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
A FREE service, currently connecting with Christian leaders from 3,000 denominations and ministries, in 70 countries.
Issue No: 369 Published: 17 Nov 2008
TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 4. CHARACTERISTICS OF KINGDOM PEOPLE
UNITY OF SPIRITUnity is a vexed question in the church today, one put aside by most because of its perceived impossibility.
There have been various attempts to bring unity under the current 'kings' era of the church. Of course, to achieve unity under the present system, there must only be one king! The nearest the church has come to this was in an earlier age, when the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church was designated as 'God's man'. Because this was not God's way, the situation did not last, culminating in the schism between western and eastern branches of the church in 1054. Around 500 years ago now, when the Protestant Reformation took place, divisions multiplied exponentially! Today there are estimated to be 33,830 protestant denominations worldwide! Oh dear! Unity is not upon us!
Let's have a look at some Scripture.
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
Leadership is to bring people to maturity, to Christ likeness, in order to reach unity.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.†(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) (Revelation 19:7-8)
When Jesus returns, His perfect bride (singular) will be waiting for Him. Not a grey, divided church, but a united, pure white bride.
There will not be any one organised, structured, God chosen, 'Super Bride Church'. That is an Old Testament concept, relating back to the Aaronic Priesthood. Israel was 'made holy' through the sacrifices the priests made on the people's behalf.
Under the New Covenant however, we are individually responsible for our own salvation and living a holy life. Our leaders are to there to guide us, not to live our life for us!
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12-13)
God, in the form of the Holy Spirit, lives within each believer. We are directly answerable to God for our individual actions. Leadership is there to guide but not control, nor to be substitute 'god representatives' on our behalf. We cannot delegate our 'religious responsibilities' to someone else!
Therefore, we need to look at unity in the light of these New Covenant principles.
(To be continued next week.)
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FROM THE WORD
"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.†(What does “he ascended†mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:7-16)"Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!†Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.†(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’†And he added, “These are the true words of God.†At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.â€" (Revelation 19:5-10)
SHINING AS STARS
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2:12-18)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM1069. Repetition is religion's close ally.
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
PETER DISOWNS JESUS
69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,†she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,†he said. 71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.â€
72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!†73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.†74 Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!†Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.†And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:69-75)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
GOD AND MAN continues...As we commence our look at THE STEPS OF OBEDIENCE required in our life in order that we may claim our inheritance.
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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." ***
773. ANGELS EXPLAINED BY CHILDREN
I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold. Gregory, 5
Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are working on it. Olive, 9
It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven, and then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. Matthew, 9
Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. Mitchell, 7
My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science. Henry, 8
Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows!!! Jack, 6
Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead. Daniel, 9
When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado. Reagan, 10
Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go north for the winter. Sara, 6
Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter. Jared, 8
All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it. Antonio, 9
My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. Katelynn, 9
Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the child get over it. Vicki, 8
What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them. Sarah, 7
772. UHM!
Announcement in the church bulletin for a National PRAYER and FASTING Conference: "The cost for attending the Fasting and Prayer Conference includes meals."
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 do selenologists study? Butterflies,traffic density, the moon, vibrations or indigenous cultures?
ANSWER: The moon. (They lay claim to having met 'the man in the
moon' and try to tell us that it isn't made of cheese!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Sharks and Rays are the only animals known
to man that cannot get this disease. What is it?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS462. SLOWS YOU UP
According to Newton's Law of Motion, if a car going 60 miles per hour in one direction gets hit by a mosquito going one mile per hour in the opposite direction, it will slow the car down one-millionth of a mile per hour. (The consequences for the mosquito however, are considerably more significant!)
463. WHY TO LIE?
Studies shown by the Psychology Department of DePaul University show that the principal reason to lie is to avoid punishment. (Will be later even if you avoid it now.)
464. ALPHABETIC KEYBOARD
There are three sets of letters on standard typewriter and computer keyboards which are in alphabetical order, reading left to right. They are f-g-h, j-k-l, and o-p. (Wouldn’t it be nice if they all were!)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
This is a new, clever and amusing series I came across recently. The answers relate to the original word.
DORMITORY (Two word answer.)
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 - YOU BE THE JUDGE!
17) Where was Jephthah asked to return to?A - Shechem
B - Gilead
C - Gibeon
D - Gilgal
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! No one should live by the early bird policy without finding out whether he classifies as a bird or a worm.
!!!!!! Sometimes I think I understand everything, then I regain consciousness.
!!!!! The measure of a man's intelligence is inversely proportional to the amount of time he keeps his mouth open.
!!!! The trouble with staying at home is you never find out just how good it is to get back.
!!! Life is better when you open meals with a prayer instead of a can opener.
!! They serve a balanced diet in the Army. Every bean weighs the same.
! I don't want candles on my birthday cake. I don't want to make light of my age.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
JUST JOKES
310. WHY?Patrick was spotted driving along the highway at a steady speed, when he suddenly indicated right and pulled off onto the shoulder. He quickly jumped out of the car and opened the trunk. From a large bag, he produced a party hat, streamers, a bottle of lemonade, sandwiches and a cake. After eating the food and drinking the lemonade, he launched into a little Irish jig. The whole proceedings lasted about fifteen minutes,
after which he got back in his car and drove off.
Curious, the police followed him at a distance and half an hour later, they saw him stop and repeat the whole procedure. This was too much for the officers, so they decided to stop him and ask what was going on.
"Can we ask you the reason for all the stops and the food, drink and Irish jigs?" one of the officers asked.
"Well, sir," explained Patrick, "I'm on the company's outing."
"But you're the only one here," argued the officer.
"Yes, I know," replied Patrick. "I'm self-employed!"
309. NOT A PROBLEM
A woman rushes to see her doctor, looking very much worried and all strung out. She rattles off, "Doctor, take a look at me. When I woke up this morning, I looked at myself in the mirror and saw my hair all wiry and frazzled up, my skin was all wrinkled and pasty, my eyes were blood-shot and bugging out, and I had this corpse-like look on my face! What's wrong with me, Doctor?"
The doctor looks her over for a couple of minutes, then calmly says, "Well, I can tell you one thing . . . there ain't nothing wrong with your eyesight."
308. A LONG WAIT
Lady of the house: "I want you to stand at the front door and call the guests’ names as they arrive."
Butler: "Very well, madam. I’ve been wanting to do that for years."
Just for a laugh here...
BIBLE TRIVIA
ABRAAHAMS ANCESTORS........listed in Genesis 11:10-26 had family names the same as towns around Haran. They were either important enough to give their names to the towns, or they took their names from them. Abraham's father, Terah, moved his family from Ur to Haram, where he lived until his death, aged 205.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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Negroes Island in The Philippines saw the record baptism of 37 souls among the Aeta tribal people, the first ever among the Aeta.
South East Asia Mission Teams (SEAMIST) started a missionary outreach [to the] Aeta tribe a year ago through one of its missionaries, Pastor Rodel Cordova, who has just recently gone to be with the Lord.
Previously there was no single church among them, but God used [Cordova] to plant a church there, and that singular effort has produced more than 10 worship centers in the area. Three pastors and 19 elders (the first ever among the Aeta) were also ordained by the team of SEAMIST missionaries.
Speaking at the ordination of the new elders of the Aeta church, the general director of SEAMIST, Pastor Richard Bartze, said the time has come for Aeta people to reach out to their neighborhoods with the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. He urged them to continue to put their whole trust on the Lord Jesus Christ not on idols that will disappoint them when it matters most.
The Aeta are a tribe of five to ten thousand people in southern Philippines, living in little huts scattered on the mountaintops, without the amenities that characterize modern-day cities.
Full story with pictures here.
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08090114.htm
Via: The Outreach Files: October 08. beautifulfeettaskforce.injesus.com
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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF…….REVELATION 12:11How to 'walk with Jesus.' The verse upon which this ministry is based. The first revelation received by David Tait, introducing him to ministry.
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WAXING LYRICAL
It is so easy to blame the Lord, or others, when things go wrong in our life. Yet the answer is found not in struggle, but in submission. Putting our life in His hands.LORD - HELP ME!
Now's the time when you are feeling low,
All your effort, with so little to show.
When life is getting on top of you,
God's Word doesn't seem true.
You're looking for a boost,
Chickens home to roost!
Nothing's working,
Life so hurting!
Indescribable!
Unbearable!
"Hey!
Pray!"
"Do I hear,
Voice in ear?"
"Now, listen to me,
One plus two, can be three!
If today, you will let me help you,
Your dreams, they can still come true.
When you rest your all in my gentle hand,
Your horizons, I will again, begin to expand."
Why do we ignore His advice?
Unwilling to pay the price,
Of giving all our being over to Him,
Rather let life's light, grow so dim.
Yes I'm still learning to understand,
Life, when it's placed in His hand,
Will simply, so much better be,
Than if it's only guided by me!
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A DAVID MUSING
Today Sunday, I was late starting to write PGIM, for I listened in the early morning on the radio to the New Zealand 'All Blacks' beating Ireland 22-3 in a Rugby Union international. By way of explanation, the game was played in Ireland, who are currently 11 hours behind New Zealand time.Finally, coming to write, A David Musing, I had no inspiration, so asked the Lord what to write! 'A poem!' 'No Lord, takes too long! 'Call it Tick Tock!' (God has a sense of humour!) 'Okay Lord.'
The result follows. And it didn't take too long, after all!
TICK TOCK
Hours fly by,
Oh me, oh my!
Deadlines come, deadlines go,
Need to go, with the flow.
Tick tock goes the clock.
The day dawns nice and bright,
Summer's here, heaps of light.
Enjoy the sun,
Have some fun.
Tick tock goes the clock.
Months do pass,
All too fast.
Christmas will soon be here,
Time of goodwill and cheer.
Tick tock goes the clock.
The years, they roll by,
Oh my, how they fly!
From youth, onwards to middle age,
Life proceeds, stage by stage.
Tick tock goes the clock.
A new generation takes the stage,
What's happened? 'Tis called age!
Time flies by now, even faster,
Get ready to meet thy master!
Tick tock goes the clock.
The clock stops... silence reigns.
Now is it loss, or is it gains?
Where will you be the day your time is up?
In hell, or in heaven, with Jesus to sup?
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: DIRTY ROOM
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': 17) B - Gilead (Judges 11:10)
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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 websitewwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.
Walking With Jesus Ministries
7 Bull Street
Ahuriri
Napier
New Zealand
Phone: (06) 835 0567 International (+64) 6 835 0567
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