Reformed Children

 Hello! Titus 3 is the last chapter of Titus. Here, Paul tells Titus to remind the people to be subject  to worldly authorities such as governments, to be peaceable and considerate. Once, we were foolish and disobedient snd pursued worldly pleasures, but we were saved and justified, and now we must devote ourselves and wash ourselves of sin. These are important things. However, what is not important to teach or to embrace in the church is foolish quarrels particularly about the law. These arguments are useless and unimportant. We should rebuke controversy makers only once, because they are sinful. Paul then ends with final remarks and eventually a final greeting, where he desires for Titus to come to where Paul is to help. We must devote ourselves for goodness, not unproductivity. Finally, Titus comes to a close with the final greeting.

 Hello! Titus 2 is the second first and second last chapter of the book of Titus. It is quite different in terms of topic to Titus 1. Rather of speaking about rebuke towards ungodly people, Titus 2 is about godliness and teaching and evangelizing others.  We must teach the sound doctrine according to the Scriptures. That includes teaching older men to be respected, temperate, self controlled, and faithful, older women to be evangelizers rather than people who do what is detestable to God, and to be kind. Young men should be self controlled, have integrity, be serious, and young women should love their family. Slaves should be obedient to their worldly masters. The apostles consider them bondservants (slaves) to God, and we must be obedient to God. The grace of God has offered salvation to us and has taught us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly pleasures and passions, but rather to be self controlled and godly while we wait for the second coming of Christ. These are things...

 * Announcement in end. Hello! Following 2 Timothy 3, we have a 3 chapter long book sent by Paul to another of his true sons in common faith: Titus in Crete, who has became a pastor there. For this is the first chapter of Titus, we must introduce..... -------------------------------| Titus Book Information Testament: New To: Titus From: Paul Chapter Count: 3 Themes: Church Leadership, Godliness for the Gospel Context: Titus was likely from Asia Minor, in modern day Turkey. He converted and became a close comapnion to Paul. During one of Paul's journeys, Paul left Titus in Crete, and Titus would become a bishop over the small island in the Aegean Sea. Paul sends a letter to Titus to advise him with his church leadership in the region. |-------------------------------| Titus has a four verse long greeting, longer than usual because Paul describes himself further, especially as an apostle of Christ that furthers the faith of the elect in the hope of eternal life which God has promised...

 Hello! Second Timothy's last chapter is 2 Timothy 3, which we will cover today. However, as normal, let us revise Second Timothy 2 so we can relate the lesson at the end of 2 Timothy 2 towards the theme in the final chapter of 2 Timothy and the final chapter of both Timothies.  2 Timothy 2 closes by telling us to gently instruct and rebuke, and we must try to turn people's hearts from evil to godliness that they may repent. We must be kind and must flee evil, wicked desires of youth and pursue godliness. However, in 2 Timothy 3 we see that in the last days, people will not try to do said things. They instead will be wicked - lovers of self and money, boastful, proud, disobedient, abusive, ungrateful, loveless, unholy, slanderous, unforgiving, etc.  They will oppose the truth and will be foolish. We must avoid these people that they may not contaminate us or be swayed by their ungodliness. Oppositely, we should live a godly life even when under persecution and be endurant...

 Hello! 2 Timothy 2 is the second last and second chapter of 2 Timothy 1. Let's do a quick review of 2 Timothy 1m which tells us to be loyal like Onesiphorus, who will be rewarded by God because of his loyalty to Paul and to God. In 2 Timothy 2, Paul commends us to be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus and become a "good soldier" of Christ Jesus, meaning we will suffer for Christ. We must devote and reflect our time for Christ and spread God's Word and we will be rewarded. Paul then warns Timothy of false teachers. We correctly must handle the Truth, that means we must avoid godless chatter so we don't morph to become ungodly, untruthful people who had distorted and changed the truth.  We must cleanse ourselves of wickedness that we may become instruments - tools - for the master (God)'s  work. This means we should flee evil desires and pursue righteousness and other virtues. We should be gentle and kind.

