True Disciple Research Articles

Markan Spirituality of the Way

This paper investigates Markan spirituality through an examination of his use of “the Way” motif, with a focus on the story of blind Bartimaeus in 10:46–52. Mark arranges his narrative around the theme of the way, and in so doing, points to the spirituality of following Jesus on the way. Mark’s underlying spirituality is particularly unveiled in the story of Bartimaeus, where the evangelist carefully indicates that Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the way once his sight has been restored. This episode is instructive for discipleship since the true disciple of Jesus is one who is ready to follow Jesus to Jerusalem and the Cross. Mark thus provides his audience with a model of sincere discipleship. In particular, the phrase “followed him [Jesus] on the way” presents the core values of Markan spirituality as follows: conformity, participation, identification, and incorporation with and into Jesus’s ministry. Accordingly, this research has implications for pilgrimage and the art of spiritual living, since Bartimaeus’s behaviour offers a prototype for both.

A Character of Righteous Integrity in Light of God’s Reign: The Spirituality of Jesus According to Matthew

This essay examines Matthew’s depiction of both the spirituality demonstrated by Jesus’ actions and words (his own spirituality) and the spirituality he preaches (prescribes/expects of others). Key Matthean themes interweave in this topic. Jesus’ own spirituality and that which he expects of his followers are shaped most profoundly by the apocalyptic expectation of the imminent Reign of God. All practices and attitudes must be aligned with this coming reality. Because of this, the key mark of a true disciple or righteous person is integrity—the congruence of one’s inner character and outer actions, of one’s professed commitments and one’s behaviors. In this, Jesus is the paragon of integrity: everything he does is in alignment with the character of the coming Reign and God’s will. His actions are always a manifestation of his inner character as God’s son and messianic agent within God’s emerging Reign. Those who, like Jesus, manifest a character that is aligned with the realities of the coming age are called righteous and, at the judgment, are allowed to experience God’s Reign. Their attitudes and behaviors have shown that their inner character is in alignment with the character of the Reign of God. By contrast, the scribes and Pharisees are continually upbraided for their hypocrisy and warned that this will cause them to be barred from the Reign. Thus, the spirituality of Jesus in Matthew can be summed up as “spiritual integrity” (which is “righteousness”) shaped by the character of the imminent Reign of God. Jesus exemplifies this and calls his followers to demonstrate their character with integrity as well.

“In Fear and Night” - The Faithful Disciple in The Burial of Jesus: Narrative Reading on John 19:38-42

The burial of Jesus is an important aspect for Christian community to understand the meaning of salvation story. In his narrative on the burial of Jesus, John figure out three characters (Joseph of Arimathea, Pilate and Nicodemus) at the last moment of Jesus in specific way. Pilate who was fear of Jews still has authority, as the reference for Joseph of Arimathea to ask for permission in order to take the body of Jesus. In this exegetical study and narrative reading on John 19,38-42, I use the character study to approach the text as one-unit narrative. I will find out how a narrator uses setting, plot, rhetoric, and character to persuade the reader to adopt his evaluative point of view. I will argue that the burial of Jesus was the moment for them to declare themselves publicly as the true disciple of Jesus and risk their identity as Jews. By touching the death body, they made themselves impure for Jews feast, but they draw themselves near to the one who come to bring the eternal life.

In Search of an Ideal Christian Follower in Modern Organizations

This paper offers fresh ways of thinking and perceiving the importance of effective followership in the context of modern organizations and Christian discipleship. It reviews the extant literature on the concept of followership to advance the importance of the follower role in modern organizations. Specifically, we examine the meaning of followership in modern organizations and the role and qualities of an ideal follower. We argue that followership is a self-conscious choice by the follower to actively partner with the leader to advance the organizational mission and objectives. We also discuss how Christian workers can blend biblical discipleship and organizational followership in the workplace to reflect their calling as true disciples and, in the process, benefit the organization. We propose a model for the authentic Christian follower, which can be further explored.

