A Weekly World Wide Word of Encouragement to those in the Ministry
PRAISE GOD IT’S MONDAY!
A WEEKLY ‘WWW (world-wide word) OF ENCOURAGEMENT’
TO THOSE IN MINISTRY
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Issue No: 1028 Published: 28 Jun 2021
THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW
SUMMARY
2. LEARNING BY EXAMPLE - THE CALL TO CHRIST LIKENESS
The importance of following in the footsteps of godly ancestors is readily apparent throughout Jewish culture. Hence the importance placed on genealogy. In the Gospel primarily written for the Jews, it is the first thing discussed, indicating its huge importance.....
The Genealogy of Jesus
1 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 4 Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of King David...... (and so on - Matthew 1:1-17)
With our different cultural understanding, we tend to skip over these verses, as our ancestry is of far less significance to us.
The importance of the example of those who went before is seen in Hebrews, where the writer, when talking about the key element of faith, quoted the Patriarchs and forefathers as examples of faith in action to be admired, followed and improved upon, through the sacrifice of Jesus for us.....
By Faith
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. 5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (and so on - Hebrews 11:1-40)
Jewish rabbinical training, at the time of Jesus, was based on an extreme form of this principle. The student of the Rabbi would follow the behaviour of his Rabbi totally. If the Rabbi stood up, walked, and then sat down, so would his student. He would mimic the Rabbi's actions in their entirety. Of course, this was a 'religious behaviour', but the principle of 'following the Rabbi' was entrenched in their culture.
So, who is our Rabbi? Jesus, of course. And where is His behaviour modelled? It is found throughout all the New Testament, but specifically in the 4 Gospels.
Through the history of the church, a greater emphasis has been placed upon the Epistles of Paul and others, for it is primarily upon these that the theology of the church has been built. Our divided church is based upon the development of theological principles that are academic, are of the mind. Hence the importance placed on Seminaries, theological training and degrees, which are presumed to bring people closer to Jesus. Unfortunately, it has resulted in much knowledge about Jesus, but so often, a much reduced relationship with Him. Sad but true.
In the church today, a greater emphasis needs to be placed upon the Gospels, through which we can learn to become more like Jesus. It is a truism that married people eventually get to look like each other. (Sorry Kathy!) For we spend time together, meld our thoughts and ways, to become one, rather than two.
This is what Jesus wants of His Bride too. He wants us to become one with Him. How do we do that? By interacting with Him until we are moulded into His image. By copying His behaviour. By basing our lives on love of God and others, as Jesus did. Theology divides, love unites.
As Paul, the consummate theologian, witnessed.....
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
May it be so in our lives too, as we grow, through marriage to the Lamb, to become more like Him.
Then we can look forward with confidence to this glorious day.....
The New Jerusalem
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)
(Continues next week)
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
Jesus’ Messages to the Seven Churches (Revelation 1:1-3:21)
Through the apostle John.
“I am the Beginning and the End,”
“Write down in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
“Don’t be afraid, I am the first and the last, the Living One. I was dead, but look! Now I am alive for ever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and the grave.
“So write down what you’ve seen—what’s happening in the present and what will happen in the future.
The meaning of the seven stars that you saw me holding in my right hand and the seven golden candlesticks is this: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
To the Church in Ephesus
“Write this to the angel of the Ephesus church: This is what the One who holds the seven stars in his right hand says, the one who walks among the seven golden candlesticks: I know what you’ve accomplished, your hard work and perseverance. I know you can’t tolerate evil people, and how you investigated those who claimed to be apostles but are not, and discovered they were frauds. I know about your patience, and what you endured for my sake—and that you didn’t give up!
“But I have something against you: you have neglected your first love. So remember how far you’ve fallen—repent and go back to what you were doing at first. Otherwise I’ll come to you and I will remove your candlestick from where it is—unless you repent. However you do have this to your credit: you hate the actions of the Nicolaitans, just as I do. If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit is telling the churches. I will give to those who are victorious the privilege of eating from the tree of life, which stands in the Paradise of God.
