GOD'S CALLING HIS CHURCH 7: TO CHANGE FOCUS FROM US TO HIM

What is the focus of 'your church'? On 'the house' or on 'the Lord'?

I guarantee that 99% of us will read the first question and see nothing wrong with it. The second may cause us think - a little.

But in reality, the first question is flawed, for it makes the incorrect assumption that the church is ours! The church, as God sees it, doesn't belong to us and never will. Rather, it is meant to be His people, created in accordance with His pleasure, not for our own purposes.

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. (Ephesians 1:4-6)

In our humanness, we focus on what can be seen rather than the unseen spiritual realm. We so easily slip into the way of substituting the church, the buildings, the priesthood and the programmes, for God, for our spiritual relationship with Jesus. We want to see the church (if we are really honest, our own church, not the one down the road) expand and grow. We claim it for God's glory, but that's only half the story!

Recently, I was in a large church where the pastor spoke about his vision for 'the house'. Only a couple of convenient scriptures were used and, to my recollection, God was not referred to once during the sermon. The church would grow, the church would become influential in the city, the church buildings would be improved, etc., etc.. The entire focus was upon 'the house'. I left the service feeling dejected and sad! Both God and I together!

Instead of making our services 'seeker friendly' why not make them 'God friendly'? Why not seek Him and His will in our meetings rather than providing professional entertainment designed to titillate our human senses? Should we not be more concerned with offending God rather than the world - or even the congregation?

On a personal level, why do we really go to church? To be blessed? To fulfil a weekly obligation before getting on with our day to day lives? To feel good through emotional worship? To receive a spiritual blessing from the pastor or priest?

Or do we go to worship the Lord our God with everything we have and to hear what He has to say to us personally, in whatever way He wishes. Prepared to be changed into His image, no matter what sacrifice this requires. This indeed, is the church our God desires.

As Jesus so simply stated in His single commandment:

27 He answered: ”‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)

Let us focus fully on Him today.

PRINCIPLE 7: God is calling out to Himself today a church fully focused upon Him

"But God, if we don't be user friendly, people will get upset and not come." "Why not try being friendly to Me, and see what I will do." "Okay, God - it is Your church, after all.."

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FROM THE WORD

"Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.”" (John 4:21-26)

"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:13-18)


ONE BODY, MANY PARTS
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts." (1 Corinthians 12:12-30)

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM: 7

1070. As people we are inherently religious, for we enjoy feeling comfortable - even in our discomfort!

1071. Religion is revelation become tradition.

1072. Tradition is religion's friend, but the deadly enemy of revelation.

1073. Tradition moulds revelation into religion.

1074. Revelation revs 'Revs'!

1075. While knowledge is gained at a theological seminary, revelation comes from the father heart of God.

1215. The understanding that God's kingdom is available now is the greatest motivator of all for keen Christians.

1216. There's no need to wait. Seek God's kingdom now!

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CRANWELL'S CARTOON

16 To the woman he said, “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16)









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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

A REVELATION OF....... THE TABERNACLE OF MOSES - PART 3 (2)

This week we will take a look at the Pentecostal and Charismatic churches and see how they too, fit into the pattern of the Tabernacle.

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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." ***

486. JESUS KNOWS
The minister had been in his church for 30 years. Everyone loved him dearly but all thought it was time for him to move on. One Sunday he announced that he had received a Call from another parish and he believed it was from the Lord so he was going to leave.

Before he could say anything else the Church Secretary jumped and announced, "We will now sing "What a friend we have in Jesus."

485. FINALLY - THE TRUTH
There was a parish that had a notorious reputation for spitting out their pastors. Every three years, the council would review their satisfaction with the current pastor, and invariably ask for his or her resignation. Pastor Smith was on pins and needles as the council meeting marking his third anniversary drew near. He knew the Church's anti-clerical tradition, and he began to prepare for the worst. He was in consultation with his bishop over other call possibilities, should he have to make a change. He even contemplated leaving the pastorate.