 Hello! Today is the introduction of 2 Timothy and the sumary of 2 Timothy 1. First, let us go through a simple introduction. -------------------------------| 2 Timothy Book Information Testament: New To: Timothy From: Paul Chapter Count: 4 Themes: Suffering, Truth, Godliness Context: Paul was in a dark jail and was about to die when he wrote the book of Second Timothy. This letter was sent to Timothy, a church  leader that had met Paul some time ago. |-------------------------------| 2 Timothy 1 consists of a greeting. 2 Timothy 1:3 begins the proper body of  2 Timothy. Like most of hid other letters, Paul gives thanks after the greeting towards God. The expression of thanksgiving is for how God made Timothy a sincerely faithful person. Paul thanks that the faith has passed on from his grandmother to his mother to him.  This is why Paul charges him to suffer to share the gospel and to evangelize towards others. We must evangelise but also teach the right doctrine, n...

 Hello! Today we will cover a general overview of Genesis after looking at the major stories - of 4 major events and major people. We will do it in a point format. 1. Genesis can tell us the true history of God's initial redemption plan. Genesis' events and stories are not just fantasy or fictional stories but true events. Genesis contains true events and people. But what is Genesis about? Genesis is about how God prepared a redemption plan even after the Fall and he would fulfill it -  he is faithful to His original redemption plan. In Genesis 3:15 we can see God has promised that, one day, a human will "strike your (Satan's) offspring's head and he (one of the descendants of Adam and Eve) will strike your head". In John 3:16 we see that God has sent His Son to be both 100% Human and 100% God on the earth to save us by dying for us. 2. Genesis can tell us who God is. If we want to know who God is, we must read the Scriptures. Genesis is a great book to learn ...

 Hello! 1 Timothy 6 is the last chapter of 1 Timothy. So by tommorow, we will cover 2 Timothy 1. 1 Timothy 6 is a very interesting and important topic. Yesterday, Paul explained how we should treat elders and widows. Now, Paul explains how we should treat "slaves". None of us are slaves of another person now, but there are equivalents in this present day. We should treat said people with kindness and even a serving heart. Paul says "they (masters) should serve them (slaves) even better" (at least if the master and slave is a believer). We must look after their welfare. If we are a "slave", we should respect our "master". We need to follow the true teaching of the Bible like the ones before or all throughout First Timothy. Do hot listen to false teachers whose actions result in envy, strife, and suspicion. These people think godliness is a method - a method to financially, have success. We cannot put money over godliness - money or and other poses...

 Hello! 1 Timothy 5 is the second last chapter of 1 Timothy and is mostly about certain social dynamics and the laws we  should keep to maintain these social relationships well. First, let us review briefly the previous chapter to get a wider grasp. 1 Timothy 4 ends by giving a charge to give rules for the church positions, devote to the Scriptures, and be diligent and perseverant, and watch our lives. 1 Timothy 5 similarly gives some charges and rules for other relationships: particularly with widows and elders. First, Paul tells us to calmly and softly rebuke an elder man, and treat him like a father. However, also treat younger men as brothers. The same goes with older women and younger women. We must treat others with absolute purity and godliness. Paul tells us to give "proper recognition" to widows who are in need. However, a widow also raise her children/grandchildren (if she has) with Christian beliefs to please God. We actually need to evangelize to our family. Widow...

 Hello! Announcement: latter Topic: former Quick recap: 1 Timothy 3 ends by saying we should gave instructions for worship and church positions because we must conduct ourselves well.  Main Body 1 Timothy 4 is the third last chapter of 1 Timothy. It continues with more reasons and instructions about certain rules. Firstly, it says that later times will be more evil - more will renounce their faith and follow what is not right. Do not listen to liars in the church, because more and more churches will slip away from the Truth. This is why there are such laws. If we follow the proper instructions to be church ministers, we will be great leaders and excellent representatives. Do not believe in falsehood but become godly and teach others these instructions. These instructions will keep us pure - loving and faithful. Let us devote ourselves to public readings of Scripture together - preach and teach. Be diligent and persevere. These are more reasons why we must follow the instructio...

 Hello!     1 Timothy 2 is about worship and how we should act during worship. In the same way, Paul gives orders and rules for overseers and deacons in the church - those who "oversee" or supervise in church environments. These people are important and cannot be recklessly chosen. The church's administration should be full of wise and godly people rather ungodly people. Overseers have to be able to properly rebuke (find out the wrongdoing of another and inform them to change them) and properly teach (enrich others with godliness, wisdom, and the truth), because as an overseer, he must be able to find out what is wrong and change it and also enrich people with what is good. He also must be faithful to his wife, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, gentle, nor a lover of money or discord.  Since the church is a family in Christ, overseers oversee a family - and thus he also must manage his own biological family well, including his children. Overseers must be long...

