BETHANY INTERNATIONAL CHURCH MELBOURNES E P T E M B E R E D I T I O N

P A R A B L E S O F T H E K I N G D O M

for my house will be calleda house of prayer for all nations

table of

devotional from jakarta 01-05 devotional 06-12

prayer for nation 13

cool list 14

church schedule 15

C O N T E N T

Kristen Sombong Tidak Bertumbuh

“Ketika aku kanak-kanak, aku berkata-kata seperti kanak-kanak, aku merasa seperti kanak-kanak, aku berpikir seperti kanak-kanak.

Sekarang sesudah aku menjadi dewasa, aku meninggalkan sifat kanak-kanak itu. Karena sekarang kita melihat dalam cermin suatu gambaran yang samar-

samar, tetapi nanti kita akan melihat muka dengan muka. Sekarang aku hanya mengenal dengan tidak sempurna,

tetapi nanti aku akan mengenal dengan sempurna, seperti aku sendiri dikenal.”

1 Kor 13:11-12

MANDAT UNTUK BERTUMBUHPaulus mengingatkan jemaat Korintus untuk bertumbuh dewasa. Dalam 1 Korintus 13 ini, kita bisa melihat seolah-olah ia ingin mengatakan bahwa sifat kedewasaan itu dicapai melalui kematangan kasih dan ditinggalkannya sifat kekanak-kanakan. Sehingga pada saat kita bercermin, awalnya kita masih melihat secara samar-samar, tetapi nantinya kita akan melihat kasih itu (Karakter Yesus) makin jelas.

Pesan ini sejalan dengan perumpamaan Yesus tentang pohon ara yang ditanam di kebun anggur (Lukas 13:6-9). Anugerah Tuhan membuat kita yang tadinya berada di luar perjanjian Allah, menjadi ditanam di dalam Perjanjian Allah. Ini digambarkan seperti pohon ara yang ditanam di sebuah kebun anggur. Pohon itu diharapkan dan dimaksudkan untuk bertumbuh dan berbuah, apalagi pohon itu sudah menerima fasilitas yang seharusnya hanya diterima oleh pohon anggur yang di dalam. Kesimpulan sederhana yang bisa kita ambil dari 2 perumpamaan ini adalah “Orang Kristen Wajib Bertumbuh.”

NEPHIOS MENJADI ANERMenurut kamus STRONG, kata ‘kanak-kanak’ dalam I Korintus 13 ini berasal dari bahasa Yunani νήπιος (Nephios) yang diterjemahkan sebagai

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bayi (jasmani), orang yang pikirannya pendek atau orang Kristen yang belum matang.

Kamus THAYER menambahkan dengan satu terjemahan yang menarik, yaitu ‘untaught’ (belum diajar) dan ‘unskilled’ (belum terlatih). Sementara kata ‘dewasa’ dalam pasal ini berasal dari kata Yunani ἀνήρ (Aner). Baik kamus STRONG maupun kamus THAYER, menerjemahkannya sebagai orang/pria dewasa yang diakui kematangannya. Kematangan kedewasaan yang dimaksudkan oleh Paulus adalah sebuah kualitas pribadi dewasa yang diakui dan terlihat oleh sesama.

Paulus mengajar agar kita meninggalkan sifat kanak-kanak dan menjadi dewasa. Tinggalkan sifat ‘Nephios’ dan memiliki sifat ‘Aner’. Sifat Nephios terlihat dari cara berkata-kata (Yun: ‘Laleo’), cara merasakan (Yun: ‘Phroneo’) dan cara berpikir (Yun: ‘Logizomai’). Tiga indikator ini mudah terlihat dalam hidup keseharian.

INDIKATOR KEDEWASAAN Ada 3 indikator yang bisa kita lihat di dalam kedewasaan rohani seseorang, yaitu:

1. Cara Berkata-kata (Laleo) Dari kata-kata yang sering diucapkan, pendengar akan dapat menyimpulkan kepentingan utama seseorang di setiap percakapan; bagaimana pemilihan kata dan kalimatnya, tingkat kematangan penyampaian nada dan intonasi, serta perlakuan terhadap lawan bicara.

Percakapan menjadi media untuk menilai dan mendalami pribadi seseorang. Bukankah menarik, bila kita membandingkan dengan hasil survei, bahwa salah satu masalah terbesar dalam hidup adalah komunikasi?

2. Cara Merasakan (Phroneo)Phroneo memiliki arti sebagai cara merasa atau cara mengerti, memahami, menyerap dan menangkap sesuatu. Hal ini amat ditentukan oleh wawasan yang dimiliki, gambar diri orang Kristen itu, dan informasi yang ia terima/tangkap dan kematangan emosional. • Apa yang akan orang Kristen lakukan dalam ketidakadilan?

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• Bagaimana menghadapi tekanan? • Apakah perlu menghadapi sebuah konflik dan kapan menghindarinya? • Mampukah membedakan hal yang dihadapi itu tekanan atau dorongan?

3. Cara Berpikir (Logozomai)Logizomai memiliki arti sebagai cara berpikir. Logizomai akan nampak lewat kata-kata, keputusan, sikap dan tindakan seseorang. Apa respon orang Kristen bila dalam tekanan atau masalah, bagaimana cara ia bertindak atau melangkah, bagaimana etika dalam tindakannya, bagaimana ia menjaga agar tindakannya tidak merugikan orang lain.

Mampu bertindak dalam hidup itu adalah satu hal, tetapi bertindak tanpa merugikan orang lain adalah hal lain lagi. Keseluruhan tindakan seseorang menunjukkan pikiran orang itu. Menarik untuk dicermati, dunia psikologi menyatakan kehidupan seseorang bergantung sekitar 80% pada tindakan orang itu sendiri, dan hanya sekitar 20% dipengaruhi oleh tindakan orang lain.

Memahami ketiga indikator di atas adalah objek pembentukan, ditambah pemahaman bahwa Tuhan mau semua orang Kristen menjadi dewasa secara rohani dan jiwani. Maka tidaklah heran bila Paulus dalam surat kepada jemaat di Roma mengatakan bahwa Allah memakai segala sesuatu untuk mendatangkan kebaikan, yaitu perubahan karakter menjadi seperti Yesus Kristus. (Roma 8:28-29)

Semua hal, baik yang manusia Kristen sukai maupun tidak, dihadirkan dan digunakan Allah untuk proses perubahan. ‘Nephios’ berubah menjadi ‘Aner’.

Kehidupan Kristen bukanlah seperti lari cepat 100 meter, tetapi seperti lari marathon yang akan menguji stamina rohani kita sampai batas.

Tidak pernah ada kematangan instan ataupun kekudusan instan. J. Oswald Sanders

KESOMBONGAN ADALAH MUSUH PERTUMBUHANPengertian sifat anak-anak (nephios) salah satunya adalah untaught (belum diajar) dan unskilled (belum dilatih). • Diajar berarti proses dilengkapi dengan pemahaman, pengetahuan, etika dan kecerdasan yang diperlukan.

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• Dilatih berarti proses penguasaan penerapan dari semua pengetahuan yang diajar dan akumulasi pengalaman.

Kedua proses ini tidak mungkin dilalui sendiri atau mandiri.

Orang Kristen butuh manusia lain untuk terlibat dalam kedua proses ini. Baik superior di atas seseorang, atau sejajar di sekitar seseorang dan subordinat di bawah seseorang.

Seperti kata Amsal 27:17, “Besi menajamkan besi, orang menajamkan sesamanya.”

