Reformed Children

 Hello! Ezekiel 7 - 27 verses This chapter, like many other chapters in Ezekiel, is about judgement and end. This message could seem repetitice over the course of parts of Isaiah, Jeremiah and  Ezekiel but after all, justice and power is one of God's natures (see W.S.C 4), and is perfect. This chaprer is about God's power and destruction of the wicked. Ezekiel 8 - 18 verses Ezekiel 8 is a sad chapter, because you can tell from the title, which says "Idolatry in the Temple". God's once devoted temple was being desecrated with idols. Ezekiel was lifted up and brought to the temple and in the temple was an idol in the inner court. This is very detestable and ugly, and quite representative of Israel's rebellion. Sometimes, we also put idols in our hearts.  Ezekiel 9 - 11 verses Ezekiel 9 is an interesting chapter. Ezekiel in general has many visions and strange divine appearances, and in this chapter God judged the idolaters described previously. Six men wirh dead...

 Hello!  Ezekiel 4 - 17 verses Thia chapter is about a symbolization of the Siege of Jerusalem (these prophecies happened just before that event). Ezekiel basically made a clay illustration of Jerusalem and erected a sign about the siege od Jerusalem and it was a sign. Then he practically became a carrier of Israel's sin for 390 days and lied on his side to represent Israel's sim , and he lived in such a way fhat it represented the bad condition of being under siege. Sometimes God calls us to do things that are hard. In this chapter, Ezekiel obeyed. Ezekiel 5 -  17 verses The first chapters of this book ade mostly signs. This time it is a sign with a razor. He first used it to shave his head then after the 390 days he would burn, sreike, or scatter a third of the hair inside his sign "city" . What this rresents is that Jerusalem has rebelled against God. The hairs, the people of Israel, will be punished. God's punishment is somewhat "harsh" if you read i...

 Hello! This time I took the service in a different GRII location. Thus, though the curriculum is the same they,are studying a different part of it. This topic is "Jesus was Baptized and Tempted". After his childhood, the next major event is his baptism, but it is important to understand John the Baptist, who prepared the way before him. John the Baptist is a special person because he was prophesied about (see Isaiah 40:3 and/or Malachi 4). In these prophecies, it describes John the Baptist as "Elijah" and will prepare the way. Jesus and John the Baptist are related. When Jesus was baptized, it is important to note that Jesus' baptism and our baptism are different things. John baptized people, who are sinful. Jesus and other humanity are different because Jesus has a divine and human nature and is sinless but we only have a human nature and are sinful. Baptism usually is about repentance from sin, so why did Jesus have to be baptized? Actually, John the Baptist ...

  NATIONALISM is dominant. Yes, we do not hear the word a lot, but it is the driving force in many people's actions, it is a force that controls matters from our everyday deeds and dialog to matters of politics and economy. What is nationalism?  The first major point I want to introduce you today is the nature of nationalism. There are two kinds of definitions for everything. I have made up this terminology, and these two are definitive meanings/values and typical meanings/values. What do I mean by this? Let's make an example, lets say the word "apple". The definitive meaning of an apple is "the round fruit of the tree of the rose family, which typically has a thin red or green skin". However, the typical meanings of an apple can be "a fruit", etc. The difference between these two kinds of definitions is that definitive definitions precisely define what something is, while typical meanings can define it, but can also define many other things. Somet...

 Hello! Ezekiel 1 - 28 verses Hhis is the first chapter of Ezekiel, a book written by another prophet. It is the third longest prophetic book by chapters alone, and is written in a similar time to Jeremiah. Ezekiel 1 records the vision of Ezekiel when he was called by God, he saw from the north an unusual vision that looked somewhat like sidferent animals. Then there was the likeness of the glory of the Lord, who spoke to him. Ezekiel 2 continues this bizarre story. Ezekiel 2 - 10 verses Ezekiel 2 is God's speech to Ezekiel, and he calls him to be a prophet to the Israelites because of their rebellion and God warned him not to become like them. Then God told him to eat a scroll which had written words about sadness and mourning. This chapter shows that God calls us to be different from the worldly ways. Ezekiel 3 - 27 verses Ezekiel 3 continues that story, and Ezekiel ate the scroll under God's command, and it tasted good. God sent Ezekiel then to the Israelites to prophesy. He...

 Hello! Lamentation 3 - 66 verses This chapter is a long one and is about the destruction of Judah and general prosperity and splendor. This is a message of God's wrath, which is fair and will come to those who disobey Him, but also His grace and favor , because Jeremiah remembers that God still renews His mercies every morning and He is good to the righteous. Lamentations 4 - 22 verses Lamentation 4 is a recognition of evilness, in this case a recognition that Judah (Zion) has declined in belief and obedience, in general godliness, and thus God poured out fierce anger. We should recognize the things that we did that are wrong. Lamentations 5 - 22 verses This is the last chapter of Lamentations. After this is Ezekiel. This chapter is an exaltation to God. There are sad elements, especially because of the destruction of Jerusalem, but Jeremiah then pleads to restore themselves to God, to bring them back in terms of spiritual things. In this same short book, there are elements of sad...

