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In the context of modernity, characterized by secularization and existential anxiety, traditional models of Christian faith formation often appear disconnected from the lived reality of believers, particularly regarding the doctrines of salvation and eschatology. This study investigates the crucial role of the church in bridging this gap by developing a pedagogical approach that integrally links ecclesial education with eschatological hope. Employing a qualitative descriptive analysis method, this research examines theological literature, contemporary church documents, and case studies of Christian formation programs. The analysis reveals that a robust eschatological perspective oriented towards the hope of salvation, resurrection, and the renewal of all things is not merely a final chapter of doctrine but an essential, transformative framework for all faith education. It shapes Christian identity, ethics, and mission in the present. The study concludes that for faith formation to be salvific and relevant today, the church must intentionally reconfigure its educational praxis. This reconfiguration involves moving from a compartmentalized teaching of "last things" to fostering an eschatological imagination that informs discipleship, worship, and social engagement, thereby presenting salvation as a comprehensive hope actively shaping Christian life in the modern world.

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.

This article aims to understand how cultural expressions of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) are inculturated in the liturgy of the Catholic Church as a manifestation of a dynamic encounter between Christian faith and local culture. The research method used is qualitative with a desk observation approach, which involves an in-depth study of Church documents, biblical texts, and practices of contextual liturgical analysis in various regions of NTT. The main results of the study indicate that the process of cultural inculturation in the liturgy in NTT not only enriches the forms of expression of the faith of the people, but also deepens the meaning and experience of the liturgy as a space for authentic theological dialogue between the Gospel message and local cultural heritage. Furthermore, this inculturation emphasizes the relevance of faith in the socio-cultural context, where local elements such as music, dance, clothing, and symbolism are brought to life to reveal the mystery of Christ more contextually. The theological and pastoral implications of these findings are that the Catholic Church in Indonesia, particularly in NTT, is a living, contextual, and relevant witness to the faith, demonstrating that the Gospel can be firmly embedded in the local land and culture, while strengthening the religious identity of the people amidst cultural plurality.

This study aims to examine the contribution of educational psychology in the context of Christian education, particularly for educators, school principals, Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers, Sunday school teachers, pastors, elders, and church servants. This theoretical study shows that educational psychology helps in understanding the characteristics of learners, optimizing teaching methods, building effective teacher-student relationships, and enhancing motivation and involvement in the learning and preaching process. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, collecting data through a review of books, literature, journals, notes, and relevant reports. Educational psychology plays a significant role for all those involved in Christian education and ministry. CRE teachers and Sunday school teachers have a crucial role in instilling faith values in the younger generation by understanding the learning needs of children according to their cognitive and spiritual development stages. This enables them to deliver God's word in an engaging and meaningful way. Meanwhile, pastors, elders, and church servants require an understanding of educational psychology to carry out more wise pastoral ministry. Psychological understanding helps them provide spiritual guidance, counseling, and support for members who are struggling. Educational psychology also equips church servants to lead with empathy, listen with their hearts, and guide the congregation towards true spiritual restoration. The integration of educational psychology with Christian faith significantly impacts the improvement of learning and church ministry, producing individuals who are intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually balanced.

This study discusses the role of Christian ethics in shaping attitudes towards abortion in Indonesia, which has led to moral, social, and legal debates. The main issues examined are how the biblical view and Christian ethical teachings assess the act of abortion and how the attitude of the church and believers in responding to this phenomenon. The aim of this study is to understand theologically and ethically the position of the Christian faith on abortion, while offering a compassionate pastoral approach to women facing such moral dilemmas. The research method used is descriptive qualitative method, by examining various theological, social, and legal sources to describe in depth the views of Christian ethics on abortion. The results showed that in the view of Christian ethics, human life is a holy gift of God from the womb, so abortion is considered contrary to his will. However, the church and believers are called not only to reject abortion in a normative way, but also to provide mentoring, moral education, and spiritual support for those affected. This study confirms the importance of balance between truth and love in dealing with the issue of abortion as a concrete manifestation of the application of Christian ethics in society.

