Kingdom of God

     The core of the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ is the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven according to testimony in the Gospel of Matthew. Main teaching or preaching about the Kingdom of God in the biblical witness is always voiced by the evangelists, the apostles and the preachers of today. What does the Lord Jesus Christ meant about the phrase or the phrase "kingdom of God"?. If we look at the Jewish community a place where the Lord Jesus grew up, that there are some assumptions and opinions concerning the Kingdom of God itself. The term in Aramaic word "kingdom of God" which means king's reign. 

     This term is used to describe an authority or act in a dynamic sense and not referring to a place or region in terms of static. We often have the notion that the kingdom of God it is something that illustrates the power of God is not limited by anything. In addition we also assume that the Kingdom of God as the fruit of obedience to God's people, this example is written in Deuteronomy 6:4 that: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the Lord is one!. 

     Our assumption also that the kingdom of God as a hope, faith or the final goal of the faith, as stated in Isaiah 52:7 that: "What a Beautiful visible from the top of the hills coming news bearer, who described the news of peace and preach the good news, who proclaim the news congratulations and saying to Zion: "God is King!". Is the opinion of the Lord Jesusin the synoptic Gospels of the Kingdom of God? In the synoptic Gospels, Jesus emphasized that the Kingdom of God has been started or have started there. To his disciples Jesus said, "Tell Me has been given the secret of the kingdom of God ..." (Mark 4:11). To the Pharisees He said, "... the kingdom of God is with you" (Luke 17:21). Lord Jesus also taught in Luke 6:20 that: "Blessed are you who are poor, because you're the one who owns the kingdom of God." 

     According to the Lord Jesus Christ that the kingdom of God is not a mood or hope in the future, but an act of God in the entire history of human life. Kingdom of God is something that is not yet visible, but already there and are working in every people and the world as a whole. Testimony in Luke 11:20 that: "But if I cast out demons by the power of God, then actually the Kingdom of God is come unto you." This testimony provided evidence to us that the Lord Jesus Christ is the proof of the presence of God's kingdom. 

     One question for us is: if indeed the kingdom of God is already come, Why did the Lord Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to pray: "Our Father which art in heaven ... your kingdom come ..."(Matthew 6:9 - 10)?. To discuss this we see more of the following: 

1. Kingdom of God has already begun, but has not been fulfilled or have expanded existing, but not yet complete. 

2. Authority to make or bring the Kingdom of God rather than our humanity, but the heavenly Father. Kingdom of God not because of achievement of our faith, but as a gift of God or grace of the heavenly Father. In other words God himself would be present or manifest the kingdom of God and not us humans. 

3. Kingdom of God is a gift or a gift for us who believe in humanity, therefore we are invited to respond with great humility and openness in the form of begging the Kingdom of God. 

     So, the point is the kingdom of God is not a church or fellowship of believers, for the kingdom of God can’t be characterized by the presence of people. Kingdom of God is also not a person's mood, for the kingdom of God or God's rule is not dependent on the human condition. In other words, the Kingdom of God is not a human product or this world, but the product of the heavenly Father. 

     We must also underlines that the kingdom of God is not an afterlife or life after death, for the kingdom of God in the beginning and till now on this earth. Kingdom of God is also manifested by the Lord Jesus Christ in his gait and work. For the apostles that the Lord Jesus Christ that the kingdom of God. The early church until today no longer bear witness about the Kingdom of God, but immediately gave testimony about the Kingdom of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Hence also the kingdom of God is identical with Christ. We always ask in prayer that: "... Thy kingdom come", meaning we always ask "came the reign of Christ."

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"Faith" and "Believe"

     Until now we always say the word "Faith" and the word "Believe". Without us realizing that what is actually contained in those words. Therefore in this paper I want to give the picture a bit about the word "Faith" and "Believe". The word "Believe" is a verb of the word "Faith". Both these words often appear in the Bible in both Old Testament and New Testament. Basically, these two words always describe the relationship between race, man or someone with the Almighty (God). In particular, the word "Faith" and the word "Believe" will be studied from the viewpoint of the New Testament in the Bible. 

     The word "Faith" is used in the New Testament is a translation of the word (Greek: Πίστης), while the word believe is the translation of the word (Greek: πιστεύουν). These words have also been used in the Septuagint, the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) the Greek translation of the word "secure", defined as a condition or situation that is true and can be trusted or reliable. In the Old Testament these words are also often used in order to want to express my trust in God and believe in His word. Belief in God is interpreted to include something that God is true and reliable, people always entrust ourselves to Him to be obedient and faithful to Him as the living God, strong, powerful and loving. 

