Abstract:Suffering constitutes an inseparable aspect of the faith journey of believers; however, this reality is frequently misunderstood as a sign of divine punishment or spiritual failure. Such a perception has been further reinforced…
nforced by the influence of prosperity theology, which emphasizes material success, life comfort, and the absence of suffering as indicators of genuine faith. This situation raises a significant theological concern regarding how believers should properly understand and respond to suffering based on the testimony of Scripture. This study aims to examine the attitude that believers should adopt when facing suffering according to 1 Peter 4:12-19 and to elucidate the theological significance of suffering for the Christian life of faith. A qualitative approach employing a biblical–exegetical method is utilized to analyze the text through an examination of its historical, literary, and theological contexts. Data were collected through a literature review of the Bible, biblical commentaries, theological works, and relevant academic journal articles in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the theological message conveyed by the Apostle Peter. The findings indicate that suffering experienced by believers is neither unexpected nor contradictory to faith but rather an integral component of the calling to follow Christ. The Petrine epistle emphasizes that suffering functions as a means of refining faith, a form of participation in the sufferings of Christ, and an opportunity to glorify God through steadfast faithfulness. Believers are therefore called to respond to suffering with spiritual joy, perseverance in faith, and wholehearted trust in the faithful will of God. The study concludes that suffering possesses profound theological significance that shapes spiritual maturity and deepens one’s relationship with Christ. The novelty of this research lies in its reaffirmation of the biblical perspective on suffering as a constructive element of the Christian life, challenging the paradigm of prosperity theology while enriching pastoral understanding of faithful responses to suffering.
Abstract:This study explores the concept of covenant in the Pentateuch through a qualitative-descriptive approach that integrates historical and theological analysis of God’s covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Israel at Sinai. Historical…
istorical findings indicate that the covenantal structures in the Pentateuch correspond to treaty forms common in the Ancient Near East, particularly suzerainty treaties, yet the biblical covenants reveal a fundamental distinction by emphasizing God’s gracious initiative independent of political negotiations or human strategic interests. The theological examination affirms that the covenant is not merely a legalistic contract but a manifestation of God’s relational commitment that shapes the identity of His people as a covenant community grounded in divine faithfulness and promise. The Torah is understood as an expression of faith response arising from this covenantal relationship, rather than a prerequisite for salvation, thereby retaining its significance for the contemporary church as an ethical and spiritual framework guiding Christian praxis, character formation, and communal responsibility amid rapidly evolving social contexts. The integration of historical and theological perspectives demonstrates that the Pentateuchal covenant encompasses intertwined dynamics of grace, obligation, and identity formation, contributing theoretically to Old Testament studies, particularly covenant theology, while offering practical implications for ecclesial faith formation, the strengthening of communal spirituality, and ministry orientation rooted in a holistic understanding of the divine–human relationship. This research underscores the urgency of interpreting the Pentateuchal covenant through an interdisciplinary lens to meet the theological, ethical, and pastoral challenges faced by the church in the contemporary era.
Abstract:This study develops an interdisciplinary theological framework that integrates collective memory, a theology of woundedness, and local wisdom as epistemological and pastoral strategies for engaging with social trauma inscribed…
cribed in the communal body of postcolonial and post-conflict societies in Indonesia. Collective memory, as examined by Halbwachs, Assmann, and Volf, is not construed as a mere aggregation of historical facts but as a cultural construction that shapes theological identity through performative, ritualistic, and narrative social processes. The theology of woundedness, informed by the works of Rambo, Moltmann, Jones, and Brock, resists binary categorizations between suffering and salvation, positioning wounds instead as loci theologici—revelatory spaces wherein the Holy Spirit dwells amidst unhealed wounds as a manifestation of divine solidarity and the possibility of redemption. Employing a qualitative-descriptive methodological framework and contextual hermeneutics, this research investigates local narratives, healing rituals, customary symbols, and inculturated liturgies among Christian communities in Ambon, Poso, and East Nusa Tenggara. The findings suggest that local wisdom functions not merely as a cultural instrument but also as a sacramental medium through which the Spirit operates incarnationally. The integration of these three dimensions demonstrates that post-traumatic restoration cannot be reduced to psychological or therapeutic pastoral practices alone; rather, it demands a theologically transformative, contextually rooted, and dialogical articulation of the wounded social body. Within this construct, the Church is envisioned as an anamnetic community that employs collective memory as a praxis of salvation, regards local culture as a spiritual body, and embraces woundedness as a participatory locus within the salvific narrative. Accordingly, this study contributes a novel paradigm for contextual theology and pastoral praxis in multicultural societies marked by the legacy of historical suffering and the urgent need for reconciliation grounded in justice and memory.
Abstract:Kisah Naaman, seorang perwira Aram yang disembuhkan dari penyakit kusta dalam 2 Raja-Raja 5, memperoleh makna teologis yang lebih mendalam ketika Yesus menyebutnya dalam Lukas 4:27 sebagai satu-satunya yang disembuhkan pada…
ada zaman nabi Elisa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menelaah hubungan intertekstual antara kedua perikop tersebut melalui pendekatan teologi naratif dan intertekstualitas biblika. Fokus utama diarahkan pada eksplorasi makna teologis dari penyebutan tokoh non-Israel oleh Yesus, sekaligus implikasinya terhadap konsep universalitas anugerah Allah yang melampaui batas etnis, nasional, dan religius. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penyembuhan Naaman bukan sekadar mukjizat fisik, melainkan simbol keterbukaan keselamatan Allah bagi semua bangsa yang bersedia percaya dan taat kepada-Nya. Dengan mengutip kisah Naaman, Yesus menantang eksklusivisme religius yang sering kali membatasi karya Allah hanya pada kelompok tertentu, serta menyatakan inklusivitas misi Kerajaan Allah yang bersifat lintas batas dan transformatif. Narasi ini juga memperlihatkan bahwa karya keselamatan Allah sejak Perjanjian Lama sudah diarahkan pada pemulihan universal, yang mencapai puncaknya dalam pelayanan Yesus Kristus. Dengan demikian, kisah Naaman menegaskan pentingnya gereja masa kini untuk mewujudkan misi yang terbuka, kontekstual, dan inklusif, sebagai respons terhadap kasih karunia Allah yang tidak terbatas oleh kebangsaan, budaya, maupun tradisi keagamaan tertentu.
Abstract:Tulisan ini bertujuan mengkaji kehadiran Allah dalam pengalaman profetik Elia di 1 Raja-raja 19 melalui pendekatan teologis-naratif. Latar belakang penelitian ini muncul dari persoalan krusial: mengapa Elia mengalami keputusasaan…
utusasaan spiritual yang mendalam setelah kemenangan besar di Gunung Karmel, dan bagaimana Allah meresponsnya? Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa kehadiran Allah dinyatakan tidak melalui manifestasi spektakuler seperti api atau gempa, tetapi dalam "suara sepi yang lembut" yang bersifat personal dan pemulih. Kebaruan kajian ini terletak pada penekanan naratif-teologis bahwa kehadiran Allah justru paling nyata dalam keheningan dan kesendirian batin, bukan hanya dalam tindakan-tindakan mujizat. Dengan demikian, penelitian ini menawarkan suatu pemahaman alternatif mengenai cara Allah menyatakan diri dalam konteks penderitaan, trauma, dan krisis iman profetik.
Abstract:Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji secara ekspositori perikop 2 Raja-raja 6:8-9 untuk memahami strategi Kristen dalam menghadapi konflik. Permasalahan utama yang diangkat adalah bagaimana umat Kristen dapat menyusun strategi…
egi yang berlandaskan pewahyuan dan hikmat ilahi, bukan hanya pada pertimbangan rasional manusia. Teks ini menampilkan dua pendekatan yang kontras: strategi Raja Aram yang mengandalkan perencanaan manusiawi dan strategi Raja Israel yang bertumpu pada pewahyuan Tuhan melalui nabi Elisa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode ekspositori dengan analisis teologis-kontekstual, memperhatikan struktur teks, latar belakang historis, dan pesan teologis yang terkandung di dalamnya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa strategi Kristen lahir dari relasi intim dengan Tuhan, kepekaan terhadap suara-Nya, serta ketaatan dalam melaksanakan kehendak-Nya. Strategi ini bukan sekadar respons taktis, melainkan tindakan yang dipimpin oleh hikmat ilahi untuk menghadapi tantangan rohani maupun praktis. Penelitian ini menegaskan relevansi teks 2 Raja-raja 6:8-9 bagi kepemimpinan dan pelayanan Kristen kontemporer, khususnya dalam merespons konflik internal, membangun visi pelayanan, serta mengintegrasikan pewahyuan ilahi dalam pengambilan keputusan strategis. Kebaruan kajian ini terletak pada pendekatan ekspositori yang memadukan dimensi biblika, teologis, dan praktis dalam merumuskan paradigma strategis Kristen yang transformatif.