KEMURIDAN MARIA SEBAGAI INSPIRASI KEMURIDAN GEREJA: TELAAH ATAS TEKS-TEKS PILIHAN TENTANG MARIA DALAM PERJANJIAN BARU

In the scriptures it is clear that Mary was chosen by God to conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. This special role is both a gift and a task that Mary received in the complete obedience of faith. She listens to the word of God and carries it out with the spirituality of the servant and disciple. Many studies on Mary highlight aspect of motherhood and servant spirituality. Meanwhile, the dimension of Mary's discipleship has received less attention. So this research explores the spirit of Mary’s discipleship in the texts of the scriptures. The aspect of Mary's discipleship is then reviewed for its relevance to today’s followers of Christ (disciples). The bibliography method was used in this research process to find and formulate a synthesis of Mary's discipleship as an inspiration for Church discipleship.The results of the research show that Mary was not only a mother of Jesus and a spiritual mother for Christ’s followers, but also a true disciple, and a role model of discipleship for Church in all ages.

IMPLEMENTASI PENGAJARAN HIDUP BENAR MENURUT ROH KUDUS BERDASARKAN GALATIA 5:16-26

The teaching of righteous living according to the Holy Spirit is a life that is always receiving, filled and led by the Holy Spirit. In this sense, every believer must continue to live walking in the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul narrated his teaching to every believer in Galatians 5: 16-26 that every believer must give himself to live righteously according to the Holy Spirit. Because for the Apostle Paul, living rightly according to the Holy Spirit is living according to God's will and being able to practice the truth that has been revealed through Jesus Christ. Right living according to the Holy Spirit is defined by three theories. First, life receives holy spirit. Receiving the Holy Spirit absolutely, is also something that God promises to every believer. The presence of the Holy Spirit makes every believer live in Him, which then guides the believer to become true disciples of Christ, and can also live to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit which is the hallmark of the believer's life. Second, Life Produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit. From the fruit you know the tree, the fruit is the natural flow of the divine nature through the human being created, the fruit of the holy Spirit is the greatest and highest expression of human character and culture as a believer. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is also the fulfillment of salvation that will reach glorious perfection. Third, life belongs to Christ. Christ's is a believer whose life is always led by the Holy Spirit, will produce divine attributes as advised by the Apostle Paul in (Galatians 5: 22-23).

PENDIDIKAN KRISTEN DAN AMANAT AGUNG

Education is an ongoing process, from the past, now and in the future. Christian education in its nature is to guide one to exit the darkness in order live in accordance with God’s will. God’s will has been opened to the world thru revelation. Jesus Christ is the peak of the revelation. All christian education should, therefore, be centralized or based on Christ and His commission. His commission is plain: that all nations become His true disciples.

Idealisme Ekalawya Dalam Wiracarita Mahabharata Dan Refleksi Pendidikan Di Era Tatanan Baru

This paper aims to interpret the learning idealism of the Ekalawya figure in the Mahabharata and translate it as a reflection of the learning process in this era of the new order. The problematization between regulations and the real conditions of students has given implications for the implementation of online learning. There are many obstacles that arise, ranging from limited infrastructure, costs required and mastery of ICT, both from the teacher and student side. Refers to literary reception theory and hermeneutic methods, Ekalawya is a true disciple, his ideals such as unyielding, independence, discipline, teacher devotion, and making his yad as an obligation have led him to become a great archer. His learning experiences, such as; independent learning, obedience to the social rules of Catur Varna, respect for Drona as a teacher, and also the sincere offerings (daksina) in the form of his thumb. The limited interaction between teachers and students, hard work in doing assignments, independence and honesty of students in answering the evaluation questions, and respect that is maintained are a form of reflection on the learning experiences of Ekalawya in the era of the new order.

Holisztikus vonások Pápai Páriz Ferenc „Pax animae” és „Pax corporis” című műveiben