The night of that dreaded council meeting, the lay president said,"Well, Pastor Smith, as you probably know, we have to ask you to step outside, while we discuss some concerns among ourselves." With his heart palpitating, Pastor Smith waited for what seemed like forever.

Finally, the president invited him back in and to have a seat. "Pastor Smith, we've reviewed the past three years, and the council has unanimously voted to renew your term as our pastor."

"That's wonderful!" cried a relieved Pastor Smith. "But tell me, that' a first here for many, many years. How did you come about to that decision?"

"Well," replied the lay president, "if it were up to us, we wouldn't have pastors at all. But as long as the Church says we have to have one, we figured you're the closest thing we'll ever get to not having a pastor."

FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What's the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?

ANSWER: A tortoise is a terrestrial turtle, one that lives entirely on land. Other turtles are amphibious, living on both land and water. (Has nobody taught the tortiose to swim?)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the connection of May Day to Robin Hood?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS
521. PIG PLEASURE
A pig’s orgasm lasts for 30 minutes! (So that’s why they have so many piglets in a litter!)

522. YOU SMELL GREAT, LUV!
The male Emperor Moth can smell a potential female companion up to 7 miles (10km) away. (But can he make it before his rivals!)

523. FLIES FLY BUT BRIEFLY
A housefly lives for just 2 weeks. (2 weeks too long, do I hear.)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

RIOTING

Answer at the end of A David Musing

FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA

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BIBLE QUESTION - THE GOSPELS

What can be said about the original writings that make up the Bible?

a. The complete set of the original documents is stored in the Vatican archives.
b. The complete set of original documents is stored partly at the Vatican, and partly in museums around the world.
c. Only a few of the original documents have been preserved to this day.
d. None of the original documents are known to exist.

Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.

Source: "TwoPaths Bible Study, www.twopaths.com"

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""

!!!!!!! If at first you don’t succeed, call it Version 1.0.

!!!!!! When you are young, you want to be the master of your fate and the captain of your soul. When you are older, you will settle for being the master of you weight and the captain of your bowling team.

!!!!! It’s a small world but I wouldn’t like to have to paint it.

!!!! I’m not cheap, but I am on special this week.

!!! I used to have a photographic memory, but it was never developed.

!! Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

! Analysing humour is like boiling a frog slowly. You can do it, but the frog tends to die in the process.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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EXTENSIVE EXPLANATIONS

BUSINESS FAILURES
Did you hear about the……

*Paper company that folded?
*Brake company on the skids?
*Bra manufacturers that went bust?
*Surgeon forced to take a salary cut?
*Cigarette company that went up in smoke?
*Baker who was short of dough?
*Refrigerator manufacturer with frozen assets?
*Corset firm that felt the squeeze?
*Upholsterers that couldn’t cover their costs?
*Adhesive tape company in a sticky situation?
*Tennis ball manufacturer who ended up in court?
*Downfall of the bungee suppliers?
*Train company that went off the rails?
*Ship builders that sunk?
*Dental practice rotten to its roots?
*Concrete manufacturer whose liquidity set solid?
*Nurseryman who got planted?
*Lawyer who contracted?
*Accountant who was unbalanced?

CHILDBIRTH
Questions every expectant couple want to know about but are afraid to ask.

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most common pregnancy craving?
A: For men to be the ones who get pregnant.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me. Why?
A: 'Cause you're fatter than they are.

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labour, but pressure. Is
she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labour?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal
again?
A: When the kids are in college.

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MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS

DEFENDING TO THE DEATH

Upon acceptance of a guest, the host automatically agrees to defend him, no matter what the cost. So the Psalmist felt absolutely secure, even though he had enemies all around, when in Psalm 23, God hosted him at His table. (Psalm 23:5)

Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys

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TOP 10 COUNTRIES PERSECUTING CHRISTIANS