To the Church in Smyrna
“Write this to the angel of the Smyrna church: This is what the first and last says, the One who was dead and came back to life: I know the troubles you are going through, and how poor you are (but you are rich), and the abuse from those who say they are Jews but are not, but belong to Satan’s synagogue. Don’t be afraid about what you are going to suffer. Yes, the devil will throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Just remain faithful, even if it means death, and I will give you the crown of life! If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit is telling the churches. The second death will not harm those who are victorious.
To the Church in Pergamum
“Write this to the angel of the Pergamum church: This is what the One holding the sharp two-edged sword says: I know you’re living where Satan has his throne, and that you have stayed true to me. You have not denied your trust in me, even when my faithful witness Antipas was killed right among you there where Satan lives!
“But I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak how to entrap the children of Israel by means of eating food sacrificed to idols and committing sexual sins. Similarly you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. So repent, or soon I will come to you and fight against them using the sword of my mouth. If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit is telling the churches. I will give the hidden manna to those who are victorious. I will give them a white stone with a new name written on it that nobody knows except those who receive it.
(Continued next week)
Download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
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Kathy with Selina, our gracious hostess, having lived in their house for nearly 4 years!!!!
ALL ACTION THIS WEEKEND AT KINGDOM
This weekend we have had 2 special programmes at Kingdom!
1. DISTRIBUTION OF MOSQUITO NETS
The malaria bearing mosquito is most active from 1am to 6am, while people are asleep.
Therefore the best way to prevent malaria, which is endemic in our area, is to sleep under nets.
Maybe a little nuisance to use hopping in and out, but much less than the sickness itself!
I had malaria 5 times in the first 18 months we were here, and it wasn't pleasant, to say the least. Nothing in the last 2 1.2 years.
Kathy has missed out entirely for which we are very grateful!
Nearly 25,000 nets have been distributed so far, out of 30,000 for our location, in a brilliant US Aid Proj
Of course this will reduce the demand for our services, as malaria is a very significant among the services we provide.
But we are here to help the community, so this is a wonderful development.
A sample net.
Part of the queue on the first day. Many people came.
The nets came in compressed bales of 50 nets, all of which were impregnated with insecticide.
ALSO A VACCINATION PROGRAMME
200 vaccinations for all kids from 9 months to 5 years were also given on Saturday. These were for Measles and Rubella.
We are doubly pleased as this is the first time the County has used us as a place to run their outreach programmes. Takes a long time to get accepted!
***NOW***NINE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!!!
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'THE WORDS OF JESUS' REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR PDF DOWNLOAD
Join the many who have downloaded the 'The Words of Jesus'. I am sure you will be blessed by it, as I have been.
One key element here is the setting out in chronological order (as far as it is possible to do so) our Lord's words drawn from all the Gospels, and the elimination of repetition between Gospels.
You may be surprised by the different perspective this presentation gives you both in understanding of His life and ministry, and in achieving a closer relationship with Him.
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
455. Satan was the first to substitute knowledge for truth. His plan hasn't changed.
456. Knowledge is subject to rust and decay, but truth is golden.
457. Seek knowledge to wander, but truth to wonder at God's great glory.
458. Worldly knowledge fills our brain, but godly understanding fulfils our life.
459. All the knowledge in the world will be of no worth on the Day of Judgement.
460. Knowledge puffs up, truth humbles.
461. I desire knowledge, but desire God's truth even more.
462. Knowledge so easily kills the Spirit in us. But Spirit inspired knowledge changes the world.
463. Satan uses knowledge to kill the Spirit within. Now God is using Spirit inspired knowledge to return the favour.
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgment of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1300 David sayings for you to view at ...
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
N.EXT WEEK: A CHURCH OF VICTORY Continued
Reflecting God’s Glory upon the Earth.
