he exposed. He don’t know the power of devil have come to him. The satan smiles upon him.

Fortunately, the power of Christ Jesus sheltered him. His Words reminds him and said : “ If you put yourself above others you will be put down.But if you humble yourself, you will be honoured ( Matthew 23 : 12, the Contemporary English Version of the Bible ) “.

The man shocked. Then the second Word came again and said : “ God opposes every one who is proud but He is kind to every one who is humble. Surrender to God.Resist the devil and he will run from you ( James 4 : 6-7, CEVB ) “

The man, immediately aware for his sin, the sin of arrogance. He come to Jesus. He raise pray with tears and request forgiven. Now, God smiles upon him. And the Christian blogger right now feel rejoice and he learn tobe humble. Merci beaucoup mon Dieu. J’aime Vous.

Photo : sonraycafe.com

My Beloved Christian Blogger

By Sahala napitupulu.

Our national seminar within theme in front of global crisis did by Indonesia Pentacostal Church (GPI) had finished. The whole program, date March 27-29, occured at Padepokan TMII, east Jakarta. More than six hundred people, mostly the servant of God came from north Sumatera as participant. For sure, they have received insight, impression even blessing from our lord Jesus as long as seminar. Hopely, they will grew up in faith, in method and preach to their congregation as output national seminar. However, I should appreciate to rev.Pantur Silaban as conceptor national seminar and chairman of committee, include all member of committee for their hard work, so that the whole program running well. The event or news ceremonial, I’ll repot in my Tapian magazine Indonesia, Mei edition.

The last but not least, I want to say thank you to my beloved friends christian blogger that I asked for pray, especially : Nancy Dinar (south Korea), Fidda Abbot (America), Christy Wenas Krause (America), Eldy (Malaysia), Riris Ernaeni (Jakarta) even Lisa Shaw (America). Your pray make it possible. May Jesus bless you all abundantly.

WE NEED YOUR PRAYER

By Sahala Napitupulu.

Brothers and sisters in the name of Christ Jesus, we are The Committee Seminar Nasional Hamba Tuhan from Indonesia Pentacostal Church (Gereja Pentakosta Indonesia) truely need your prayer. Seminar in perspective theologia on level national, will occur Maret 27-28, and theme seminar : How Ready Church and His Servants in Front of Global Crisis. As scripture 2 Timotius 3 : 1, said : “ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come “

Keynote speaker of seminar :

Dr.Rev.MH.Siburian, M.Min. ( leader from GPI)
Dr.Rev.Jakob Nahuway, MA (leader from GBI)
Dr. Rev.Jimmy B.Oentoro (leader from IFGF GISI)
Cornelius D.Ronowidjoyo (leader from PIKI)
Rev.M.K.Bennet, vicar from My Saviour’s Church Singapore

Continously seminar, the whole pastisipants seminar and congregation will make devotional service and praise to lord Jesus (KKR) at night with location Padepokan Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. The date, Maret 29, Sunday Service with the holy sacrament, baptize in water, blessing to the children and blessing to the teachers of Sunday School from Indonesia Pentacostal Church.

We hope the Power of the Holy Spirit will pour out abundantly as long as seminar and devotional service. Even the Miracles from Him will came down. Our projection, partisipants seminar about 1000 people, mostly they are servants of God.Brothers and sisters in the name of Christ Jesus, please take your time to pray. We need your prayer. We believe the power of pray fom the body of Christ will make it happen. .May Jesus bless you all. –Sahala Napitupulu as Coordinator publication and documentation.

* photo : http://www.bostonnetc.com/

Jesus and the Second Coming

By Sahala Napitupulu

Until today we have been waiting for Jesus will come to the world. We wait for His second coming. I believe that His promise will be done. Sooner or later, Jesus will come. But, the main question is, what are you doing while you waiting for Him ?

22 years ago when I studied Theatre in Jakarta Institute of Arts, I was introduced to Samuel Beckett’s play. Beckett was awarded the Nobel Prize in litrature in 1969. Drama Un Attendant Godot or Waiting for Godot, is one of Samuel Beckett’s very famous play and was translated more than 20 languages in the world. The original play was written by Beckett in French, between October 9,1948 and January 29, 1949. The premiere play was on January 5, 1953 n the Theatre de Babylone was directed by Roger Blin ; who also played the role of Pozzo.

I love its story, characters and scene by scene. Comical and some times sad, between dream and reality, between cry and laught some times to be one. So I’ had seen the performance Waiting for Godot at Taman Ismail Marzuki Jakarta Center of Arts several times. The story Waiting for Godot about two men, Vladimir and Estragon or called Didi and Gogo, were waiting for someone named master Godot. But who is Godot ? They don’t know him.

Once in while they were waiting for master Godot--some interpreters said that Godot come from the word "God "-- Didi and Gogo have to kill time : they played games, excirces, sing songs, make jokes and discuss the holy bible. They discussed about repentance, particularly in relation to two thieves crucified alongside Jesus. And the fact that only one of the four Gospel mentions that one of them was saved. “ We’re saved ! “ they cried on more than one occasion when they feel that Godot may be come. But until curtain of the stage closed, master Godot never come. He sent promised to them through a boy that the day after he would.