 Hello!  Today the theme I listened to was "God gave the Promised Land to His People", deriving from Joshua, specifically 1-10, the more popular segment of the book. First, let's review through the Old Testament. Genesis is about the creation, and there are four important events and four important people. There is the Creation (event), the Fall (event), the Flood (event), and the Tower of Babel (event), and then Abraham (person), Isaac (person), Jacob (person), and Joseph (person). In Exodus, God fulfilled hus promise to Abraham and redeemed the Israelite people. Important events there include God Calling Moses, God redeemed His People through the Passover and the parting of the Sea, and God gave them the Law (ten commandments) at Mt Sinai and provided for them even when they were grumbling. Leviticus is all about living holy to God, there was a special person (priest), special day (Sabbath), special place (Tabernacle), and special means (sacrifice to God). Numbers is abo...

 Hello! Jeremiah 52 - 34 verses Jeremiah 52 is somewhat a more deep repetition of Jeremiah 39, and this is about the flal of Jerusalem. I will try to get some aspects not covered before. The Babylonians specifically took the rich articles from the temple, including all the pots, shocels, wick trimmers, sprinking bowls etc, which symbolizes the utter destruction of Judah's glory due to its sin. 4600 people were taken.  Lamentations 1 - 22 verses The third book of thr prophetic books and a short lament written by Jeremiah starts with this chapter. This is a lament (a sad poem about something). This is about the loss of the original glory of  Judah (although it is usually referred to as Daughter Zion or Jerusalem). This is a poem about destruction and sadness about the decline of Judah, but Jeremiah still remembers that God is righteous and must destroy it. Lamentations 2 - 22 verses Jeremiah 22 is about the Lord's wrath, which has swallowed Israel and Judah, and the origina...

 Hello! Jeremiah 49 - 39 verses This chapter is a rebuke on not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, but six different nations. This starts with a message on Ammon. Like Moab, God promises restoration of Ammon's fortunes, but He also points out their wickedness - they trust in their riches and have security in them. Riches do not make us secure, but it is God. God continues to rebuke Edom because of lack of wisdom and it will be overthrown horribly. God does not neccesarily promise any restoration in this message. Concerning Damascus (a general term for Aram and all the Syrian country, which before included Hamath, Aram and Arpad) God says it will be destroyed. The exact reason is hard to tell why, but possibly idolatry. God also comments about Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. In general, remember not to trust on any worldly things, from money to humanity, and not be confident in them. Jeremiah 50&51 - 46 verses ans 64 verses = 110 verses in total I grouped these two chapters ma...

 Hello! Before I enter Jeremiah 46, I want to say that it is better to read the proper Bible than summaries, we should find the truth from the source. You could read these as overviews/for other opinions. Jeremiah 46 - 28 verses Many of the prophetic books has rebukes on different nations, such as Isaiah. For example, Isaiah 13-23 is all judgements and rebukes towards a certain collective country. Jeremiah 46 is an example of this kind of judgement. In this chapter, God tells of incoming judgement more than warning of a possible one. God says that Egypt wiill prepare for battle, but their warriors will fall. Not only Egypt falls, but people who rely on it - also see Psalms 146:3 about this. This disaster on Egypt and the other wicked reminisces of the final judgement of God - there is a "day of disaster" in verse 21 and a "time for them to be punished". Jeremiah 47- 7 verses Quite similar, but about the Philistines instead and four times shorter. This chapter is a w...

 Hello! Jeremiah 43 - 13 verses Jeremiah 43 is a sad story of disobedience. In Jeremiah 42, Jeremiah warned Johanan and the remnant of Judah not to go to Egypt or else they would be punished by God. Johanan did not believe and left to Egypt, but God said that Nebuchadnezzar would destroy them and Egypt. This shows the importance of obeying God. Jeremiah 44 - 30 verses This chapter continues the sad story of disobedience from the previous chapter. In Egypt, Johanan and his people after seeinf the destruction in Judah too worshipped idols. God decreed his judgement and said that nearly everyone will fall by the sword. We must learn from past mistakes, and Johanan, atter seeing the disobedience and destruction of Judah, disobeyed God. Jeremiah was forced to come along with Johanan. Jeremiah 45 - 5 verses This very short chapter is a bit back in time from the destructin of Judah, since after all Jeremiah is not cheonological. This short chapter is some letter or message to a person cal...