 Hello! Today we will try to get a good glimpse of the crucial chapter of 1 Timothy 2. However, to understand these chapters the best, we must, again, revise the last. 1 Timothy 1 ends with a charge - or a command - a command to fight the fight with faith and not to blaspheme - to attempt to swear or curse God.  Instead of comitting such a sin, we must do the inverse, and that is worship. This is the central theme - the overarching point - of the second chapter of First Timothy. We can describe "worship" (as a noun) as a "practice of praising or revering God." We worship onto the One who is the highest, and as nothing else is greater than He is, everybody, no matter of high or low rank in this world, should worship Him by reason of God being pleased. This pleases God who wants all to be redeemed and to be liberated, and gave himself as a ransom. However, we must keep certain rules in place when he want to do this good deed - to praise - and said laws are required. W...

 Hello! Today is the first chapter of the 1 Timothy summory and the first episode of the Individual Epistle series - the epistles that were originally sent by Paul not to a large group or people but one individual person. Just like what we did in the Church Epistles, let's introduce in a similar format. -------------------------------| 1 Timothy Book Information Testament: New To: Timothy From: Paul Chapter Count: 6 Themes: Church Leadership, Love for Money Context: Timothy was a church leader who Paul met on the way to the city of Lystra. He had a diverse family - his father was a non believer, but his mother and grandmother converted. Timothy became a speaker and church leader. |-------------------------------| 1 Timothy quite subtly reminds us something about our union with other believers in Christ. In the greeting, which we usually gloss over, in verse 2 it says Timothy was his true son in faith. Christ united us with one another in Him.  The body begins in verse 3. 1 Tim...

 Hello! Today is a public seminar. This post tries to cover the whole seminar dialog and will only cover the body of the seminar, without the beginning announcements and worship songs. Bible Reading: John 17:1-25 Prof Peter Lillback: I want to say a greeting to our brothers and sisters in Christ here in Jakarta, Indonesia. It's a great honor to be with you to be welcomed by my friend Benjamin Intan and for the translator. It is a joy to turn your attention to the seventeenth chapter of the Gospel of John. As we  look in this passage tonight, we must remember we are in an unique Gospel. The gospel of John is very different from the first three gospels that we call the Synoptic gospels. When you hear the reading of the Synoptic Gospels, its hard to tell whether its from Matthew, Mark, or Luke.  They look at Jesus from a similar vantage point. But the Gospel of John is very distinct. Why is John so different from the other gospels? Some has called this the Johannine problem....

 Hello! Today is the last episode of 2 Thessalonians, the last chapter of Thessalonians as a whole, and the last post about the entire Church epistle series. Tommorow we will begin the individual epistles (1,2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon). Let's re-cap 2nd Thessalonians 2. 2 Thessalonians 2 ends by telling us to encourage and strengthen ourselves to become sanctified and to stand firm.  2 Thessalonians continues in the third chapter by telling us to pray. Pray for those who evangelize - pastors, missionaries, and speakers. Also pray for deliverance from wickedness and evil. Pray the Lord may direct our hearts to the correct path - the path of God's love. As Christians, we mustn't be idle, we shan't be inactive. Believers who claim to believe but are idle and do not put their faith into practice should be warned. Do not become a so-called Christian but have no Christian values or have no Godly virtues. Be an active and true Christian. 2 Thessalonians 3 ends with the typical...

 Hello! 2 Thessalonians 2 makes up a third of the book of 2 Thessalonians. May we revise 2Thessalonians 1 first. 2 Thessalonians 2 tells us to be ready and worthy for the day of judgement so we may be glorified during that day and rewarded, rather than being destroyed. 2 Thessalonians 2 speaks more about the coming Judgement Day. First, we must not be tricked by the false eschatology that says the day of the Lord already came or has came. Do not be deceived about when is the Judgement Day. The Day will come when the "rebellion" occurs and a "man of lawlessness" is revealed. The man of lawlessness opposes God and idolizes himself. He will be recealed at a proper time, but when he does come, the Lord Jesus will overthrow him - the lawless man - who lives accordingly to Satan. He uses false miracles and wonders that will deceive people. He will attract those who perish, those who refuse to love the truth.  However, as Christians, stand firm and hold fast to the Christi...