Actually we are waiting for the Lord Jesus. But Christ Jesus not same with Godot. Jesus will come, for sure. Scripture said that heaven and earth shall pass away, but His Words to be done. “ And, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man accrording as his works shall be, “ said His Word in Revelation 22 : 12.

In waiting for His second coming, we must play our role in life, which is specially our role to preach the Gospel for all nations. We must teach all nations that He is the only one way, truth and life. No man come unto the Father but by Him (john.14: 6 ). Now it is time to be prepared for His second coming. But I want to remind you that many people have tried to set the date of the Second Coming and have been proven wrong by history. Even People who swore in sincerity or the Holy Spirit had told them.

Yes, we are waiting for the Lord Jesus. But the main point here is : watch youself for you don’t know when Jesus return. God bless you all.

* photo : profile.myspace.com

The Best Love of Loves

By Sahala Napitupulu.

Every date Februari 14th, we celebrate Valentine Day. I see it is an extraordinary phenomenon, especially in Jakarta. Many hotels, cafes, supermarkets or malls made Valentines celebration. Infotaiment Tabloid genie, in which I worked as corrector for journalist's writings, have launched Valentine special edition. Televisions running well for days showing love story. Even designers have launched their new trends with colorful and stylish Valentine Day. Truly I love Valentine Day. One of my reasons, it have made people more romantic, tender and elegant. Indonesian people said it is the day of love. So, if you were a man with a wife or a boy with a girlfriend, make sure your lover be happy by sending a gift for Valentine Day. The most Simple thing, you should buy flowers or chocolates. You can give them with card contains the words of love. Or whatever you think are good ideas to make your spouse become happier. Let it be, your lover knows how deep is your love, hope and dreams.

Yes, love always amazing. Love always creates stories. And the stories of love always fascinating. Many beautiful poems, great plays, awesome paintings and others art were created when someone fall in love. For example, the king Solomon who had written the book Song of Songs. The background of this book that king Solomon fell in love with Sulami, one of the women who worked in his vineyard. This book is a collection of songs or poems, in which a man and a woman tell about their love for each other. But some interpreters believe that the man and woman stand for God and His people or Christ Jesus and the Church. About love, Solomon said here : Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm, for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love, rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love it would be utterly scorned ( Song of Songs 8 : 6-7 )

Concerning about love, I want to tell you about the best love of loves. The best love from lord Christ Jesus. I want you to know Him. He is God. And God is love. He loves every body. You have to know that Jesus loves you, whoever you are. His love will be the most precious gift in your life, even to future life (read also my posting There is Life After Death). Here is my testimony. When I received His love, twenty years ago, my life truly have changed. Peace, rejoice, compassion flowing down from His love, like running water in my soul. How amazing His love is!

Are you a Valentiner or do you want to make a celebration ? If you are, I want to remind you that the best love of all love is sourced from God. Remember God is love! Now, as my Valentine’s gift, here I quoted what scripture said about His love :

* For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life ( John 3 : 16 )

* This is how God showed his love among us. He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoningt sacrifice our sins. ( I John 4 : 9-10 )

* In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us ( Romans 8 : 37 )

* Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered His life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God ( Ephesians 5 : 2 )

Happy Valentine Day ! May God bless you all abudantly !

* the whole verse above, quoted from The New International Version Bible.

There is Life After Death

By Sahala Napitupulu.

Recently days, I receive some news. One SMS said, a woman from our Indonesian Pentacostal Church (GPI) congregation has gone after therapy in hospital for months. Others by phone said, one of our family has passed away after their ship on the sea was broken by stormy wind. Then, I read some writings, from my beloved friends Christian blogger. They talk about death as well. Inspired by one theme, I decided to post my writing.

One day, sooner or later, we have to die. You are rich or poor, male or female, old or young, smart or stupid, atheist or follower of Christ. We must left this world. One of the reasons, we have limited time on earth. Concerning about death, for some people see that death is like nightmare and dreadful. Others see like one had gone vanished. Some people see it is like mistery . I don’t know which one you are.

But I want to share with you how wonderful Paul’s insight is. I agree one hundred percent with Paul. For Paul, death is really not a dreadful and not a nightmare. Paul said that death is benefit ! Yes, benefit ! In his letter to the congregation in Corinthians, Paul wrote : O death, where is your sting ? O grave, where is your victory ? ( I Corinthians 15 : 55 ) This is not Paul’s question. I think this is Paul’ terminology despise or mock about death. Have you seen the point of view ? I have two important points to explain Paul’s insight.