Ferenc Pápai Páriz, son of a puritan pastor and author, Imre Pápai Páriz, was one of the most versatile figures of late 17th, early 18th century Transylvania. He got his M.D. degree in Basel, survived a great plague there, and became one of the true disciples of the famous Professor Henricus Glaserus, one of the victims of this murderous contagious illness. In the very rich list of the Pápai Páriz publications, there are poems, a biblical drama, entitled Isaac and Rebecca, and many medical and theological works. He was the professor of philosophy at the famous Reformed College of Nagyenyed, but the best-known and most widely quoted pieces written by him are the „twin volumes” of The Pax Corporis and Pax Animae. The first one became a very useful medical handbook and collection of therapies for those who were unable to reach or to afford any medical care. And, at the same time, the first one to deal with children’s and women’s diseases. Together with practical medical advice, he always carefully dealt with the problems of the human psyche. And in his Pax animae he was able to concentrate upon body and soul at the same time. That’s why we can call him „the father of holistic thinking and method” in Hungary and Transylvania. This philosophy and practice appears in the laudatory poems written about his books, by contemporary authors. For instance, a close friend and a patient of his, Miklós Tótfalusi Kiss, the well-known printer mentioned the Pax corporis – with great reverence – as „the Bible of the human body.”

Light of Life Christian Group as a New Branch on Zimbabwe’s Ecumenical Tree

This article examines the impact and implications of the Light of Life Christian Group’s new theology of the Inner Church (Inner Circle) in southern Africa. The new religious movement’s theology of the Inner Church shall be examined particularly in the light of Zimbabwe’s heavily polarised Christian landscape. The Light of Life Christian Group (LLCG) is a new religious movement in Zimbabwe that is composed largely of members from mainline churches such as the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Salvation Army, Methodist, Baptist and Lutheran, among others. Fundamentally, the movement clings resolutely to the belief that the Inner Church or Inner Circle is the only true church and there is no other. For them, being a member of the Inner Church/Inner Circle implies Christ consciousness. It implies being perfect, as the heavenly Father is perfect. Thus, the movement roundly downplays and rejects the outward forums of religion and underlines that members of the Inner Church are the true disciples and representatives of Christ on earth, regardless of their ethnic or denominational backgrounds. The main argument developed in this article is that, even though the LLCG as a new branch on Zimbabwe’s ecumenical tree is currently under constant scrutiny and perpetual stigmatisation, particularly from the Catholic and Anglican Churches (among others), the ecumenically composed movement suggests and advances a theology that is tailor made to minimise denominational parochialism and prevents churches from monopolising God, whose intricate and multifaceted nature is present in all religions, cultures and denominations ad infinitum.

PERSEKUTUAN MURID-MURID KRISTUS: HIDUP YANG BERKEMBANG MENUJU KESEMPURNAAN

Being a disciple of Christ is a gift of a special Christian vocation. A true disciple of Christ is required to follow Jesus bravely denying himself, taking up his cross every day, and following Jesus. A disciple of Christ is a human being’s community, who is called to always be united with Jesus and love others. In his life, a disciple of Christ is required to imitate and follow in the footsteps of Christ toward the perfection of life like Jesus who reached the perfection of His life by dying on the cross. A disciple becomes perfect when he unites himself with Christ totally, follows Christ wherever he walks, follows each of his steps, and always constantly learns from him under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Representation of the True Discipleship in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811 - 1896) a nineteenth century American female writer, rose from a religious family and enrooted in Calvinism preached by her father Lyman Beecher, she pictures the true disciple of Christ in her novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Uncle Tom, a blackish slave of Kentucky plantation in the year 1840 who plays the central character and he owns only the Bible. Throughout the novel he often found reading it with great religious feeling and quotes it to educate Eva, Cassy, and others to find the strength to survive in their trials. This paper aims to observe the characteristics features of the true disciples with reference to the Bible. As the bible says, in Colossians 3:22 “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord”. The Holy book says that humans ought to treat one another as they themselves wish to be treated. Uncle Tom and Eva are true martyrs of love, compassion, sacrifice and obedience. They stand as a symbol of saintliness, representation and a true disciple of Jesus Christ

DISCIPULADO NA TERCEIRA IDADE E O IDOSO COMO DISCIPULADOR

O tema deste trabalho é relevante para a teologia brasileira, pois, entre todos os objetivos que direcionaram essa pesquisa, o principal deles é saber se idosos podem ser discípulos e se podem ter a autonomia para exercer a liderança do discipulado de pessoas, sendo verdadeiros discipuladores. A pesquisa foi feita por meio de análise, revisão e interpretação bibliográfica de autores renomados na área de discipulado e terceira idade (Idoso). Boa parte das indagações foram respondidas, tais como se o idoso pode ser um discipulador. Descobriu-se, em contrapartida com os resultados da pesquisa, que ainda há muito o que se pesquisar sobre o tema.