The phenomena of stigmata and divine apparitions represent profound religious experiences that demonstrate the dynamic relationship between faith, body, and consciousness. Through a phenomenological-theological approach and literature review, this study examines how these extraordinary events reflect the spiritual and psychological dimensions of faith. The results demonstrate that stigmata and apparitions are not simply supernatural phenomena, but existential encounters that express human participation in the suffering and presence of Christ. Phenomenological reflection affirms that faith is lived through bodily awareness, not merely understood conceptually. This study emphasizes the importance of discernment and theological interpretation of the church so that extreme religious experiences deepen authentic spirituality, rather than giving rise to superstition. Understanding stigmata and apparitions as transcendental experiences that transcend worldly limitations requires an openness to assess these phenomena in light of the doctrines of Christian faith. Furthermore, this study explores how these experiences contribute to the development of personal and church community spirituality and open up space for deeper reflection on the human relationship with God. Ultimately, this study bridges phenomenology and theology, demonstrating that divine experiences enrich the Christian understanding of the incarnation, suffering, and grace of God present in human existence.

The development of science, technology, and the arts (IPTEKS) presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly for young Christians in the Faculty of Languages and Arts. This study explores the role of Christian faith in shaping how young Christians engage with IPTEKS, focusing on the integration of faith-based values in artistic creation, scientific application, and technological use. Using qualitative descriptive methods, the research involved interviews, observations, and documentation from Christian students in various art and education programs. The findings suggest that Christian faith provides a moral, ethical, and spiritual foundation for the responsible use of IPTEKS. In the arts, faith motivates students to create works that serve as ministry and testimony. In science, it encourages knowledge application for service and glorifying God. In technology, faith serves as a moral filter for the positive use of digital media. Key scriptures, including Proverbs 1:7, Colossians 3:23-24, and Romans 12:2, reinforce that IPTEKS should be utilized to honor God and serve others. This study highlights the need for faith development in academic settings, ensuring that young Christians engage with IPTEKS wisely, ethically, and in alignment with Christian values.

Indonesia's cultural diversity demands a process of inculturation, in which local values ​​enter into dialogue with faith. This study examines the Lodong Me tradition in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, as a ritual of thanksgiving for birth that is essential and relevant amidst the challenges of modernity. The aim is to describe the meaning of Lodong Me and analyze its encounter with Christian faith through an inculturation approach. Using a qualitative approach with a case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with key informants and tested using source triangulation. The results show that Lodong Me is interpreted culturally and theologically as gratitude for divine grace, where gratitude to ancestors and God (Ama Pu) is placed in a harmonious arrangement. This ritual has been proven to meet the criteria for genuine adaptation because it has compatible values ​​(such as work ethic and responsibility to care for creation) and effectively strengthens the congregation's faith experience. By implication, this case study enriches the literature on inculturation in Indonesia and makes an important contribution to the Church's pastoral care in Sikka to prevent duality of belief.

This study explores the intricate relationship between theology and philosophy within the framework of Christian apologetics and evangelism, aiming to understand and communicate faith in both rational and contextual ways. Theology, grounded in divine revelation, serves as the foundational source of truth, while philosophy offers critical and analytical tools to interpret, clarify, and logically articulate theological doctrines. Apologetics operates as a dynamic bridge between these disciplines, integrating rational discourse, ethical reflection, and spiritual conviction to defend and proclaim the Gospel effectively in an increasingly pluralistic and intellectually diverse society. This research employs a library-based qualitative approach utilizing descriptive and analytical methods to examine theological and philosophical literature from various academic perspectives. The findings demonstrate that theology, philosophy, and apologetics form an interdependent and complementary framework that not only strengthens evangelism but also enables Christians to present the Gospel message rationally, contextually, and meaningfully amidst the contemporary challenges of faith, culture, and reason.

This research is entitled "Theology of Embrace: Perspectives of Indonesian Christian Pastors on Concern for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People." The focus of the research is directed at how pastors of the Indonesian Christian Church (HKI) understand and respond to the presence of the LGBT community within the congregation, as well as how the concept of embrace theology can be implemented in Church services. The background of this research arises from the persistence of stigma, discrimination, and rejection of LGBT people in the church environment, which impacts their alienation from fellowship. This research method uses a qualitative with a descriptive approach, the researcher interviewed 10 HKI pastors in 9 regions to explore their perspectives. The results show that 3 HKI pastors still hold conservative views regarding LGBT, viewing it as behavior that is contrary to the values ​​of Christian faith. There are also 7 pastors who are starting to open themselves to embracing LGBT people through a more humane and compassionate pastoral approach. The concept of embrace theology according to Miroslav Volf is a relevant theological offer for creating an inclusive church space, solidarity, and relationship restoration. This research is expected to contribute to the church, especially HKI, in formulating pastoral policies that are fair, relevant, and in line with the values ​​of Christ's love for all people without exception.

The sulang-sulang hariapan tradition is a significant cultural heritage of the Batak Toba community that embodies values of love, respect for elders, family reconciliation, equitable inheritance distribution, and leadership regeneration. The ritual is traditionally performed by offering food to parents who have reached the status of saur matua, symbolizing gratitude and respect. It is also accompanied by requests for blessings, advice, and public acknowledgment of mistakes, thus fostering peace, forgiveness, and social harmony within the community. However, in contemporary practice, the meaning of this tradition has gradually shifted toward a more formalized ceremony that emphasizes social status rather than its original spiritual and communal values. This study employs descriptive qualitative methods, combining field research with theological reflection, to examine how the values inherent in sulang-sulang hariapan can be understood in the light of the Gospel. The findings indicate that the tradition has profound potential to serve as a contextual medium for Christian faith expression. Therefore, it is crucial to revitalize its theological meaning so that the tradition remains relevant and transformative in strengthening family bonds and nurturing leadership in the modern era.

This research  examines the transfiguration of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels, with particular emphasis on the theological distinctiveness of the Gospel of Mark. The study employs a qualitative method using a literature review approach, focusing on narrative analysis, textual comparison, and theological reflection. The analysis shows that although Matthew, Mark, and Luke present the transfiguration event, each Gospel offers distinctive features in wording, narrative structure, and theological emphasis. Mark presents the transfiguration in a concise form, portraying Jesus as the messianic Son of God and as a prophet like Moses, while highlighting the apocalyptic and symbolic aspects of this divine encounter. From Mark’s perspective, the transfiguration serves as a prefiguration of Jesus’ resurrection and a revelation of His messianic identity, which in the Greco-Roman context may be understood as apotheosis—the elevation of a human into divinity. This study affirms that the transfiguration in Mark is not only a historical event but also a theological event that encompasses eschatological and christological dimensions, as well as a reflection on divine hiddenness. In conclusion, the transfiguration is understood as a manifestation of Jesus’ hidden glory within suffering, confirming that the path to resurrection and glory must pass through the cross. This article contributes to biblical and theological studies by demonstrating how Mark articulates a unique christology, one that remains relevant for contemporary Christian faith and opens avenues for further exploration through apocalyptic theology and scriptural intertextuality.

A disability-friendly church is a concrete manifestation of the Christian faith's call to live out God's love in a tangible way in the lives of its congregation. The presence of people with disabilities in society and within church communities is often viewed as a neglected group, both in terms of physical accessibility, opportunities for participation, and involvement in ministry. However, theologically,people with disabilities are also God's creations, possessing the same dignity as other members of the congregation and deserving of equal space in church life. A disability-friendly church means a church that not only provides physical facilities but also fosters an attitude of acceptance, appreciation, and empowerment for people with disabilities so they can contribute to worship, ministry, and congregational life. This study aims to determine the extent of the efforts of the Indonesian Protestant Christian Church (GKPI)in Labuhanbatu, both in the Labuhanbatu Induk and Labuhanbatu Utara regions, in realizing a disability-friendly church as part of the Church's Three Tasks: Marturia (witness), Koinonia (fellowship), and Diakonia (loving service). The Three Tasks of the Church serve as an important benchmark for assessing the church's success in presenting God's love within the congregation, particularly to vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities. The research method used was qualitative with a descriptive approach. Thisapproach was chosen because it allowed researchers to understand the experiences, perceptions, and meanings of the participants in depth and context. Data collection techniques included field observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation.Eight informants participated in the research: two people wvith disabilities, two family members of people with disabilities, three church ministers, and one synod leader.

This article explores the spirituality of the bate symbol within the context of the blessing of Catholic church buildings in Tana Toraja as a concrete form of inculturation of the Christian faith into local culture. Originally, bate functioned as a religious symbol in traditional Toraja ceremonies for inaugurating tongkonan (ancestral houses). Over time, however, this symbol has been adopted and reinterpreted in Catholic liturgical celebrations, particularly during church blessing rituals. The study employs a qualitative method using a literature review and applies Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutical framework, which consists of three stages: the world of the interpreter, the world of the text, and appropriation. The analysis reveals that bate can be understood as a cultural text rich in spiritual meaning. Traditionally, it symbolizes a connection between heaven and earth as well as cosmic power. Within the perspective of Christian inculturation, bate undergoes symbolic reinterpretation, representing values of faith such as the Trinity, the cross, the Eucharist, the Holy Scripture, and Jesus Christ as the mediator of salvation. The incorporation of bate in Catholic liturgy is not merely a cultural adaptation but a tangible manifestation of the encounter between faith and culture, achieved in a contextual and symbolic manner within Torajan society. This study affirms the significance of inculturation in proclaiming the Gospel in a way that is relevant and grounded, without compromising the core essence of Catholic faith. Furthermore, it recommends further research on other local symbols to enrich the dialogue between faith and culture in pastoral contexts.

The covenant between God and Abraham serves as proof that God is a faithful God who never abandons His people, whether in times of joy or sorrow. This covenant is also one of the fundamental covenants in the Old Testament, with significant theological and historical implications. This article, we’re discusses and analyzes God’s covenant with Abraham and its implications for Christian faith today, based on Genesis 12:1-9. Through this covenant, God promises three main things to Abraham: numerous descendants, the promised land, and blessings for all nations. Futhermore, this covenant serves as the foundation of Israel’s identity and finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, as foretold in Genesis 3:15, namely the offspring that will be born a woman. This study serves as evidence and a model for Christians regarding Abraham’s obedience and steadfast faith, emphasizing that salvation in Jesus Christ is one of God’s fulfilled promises to Abraham. Thus, understanding this covenant strengthens the conviction that God remains faithful to His promises and that faith in Him is the foundation of true spiritual life for believers.

This article explores the theme of faithfulness amid suffering through a narrative and theological analysis of Job 1:1–22, while also examining its relevance for the Christian faith today. Job is chosen as the central figure due to his portrayal in the Bible as a man who endured extreme suffering yet maintained his spiritual integrity. This research uses a qualitative approach with a library research method, analyzing biblical texts and relevant theological literature. The study focuses on understanding suffering as a test of faith allowed by God, rather than as punishment for sin. The analysis reveals that Job is portrayed as a righteous, upright, God-fearing man who shunned evil. In Job 1:1–22, he loses all his wealth and children in a very short time, yet continues to submit to God’s will. His well-known declaration, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord,” affirms the depth of his faith and obedience. Job’s faithfulness is not transactional, but emerges from a pure spiritual relationship with God. Job’s story remains highly relevant for contemporary Christians. In today’s world filled with adversity, Job teaches that suffering is not necessarily a sign of wrongdoing or lack of faith, but can be a means for spiritual growth and character formation. This article affirms that true faith will remain steadfast even when tested by suffering. Thus, Job stands as an enduring example of unwavering faithfulness to God in the face of deep crisis.

In a global context marked by religious pluralism, secularization, and a crisis of faith identity, a theological understanding of God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3) becomes increasingly significant. The rise of postmodern thought has weakened grand narratives, including the theological narrative of Christianity, leading to a fragmented understanding of faith. This study aims to explore the theological, spiritual, and social implications of the Abrahamic covenant using a contextual hermeneutical approach that engages with the current socio-religious realities of Indonesia.The covenant highlights God’s unilateral initiative, a structure of blessing that encompasses personal, national, and universal dimensions, and a call to faith that demands obedience amid uncertainty. Its relevance is evident in shaping the church’s identity as a covenant community, fostering a holistic missional paradigm, and cultivating a spirituality rooted in divine grace. In the Indonesian context, the principle of “blessed to be a blessing” challenges the church to engage actively in social transformation and interfaith dialogue.This study also examines the covenant’s contribution to the development of ecclesiology, missiology, and Christian ethics, while reaffirming the importance of a faith grounded in trust rather than certainty. Through interviews and literature review, the research offers a theologically reflective and contextually grounded perspective. The findings demonstrate that the Abrahamic covenant is not only a historical foundation of Christian faith but also a spiritual blueprint for the contemporary church to respond to the challenges of the age with obedience, courage, and an inclusive missional vision

This paper examines euthanasia from ethical, theological, legal, and human rights perspectives, focusing specifically on the Christian faith. Euthanasia, defined as the intentional termination of life to avoid physical suffering, raises significant moral and legal dilemmas. This study applies a qualitative method through literature review to explore expert opinions, Indonesian legal provisions, and theological foundations based on the Bible. The findings indicate that euthanasia contradicts the core principles of Christian ethics, Indonesian positive law, and human rights values that uphold the right to life. From a Christian worldview, life is a divine gift and should not be ended by human will. Suffering is understood as part of a spiritual journey that carries redemptive meaning. Furthermore, euthanasia presents complex implications not only for the individual undergoing the act but also for families, religious communities, and healthcare professionals. In Christian ethics, life and death are matters of divine sovereignty, and human agency in ending life is considered a violation of God's authority. The legal stance in Indonesia, as reflected in national laws and regulations, clearly prohibits any form of euthanasia, emphasizing the protection of human life as a constitutional right. From a human rights viewpoint, although autonomy is important, it must be balanced with the principle of preserving life. This study suggests that interdisciplinary dialogue involving theology, law, bioethics, and pastoral care is urgently needed to build awareness and offer compassionate responses to end-of-life issues. Churches, educators, and policymakers are encouraged to develop ethical guidelines and pastoral counseling approaches rooted in biblical truth and legal integrity. A wise and faithful response to the problem of euthanasia requires not only empathy but also a clear commitment to uphold the sanctity of life.

This training activity on application development using the Thunkable platform was designed to enhance digital literacy, logical thinking skills, and strengthen the character of adolescents through a Project-Based Learning (PjBL) approach. In today’s digital age, digital literacy is an essential competency, and equipping young people with the ability to create meaningful technology empowers them to be not just users but also creators of impactful digital solutions. The training took place on May 17, 2025, at a member’s house from the GKI Kasih congregation in Perumnas, Sorong. It was attended by 20 participants aged between 12 and 17 years. The choice of a familiar and friendly setting was intended to create a comfortable and collaborative learning environment. The training materials were structured step-by-step, starting with an introduction to the Thunkable platform, user interface (UI) design, navigation logic development using visual block programming, and culminating in group presentations and reflections on the final projects. The project theme chosen for the training was "Prophets as Role Models," aimed at integrating spiritual values and character development into an educational digital application. Through this project, participants not only gained technical skills but also reflected on the moral and inspirational values of prophetic figures in the Christian faith. Evaluation results showed that the training had a significant positive impact. Participants demonstrated increased understanding of app development concepts, were able to explain their project workflows and features, and showed high levels of enthusiasm and creativity throughout the process. Furthermore, character values such as teamwork, responsibility, and a strong learning spirit were fostered. This initiative serves as a concrete example of how technology-based education can be effectively combined with character formation. It also provides a replicable training model for other communities, particularly for church-based youth development programs that aim to nurture digitally literate and morally grounded future generations.

The digital era presents serious challenges to the character formation of Christian adolescents, marked by a rise in moral and spiritual degradation due to exposure to negative content and lifestyle changes. Christian Religious Education (CRE), as a moral foundation, is expected to respond to this phenomenon but often faces issues of relevance. This study aims to analyze the role and effectiveness of CRE in shaping adolescent character, identify the impacts of digital technology, and formulate an integrative character education strategy for the digital age. The method used is qualitative with a library research approach, where data from various relevant journals, books, and articles are analyzed using an interactive model. The results indicate that the effectiveness of conventional CRE tends to decline as it is not contextual to the struggles of adolescents. Digital technology was found to have negative impacts that are more easily absorbed compared to its positive impacts, which require intentional guidance. The key finding of this study is that the solution to these challenges lies in an integrative strategy that synergizes the roles of the school, family, and church holistically. The implication is that CRE must be transformed by integrating digital literacy based on Christian values and strengthening the role of educators as role models. A solid collaboration among stakeholders is the key to equipping adolescents to become wise, ethical, and character-driven technology users in accordance with their Christian faith.