First, Paul lived life in Christ. And Jesus has defeated the death. Scripture said, the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. And the sting of death is sin. And the strength of sin is the law. But praise Lord, Yesus had redeem us from the curse of the law. For it is written, cursed any one that hang on the cross (Galatians 3 : 13 )Thanks be to God, Yesus had been hang on the cross. He died for us. He died for our sin. Then, He was buried and rose again on the third day. That means, the sting of death, the strength of sin had been defeated by Him. And the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ had given for Paul. Not only Paul, but every believer in Jesus.

Second, there is life after death. We have limited time on earth, of course. But this is good news, we have unlimited time after death. We have beautiful place in there . Jesus said, in my Father’s house are many mansions. Scripture named the place Heaven, the New Jerusalem, the City Without Night, the City Without Tears or the Kingdom of God. Paul, disciples, believers will be there with Yesus forever and ever.

Now, let me ask you : have you received Yesus as your redeemer ? Do you live your life still in sin ? Don’t be late. Make decision, wise decision right now to invite Him come to your heart, come to redeem you from your sin. You have to know that God is love. For His loves upon us, He gave His Son Yesus, so that whoever believed in Him should not perish but have everlasting life ( John 3 : 16 ) . Don’t be late to make decision because there is life after death in Jesus.

(foto : www.daylife.com)

Tuhan, Ijinkan Aku Menangis di Hari Natal ini

By Sahala Napitupulu.

“ Beginilah firman Tuhan : Dengarlah! Di Rama terdengar ratapan, tangisan yang pahit pedih ; Rahel menangisi anak-anaknya, ia tidak mau dihibur karena anak-anaknya, sebab mereka tidak ada lagi “-- (Yeremia 31 :15 & Matius 2 : 18)

Hari ini, tanggal 24 Desember 2008. Saya mencoba merenungkan kembali peristiwa kelahiran Yesus Kristus di bumi. Yesus lahir dalam kurun waktu lebih dari dua ribu tahun yang silam. Dan sekarang kita rayakan sebagai peristiwa Natal. Ingatan saya sempat melayang kepada masa kanak-kanak . Dalam setiap tgl.24 Desember malam, di gereja saya berdiri diantara teman-teman sekolah minggu. Kami berliturgi. Kami membacakan ayat-ayat firman Tuhan tentang Kelahiran Yesus Kristus.

Setiap malam Natal kami tampak senang. Mengapa kami tampak senang ? Karena kami berliturgi selalu dengan memakai baju dan celana yang baru. Sehingga dalam pikiran kanak-kanak saya, perayaan Natal berarti punya baju dan celana baru. Demikianlah, tahun-tahun berganti hingga saya beranjak remaja dan dewasa. Dalam pikiran saya yang mulai dewasa, perayaan Natal itu ternyata tidak lagi sekedar mengenakan baju dan celana baru. Natal berarti juga mengirimkan kartu-kartu natal kepada saudara dan teman-teman. Tak ketinggalan, di rumah dan di gereja saya ikut sibuk menghiasi pohon Natal. Disitu ada kegembiraan dan mungkin juga perasaan bangga, karena perayaan Natal itu sifatnya mendunia. Ya, hanya sejauh itu. Tapi, dibalik semua itu, ternyata saya belum menemukan makna Natal yang sejati.

Makna Natal yang sejati kutemukan setelah saya menerima Yesus sebagai Tuhanku, sebagai Juru Selamat hidupku pribadi. Itu terjadi setelah pertobatan saya di thn.1988. Sesudahnya, banyak hal yang berubah dalam pandangan saya. Di sini baju dan celana yang baru tidak lagi penting. Pohon-pohon natal, lampu-lampu dan hiasan natal atau kado natal sekalipun, kini tidak lagi terlalu istimewa buatku. Artinya, kalau semua itu ada saya bersuka cita. Kalaupun semua itu tidak ada, saya pun masih tetap bersuka cita. Jadi, semua itu ada atau tiada tak menjadi masalah buatku. Sebab semua itu hanya kemasan Natal. Dan Natal sejatinya tentu bukan dalam kemasannya.

Bagaimana dengan perayaan Natal tahun 2008 ini ? Jujur, saya ingin merayakan Natal kali ini dengan tetesan Air mata. Ya, saya ingin menangis kepada Tuhan. Dan biarlah Airmataku tumpah untuk dua persembahan. Satu persembahan Airmata ini untuk bayi-bayi yang mati dibunuh oleh pasukan Herodes saat Yesus lahir di dunia. Mereka telah menjadi korban kekejaman raja Herodes. Juga untuk para orangtua yang telah melahirkan bayi-bayi tersebut. Tentunya, mereka sangat berduka kala itu. Sebutlah Airmataku ini tanda turut berduka cita. Dan satu persembahan lagi, untuk Yesus yang telah lahir dan datang ke dunia ini. Dia datang untuk memberikan keselamatan hidup yang kekal kepada setiap orang yang percaya kepadaNya. Inilah air mata suka citaku. Suka cita karena Allah sendiri telah datang kepada manusia. Tuhan, ijinkanlah aku menangis di hari Natal ini.