 Hello! The theme today is about the rest of the story of Joseph in Genesis chapters 41 to 50. While Genesis 37,38,39 and 40 are about Joseph's struggles with many twists and turns, Genesis 41 until 50 covers Joseph's eventual success and reunion with his family. 2 years after Joseph interpreted the dreams of the Cupbearer and Baker, we  read the Pharaoh has a particularly troubling dream that made him distressed. The cupbearer was reminded of Joseph and told of him to the Pharaoh, whom he was serving. Joseph was freed from prison and advised Pharaoh after interpreting his dream. Joseph also was humble - he knew his ability to interpret dreams was not his own but God's. Pharaoh could recognize God was with Joseph and he was a wise man. Therefore, Joseph was promoted to second in command and a very important leader in the Egyptian government. During the famine that was predicted by Joseph, Egypt had surplus food and everyone went there to buy grain from Egypt. Everyone relie...

Hello! The book of  2 Thessalonians will be viewed briefly first.   2 Thessalonians 1 is only 47 verses long and 3 chapters long, making it the shortest Church epistle that is sent to an entire church by Paul. Let's do an introduction of the book: -------------------------------| 2 Thessalonians Book Information Testament: New To: the Church in Thessalonica (modern day Thessaloniki) From: Paul, Timothy, Silas Chapter Count: 3 Themes: Persecution and God's Judgement Special Details: last and shortest of the Pauline Church epistles. Information about Thessalonica: Thessalonica is a city in modern day Greece, 300km north of Corinth, located in a region called Macedonia. It is the northernmost city that received a letter from Paul. He visited them in his second and  third missionary trip. |-------------------------------| 2 Thessalonians 1 makes up a quarter of the book of Second Thessalonians. Two verses are the greetings (verse 1-2), and then it talks about thanksgivin...

 Hello! As today is the last chapter of 1 Thessalonians, and what comes after this is the 3-chapter long 2 Thessalonians, the final epistle that Paul wrote to a large group of people. So we only have until 18 November and this series is coming to a close. But what to do next? Probably Paul's letters to individuals - that is 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. But it's time to learn 1 Thessalonians 5 itself. Since 1 Thessalonians 5 is the last chapter and 1 Thessalonians 4's subtopics fit perfectly inside that chapter, 1 Thessalonians 5 also fits all 2 of its subtopics inside without overlapping, which is a convenience. First, let's revise 1 Thessalonians 4. 1 Thessalonians 4 concludes by saying the deceased believers had merely fallen asleep, and will be raised again and meet the Lord forever, and commands us to have hope when dead believers die. 1 Thessalonians 4 has some eschatological reference: it talks about how the deceased believers will enter heaven first duri...

 Hello! 1 Thessalonians 4 is the second last chapter of the book of First Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 4 is about a godly, sanctified life and also about deceased believers. The Bible is separated into two Testaments, sixty six books, each book containing several or a lot of chapters. The Bible's chapters are often divided into further subtopics. Sometimes, subtopics overlap chapters. For example, one subtopic can start in Chapter A and end in Chapter B. The convenient thing about this fourth chapter is that all subtopics inside this chapter perfectly fit - they do not overlap to other chapters. Why is this convenient? If there is an overlapping chapter, it is difficult to fully grasp the meaning of it because my posts are in a chapter by chapter format. That is one of the reasons in the past few days I have been doing recaps. Nevertheless, I will recap 1 Thessalonians 3.  1 Thessalonians 3 ends by telling us to strengthen our hearts and each others' hearts so we can be holy...

 Hello!  Let's recap 1 Thessalonians 2, just the end part so we can hear 1 Thessalonians 3 with the further comprehension and understanding, because these letters are originally one body, not separated chapters. The end of 1 Thessalonians 2 is about how Paul longs to see the Thessalonians and the Thessalonians are their (Paul and his group)'s "glory" and "joy" - we must be joyful in evangelization. (1 Thess 2:20) There was some kind of difficulty in going to Thessalonica (see 1 Thess 2:18), and thus Paul and Silas sent Timothy, who is a brother  and co worker in Christ (1 Thessalonians 3:2) to encourage and strengthen their faith. In the same manner, encourage and reinforce [a] the faith of others when it wavers. Encourage them when they are being persecuted (verse 3,4). Since Paul was worried that the tempter (Satan) had succeeded in tempting Thessalonians (3:5), and thus he sent Timothy to check them out. In the same way, always check and help each other...

Hello! 1 Thessalonians 2 isn't too connected (the topic) with 1 Thessalonians 1 so we won't do a review of the previous chapter. Instead, we will instantly start in 1 Thessalonians 2:1. 1 Thessalonians 2 is about Paul and the Thessalonians. Paul says that he and a few others (as he used "we" and 1 Thessalonians 2 was written by multiple individuals) were travelling and spreading the gospel [+]not for fame, wealth, or praise [a]  from others, but for the pleasure of God. The motives are not for us, but for God. It is solely for God's glory. As some like to say it, "Soli Deo Gloria". What we do for God or in the church is for His glory, not ours. They (Paul and others) loved others [b] and thus wanted to share the gospel because, if we love someone, we should evangelize or encourage them towards the Lord and to live holy lives. Endure hardships for God and face diffuculties for him. They show their thankfulness [c] because some Thessalonians received the w...

 Hello! This is the first episode of 1 Thessalonians, thus... -------------------------------| 1 Thessalonians Book Information Testament: New To: the Church in Thessalonica (modern day Thessaloniki) From: Paul, Timothy, Silas Chapter Count: 5 Themes: Thanksgiving, Encouragement, Holiness, Love, Future, Hope Special Details: second-last book of the Pauline Epistles.  Information about Thessalonica: Thessalonica is a city in modern day Greece, 300km north of Corinth, located in a region called Macedonia. It is the northernmost city that received a letter from Paul. He visited them in his second and  third missionary trip. |-------------------------------| 1 Thessalonians 1 itself is a very short chapter - only ten verses - one verse for the greetings [b] and the body begins at 1 Thessalonians 1:2. 1 Thessalonians 1 is about thanksgiving - the authors' thanksgiving [*) of the Thessalonians' faith. But when we evangelize, remember it is also through the assistance of the Hol...

 Hello! Yesterday, we talked about several instructions for Christian households. Actually, in the first verse of Colossians 4 it continues about these household laws, but I already covered it, so we will start at Colossians 4:2. Colossians 4 is a short last chapter. Colossians' last part of the content consists of some further instructions. We must pray (Colossians 4:2) and be watchful (cautious and alert for temptation) and thankful. Pray for one another, and pray for those who evangelize. Be the salt and light, [a] be wise towards others. Then the latter majority of Colossians 4 are some final greetings from various people, and, in the very end, Paul. Since most of Colossians 4 consists of these final greetings [b], I think we'll end it with quite a short post for a daily suummary. Biblical References [a] Matthew 5:13,14 [b] Romans 16:25-27, 1 Corinthians 16:19-24, 2 Corinthians 13:11-14, Galatians 6:18, more.

 Hello! The lesson they taught revolves around and  covers Genesis chapters 37 until 41 - about the former half of the story and struggles of Joseph, but not yet all of his story - only until the Cupbearer and Baker scene. Joseph's life was a rollercoaster of ups and downs. There were constant horrible betrayals, accusations, and inconveniences for him, but also many promotions and upgrades in his position. How could he have so much success for the amount of sheer troubles that he faced? 1. God was with Joseph. All throughout the Latter section of Genesis, you can see that it states that God was with Joseph. God helped and assisted him throughout the ups and downs he faced, throughout the good times (becoming chief over Potiphar's household, becoming leader of the prison) and the dark times (slavery, thrown into prison, being forgotten by cupbearer). And God is with us. When God is with us, we will succeed and even others can see we are effective. In Joseph's story, we read...

 Hello! Today's topic is about Colossians 3 - the second last chapter of the book of Colossians. First, may we do a recap on the precedent chapter Colossians 2 in hopes of being able to connect the two chapters in a harmonious and more comprehensive fashion.  Colossians 2 mostly is about spiritual fullness and completion in Christ. If we are in Christ, He lives in us, we are raised up with Him through our faith in Him, and was liberated from the bonding human rules and traditions that are only all but shadows of something greater that is to come.  Paul's words in Colossians 3 synchronizes with his words he just said in the previous chapter. Because we are raised with Christ, we need to purify ourselves and become someone that has truly been made alive in Christ. We must cleanse ourselves of worldly iniquity - either sexual immorality, greed, and evil desires. God's Wrath will be displayed, and these evils  agitate His mighty judgement. As reborn people, we cannot wal...

 Hello! Let's do a brief recap on the end of Colossians 1 so we can relate it. The end of Colossians 1 talks about how Paul rejoices because he is suffering and working hard for Jesus and for His Body - the Church. Colossians 2's first five verses is continuing this idea. We should contend [a] for the church - and for the truth - and we should all have complete understanding of the mystery of God.  It continues about spiritual fullness. We should receive Christ Jesus as our Lord and mature and strengthen in faith. Do not be captive of human thought but one of [b] Christ. In Christ we have been brought to fullness and we were raised inthe dead our faith in him. He has disarmed power and authority. Therefore, we cannot judge what people observe (tradition), or even eat or drink. Do not judge whether he celebrates the Jewish holidays because these are mere shadows. Do not worship anything else, not angels [c] nor shadows of what is to come.  Cross Biblical Links [a] Jude 1:3...

 Hello! Today is the first day of Colossians (7-10 November). Let's do the as-usual book introdution: -------------------------------| Philippians Book Information Testament: New To: the Church in Colossae/Colosse From: Paul, Timothy Chapter Count: 4 Themes: Thanksgiving, Prayer, Jesus' Supremacy, Spirital Fullness, Freedom from Human law and Godly Living. Information about Colossians: Colossae is a city in modern day Turkey, somewhat close to Ephesus, located in a region called Phyrgia. It is the easternmost city that received a letter from Paul. However, when Paul sent them a letter, their city was in decline. Paul visited them in his third missionary journey. |-------------------------------| Colossians 1 begins with a short greeting. The main content, or "body" begins at Colossians 1:3. Colossians teaches us to thank God [a] in prayer. Thank God when others have received the True Gospel, because the gospel is succeeding and bearing fruit. Pray for one another [b] ...

 Hello! We are nearing the end of the Epistle series and this is the last chapter of Phillipians: that being Phillipians 4. Tommorow, we'll already cover Colossians 1. There are three more epistle books after this. Let us recap on the conclusion of Philippians 3 first. The end of Phillipians 3 tells us to suffer and act for Christ so we will be transformed to a citizen of heaven. So the first nine verses of Phillipians 4 is some more commands like those. Phillipians 4:1-9 tell us not to be anxious but thanksgiving. Rejoice and do whatever is right and pure  and think about those things. Put lessons and faith into practice and respond to your faith with action [a] and deeds (though our deeds do not save). They also tell us to contend for the truth. The next section of the chapter from verse 10 to 20, comprising about half of the last chapter of the book, expresses Paul's rejoice over the church at Philippi's concern for him. However, Paul is not saying this in need because h...

 Hello! This is the second last chapter of Philippians.  Phillippians 3 begins less related to the end of Phillippians 2, so we'll just go straight to the third chapter of the letter to the Phillippians.  Philippians 3 first tells us to watch out for evildoers and evil, so we, may not be tempted or follow their wicked ways. This is why choosing friends and partners is important. If we are reckless in speaking to each other, we will start befriending people who will tempt us. Nevertheless, the major point in the former (first) half of Philippians 3 is about confidence in the flesh . What this means is you are confident by the flesh if you believe in circumcision deciding your salvation or being Jewish. People who are confident with the flesh should be avoided. Instead, be zealous for Christ and exalt him into the highest position among all other things, which is mere garbage compared to Him. Press on even under pressure or persecution. The second half of the third chapter ...

 Hello! Philippians 2 is the third last chapter of Philippians. Before we enter this chapter, let us revise Philippians 1! Philippians 1 concludes by encouraging us to act accordingly with the gospel and suffer for Christ, and struggle for him. Philippians 2 continues encouraging us to follow Christ's example and gospel. If we want to truly follow and be united with Christ, we should not be selfish but humble. Humility is something very important. Jesus.  Jesus, though God, considered himself as a servant and humbled himself to obey things lower than him. He even became obedient to death. But God exalted him [a] and every knee should bow onto Jesus. So be humble. Do everything without complaint, grumbling, and arguing, because we must become blameless and pure.  Paul (and Timothy) then notes that  Timothy will come soon to Phillipi to strengthen the city and evangelize to the city. Timothy was chosen particularly to do this job. We should be very precise when choosin...