1. NORTH KOREA
Violations of human rights are the order of the day in the Stalinist country of North Korea, including many breaches of religious rights. North Korea has entered its fourth year as the worst violator of religious rights for Christians. Christianity is observed as a dangerous foreign influence which stimulated the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union and therefore poses one of the greatest threats to the regime’s power. As a result, the North Korean authorities are making harsh efforts to root out Christianity. It is believed that tens of thousands of Christians are currently suffering in North Korean prison camps, where they face cruel abuses. The hermit regime is suspected of detaining more political and religious prisoners than any other country in the world. Several North Koreans became Christians after crossing the border with China and entering into contact with local Christians. Many among these were exposed as believers when they returned to North Korea, and they were specially targeted for arrest. Many of them were tortured and killed. Though no exact figures can be given, our staff estimates that hundreds of Christians were killed by the regime in 2005. Amidst all of this, North Korea is trying to keep up a facade of religious freedom, trying to cover the complete lack of this inalienable human right, by -- among others -- organising government-sponsored religious services in show churches in the capital of Pyongyang, which foreigners are allowed to attend.

2. SAUDI ARABIA
Also this year, Saudi Arabia remains high in the top ten of the World Watch List. Religious freedom does not exist in the Wahhabist kingdom where citizens are only allowed to adhere to one religion: Islam. No legal protection is provided for freedom of religion, neither does this protection exist in practice. The legal system is based on Islamic law (sharia). Apostasy -- conversion to another religion -- is punishable by death. Although the government recognizes the right of non-Muslims to worship in private, the public practice of non-Muslim worship is prohibited. However, more than 70 expatriate Christians were arrested in 2005 during worship in private homes in what has been called Saudi Arabia´s largest crackdown on Christians in a decade. Most of the arrested Christians were eventually released. (To be continued next week.)

Provided by: OPEN DOORS: http://sb.od.org/

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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

UP THE MOUNTAIN
An exciting yet challenging allegory of one man’s spiritual journey and his participation inthe fulfilment of God’s plan.

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DAYS OF CHUNDER

I have always preferred firm, dry land to the wayward, up and down slipperiness of the sea. However, wanting to overcome my inhibitions, I agreed to take a trip on my friend Neil's yacht. This poem tells the story of the journey!

DAYS OF ‘CHUNDER’!

When you take a landlubber like me,
Put him in a yacht, way out at sea,
While the yacht itself, does not go under,
The fledging crewman, he does ‘chunder’!

Being seasick’s not a matter of great delight,
Never to be given into, without a mighty fight!
But as the swell rose up, then down, corkscrewing around,
My stomach’s contents, soon over the side, were found.

First lot gone - then I did reach,
Wishing I still, was on the beach!
But another lot arose from deep inside,
Perfectly timed to remove all pride!

Yet still another flow from me did pour,
Surely God - there can’t be any more!
But there was to be one final spew,
And then you see - it all was through.

Read on here for the rest of the 'chunderous adventure'!

http://www.wwj.org.nz/waxing.php?poemId=00017

A DAVID MUSING

Holidays come, and holidays go, but PGIM's go on, so it is back to work!

A highlight, after our return home this week, was attending a 'Christianised' Jewish Passover Feast on Saturday evening. It's just amazing how the life and death of Jesus is to be seen in the pattern of this Feast. One interesting thing I learned, was that John the Baptist, by genealogy, was the legitimate High Priest of the time. The hereditary High Priest John, announced the arrival of the eternal High Priest, Jesus. All makes sense, doesn't it. Of course, Caiaphas, in the corrupt custom of the time, had paid money to be appointed to the position. All worthy of a study - one day.

Several secular Jews attended and thought it was better and more meaningful than many of the Jewish Passovers they had attended over the years.

And in good Jewish fashion, there was plenty of food to eat too! The diet will have to start this week!

So until next week...

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: IGNITOR

TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: d. None of the original documents are known to exist. From the time they were first written, two to three thousand years ago, until printing was invented in the 15th century, the Bible books were copied entirely be hand on papyrus, animal skins or parchment. As a result, there are many minor variations in the texts. Scientific dating methods have enabled 20th century Bible scholars to determine which of the surviving copies are the oldest and thus probably closest to the originals.

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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
290 Flaxmere Avenue
Flaxmere
Hastings
New Zealand

Phone: (06) 8799 911 International (+64) 6 8799 911
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!

For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz