IN MEMORY OF JOHN R. W. STOTT (27/4/1921-27/7/2011)

One of the most respected and influential Christian leaders, John Robert Walmsley Stott passed away this morning. Stott has been well known as the key thinker and drafter behind the Lausanne Covenant.   He is the key founder and had been the key leader and figure of Langham Partnership International (http://www.langhampartnership.org/).

One of his best selling books, Basic Christianity is to me one out of two most important books (together with Bonhoeffer's Cost of Discipleship) that has been shaping my Christian perspective. His books have been translated in many foreign languages and sold in million copies. In my seminary teachings, I have been so much benefited from Stott's works.

I met Stott himself and was in a short conversation with him at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS) in September 26, 2002. In the picture, Stott was escorted by Dr. Christopher Sugden and speaking to me and one fellow OCMS scholar. Stott was there as part of his commitment to attend to the Centre for lunch gathering once a year. There he delivered the blessing for all scholars of the Centre. To me personally, John Stott is truly an example of a humble servant of God. Unquestionably, Stott was a fine scholar, a great pastor, a passionate preacher, a brilliant thinker and a respected Christian leader - but he also was someone who had been envisioning the whole Gospel by the whole church to the whole world.

Readers are invited to view the official memorial site of John R. W. Stott at 

http://www.johnstottmemorial.org/

BOTTLES AND CANS FOR RECYCLE

In one afternoon, I read an add at Craiglist Free Items. There, someone was offering recycle bottles and cans. Without any serious intention, but knowing that she lives only 10 minutes drive from my place, I replied the add, expressing my willingness to pick them up. In about 15 minutes, she called me asking if I still want the bottles and cans. To make the long story short, I went to her house and picked all the bottles and cans up. They were in total of four large plastic garbage bags. I loaded them into my car and brought them in to a Bottle Depot. For that less than an hour effort, I earned 18.5 CAD - or 16 CAD after counting the gasoline cost.

What have I learned from this process? First, I am so happy for being a positive actor in promoting GO GREEN movement. What I did is not so much motivated by money, it is however led by an environment awareness. Second, I am so happy for the opportunity to help a lady in throwing her recycle garbage. She must be very happy to see her house neater and to have some more space to store her other stuffs. Third, I am happy because I earned money - and immediately treated my wife an Ice Cappuccino and my daughter a Berry Smoothies. For the opportunity to care for the environment, to help the lady cleaning up her house, and to treat my family with refreshment, I thanked God.

The only sad part of the story is the fact that more people were probably or I am sure actually were expecting to get those bottles and cans to survive. For this, I do not know exactly what words should I say.

BLUEBERRY: GOD'S FAMOUS CREATION

God is so good. After more than forty years living on earth, I and also my family had the opportunity for the first time to see with our own eyes God's famous creation: 'Blueberry' trees and flowers. Not only we saw the trees and the flowers with our own eyes, we also picked the fruits with our own hands, tasted the fruits with our own mouth, and payed the fruits with our own money :). July 23rd, 2011 at Emma Lea Farm, Ladner, British Columbia. I thank my long time friend Claudia for introducing the place and inviting us to experience God's wonderful blue creation.

ELLIOTT'S SHOW

I can only pray and hope that Charming Elliott will grow to be a simple and humble gentleman, yet firm and strong in faith.

DIANA ROSS: WHEN YOU TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME

If the verbal word 'love' as Diana Ross says is so powerful, the action verb 'to love' should therefore be even more powerful. This song comes with a great lyric and is delivered with a golden unrivaled voice of my favorite singer.

BLACKBERRY: LINGUISTIC OPPRESSION & MODERN COLONIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY OVER AGAINST NATURE

This is what will happen if you type 'Blackberry' on Google Image: Out of more than 200 first entries of picture and website in Google image, only four (4) images show the real Blackberry in a category of fruits, the rest of the images show Blackberry mobile devices. Do you think our children and grandchildren will still recognize that God once created a kind of fruit called Blackberry? Shall I call this a linguistic oppression or a modern technology's colonization over nature?