Dengan demikian, apakah orang yang sombong dapat ditajamkan?Thomas Aquinas mengutip Gregorius Agung, menggolongkan kesombongan dalam 4 hal:1. Merasa bahwa segala yang baik, yang ada, berasal dari dirinya sendiri. Dirinya benar, orang lain salah. Dirinya baik, orang lain kurang baik.2. Merasa semua yang baik berasal dari Tuhan, namun karena jasa dan usahanya. Yang baik hanya Tuhan dan dirinya. 3. Membanggakan sesuatu yang tidak dimilikinya. 4. Membanggakan yang tidak ada atau pernah ada dan sekarang tidak ada lagi.Memandang rendah orang lain dan merasa sebagai satu-satunya pemilik dari apa yang dimilikinya.

Empat hal di atas jelas menunjukkan bahwa orang Kristen yang sombong akan sulit dibentuk dan bertumbuh. Bagaimana bisa dibentuk bila orang itu merasa dirinya sudah baik? Kebutuhan untuk diperbaiki tidak dirasakan oleh orang Kristen yang sombong ini. Orang yang tidak bisa menerima mentoring dari superiornya, akan gagal melihat orang lain berada antara dirinya dan Tuhan. Akibatnya, bila Tuhan sedang memakai orang-orang di sekitarnya, untuk membentuknya, maka orang Kristen sombong ini akan sulit menerima masukan apalagi teguran untuk perubahan dan pertumbuhan dirinya. Tidak heran dari 7 perkara yang dibenci Tuhan, kesombongan berada di urutan pertama. (Amsal 6: 16-19)

KERENDAHAN HATI ADALAH KUNCI PERTUMBUHANBertumbuh menjadi seperti Yesus akan membawa orang Kristen naik dari

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kemuliaan kepada kemuliaan yang lebih besar. Orang Kristen yang tinggi hati akan direndahkan, tetapi orang yang rendah hati akan ditinggikan. (Lukas 14:11)

Dalam proses diajar dan dilatih, Tuhan menuntun tiap orang Kristen untuk lulus dengan baik dalam proses masing-masing. Mereka yang rendah hati akan mudah dituntun oleh Tuhan. (Mazmur 25)

Ketika dalam proses pembentukan itu, orang Kristen bisa merasa kehilangan akal, bahkan merasa kehilangan harapan, maka hikmat dari Tuhan akan mengalir dan memenuhi orang Kristen yang rendah hati. (Amsal 11:2b)

Dalam proses yang dilalui untuk meninggalkan sifat kanak-kanak, tidak jarang seolah Tuhan meremukkan seseorang dengan proses yang berat. Namun dalam keadaan demikianpun, orang Kristen yang rendah hati akan menemukan Tuhan dekat tinggal bersamanya. (Yesaya 57: 15)

Akhirnya orang Kristen yang rendah hati akan mewarisi janji Allah dan hidup sejahtera dalam rencana dan kehendak-Nya. (Mazmur 37: 11)

Bukankah lucu, bagaimana hari lepas hari seperti tidak ada yang berubah, namun ketika Anda melihat ke belakang, ternyata semuanya sudah berbeda. C.S.Lewis

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ReadProverbs 4:10–27

08SEPT

Bible in a YearProverbs 3–5; 2 Corinthians 1

I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.Proverbs 4:11

By Kirsten Holmberg

Downhill skiing racecourses are often marked by swaths of blue paint sprayed across the white, snowy surface. The crude arcs might be a visual distraction for spectators but prove to be vital to both the success and safety of the competitors. The paint serves as a guide for the racers to visualize the fastest line to the bottom of the hill. Additionally, the contrast of the paint against the snow offers racers depth perception, which is critical to their safety when traveling at such high rates of speed.

Solomon begs his sons to seek wisdom in hopes of keeping them safe on the racecourse of life. Like the blue lines, wisdom, he says, will “lead [them] along straight paths” and keep them from stumbling (Proverbs 4:11–12). His deepest hope as a father is for his sons to enjoy a rich life, free from the damaging effects of living apart from the wisdom of God.