     Thus, it can be concluded that the term "Faith" and "Believe" in the Bible both Old Testament and New Testament often support some things like: 

1. Believe and understand that something is true and acceptable. 

2. Rely on and trust yourself. 

3. Show loyalty and obedience. 

     In particular in the New Testament the word "Faith" is addressed to the Lord Jesus Christ, that we humans believe in Him and all His words that He is Lord and Savior of the world. Besides, we entrust ourselves to Him and accept the truth of the gospel who has the Lord Jesus says about. Here are several passages in the Bible New Testament which reveals the word "Faith" and "Believe", among other things: 

1. Matthew 9:22

"Your faith has saved you!" 

2. Mark 1:15 

"Repent and believe the gospel!" 

3. Galatians 2:16 

"We also have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ." 

4. Romans 10:9

"That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him ..." 

5. John 2:24 

"But Jesus did not entrust himself to them". 

6. Romans 12:6 

"If the gift it is to prophesy let us do so in accordance with our faith." 

7. Ephesians 4:5

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." 

8. Jude 3 

"You're still struggling to maintain faith that has been delivered to the saints."

     Finally it can be drawn an understanding that the word "Faith" and the word "Believe" is to trust the word of the Lord Jesus Christ as the gospel and the word is correct. Because believing in the Lord Jesus Christ then we are justified. The word "Faith" and "Believe" also should be coupled with real deeds. This is because both "Faith" and "Trust" must be demonstrated by ability as a gift or talent that God has given. 

Faith and trust also point to the religious life. It is with the phrase that "people believe it means religious people" and "religious people it means a believer.” Trust yourself, life and your faith on something that is fitting or appropriate should you believe in and trust.

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Charisma in the life of the church

     In Greek, the word charisma is rooted from the word "charisma" which means grace. Therefore in this Indonesian Bible translated into his charisma, which means giving the gift that God gives is not because we are entitled to receive it but because God's generosity. There was a question "to whom God gave the charisma?" God gives such charisma to every believer, without exception. What exactly is charisma? Charisma is assorted gifts. Therefore the word "charisma" in the Bible is always used in plural form with the word "charisma". We Christians have always believed that God certainly has given his Spirit that causes us to believe. 

     The Holy Spirit is always moving our hearts to keep believing. We always come out and confess that the Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world through the charisma of the Spirit (read in 1 Corinthians 12:3). The word charisma in Christian belief as well understood as the Spirit of God who works in various ways to the believer and the world as a whole. In other words God gave a variety of different gift to mankind. Different gifts are given by God to every human and from era to era. There are several sections in the Bible who wrote about his charisma, for example, we read in Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 7, 12, 13, 14, Ephesians 3, 4 and 1 Peter 4. 

     In general, the charisma that is mentioned in several passages above mentioned about giving, it leads, it teaches, it becomes a prophet, it helps, in tongues, willing to live simply, shepherd, became a martyr, it heals, encouraging, p. exorcise , willing to live celibacy, proclaim the gospel, like giving a lift and so forth. There is also in the Bible that testify about the people who filled the Spirit of God, so have the talent, grace and skill in wood carving, weaving fabric and jewels to decorate the sharpening stone temple (can we read in Exodus 31:1-11 and 35:30-35). These are some examples of the charisma of the Bible and many charisma which are recorded in the Bible both Old Testament and New Testament, among others charisma singing, playing music and charisma to read the Bible. 

     Outside the environment of God's people a lot of charisma is also similar to the word blessing. There charisma to lead as the lead social group which was not related to Christian beliefs. Parallels between the blessing and the gift is both a gift from God. Both the blessing and grace are both dependent development of human growth from childhood. Charisma is given based on one's faith and charisma can’t stand alone, but the charisma was very closely with the faith of a believer. Charisma is very accurate when used in terms of wholeness, order and regularity of a fellowship of believers and also not be used by God in vain. God gives charisma to the people to believe in Him through their own plan and purpose of God. Therefore can we say that it is wrong if the church parishioners who want to develop hamper his charisma. 