FRESH READING FROM LUKE 12.1-12

My fresh practical reading of Luke 12.1-12 (without neglecting the sitz im leben of the passage) says that when you are in under pressure situation with insurmountable problems, remember:

First, those problems can only kill your physical body at worst. Those problems do not have power and authority beyond that physical death. God is greater and stronger than your most horrific enemies (12.4-5);  

Second, God is always with you. To God, you are too precious to be neglected. His eye is on you always and forever (12.6-7);  

Third, 'Do not loose your faith! Be faithful in Christ Jesus!' (12.8-9);  

Fourth, the Holy Spirit will guide you, lead you and teach you with heavenly wisdom on what you should say and what you should do (12.10-12)

ELLIOTT LAZZARO ATALAYA PRASADJA

Our precious son and the joy in the family, Elliott Lazzaro Atalaya Prasadja - in one evening after a church service on July 3, 2011 (Surrey, British Columbia). Readers are invited to offer prayers for him as he is growing and maturing (Luke 2.52)

SIX SIGNS OF HYPOCRISY (LUKE 11.37-54)

• Focusing on rituals, but ignoring the real meaning behind the rituals (11.42) 
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• Acting motivated by pride - not sincerity (11.43)
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• Promising but not delivering - life without impact (11.44)
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• Speaking boldly, but doing nothing (11.46)
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• Showing goodness, but attacking from the back (11.47-51)
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• Knowing the knowledge (truth), but disobeying it - and even preventing others to follow that truth (11.52)

MEMORABLE PICS OF 2011 - NO WORDS AVAILABLE!

WORDS TO REFLECT - JUNE 2011

Note from Patsy Oda, the author of Heart Desire (September 10, 2000) - (June 6, 2011)

 

 

 

 

One of the most influential books I have ever read: Heart Desire by Patsy Oda (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2011/06/influential-book-heart-desire-by-patsy.html) (June 6, 2011)

A brilliant book on prayer: a life-transforming to my own prayer life. Dick Eastman's No Easy Road (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2011/06/most-influential-books-1-no-easy-road.html) (June 6, 2011)

'Right choices lead to right destination - Wrong choices lead to destruction' (Prasadja, June 6, 2011)

'Right choices lead to right destination - Wrong choices lead to destruction' (Prasadja, June 2011): A reflection on Schuller's Turning Hurts into Halos and Scars into Stars (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2011/06/influential-book-turning-hurts-into.html) (June 6, 2011)

'My dead fear is not death, but hurting others whom I deeply love' (Prasadja, June 6, 2011)

For so many people who are tired of reading academic theoretical dry books on leadership, trust me that James Hunter's The Servant will excite you (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2011/06/influential-book-servant-simple-story.html) (June 7, 2011)

'When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die' is a famous statement by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2011/06/influential-book-cost-of-discipleship.html)

'Your eye is the lamp of your body' (Jesus at Luke 11.34) (June 8, 2011)

'Celebrating the Pentecost Sunday! It is time for a revitalization by the Holy Spirit: longing for the Spirit's presence, gentle touch, comfort, guidance, empowerment and fire' (Prasadja, June 11, 2011)

With a long time very good friend, Virgo Handojo after the service at Surrey

 

 

 

 

We are not monkeys, but we often do like monkeys! (Prasadja, June 17, 2011)

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'Fatherhood is both a call and a gift' (Prasadja on Father's Day - June, 2011) (June 17, 2011)

This song has always been with me since the 2008 'incident' - when life is like a roller coaster.