 Hello! Jeremiah 40 - 16 verses Following the long awaited fall of Jerusalem, Jeremiah, who still survived, was distinguished from the exiles and the commander of the guard let him be freed, and he stayed with a man called Gedaliah, who was the new leader over the towns of Judah appointed by Nebuchadnezzar. Finally, Jeremiah received his reward for all his struggles. Then, someone informed Gedaliah that someone called Ishmael was about to kill him. Jeremiah 41 - 18 verses Dueing this chapter, Ishmael and Gedaliah ate together with a few officers and men, and Ishmael struck down all of them, including some Babylonian soldiers. Ishmael was a very violent and chaos ensued. Johanan, who was a chief, rallied some people who Ishmael had captures and pursued Ishmael and fled to Egypt. another He killed many and fled to Ammon after a battle. This story continues in the next chapter. Jeremiah 42 - 22 verses Johanan and all the people with him asked Jeremiah for what to do. Jeremiah prayed t...

Hello! Jeremiah 37:21 verses Jeremiah 37 is during the time of Zedekiah. Zedekiah nor his people obeyed the command of God, and God was dissappointed. Then, an egyptian army came, so the Babylonian army withdrew, so they thought they were safe, but Jeremiah warned the people that they would be destroyed. When he teied to leave Jerusalem for the Benjamin territory, people thought he was defecting and he was beaten and imprisoned. He was freed after Zedekiah asked him abiut something. He was an unpopular prophet because of his radical, controversial teachings, as true as they are. Jeremiah 38: 28  verses Jeremiah 38 is another story chapter. The officials began to plotted to kill Jeremiah because it was believed that he was discouraging, because they disliked his message and was, rather, ignorant. Because of this, they threw him to a cistern, and it was muddy. Finally, however, Ebed Melek, a Cushite, with the kingks permission lifted Jeremiah up from the cistern. Zedekiah asked Jerem...

 Hello! This tries to cover the dialog of Professor Marteen Kater as best as possible. This does not include any other dialog besides the one between Marteen Kater. Prof. Kater spoke in English and there was Indonesian translation provided.  Prof. Marteen Kater: First of all, good evening, it is my privilege to see you here. My topic is about careful preaching is soulful preaching. As you know, every sermon has an address, because every word of God has an address. But are we actually addressed in preaching, is our soul well with it? What are we talking about when we are talking about our soul? Soul-full sermons are inspirational sermons, life giving sermons. A careful preaching is soulful preaching, which touches our souls. I am convinced that from a Reformed perspective we understand that pastoral preaching is soul care. What do we mean by "my soul"?. In general sense, it is often known as denoting our inner selves or even our consciousness. The beautiful and tricky thing ab...

 Hello! There is under a week until the Jeremiah coverage ends and we begin Ezekiel.  Jeremiah 34 - 22 verses As we have learned previously, there has been a conversation between Zedekiah and Jeremiah we seen yesterday. Now, Jeremiah spoke again to the king. This was when Nebuchadnezzar had already began fighting Judah. Jeremiah told Zedekiah a warning, that Jerusalem will fall. However, God had provided a way for Zedekiah to continue to live and have peace if he would submit to Nebuchadnezzar and let him be captured.  Jeremiah 35 - 19 verses This chapter is about the Rekabites. Who were these? These are the descendants of Rekab, and one of their forefathers called Jehonadab ordered them not to drink wine or build a vineyard. They have obeyed this commandment. This conteasts with Israel's disobedience to God. God promises the Rekabites to always have a servant of God in their family/clan. Jeremiah 36 - 32 verses The book of Jeremiah is not chronological, so it switches ki...

 Hello! Today's Sunday School is about the book of Deuteronomy. This will be a summary of the lesson.  Deuteronomy was written by Moses to remind Israel of three very important points. Basically, this renewed and refreshed God's Covenant. First, Deuteronomy reminds Israel and us who God is. It is written all throughout the book to remember who God is and not to forget Him, because if we do, we will be proud of our accomplishments but neglect and forget God, who has graced us to do such accomplishments. So, first, don't forget God, who is Holy. Second, Deuteronomy reminds Israel and us what God has done for us, His grace onto us. All throughout the book of Deuteronomy it is written to remember God and remember His salvation. This is why.....  Third, we must remember our responsibillities. This is the third major point of the Deuteronomy book. We must remember what we must do: to love, to serve, obey, and trust God with all we have. This includes remembering His Law, worshi...