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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***
*** Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others. ***
QWIK QWIP: “Be ye fishers of men - you catch them and He'll clean them.”
65. 'No Excuse' Sunday
To make it possible for everyone to attend church on Sunday, we are proposing to have a special 'No Excuse Sunday.'
1. Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, 'Sunday is my only day to sleep in.'
2. They will have steel helmets for those who say, 'The roof will cave in if I ever came to church.'
3. Blankets will be furnished for those who say it is too cold and fans for those who say it is too hot.
4.There will be hearing aids for those who say, 'The pastor speaks too softly,' and cotton for those who say, 'He preaches too loudly.'
5 Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present.
6. Some relatives will be in attendance for those who like to go visiting on Sunday.
7. There will be TV dinners for those who can't go to church and cook dinner too.
8. Golf clubs will be available for practice swings for those who like to golf on Sunday.
66. If Only!!
A father is in church with three of his young children, including his five year old daughter. As was customary, he sat in the very front row so that the children could properly witness the service.
During this particular service, the minister was performing the baptism of a tiny infant. The little five year old girl was taken by this, observing that he was saying something and pouring water over the infant's head.
With a quizzical look on her face, the little girl turned to her father and asked: "Daddy, why is he brainwashing that baby??"
67. Quick Quotes
!!!!! "If absence makes the heart grow fonder," said the preacher, "a lot of folks must love our church."
!!!!! Did you hear about the dead angel? He died of harp failure.
Download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES One of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 800 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ..... https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj18p47.pdf
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A DAVID MUSING
Life is unfair!
It is not meant to be fair. Some people have an easier road than others.
Unfortunately, many Christians are led to believe when they accept the Lord that all will be well, for that is what they have been told, effectively, sold!
If God gave us a million in the bank, a big house and car and too all our troubles away, nearly the whole world would become Christians, for what they could get out of it.
That is not the case, for it simply doesn't happen, does it?
Many who live their life applying Biblical principles will have more success than many others, for they are good principles to live by.
However, the deeper you get into God, the more your troubles are likely to increase, for the satanic world takes a greater interest in you and will try to shut down what you are doing for your Lord.
Kathy and I try to give our lives 100% to the Lord, working for Him here in Kenya, (That does not mean we are perfect.), and we have challenges aplenty, ones that living in the West would be unlikely to face.
Currently our staff's wages in our hospital are 3 months behind, because of the Kenyan bureaucracy. This is a huge concern, and affects Kathy particularly, as she knows the personal stories of the effects it has had on our staff. Why God! Why God! Oh God, why!
Trust God, is the only answer we, or you, can give! For that is what He desires.
Sometimes it is so hard to do. But that, of course taking all the steps we practically can, is all we all can do.
'Your ways are greater than ours', says the Scripture. Let us believe!
His servant and yours
David Tait
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ABOUT US
WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Hastings, New Zealand. A ministry dedicated to developing discipleship, fostering unity amongst God's people to achieve the Great Commission, and in doing so, preparing for Christ's return. It is securely based upon the foundational principles of the Apostles Creed while recognising the wide and rich diversity of beliefs amongst Christians in other areas. In accordance with the Lord's direction, materials produced by the ministry are available, free of charge, to genuine enquirers upon request. The ministry is solely funded by donations, as the Lord provides. A list of materials available (plus some fun!) is obtainable and freely downloadable from our website
wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.
Walking With Jesus Ministries
P O Box 2
Webuye 50205
Kenya
Email: enquiries@wwj.org.nz
Web: wwj.org.nz
Our role is to bless and encourage those in ministry while promoting co-operation and unity of direction amongst the body of Christ, as emphasised 3 times by Jesus in His longest prayer, immediately prior to His arrest and crucifixion. "... so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:12, 21, 23-4) Our website is currently being developed to encourage your participation one with another, to share resources, and to enable you to promote events and items of interest to the body as a whole - and have a smile while doing it!
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