'Is God really a good father to Jesus? Instead of saving his severely dying son from a brutal death, God opted to forsake him (Matthew 27.46)' (Prasadja, June 19, 2011) 

Paul and the Problem of Suffering in Romans 8.18-30 is now available at http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2011/06/paul-and-problems-of-suffering-romans.html (June 20, 2011)

We are Secured in the Love of God (Romans 8.31-39) is now available at http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2011/06/why-are-we-secured-in-our-faith-in.html (June 20, 2011) 

Is God a Good Father to Jesus? A reflection on Father's Day 2011 (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2011/06/question-1-on-fathers-day-2011-is-god.html) (June 21, 2011)  

The Call of Fatherhood according to Luke 15.11-34. Another reflection on Father's Day 2011 (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2011/06/reflection-2-on-fathers-day-2011-call.html) (June 21, 2011) 

Elliott in one of his strongest expression! (June 21, 2011)

 

 

 

This week 23 years ago, I began my journey as an under-graduate student at Bogor Agricultural Institute. I completed all requirements for the degree in the Department of Agronomy for five years. My dissertation is on 'In-Vitro Technique on the Propagation of Lilium Hybrid Casablanca' (Prasadja, June 21, 2011)

I am sad but so thankful: Earlier today a godly woman wisely and straightforwardly pointed out my daughter's major weaknesses (Prasadja, June 22, 2011)

'Life is all about interpretation - if you do not understand my statement, try to do your best interpretation on it' (Prasadja, June 22, 2011)

'Some people like to say positive on others; Other people like to say negative on others; And still some other people like to say positive to certain individuals and negative to other individuals. Who are the right ones? NONE - a lesson I learned yesterday' (Prasadja, June 22, 2011)

'Truth is I think a divine vocabulary. When human is tempted to talk about truth, the result is either (1) dominated by self interest, or (2) too abstract' (Prasadja, June 2011)

Our family with a very good friend of mine, Meliani Rim and her daughter at Sushi Town, Coquitlam, BC (June 26, 2011)

 

 

 

 

With sincere and faithful brother, very good friend, mentor, leader and pastor: Andreas Rahardjo - at Sushi Town, Coquitlam, BC (June 26, 2011)

 

 

 

 

'Today I passed a place with a very positive name: 'IMITATING CHRIST TRAINING CENTER' at 12969 Crescent Road, Surrey, BC. May our home be also a training center for imitating Christ' (Prasadja, June 27, 2011)

According to the sermon I listened to yesterday morning, 'If you feel that you are a better person compared to the particular others, then you will not be able to be a blessing for them' (I modify the vocabulary, but am faithful to the content) (Prasadja, June 28, 2011)

'Gossip is much faster than hard work!' (Prasadja, June 30, 2011)

WORDS TO REFLECT - APRIL 2011

'If the disciples of Jesus were middle class outdoor activities oriented people living in a four season country, a prayer for a bright nice perfect day would have been necessarily added to the Lord's prayer' (Prasadja, April 4, 2011) 

'Our transforming personal and private prayers should positively strengthen our self identity and our community' is a conclusion of my first short instant reflection on Pater Noster' available at http://prasadja.blogspot.com/ (Prasadja, April 4, 2011) 

'Since prayer is an approach to the holy throne of God, the most important and therefore the most necessary request would naturally be forgiveness' is one of the highlights of my second reflection on Pater Noster' available at http://prasadja.blogspot.com/ (Prasadja, April 4, 2011) 

My third reflection on Pater Noster says: 'Our daily bread' shows that Christian faith is a faith that believe in the continuity not only of God's providence for us, but also a continuity of our dependence on our heavenly Father (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/) (Prasadja, April 4, 2011) 

Why does one quote someone else? (1) To convince the audience? (2) To support authority? (3) To show knowledge on good people and words? (4) To boast to the public: I discovered it and you do not? (5) Lack of confidence? (6) To share precious wisdom unknown to others? (7) To advertise the one being quoted? (8) Amazed - Do not know what to do but to quote? FB and Twitter tell us the truth (Prasadja, April 12, 2011) 

THE MARRIAGE at http://prasadja.blogspot.com/: 'God is rich,’ say many modern evangelists and pastors, but he did not give us money or houses or cars or jeweleries. All of those things will do nothing to transform our eternal destiny. God gave his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the only effective, powerful, possible and authoritative agent of transforming and transporting us from eternal death to eternal life.' (Prasadja, April 12, 2011) 