Abstract:Discussion of offerings cannot be separated from the Bible. In the Bible there are teachings about offerings that are worthy before God in both the Old and New Testaments, but does the giving of offerings have an effect…
on the progress of ministry and the spirituality of church members? The aim of the research is to find out, analyze, explore and test the description of the giving of offerings as well as the ministry and the spiritual progress of church members. Obtaining the influence of giving offerings on ministry, as well as the influence of giving offerings and serving on the spiritual progress of church members. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method, by analyzing and explaining the effect of offerings on the progress of ministry and the spirituality of Congregational Members. To be able to carry out effective evangelism, everything must be supported by the power of funding, this can be done through the calling of sacrifice to give offerings. Offerings are a means of funding evangelism to make it more effective. In this case all church members can be involved, and this affects the progress of ministry and spiritual growth.
Abstract:This research explores an in-depth understanding of the Prophet Isaiah's message about the strength of faith in facing times of trial, with a focus on analyzing the meaning of fasting in the context described in Isaiah 58:6-10.…
8:6-10. This research aims to understand how the Prophet Isaiah became an example of the strength of faith through the teachings of fasting, in line with his theological and contextual understanding. Text and context analysis methods are used to detail the meaning and implications of fasting in Isaiah's writings, with the aim of identifying teachings that can empower people to strengthen their faith during times of trial. It is hoped that the results of this research can contribute to practical and theological understanding of the power of faith in the context of trials, especially through understanding the message of the Prophet Isaiah about the meaning of fasting.
Abstract:This study aims to analyze the concept of spiritual example in Joshua's leadership and its impact on increasing spiritual perseverance in the context of leadership. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature…
review approach to explore the concept of spiritual example in Joshua's leadership and how this concept influences the increase of spiritual perseverance in the context of leadership. Through analysis of religious, theological, and leadership literature, this study reveals that Joshua, an ancient leader in the Bible story, represents a spiritual role model in leadership roles. Joshua's leadership characteristics that reflected spiritual values, such as integrity, firm faith, and commitment to moral goals, had a positive impact in guiding the Israelites and strengthening spiritual perseverance in the face of challenges. This study describes how Joshua's spiritual example inspires and guides community members to follow the spiritual values he exhibits. Furthermore, the implication of the concept of spiritual example in leadership is the potential to strengthen the moral and ethical foundations in leadership roles. This research also shows the importance of the spiritual dimension in forming meaningful and authentic leadership characters in dealing with modern dynamics. The results of this study have significant practical implications for contemporary leaders. An understanding of the concept of spiritual example in Joshua's leadership can help leaders integrate spiritual values into their leadership practices. As such, this research makes a valuable contribution to understanding the relationship between spiritual example, spiritual perseverance, and meaningful leadership in this complex world.
Abstract:This research aims to explore and analyze the service strategy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (GMAHK) in the Banjarmasin Congregation. Using a qualitative approach, this research explores various aspects of ministry…
strategies, including teaching, social service, and community involvement, to understand their impact on congregational growth and relationships with the community. The research population includes members of the GMAHK Banjarmasin congregation who are involved in church services. Data was collected through direct observation, interviews with church leaders, congregation members, and volunteers, as well as analysis of church documents. A thematic analysis approach is used to identify patterns and meaning related to service strategies. It is hoped that the results of this research will provide new insights that can increase the effectiveness of church services, especially in the context of the local culture and environment of the Banjarmasin congregation. By focusing on developing relevant and significant services, this research has the potential to make a positive contribution to the congregation's spiritual growth and positive interactions with the surrounding community.