 Hello! Jeremiah 31: Jeremiah 31 is another hope chapter, about the restoration of God's chosen people. God has an everlasting and unfailing love. Yes, He has wrath not to be neglected that is powrful and fair, but He is merciful. This does not mean we should sin, but we He also has mercy and fsithfulness to His promise. When, we His chosen people are finally glorified, there is no more uprooting, no more challenge afterwards. Jeremiah 32: This chapter is when Jeremiah was being confined. Zedekiah, the king, asked him why he spoke the way he did, of judgement and doom. Jeremiah explained later that  God has power and is Almighty, and He is loving, He performed miracles for His people i  Egypt and gave a wonderful land, but they were disobedient, so as a judt God He had to bring justice.  Jeremiah 33: Sitll in confinement, Jeremiah received the Word of God again, about the destruction of the palaces and majesty of Judah but ahain God will bring health and healing, abu...

People like making something to represent something else. A very good modern example is emojis. Many people use emojis to convey what they want to say. For example, they can use the prayer hands emoji to represent thankfulness. They can represent the heart emoji to represent wholesomeness. People like using these representatives - icons. Linguistics is the study of languages. Since icons are things that show something else, and languages are about conveying a message by using icons, especially words, it is considered linguistics. In linguistics, if you say the word "icon", you mean "a sign whose form directly reflects the thing it signifies". This is a signifier, the image of something. This word derived from the greek word eikon, meaning likeness or image. We probably use this word not so often, but definitely sometimes. Although nowadays everyone has used an icon, Christians also have some problems with these: icons.  In fact, there is a 1300 year old debate about...

Hello! Jeremiah 28: 16 verses This chapter is about false prophecy and their consequences. In this chapter, there was a false prophet called Hananiah. You might have heard of this person before. He spoke in the name of the Lord what was wronf, that Judah's power and riches would be restored and retaken. He spoke of comfort and the breaking of the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar. We cannot settle for the comfortable lie, we must settle for the truth, how uncomfortable it is. Jeremiah heard what Hananiah sad and after God said to rebuke him, he did, and Hananiah died. This is God's fair punishment. Jeremiah 29: 32 verses Jeremiah 29 is a letter from Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon. Remember that af this time there were two places where Judah was: in Babylon, while most common people remained in Jerusalem. Jerusalem hadn't yet be fully destroyed. This letter is a comfort letter and also a warning letter. God tells them to be righteous and not listen to diviners and false prophets. Th...

 For 1250 years, a raging debate has occurred within Christendom: what is the use of icons? In 11 January, I will post a blog about Iconoclasm and Iconodulism, the use of icons, and what are icons. We will explore history to see the varying opinions of different Christians, from theologians to kings.  This text on iconoclasm and iconodulism is over 3000 words long and full of different insights and statements, from what are icons, which kind of worship is correct, the soteriology behind it, criticism on the last ecumenical council, other conclusions we can make, whether other symbols are tolerable, and the kinds of iconoclasm there are, and other warnings and rebuttals all throughout. This monthly essay succeeds "Christmas According to Moses". I will make these essays on varying topics every month.  Let's read January 11's "Iconoclasm vs Iconodulism throughout history" and all the monthly posts after that.

 Hello! Jeremiah 25 - 38 verses In this chapter, God is very precise in telling His people what to say. By that time, Jeremiah had already spoke many times repetitively, but Judah never listened. God gave another warning, calling us to repent and to leave the dark ways and idolatry. God says that Judah will be in captivity for seventy year# before they are returned. This chapter is very precise about God's judgement, and even specifies the length of their judgement. Jeremiah 26 - 24 verses Jeremiah 26 is about Judah's persecution against Jeremiah. People will sometimes reject the truth and go as far as persecuting us, sometimes physically, and sometimes even to death. Truly, Jeremiah was a victim of external persecution. The priests and false prophets of Jerusalem claimed he was prophesying in the Lord's Name of bad things. The Judahite false prophets were being ignorant of their wickedness. Jeremiah 27 - 22 verses The halfway point of the book of Jeremiah. This book is abo...

 Hello! Jeremiah 22:30 verses Jeremiah 22 is sort of a final warning to the people of Israel, particularly the kings. This is a commandment to rule with justice and understanding like their forefathers. This is also warning of the incoming threat that will gobble up and destroy the palace in Judah if they continue to be disobedient. Not even kings escape God's fair judgement. Jeremiah 23:40 Jeremiah is a somber book. It seems like a perpetual cycle of God telling the prophet to speak, the people rejecting the speech, and God telling of His judgement. However, Jeremiah 23 conveys hope. He says that after he punishes the Jews, they will return. He will also raise up a King from David's branch, who is righteous and just, who is a Righteous Savior. We cannot underrate God's fair and strong judgement, but remember His mercy. God also dislikes Judah's habit of giving false prophecy. Jeremiah 24:10 verses This chapter is after the king Jehoiachin and the more skilled people of...