'As judging is unavoidable, helping others to be free from our judgment is doable and a must' (Prasadja, April 12, 2011) 

The picture below is a book with a brilliant choice of title written by a very respected religious leader. The title itself says nothing but an essential truth of one of the highest commitments one can offer to her/his fellows (Prasadja, April 12, 2011)

 

 

 

    

THE MARRIAGE IN ROMANS 7.1-6 (PART 2): 'Christians are called to serve God in the spirit of love and excellence. We live for God because we love God. We love God because God first loved us by reaching us out and transforming our fatal destiny into a blessed life of salvation' (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/) (Prasadja, April 12, 2011) 

Unlike adults, when kids laugh, they indeed do! (Prasadja, April 14, 2011)

 

 

    

With a very good friend Yunita and her husband Sudiro at Center Street Church, Calgary - after more than twenty years of not seeing one to another (April 16, 2011)

 

 

    

'Seeing the resurrected Jesus in our daily life (Easter's tips of holistic healthy life #1): Consuming enough healthy food!' (Prasadja, April 19, 2011) 

'Seeing the resurrected Jesus in our daily life (Easter's tips of holistic healthy life #2): Having enough rest and sleep!' (Prasadja, April 19, 2011) 

'Seeing the resurrected Jesus in our daily life (Easter's tips of holistic healthy life #3): Reading, meditating and applying the Word of God zealously!' (Prasadja, April 20, 2011) 

'Seeing the resurrected Jesus in our daily life (Easter's tips of holistic healthy life #4): Managing your problems wisely! Do not be overwhelmed by the magnitude of your burden!' (Prasadja, April 20, 2011) 

'Seeing the resurrected Jesus in our daily life (Easter's tips of holistic healthy life #5): Walking according to God's will! Do not be preoccupied by self ambition!' (Prasadja, April 20, 2011) 

R. A. Kartini (21 April 1879 – 17 September 1904): 'HABIS GELAP TERBITLAH TERANG' (April 20, 2011)

 

 

 

    

'Jesus died WITH, INSTEAD OF and. FOR us' (Scot McKnight - http://bit.ly/git6Zq) (April 22, 2011) 

Good Friday and Easter Sunday are both well known and crucial in Christian faith and tradition. What about the day between the two? What did Jesus do on Holy Saturday, and what is the significance of that sandwiched day for believers? A simple thought to all of you while enjoying a long weekend! Happy Easter from the Prasadjas to all of our precious friiends! (Prasadja, April 22, 2011) 

'When one says to you: "It is up to you!" What does it mean to you? You may be graciously granted a freedom of choice; You may do what is insignificant; You may ask a stupid question; or You may be suffering of being neglected. For certain however you are lonely' (Prasadja, April 23, 2011) 

James Wilhoit rightly argues that genuine spiritual formation should start from brokenness and a deep sense of need upon the grace of God. He calls it 'optimistic brokenness.' The author attacks the understanding of spiritual formation as a simply set of programmatic church activities (April 26, 2011) 

Reading Critical Companion to the Bible: A Literary Reference (Martin Manser, et al). Few spontaneous questions: Does the Bible really need a companion? The more difficult question, and it should serve as the heart of the book is: What does it mean to be a companion that is critical? More practical inquiries are: Should believers approach the Bible critically or in simple obedience? What does it mean to be a critical reader of the Bible? Can we be both critical and obedient? ..... (Prasadja, April 27, 2011)
 

Reading The Bible in Modern Culture (Roy Harrisville and Walter Sundberg). Lutheran scholars elaborate the way theologians and biblicists from Baruch Spinoza to Brevard S. Childs have been working hard to make the 'non-modern' (my own stress) Bible be relevant and modern from time to time. Cultures are diverse and changing rapidly - Will the 'non-modern' Bible survive? (my question) (Prasadja, April 27, 2011) 