God, as our loving Father, offers us “blue-line” guidance in the Bible. While He’s given us the freedom to “ski” wherever we like, the wisdom He offers in the Scriptures, like racecourse markers, are “life to those who find them” (v. 22). When we turn from evil and walk instead with Him, our path will be lit with His righteousness, keeping our feet from stumbling and guiding us onward each day (vv. 12, 18).

How has reflecting on the wisdom of God kept you from stumbling? In what ways are you becoming more like

Jesus?

Blue Lines

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By Adam Holz

ReadRevelation 21:1–5

Bible in a YearProverbs 6–7; 2

Corinthians 2

He will wipe every tear from

their eyes.Revelation 21:4

09SEPT My supervisor is a huge fan of a certain college basketball

team. This year, they won the national championship, so another coworker texted him congratulations. The only problem was my boss hadn’t yet had a chance to watch the final game! He was frustrated, he said, knowing the outcome beforehand. But, he admitted, at least when he watched the game he wasn’t nervous when the score stayed close to the end. He knew who won!

We never really know what tomorrow will hold. Some days can feel mundane and tedious, while other days are filled with joy. Still other times, life can be grueling, agonizing even, for long periods of time.

But despite life’s unpredictable ups and downs, we can still be securely grounded in God’s peace. Because, like my supervisor, we know the end of the story. We know who “wins.”

Revelation, the Bible’s final book, lifts the curtain on that spectacular finale. After the final defeat of death and evil (20:10, 14), John describes a beautiful victory scene (21:1–3) where God makes His home with His people (v. 3) and wipes “every tear from their eyes” in a world with “no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (v. 4).

On difficult days, we can cling to this promise. No more loss or weeping. No more what-ifs or broken hearts. Instead, we’ll spend eternity together with our Savior. What a glorious celebration that will be!

How can the hope of heaven give you strength? How might your favorite “happily ever after” story echo

Revelation 21?

When We Know Who Wins

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ReadPsalm 23

10SEPT

Bible in a YearProverbs 8–9; 2 Corinthians 3

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.Psalm 23:4

By Lisa M. Samra

In 1957, Melba Pattillo Beals was selected to be one of the “Little Rock Nine,” a group of nine African American students who first integrated the previously all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. In her 2018 memoir, I Will Not Fear: My Story of a Lifetime of Building Faith under Fire, Beals gives a heartbreaking account of the injustices and harassment she struggled to face courageously every day as a fifteen-year-old student.But she also wrote about her deep faith in God. In her darkest moments, when fear almost overwhelmed her, Beals repeated the familiar Bible verses she had learned at an early age from her grandmother. As she recited them, she was reminded of God’s presence with her, and Scripture gave her courage to endure.

Beals frequently recited Psalm 23, finding comfort in confessing, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (v. 4). Her grandmother’s encouragement would ring through her ears as well, reassuring her that God “is as close as your skin, and you have only to call on Him for help.”

Although our particular situations may vary, we will all likely endure difficult struggles and overwhelming circumstances that could easily cause us to give in to fear. In those moments, may your heart find encouragement in the truth that God’s powerful presence is always with us.

When have you felt God’s presence in a fearful situation? How is it comforting to know that God is always with

you?

I Will Fear No Evil

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By Dave Branon

Read2 Corinthians

4:16–5:9

Bible in a YearProverbs 10–12; 2

Corinthians 4

Therefore we do not lose

heart. Though outwardly we

are wasting away, yet

inwardly we are being renewed

day by day.2 Corinthians

4:16

11SEPT The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a spectacular

building. Its architecture is spellbinding, and its stained-glass windows and beautiful interior features are breathtaking. But after centuries of towering over the Paris landscape, it needed renovation—which had begun when a devastating fire caused extensive damage to the glorious old building.

So the people who love this eight-century-old landmark are coming to its rescue. More than a billion dollars has been raised to restore the building. The stone structure must be shored up. The damaged interior and its prized artifacts need to be repaired. The effort is worthwhile, though, because for many this ancient cathedral stands as a symbol of hope.