 Hello! Philippians is our next topic. Let's introduce the book of Philippians before we finish. It is shorter than all the books we have read before. -------------------------------| Philippians Book Information Testament: New To: the Church in Philippi From: Paul, Timothy Chapter Count: 4 Themes: Encouragement, Hardships, Hope, Perseverance Information about Philippians: Philippi is a city in modern day Greece on the northern Greek coast, near the Aegean Sea at its south. It was large and a relatively new city at that time, only about 400 years old. Paul visited the city in AD 49 during the second of his four missionary journeys (including the one to Rome). |-------------------------------| Philippians 1 makes up almost a third of the book of Ephesians. It includes a greeting [a] (verse 1-2) that is always present in all of the letters, both the Pauline and General ones. Then in the third verse it starts a topic about thanksgiving. Philippians is a very cheerful and joyful letter...

 Hello! Today's Sunday lesson is a combined service, so they teach in Indonesian language. I understood less than usual but I managed to receive most of the lesson well, so here is the short summary of the service.  The story of Jacob (Genesis 25:19-Genesis 35:29) starts with before his birth. In Genesis 25:23 there is a speech from God to Rebekah, saying that the two children of Isaac and Rebekah would become nations that will continously fight, but the younger will be served by the elder and will be superior. So God chose Jacob before he was born. This was the first major point. God has chosen people - to be a part of the church - before they were born and even before the world was created. He had predestined Jacob to have descendants that would be his promised people and would eventually have the Messiah. Jacob was, however, fond of cheating and tricking his way to become the best. His ambition was fiery and  he would do everything to fulfill it during those days. He f...

 Hello! Most of the readers, if not all, are from Indonesia. So I'm going to start an Indonesian language ReformedChildren blog. Every Tuesday I will select one post and translate it. Next Tuesday (on 5 Nov) I will translate the James exposition, the first post I made.  This will make some people have less diffuculty to read. I will manually translate it instead of using translating software.  It is called "ReformedChildrenID" and the URL is the same just with uncapitalized letters (that being reformedchildrenid.blogspot.com).

Hello! Today there's a SPIK seminar (that being Seminar Pembinaan Iman Kristen), a 7-hour long seminar with multiple speakers that took place in GRII Messiah Cathedral. It is about the church and ecclesiology. Ecclesia is "church", and thus ecclesiology is the theology and philosophy about the church and its calling. This SPIK focuses on how God chose the church before the world began. He chose the church to hold His glory. God predestined a group of people to do this task, as well as evangelize, have fellowship, and read the Scripture. He not only chose us but also changed and is sanctifying us to be a Holy and perfect church. The seminar also talks about freedom of religion. God also loves the church. Each member of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit) loves one another and loves the church.  Religion and what church we go to is a very important matter. It is more than important than the selection of spouse, education or career. Freedom of religion nowadays is freedom ...

 Ephesians 6 is the last of the chapters of the letter to the Ephesians. It is an interesting chapter. Before we enter Ephesians 6 let's recap the end of Ephesians 5. Ephesians 5 concludes by giving several instructions to Christians families, households, and communities. These instructions include submitting and loving your spouse, just as the church did to Christ (submit) and Christ did to the church (love). Ephesians 6 gives more instructions to communities, families and households. The first people group Ephesians 6 instructs are children and the young. Children should be obedient to their parents [a], and they aill enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers are also spoken about. They should not exasperate (that means annoy, anger, or irritate) their children but bring them up with training and bring them up [b] to be godly. Slaves, a common thing back in the times of Paul, should obey their masters. We should obey those higher than us in power just like we obey Christ. We should s...

 Ephesians 5 is the second last chapter of the book of Ephesians. Here's a short recap on Ephesians 4: Ephesians 4 concludes its advice and gives instructions to Christians for a new, life that was born again. Ephesians 5 adds to these instructions. We should follow the brilliant, flawless example of God as His loved children. If we want to follow His perfect example, we must walk in way of love - didn't Christ loved us so much he gave himself up? We should erase sin and defilation; immorality and impurity. We cannot talk in obscene or vulgar language [a] and we cannot submit to idolatry. To live according to God, we mustn't sin by doing these things or having traces of greed, impurity, sexual immorality, or darkness. We were once dark but, in the Lord, we are now in light. So be careful how we live. We must be wise and make the most of oppurtunities. We should not be filled by alcohol or foolishness but rather the Spirit and we should worship God. Christians live and inter...