Reading Justification: God's Plan and Paul's Vision (N. T. Wright). This piece of work is a response to John Piper's The Future of Justification: A Response to N. T. Wright. Both authors have passion not only in the academia but also in the church. Everyone who desires to re-evaluate his or her understanding of JUSTIFICATION should read this book (and also the one by Piper) (Prasadja, April 27, 2011) 

'This morning, I listened to one of the best straight forward wedding sermons I have ever heard. The bishop of London, Richard Chartres did the sermon splendidly for the 2011 most celebrated royal couple, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: William Arthur Philip Louis and Catherine Elizabeth. The wedding is truly a sharing of the Gospel to the whole world' (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/) (Prasadja, April 29, 2011)

 

    

"‘Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.’ So said St Catherine of Siena whose festival day it is today. Marriage is intended to be a way in which man and woman help each other to become what God meant each one to be, their deepest and truest selves" (Richard Chartres preached on Royal Wedding this morning, April 29, 2011). Read the whole sermon at http://prasadja.blogspot.com/ 

WORDS TO REFLECT - MARCH 2011

'According to this morning's sermon: Be Joyful in all circumstances because we know that God is always with us - never he leave us alone' (March 6, 2011)

'Questions on and Questions to Ecclesia (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/). This post is only the beginning of hopefully fruitful discussions on why and how we do church' (Prasadja, March 11, 2011)

'Faith renewal literally means to return to our early faith. Renewing is a process to make thing (looks) new, though it is not. The phrase assumes that faith is leaking and is vulnerable to contamination and distortion' (Prasadja, March 12, 2011)

Keiko & Elliott (March 12, 2011)

 

 

 

 

'Crisis often produces vulnerability and openness to new insights' (from the article written by my professor, Daryl Busby, 2008 - March 18, 2011)

'We have been freed from the slavery of sin to be slaves of righteousness (Prasadja, March 20, 2011 - based on Paul's tension of slavery and freedom in Romans 6.16-19)

'Luke 10.25-37 is a wonderful New Testament Narrative. A teacher of law, a priest, a Levite and a Jewish man of whom were all Jews and religious people are contrasted against a 'non-religious' Samaritan businessman. Surprisingly, Jesus shocked his audience by opting for the least popular candidate to be hero of the episode. The text is so rich, powerful, inspiring and genuinely life transforming' (Prasadja, March 20, 2011)

'To think that biblical forgiveness is as simple as deleting files in the computer is unimaginable and most likely irresponsible. The basic premises are (1) we are living beings - computer is not. Computer possesses no personality and emotion; computer has no power to cry and protest; (2) the nature of God's forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ involves agony and pain. If forgiveness is as simple as deleting files in the computer, the cross would be unnecessary; (3) forgiveness and denial are completely different. They represent two different genre of action: the first requires love and commitment, while the later does not. Deleting files in computer fits better with denial - I think.' (Prasadja, March 22, 2011)

Most recent post is 'Adam and Christ in Romans 5.12-21' (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/), in which Paul contrasted the tsunami of sin over against the magnitude of God's gracious grace. Enjoy reading! (Prasadja, March 22, 2011)

Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor died today (March 23, 2011) at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California at the age of 79 (b. February 27, 1932) (March 23, 2011)

 

 

 

 

 

'Since believers are now God’s through baptism and the atonement, Paul was authorized to command: 1) Do not let sin rule your body; and 2) Do not offer your body as instrument of wickedness, but as instrument of righteousness. We have no business with sin anymore, because we now live in the new sphere of the gracious grace of God.' 'The Imagery of Baptism and Atonement in Romans 6.1-14' (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/) (Prasadja, March 24, 2011)

Live: Praise and Worship with Ron Kenoly (March, 24 2011, Langley, BC

 

 

 

 

'Believers are said to have been freed from slavery to sin. Are we really free? No! We are now still slaves, but to righteousness and subsequently we are not free to sin (Romans 6.15-23). According to Paul, the old slavery and the new slavery are incompatible. This was the concluding argument of a long battle of the tsunami problem of sin and the gracious grace of God in Romans 5-6' (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/) (March 30, 2011)