What’s true of buildings is also true of us. Our bodies, like this old church, will eventually look a bit worse for wear! But as the apostle Paul explains, there’s good news: while we might gradually lose the physical vibrancy of youth, the core of who we are—our spiritual being—can be continually renewed and growing (2 Corinthians 4:16).

As “we make it our goal to please [the Lord]” (5:9), relying on the Holy Spirit to fill and transform us (3:18; Ephesians 5:18), our spiritual growth need never stop—no matter what our “building” looks like.

Where have you seen the Spirit renewing your spiritual being? How does the knowledge that our spiritual growth

never stops inspire you?

Better Than Ever

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10

ReadJames 3:1–6

12SEPT

Bible in a YearProverbs 13–15; 2 Corinthians 5

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.Ephesians 4:29

By Linda Washington

In West with the Night, author Beryl Markham detailed her work with Camciscan, a feisty stallion she was tasked with taming. She’d met her match with Camciscan. No matter what strategy she employed, she could never fully tame the proud stallion, chalking up only one victory over his stubborn will.

How many of us feel this way in the battle to tame our tongues? While James compares the tongue to the bit in a horse’s mouth or a ship’s rudder (James 3:3–5), he also laments, “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (v. 10).

So, how can we win the battle over the tongue? The apostle Paul offers tongue-taming advice. The first involves speaking only the truth (Ephesians 4:25). This is not a license to be painfully blunt, however. Paul follows up with “do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up” (v. 29). We can also take out the trash: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (v. 31). Is this easy? Not if we attempt to do it on our own. Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit who helps us as we rely on Him.

As Markham learned, consistency with Camciscan was needed in the battle of wills. Such is the case in the taming of the tongue.

What do you find most challenging in taming your tongue? What practical steps can you take to win the

battle in the coming week?

Tongue Tamers

By Xochitl Dixon

ReadProverbs 16:1–9

Bible in a YearProverbs 16–18; 2

Corinthians 6

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he

will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:3

13SEPT In Surprised by Joy, C. S. Lewis confessed he came

to Christianity at the age of thirty-three, “kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape.” Despite Lewis’s own personal resistance, his shortcomings, and the obstacles he faced, the Lord transformed him into a courageous and creative defender of the faith. Lewis proclaimed God’s truth and love through writing powerful essays and novels that are still being read, studied, and shared more than fifty-five years after his death. His life reflected his belief that a person is “never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.”

As we make plans and follow dreams, God can purify our motives and empower us to devote whatever we do to Him (Proverbs 16:1–3). From the most ordinary tasks to the greatest challenges, we can live for the glory of our almighty Maker, who “works out everything to its proper end” (v. 4). Every action, every word, and every thought can become an expression of heartfelt worship, a sacrificial gift to honor our Lord, as He watches over us (v. 7).

God can’t be limited by our limitations, our reservations, or our tendencies to settle or dream small. As we choose to live for Him—dedicated to and dependent on Him—He will bring about His plans for us. Whatever we do can be done with Him, for Him, and only because of Him.

How can Proverbs 16:3 help you be more confident in the use of your gifts? What steps can you take to honor God

as you follow a dream He’s placed on your heart?

Whatever We Do

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12

ReadJohn 12:37–43

14SEPT

Bible in a YearProverbs 19–21; 2 Corinthians 7

They would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear.John 12:42

By: Tim Gustafson

The film Paul, Apostle of Christ takes an unflinching look at persecution in the early days of the church. Even the movie’s minor characters reveal how dangerous it was to follow Jesus. Consider these roles listed in the credits: Beaten Woman; Beaten Man; Christian Victims 1, 2, and 3.

