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: 637 Published: 30 Dec 2013
TAIT TALK 2013
If you would like to catch up on our comings and goings and family happenings for the past year you can find our annual newsletter at.....
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?
THE POST APOSTOLIC CHURCHAgain I acknowledge that much of the material that follows is drawn from the excellent publication by Eddie L. Hyatt, 2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity. For specific references to the writings quoted, please refer to that publication.
We continue, by looking at prominent spirit filled men who lived during the 16th and 17th centuries AD.
1517-1700
MARTIN LUTHER (1483 -1546)
Luther's "95 Theses", nailed to the door of the Wittenberg Church on 31 October 1517, were credited with starting the Protestant Reformation. However, the foundation of the Reformation arose from the new found ability of people to read modern, printed, European translations such as the English Wycliffe, the French Paris, and German Mentel Bibles, of the primarily hand written, Latin Vulgate Bible that was the previously the preserve of the clergy.
Luther protested the selling of indulgences by the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) without requiring repentance. These financed the extravagances of the Church. As well, he long struggled with the issue of authority, before concluding that salvation was by faith alone, not church-designated works and sacraments. This led to the excommunication of Luther from the RCC in 1521.
LUTHER AND MIRACLES
It is often thought that Luther rejected the miraculous as he objected to the superstition and greed associated with medieval miracles of the RCC, along with some extreme teachings and actions of certain Anabaptists, claimed to be at the leading of the Holy Spirit.
However, in his personal life, Luther clearly believed in the personal ministry of the Holy Spirit. Evidence is presented by Professor Bengt Hoffman of Lutheran Theological
Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in his book 'Luther and the Mystics'. He reports a conversation in which Cochelus asks Luther if he had received special revelations. Luther was silent for a moment, and then replied, '"Est mihi revelatum,' yes, he had had revelations." It seems that one of these was similar to Paul's experience of being caught
up to the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2.
OF AUTHORITY
Luther claimed the direct activity of the Holy Spirit as a source for his own authority and teaching. In one of his early writings titled 'The Babylon Captivity of the Church', he said.....
"I have learned under the Spirit's guidance."
When challenged by the RCC and civil authorities at Worms, Luther replied he.....
"relied on the revelation of God to him—through the Word, but via the Spirit in a personal manner."
OF THE PROPHETIC GIFT
Many of Luther's early followers believed him to be a prophet. One of his contemporaries and first biographers, Johann Mathesius, mentions numerous prophecies spoken by Luther that were fulfilled. Mathesius continues.....
"With many sure prophecies he confirmed his doctrine."
OF HEALING
Luther prayed for the sick. He is quoted as saying.....
"Often has it happened, and still does, that devils have been driven out in the name of Christ; also by calling on His name and prayer, the sick have been healed."
I now quote directly from Eddie L. Hyatt, whose material provides the basis for much of these presentations.....
On one occasion, Luther's close friend and colleague, Philip Melancthon, became extremely ill and was at death's door. It is said that Luther prayed fervently using all the relevant promises he could repeat from Scripture. Then, taking Melancthon by the hand, he said, "Be of good courage, Philip, you shall not die." Melancthon immediately
revived and soon regained his health.
He later said, "I should have been a dead man had I not been recalled from death itself by the coming of Luther."
On another occasion, Luther's colleague, Frederick Myconius, lay dying in the last stages of tuberculosis. When Luther heard about his friend's condition, he wrote him a letter that exudes faith for the miraculous.
He said: I command thee in the Name of God to live because I still have need of thee in the work of reforming the Church. The Lord will never let me hear that thou art dead but permit thee to survive me. For this I am praying, this is my will, and may my will be done because I seek only to glorify the Name of God.
Myconius said that when he read the letter it seemed as though he heard Christ say, "Lazarus, come forth!" Luther's prayer was answered. Myconius was healed and outlived Luther by two months.
LUTHER AND CESSATIONISM
Luther and his fellow reformers must take some responsibility for the theory of the cessation of miracles.
When challenged by the RCC to prove his own authority through personal miracles, Luther argued that miracles were no longer necessary in the post-Apostolic age, to prove the authority of those who stood on Scripture.
He used a similar argument when challenged over the excesses of some Anabaptists.
However, his comments have been taken out of context and converted into a 'convenient' doctrine, still followed by the Lutherans and many other denominations.
CONCLUSION
It has been wrongly held by many that Luther was against the personal work of the Holy Spirit today. It is apparent that Martin Luther did experience both the leading and spiritual gifts. The historian Souer's German work, "A History of the Christian Church", on page 406 of volume 3, describes Luther as.....
"a prophet, evangelist, speaker in tongues and interpreter, in one person, endowed
with all the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
So we can continue to say.....