     If people believe that charisma is owned beneficial to the church and society, it is very wrong too, if the church does not develop this charisma. Charisma is given to every person (people believe) that does not mean we just remain silent, but we need more adding to the Church communion and progress of society. The believer must work harder to develop themselves according to the gifts God has given to him. Charisma can be changed according to changes over time and the development of church ministry. Charisma is what God has given us not only saved but to be developed and used. When the charisma that existed at that time we developed it we also have been a blessing to many people and become salt and light of the world. This is what is meant by the Apostle Peter that "in accordance with the gifts that have been obtained by each person as a good administrator of the grace of God" (read in 1 Peter 4:10). Can we understand that charisma is given to "each person". 

     We all charisma and no exception was able to obtain it from the Lord God not because of intelligence, eloquence, skill and elegance and we are but because of God's plan for our own. The person receiving the gift should be grateful, but we do not just save that gift but we develop it for the good of the people.

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Human Reason by Bible

     Expression of reason with all forms of this happen, can be found in dozens and dozens of verses in the Bible, particularly in the biblical standard. This expression is the translation of various words in Hebrew and Greek, which refers to the human ability to understand, comprehend, explore, and even can also mean a true thought or action. Conversely, as can be understood, said the same Hebrew or Greek, often translated in other words, in accordance with the context. 

     Below we will examine the meaning of "reason" in accordance with the context in the Bible: 

     "Therefore, my lord let Pharaoh look for one who understands and wise, and made him the authority over the land of Egypt (Genesis 41:33)." 

This is the proposal of Joseph to Pharaoh how to confront hunger that threatens the land of Egypt. The Hebrew word translated as "understands" here is "nabon", with the basic word "biyn". This word means "bright", "intelligent" and has a deep understanding. Accordingly, BIMK translate "intelligent mind and wise" to be "intelligent and wise." Here intelligence is the ability to think to make the right decision to face the natural situation, which in this case is dry and the danger that threatens starvation. 

     "But until now the Lord has not given you reason to understand or eyes to see and ears to hear (Deuteronomy 29:4)." 

Reason in this verse is translated from the Hebrew word that is different than the above mentioned words. The Hebrew word here is "leb" which means "heart". In Hebrew "heart" has a very broad sense. Hearts are not just regarded as the center of emotions or feelings, but people also think in his heart. So, in this context of reason or "heart" can be translated as "the ability to think". In accordance with these terms then this verse can be translated as: "But until now the Lord has not given you the ability to think to understand about what you see and hear." 

     "But to the man he said: Behold, the fear of God's wisdom and intellect that is away from the crime (Job 28:28)." 

Words of reason in this paragraph is also translated from the same basic words contained in Genesis 41:33; but here in the form of the noun (biynah). If in the context of Genesis 41:33, which meant the mind is the intelligence to deal with earthly problems, namely drought and famine, then here, in the context of Job 28:28, mind is the intelligence in the field of morals. Reason would not be able to stand alone, but as they say at the beginning of this paragraph, is people who have the intellect. Thus, this verse can be translated as "The wise are those who fear the Lord; smart people are those who avoid evil." 

     "Love the Lord your God with all thy heart and with all your soul and with all thy mind and with all your strength (Mark 12:30)." 

Parallel to this verse in the Old Testament is Deuteronomy 6:5, but without words thy mind. Reason here is translated from the Greek word "dianoia" which means mind or thinking ability, understanding, will, attitude. So, this verse says that in addition we must love God with all your heart, soul, and strength, we also must love Him with our brains, that is with all this potential can be achieved by our thinking abilities. 

     "Because if I pray with tongues, then my spirit was the one who prays, but my mind did not participate in prayer. So, what does this mean? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind ... ( 1 Corinthians 14:14-15b). 

" The Greek word translated as mind, here are the "nous", which in Louw and Nida Lexicon placed in the same category with "dianoia". That means that both words have similar meanings. What did the Apostle Paul says in this verse is that if he prayed with tongues (literally language / tongue), his spirit just kind of praying, but his mind was not, because unintelligible tongues. So there are benefits to his prayer, the Apostle Paul said, but pray with the spirit, he also prayed with his mind, with his mind, that is to pray in a language that is understandable. That means that when we pray should not utter the words that indiscriminate that there is no meaning for us and others. The New Testament in the Indonesian version Simplified translate this verse as follows:

"If I pray in a language that magic, the spirit of it was I who pray, but I myself do not know what I'm saying. So, what should I do? I will pray with My spirit and also with my mind. " 

Main Source: Forum Biblical "Popular Scientific Journals", Indonesian Bible Institute, the number 20-2006

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