Identifying with Christ often came at a high cost. And in much of the world, it’s still dangerous to follow Jesus. Many in the church today can relate to that kind of persecution. Some of us, however, may feel “persecuted” prematurely—outraged any time our faith is mocked or we suspect we were passed over for a promotion because of our beliefs.

Obviously, there’s a colossal difference between sacrificing social status and sacrificing our lives. Realistically, though, self-interest, financial stability, and social acceptance have always been intense human motivators. We see this in the actions of some of Jesus’s earliest converts. The apostle John reports that, mere days before Jesus’s crucifixion, although most Israelites were still rejecting Him (John 12:37), many “even among the leaders believed” (v. 42). However, “They would not openly acknowledge their faith . . . for they loved human praise more than praise from God” (vv. 42–43).

Today we still face societal pressures (and worse) to keep our faith in Christ hidden. Whatever the cost, let’s stand together as a people who seek God’s approval more than human praise.

We might be tempted to judge the early believers who hid their faith, but are we any different? Are there times we choose to be quiet so we can hide our identification with

Jesus?

Whatever the Cost

Pray for

1. The root of all immorality starts in the family. Many families have broken relationship and left wounds on each family member, including Christian families. Pray that God’s love will restore the broken relationships in each of the family.

2. Pray especially for LGBT and transgender. Many of them have been experience bitterness in the past. Being abused, rejected and molested. Let them come and seek God, because only God could restore, heal and set them free.

3. Pray that the churches are ready to minister to these souls, by opening their hands, to accept them, help and guide them to return to the normal lives. They find the love of God through the ministry of the churches, not the other way around.

4. God has a plan and a purpose for every one of them. God has a good plan and a future. Every evil plan upon their life will be broken in the name of Jesus. Amen.

IMMORALITY

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COOLCommunity of Love

Berea-BethesdaBethlehem

BethanyBethelCana

CanaanEden

EkklesiaEmmaus

Ephratah

Ika, Mareta Felix, Fransisca Paulus, Erina Christy, Elvina Bobby, VissyKezia Jennifer, JessenEdo, IcaFabian, Priska Steven, Henry

MAIN

EphesiansIsraelJudahJudea

MacedoniaJeremiah

Andy, IwanAndre, Albert Michael, Rudy Edwin, Gerda Lily, Unggul Hariyanto, Ivan Cynthia Sandi Michael Moeidjiantho

Antioch (West)Tiberias (West)

Doncaster (East) Jerusalem (East)

Mt Hermon (East) Phillipi (East)

Shekinah (East) Tabernacle (East)

Westal (East)

FAMILYVania, Arthur Adela IntanAlicia, Sylvi EricSinta

180

GalileeGilgal-Carmel

Hebron-PhilippiHoreb

JordanMoriah

Philadelphia-PnielZion

Kevin, ReinettaErika, Mike, Rio, CynthiaYoseph, Rian Ferry, Febria Sony, WilfredElveiana, Kevin L Dwi, Vero Monica, Raymond

+61396999077 www.bethanymelb.org.au

Bethany International Church Melbourne@bicmelbourne

MAIN SERVICE8.30 am & 11 am

(Indonesian with English translation)

180 (TEENS)

8.45 am (English)

SUNDAY SCHOOL9 am (English)

NEXT GENERATION (YOUTH)

11 am (English)

EVENTSWorkers Prayer Meeting

Saturday, 14 September, 10 AM, BIC

Joint COOL with Ps Rubin AdiFriday, 20 September, 7 PM, BIC

BFF with Ps Ruben Adi Saturday, 21 September, BIC

PRAYER TOWERPoint Cook | Monday | 7:15 PM

BIC Melbourne | Tuesday | 6:30 PMMount Waverly | Wednesday | 7:15 PM

BIC Melbourne | Friday | 12:00 PMBIC Melbourne (Fasting Prayer) | Saturday | 10:00 AM

LADIES FELLLOWSHIPWomen of Impact CommunityTuesday 10:30 AM, at BIC

COOLFriday, 7:00 PM