Nathanael—The True Disciple under the Fig Tree: A Narrative Criticism of John 1:43-51 and Its Implications to Discipleship

Nathanael—The True Disciple under the Fig Tree: A Narrative Criticism of John 1:43-51 and Its Implications to Discipleship

Musical Exchange and Interaction between Eisler and Schoenberg, Evidenced by their Serial Music

This study demonstrates that Hanns Eisler's serial music composed in the early 1920s and his cantatas created in the 1930s are interrelated with Arnold Schoenberg's serial music. The specific purpose is to reveal the musical interactions between the two composers, such as how Eisler was influenced by Schoenberg, and how Eisler himself influenced Schoenberg. The former aspect is highlighted by the analysis of Schoenberg's Suite für Klavier (1923) and Eisler's Zweite Sonate für Klavier (1925). The latter is shown while Eisler's Deutsche Symphonie from the 1930s and Schoenberg's A Survivor from Warsaw (1947) are subjected to a comparative analysis. Eisler was not simply a pupil who renounced Schoenberg's teachings, but a “true disciple” who succeeded Schoenberg's serial technique in a manner comparable to that of Webern and Berg and who, in addition, was a musical companion of Schoenberg, influencing Schoenberg's later music.

Franciscan Prophets and the Inquisition (1226–1326)

This paper examines how Franciscan apologetics and polemics over the status of St. Francis and the Rule of 1223 created a climate of inquisitorial suspicion over prophecy and prophetic claims.

Н. С. Лесков и книги «для народа» (к истории издания сборника «Зеркало жизни истинного ученика Христова»)

Н. С. Лесков и книги «для народа» (к истории издания сборника «Зеркало жизни истинного ученика Христова»)

True disciples, nature and leiturgia: Preservation of the earth

God created man in his image ( imago Dei ) and to be a disciple of God. Being a disciple man must look after, use and care for the earth as part of his leiturgia . It is a clear indication that God speaks to us through nature and as such we must heed the call of creation in our worship services. The Fall, however, resulted in a disregard for worshipping God, living with him and taking care of the earth. Instead, the earth has been subject to exploitation ever since. This exploitation is in sharp contrast to Matthew 28:20; where Jesus instructed the disciples to go and teach the nations to observe all his commands, whatever they may be, one of which was to “care for and subdue” the earth. Global warming is gradually ravaging the environment and has affected how we pray. Much has been said by religious bodies, governments as well as organisations advocating the preservation of the environment, to no avail. Leiturgia and discipleship have been replaced by conferences and seminars on the environment. Nature is at the centre of debate, but nothing ever comes of it and true discipleship has been pushed aside as though it never existed. The earth is facing imminent destruction. This paper addresses the above by firstly highlighting the historical background of discipleship as core of the mission to preserve the earth, then presents the action taken at present to attend to the earth’s destruction. Thirdly the paper demonstrates how leiturgia and nature could serve to remind all to care for the earth. Part of true discipleship is glorifying God in accordance to the missio Dei.

Rediscovering joy in costly and radical discipleship in mission

The research attended to the call by the World Council of Churches in the mission affirmation Together towards life to renew methods of evangelism and to communicate the good news with persuasion, inspiration and conviction, by providing a theological framework for reflection on joy and flourishing life, and its place in mission studies.The link between mission, evangelism and discipleship was developed as a basis to expand the understanding of evangelism as an invitation to personal conversion and discipleship. Discipleship was defined as participating in the Triune God’s life-giving mission and as being on a journey towards flourishing life.It showed that the gospel message of joy, good news and life in fullness serves as a counterculture against the prevailing rhetoric of religious and secular prosperity gospels, consumerism and individualism. It also warned that discipleship in mission is costly and radical. Discipleship is a life of generosity and service, where the true disciple delights in justice, gives generously and cares for the weak.The research concluded with a discussion of practical holistic practices of embodied discipleship – practices that will form habits where disciples will live a flourishing life.

Peter: Apostate or True Disciple?

Peter: Apostate or True Disciple?