Publication Search

This article examines the meaning of repentance and baptism in the Acts of the Apostles through an eschatological theological approach. Repentance and baptism are considered two important aspects in the journey of salvation and the development of the Christian faith. The methodology used in this research is qualitative with a literature study to explore the meaning, application and relationship between repentance and baptism from an eschatological theological perspective. Research findings reveal that repentance is a transformation of the heart that prepares a person to receive baptism as a symbol of new birth and the washing away of sins by the Holy Spirit. These two concepts complement each other and have significant theological consequences in the teaching and practice of the church's faith today. This research provides in-depth insight into the role of repentance and baptism in the context of gradual and eschatological salvation.

The role of the Holy Spirit is one of the central aspects of Christian theology, particularly within Evangelical theology, which seeks to uphold a balance between biblical truth and spiritual experience. This study aims to examine the understanding of the Holy Spirit in Evangelical theology, with a specific focus on the relationship between biblical pneumatology and the expressions of contemporary charismatic movements. The approach used is a theological–descriptive study through an analysis of biblical literature, classical Evangelical theological works, and contemporary research on charismatic movements in Indonesia and around the world. The findings indicate that Evangelical theology understands the Holy Spirit primarily as a divine person who works in regeneration, sanctification, and ministry empowerment based on the authority of Scripture. Meanwhile, the charismatic movement emphasizes more phenomenological aspects of the Holy Spirit’s work, such as Spirit baptism, spiritual gifts (charismata), and manifestations of supernatural power. Theological tension arises when charismatic experiences do not always align with the strict Evangelical hermeneutical principles applied to Scripture. Nevertheless, both approaches offer important contributions: biblical pneumatology preserves a healthy doctrinal foundation, while charismatic spirituality reminds the church of the importance of the Holy Spirit’s dynamic power in contemporary ecclesial life. This study concludes that integrating biblical foundations with openness to the work of the Holy Spirit can enrich the understanding and praxis of the contemporary Evangelical church. The church needs to develop a balanced pneumatology that is rooted in Scripture yet responsive to the movement of the Holy Spirit within the changing contexts of time and culture.

This study aims to explore the symbolic meaning of the siraman ceremony in Javanese culture and interpret its values ​​in light of the Catholic faith, particularly regarding the sanctity and blessings of the sacrament of marriage. The siraman tradition is understood not merely as a cultural ritual, but as a process of physical and spiritual purification imbued with spiritual symbolism, such as the use of water from seven springs and the granting of parental blessings. This study uses a qualitative approach with a literature review method through analysis of Church documents, Javanese anthropological literature, and relevant research. The results indicate that the meaning of purification in siraman is closely related to the symbolism of baptismal water in the Catholic tradition, while the prayer of parental blessing aligns with the concept of blessing as a manifestation of God's grace in the family. Through the inculturation perspective emphasized in Gaudium et Spes and Ecclesia in Asia, siraman can be understood as a form of harmonious dialogue between faith and culture without compromising the purity of Church teachings. This study concludes that the siraman ceremony can enrich the experience of the sacrament of marriage for Javanese Catholics, while strengthening their identity as individuals of faith and culture.

This journal explores the role of the Church Unity Body in strengthening the unity of Christian faith. The Church, as the body of Christ composed of various members from diverse backgrounds and traditions, is called to unite in one faith, one teaching, and one way of life aligned with the teachings of Christ. This unity is crucial for maintaining harmony within the community of believers and for addressing social and theological challenges in the modern world.The role of the Church Unity Body is evident through Bible teaching based on enduring truth, participation in sacraments such as Holy Communion and Baptism, as well as collaboration among churches in social service and mission. In this context, the church functions not only as a place of worship but also as a community that supports spiritual growth and the well-being of its members. The unity of Christian faith requires mutual respect, forgiveness, and humility among church members. By strengthening this unity, the church can provide a clearer testimony to the world, demonstrating that in Christ, differences can be reconciled in love that transcends all. This article also highlights the importance of the church’s role in building a unity of faith that goes beyond denominational boundaries, within the framework of ecumenism, to realize the wholeness of the body of Christ and bring about transformation in the world.

This journal explores the role of the Church Unity Body in strengthening the unity of Christian faith. The Church, as the body of Christ composed of various members from diverse backgrounds and traditions, is called to unite in one faith, one teaching, and one way of life aligned with the teachings of Christ. This unity is crucial for maintaining harmony within the community of believers and for addressing social and theological challenges in the modern world.The role of the Church Unity Body is evident through Bible teaching based on enduring truth, participation in sacraments such as Holy Communion and Baptism, as well as collaboration among churches in social service and mission. In this context, the church functions not only as a place of worship but also as a community that supports spiritual growth and the well-being of its members. The unity of Christian faith requires mutual respect, forgiveness, and humility among church members. By strengthening this unity, the church can provide a clearer testimony to the world, demonstrating that in Christ, differences can be reconciled in love that transcends all. This article also highlights the importance of the church’s role in building a unity of faith that goes beyond denominational boundaries, within the framework of ecumenism, to realize the wholeness of the body of Christ and bring about transformation in the world.

The sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two main sacraments in the Christian tradition, both carrying profound theological and spiritual significance. A sacrament contains two essential elements: an outward sign (such as water, bread, and wine) and a spiritual reality (namely, the grace of God given through the sign). A sacrament is not merely a symbol, but a means of communion with Christ that strengthens faith and bears witness to God’s grace. In Christian theology, a sacrament is broadly defined as a rite or religious ceremony performed to symbolize or help bring about a transformation in the lives of those who participate in it. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is one of the key sacraments in the Christian tradition, symbolizing the fellowship of believers with Christ through the shared consumption of bread and wine. Its meaning is profound, as it is not only a remembrance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, but also an expression of faith and a deep reflection on the saving love of God. The Lord’s Supper also contains an eschatological meaning, pointing believers toward the future. In each celebration of the Lord’s Supper, the people of Christ anticipate the heavenly banquet at the end of the age.  

This abstract discusses the characteristics of the true church according to Christian views, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to the Word of God as the primary foundation. The true church is a community that faithfully proclaims the Gospel of Christ purely, without addition or subtraction from the teachings of the Bible. This faithfulness serves as the basis for the church’s existence as the living body of Christ, functioning to spread salvation to all people. Besides faithfulness to the Word, the proper administration of the sacraments is also an important characteristic of the true church. Sacraments such as baptism and the Lord’s Supper are conducted according to Christ’s commands and serve as means of grace that strengthen the faith of the congregation. The spiritual discipline practiced within the church maintains the holiness of the members and encourages repentance and restoration, so that the community continues to live in truth and love. Unity and holiness reflect the church’s calling to live in love and truth, while the apostolic nature shows its adherence to the teachings of the apostles. Catholicity affirms that the true church is universal and transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.

This research examines the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in the spiritual growth and ministry of contemporary Christians, considering that many have not actively experienced His involvement, resulting in low spiritual quality. Its objective is to re-examine the Holy Spirit's influence for a clearer understanding. Employing a qualitative library research method with textual analysis of the Bible and theological literature (hermeneutics), this study finds that the Holy Spirit is a divine person actively guiding, transforming character, and serving as Creator, Reconciler, and Redeemer. The Pentecost event demonstrates initial empowerment. Spiritual gifts are an expression of His role, which, though debated, function to equip ministry, strengthen community, and facilitate evangelism. The Holy Spirit is also a source of character transformation and empowerment for mission. Baptism in the Holy Spirit becomes a moment of life change and sanctification. The implication is that a clear understanding and open attitude towards the Holy Spirit are essential for unity, church growth, and glorifying Christ.

This research aims to analyze how the church in the old and new testaments. The approach used in this research is descriptive qualitative, which aims to understand the structure so that it has a major influence on contemporary Christianity. From a conceptual perspective, the Church in the Old Testament is understood as a community of God's chosen people whose identity is attached to the ethnic unity of the Israelites and attachment to the law within the framework of the covenant. While in the New Testament, the understanding of the Church undergoes a transformation into a universal, inclusive, and spiritual community of faith, consisting of all people who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, without ethnic or legal restrictions. In terms of structure and leadership, the Old Testament features a leadership system based on heredity and institutional positions such as priests and prophets who mediate the people's relationship with God; whereas in the New Testament, leadership is no longer hereditary, but based on the gift of the Holy Spirit, with a collegial, functional and participatory service model and Christ as the Head of the Church, emphasizing the dimensions of relationships and service in the community.In terms of sacraments, religious practices in the Old Testament such as religious celebrations functioned as symbols of obedience and identity of the people's covenant with God, but in the New Testament, so the sacramental meaning is renewed through baptism and holy communion which are spiritual and Christocentric, marking new fellowship in Christ in the context of grace. This study concludes that the New Testament cannot be understood as a break with or an abolition of the traditions and practices that existed in the Old Testament. Instead, the New Testament represents a theological fulfillment and essential transformation of the entire narrative and system that had been built in the Old Testament.

The design of a data processing information system is currently in great demand. By designing a data processing information system, the community, especially the congregation and administrators at the Sumba Christian Church (GKS) Lambanapu, can be facilitated in the process of data processing and providing information quickly, precisely and accurately, so that efficiency and effectiveness of church work are achieved. In this study, the author uses various writing methods including data collection techniques, waterfall methods, and system development methods. Creating an information system in church data processing that should be able to improve service performance and be able to provide fast and accurate information. So that it can help the process of church member data collection and can be a means of conveying information to church members. Creating a web-based system used for congregation or congregation data at the Sumba Christian Church (GKS) Lambanapu which contains applications for member registration, baptism registration, marriage blessing registration, sidi registration, registration for borrowing worship facilities and infrastructure, as well as downloading member documents, and news about church activities.  

This study explores the intersection of sacred water rituals and ecological awareness, examining how religious practices related to water shape environmental virtues and promote water conservation efforts. Various religious traditions, including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and indigenous practices, treat water as a sacred resource, emphasizing its purity, sanctity, and the responsibility of humans to protect it. These rituals, such as Islamic ablution (wudhu), Christian baptism, and Hindu purification rites, not only serve spiritual purposes but also embody environmental ethics that encourage restraint, humility, and stewardship in the use of water. The study employs a comparative qualitative approach, integrating textual exegesis, ethnographic observations, and interviews with religious practitioners to analyze how different faith traditions frame water as sacred and how these frameworks translate into practical behaviors regarding water conservation. The findings reveal that religious water rituals contribute to an ecological self, fostering a deep respect for nature and a commitment to sustainable water use. However, challenges exist in reconciling traditional practices with modern water scarcity issues, especially in regions where water conservation is a critical concern. Despite these challenges, religious communities have the potential to leverage their ritual heritage to foster global awareness and action toward water conservation. Future research should explore interfaith collaborations in water conservation and investigate the impact of ritual practices on real-world water conservation behaviors. This study highlights the potential of sacred water rituals as powerful tools for promoting environmental stewardship and addressing global water challenges.