THE TRUE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE ONES WHO ARE OBEDIENT TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THEIR LIVES.
(Continued next week)
Find out more about us at.....
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS continuedThe Lord has asked me to compile a publication of the words Jesus spoke, as recorded in the New Testament in chronological order. I have got about halfway, and have found it very enlightening and encouraging in my relationship with Him. The final version will have changes of layout and version used, but this is a foretaste of things to come. Of course, it is not a Bible substitute! I Hope you find it helpful too, in your walk with Jesus.
Men’s Traditions Rebuked. (Matthew 15:1-11, Mark 17:1-16)
Jesus asked why the disciples didn’t wash their hands before they ate.
“And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ 5 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ 6 he is not to ‘honor his father’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8 â€â€˜These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’â€
“Listen and understand. 11 What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean,’ but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean.’â€
Parable and Explanation of Man’s Traditions to Disciples (Matthew 15:12-20, Mark 17:17-23 )
When the disciples commented that the Pharisees were offended by this teaching, Jesus gave this parable.
“Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 14 Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.â€
An explanation asked for.
16 “Are you still so dull?†Jesus asked them. 17 “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what make a man ‘unclean’; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him ‘unclean.’â€
Canaanite Woman’s Faith (Matthew 15:21-8, Mark 7:24-30)
When requesting healing for her demon-possessed daughter.
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.â€
As she persisted.
“First let the children eat all they wantâ€, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.â€
“For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.â€
(Continued next week)
Read the NIV Bible online at.....
***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today
Receive one of David's sayings in your mailbox each day to inspire, challenge or maybe, amuse. To register today, simply click here on@wwj.org.nz>ddd-on@wwj.org.nz and press send. Then it's done! If you have an Irish heritage, you will love the background coloring! Should you wish, check out current and back issues (where you can also subscribe) at...
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
FAITH293. Without challenges there can be no accomplishments. Faith lubricates the challenges and drives the accomplishments.
294. As we grow in God, so our hope is expressed through faith and our faith through love.
295. Faith in mankind will occasionally generate human love, but godly love is a requirement of faith in Christ.
296. Lose faith and die.
297. A young person without faith rapidly grows old, while vibrant faith keeps us young at heart.
298. When we give up on faith we give up on life.
299. Other's faith is an encouragement, but can never substitute for our own.
300. Dreams may be shared, but faith must be experienced.
301. Faith is to heaven as doubt is to hell.
302. Faith builds, doubt destroys.
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1300 David sayings for you to view at ...
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE THE OTHER PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE. Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF....... 3 KINGDOM AGES concludesTHE KINGDOM FULFILLED
Now is the time to look at the final fulfillment of the kingdom that all fully committed believers are looking forward to.
Let's seek it out!
Check out all the available teachings at...
*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
As Christians, if we can't laugh at ourselves, others will! A fun way to start your day. To register today, simply click here lao-on@wwj.org.nz and press send. Then it's done! Should you wish, check out early issues (where you can also subscribe) at...
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. ***
830. PLEASE GOD!
A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord, please don't let me be late!'
While she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again! As she ran she once again began to pray, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...But please don't shove me either!'
829. PALINDROMES
The topic for my ninth-grade class was palindromes, words or sentences that are the same read forward and backward. I asked the question "What is the first thing Adam said to Eve?" I was expecting the answer "Madam, I'm Adam," but one student had a better reply: "Wow."
828. NOAH AND HAM
Noah couldn't let his son Ham into the house because Ham isn't kosher. (Cynthia MacGregor)
" FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now 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 ...
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 760. SILKY SECRETS
For hundreds of years, the Chinese zealously guarded the secret of sericulture, with imperial law decreeing death by torture to those who dared to disclose how to make silk. (Did no-one ask the silkworms?)
761. CAR BAN
Private automobiles were forbidden on the island of Bermuda until 1948. This is one reason that there are still so many bicycles there. (Life moves on slowly in the Tropics.)
762. TOOTHLESS
According to the newspaper, the Detroit Free Press, 68 percent of professional hockey players have lost at least one tooth. (Have boxers lost one brain?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
WEARIEST
Answer at the end of A David Musing
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA Or view all 1232 online at...
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
16. Which is the gate that leads to life?a. Narrow gate
b. Broad gate
c. Golden gate
d. Small gate
Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! Measure your wealth not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take money.
!!!!!! On your birthday, send a thank you card to your mom.
!!!!! The best mirror is an good friend.
!!!! The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail and not his tongue.
!!! There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 AM. It could be a right number.
!! When people complain that they don't get what they deserve, they don't know how fortunate they are.
! Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
PETS RULE
39. FAMOUS DOG QUOTES"I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult." Rita
Rudner
"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to
the idea." Robert A. Heinlein
"In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog
that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him." Dereke Bruce
"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." Ben
Williams
"When a man's best friend is his dog, that dog has a problem." Edward Abbey
"Cat's motto: No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the
dog did it."
"Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail."
"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."
Christopher Morley
"Man is a dog's idea of what God should be." Holbrook Jackson
"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person." Andrew A. Rooney
"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I
am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts." John Steinbeck
40. EXPENDABLE
The newly-married husband came home from the office to find his young wife in floods of tears. "Darling, whatever is the matter?" he asked.
"Sweetheart," she sobbed, "the most terrible thing has happened! I cooked my very first Beef Bourguignon for you, and I got it out of the oven to season it, and the phone rang. When I came back from answering the phone," she sobbed again. "I found that the cat had eaten it!"
"Don't worry, darling," said her husband. "Don't cry. We can get a new cat tomorrow."
41. THINGS TO REMEMBER AS A DOG
1. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.
2. I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.
3. I will not roll my toys behind the fridge, behind the sofa or under the bed.
4. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house.
5. I will not eat the cats' food, before they eat it or after they throw it up.
6. I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to get sick.
7. I will not throw up in the car.
8. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc. just because I like the way they smell.
9. "Kitty box crunchies," although they are tasty, are not food.
10. I will not eat any more Kleenex or napkins and then re-deposit them in the backyard after processing.
11. The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.
12. I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them.
13. I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.
14. When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside.
15. We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.
16. I will not steal my mom's underwear and dance all over the backyard with it.
17. The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom & dad's laps.
18. My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
19. I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for mom's driver's license and car registration.
20. I will not play tug-of-war with dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.
More pet-ty humour here.....
Training Christian leaders in North Korea
By Mark EllisHe escaped from North Korea 15 years ago and became a Christian in South Korea. On a recent mission trip to North Korea’s Hamgyong province, he found young leaders well-trained in Christian theology, eager to build God’s underground church in one of the most repressive and isolated governments on earth.
“I taught three North Korean Christians,†says Jihoon *. “All of them were from my hometown. It was really good to meet them. They had already studied theology and were trained very well.â€
The men discussed the peculiar ideology that rules North Korea – “Juche†– which became a cult of personality centered around its founding proponent, Kim Il-sung, now considered the ‘eternal president’ of North Korea following his death in 1994. The Juche idea states that “man is the master of everything and decides everything.â€
“I told them that Kim Il Sung’s parents were Christians and he also knew about the Bible so that Kim Il Sung made the Juche ideology based on the Bible,†Jihoon recounts. “Kim Il Sung twisted the truth of the Bible to establish his own idea.â€
The underpinning of Juche came as a surprise to the North Korean believers. “The three of them were shocked. I told them that that kind of sin must be repented before God.â€
The capital of North Korea, Pyongyang, was once the epicenter of Christian activity in Korea. But under severe persecution in the late 1940s, almost all Christian leaders were martyred or carted off to concentration camps. The government systematically destroyed all church buildings.
Currently, there are only four state-sanctioned churches, which many consider stage-props designed to deceive foreign visitors. The persecution of Christians in North Korea is among the worst in the world, with 50,000–70,000 Christians imprisoned in concentration camps.
It was emotional for the men when Jihoon departed, not knowing when or if they would see each other again. “When we said good bye, they said ‘Pastor! We will wait for you. We will build up churches and wait for you. When we meet together again in North Korea, lets worship together.’â€
“Yes, go for it!†Jihoon replied. “Go and build up churches. I will follow you!â€
“We praise God who is still working in North Korea,†says Thomas Kim, executive director of Cornerstone Ministries, which trains leaders and smuggles Bibles into North Korea. “He is calling and training His people one by one for His own glory.â€
Ironically, the Christian church has experienced some of its most rapid growth under repressive regimes, despite despotic leaders’ frantic efforts to stamp it out. “God has never allowed the power of darkness to overcome the church in North Korea,†Kim notes. “We give you praise and thanks that the gospel is still being preached to North Korean people even in warlike persecution.â€
Thomas Kim offers this prayer for those serving the Lord in North Korea: “We thank you Lord for souls being saved in North Korea. Father we pray that more North Korean missionaries and pastors may get opportunities to share your words and grace with their own kindred and friends. They can understand each other because they are from the same cultural and language background. We pray that your Kingdom will come to North Korea through these missionaries and pastors. Please protect these dear missionaries during their journeys. Please grant them divine wisdom when they preach and teach your words in each place. We pray that you will secure their every step. Also we pray for them to be abundantly provided for during their missionary works. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.â€
* Name changed for security reasons
Source: Godreports
Via: OpenHeaven.com
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF…….THE SEVEN REVELATIONS OF THE LAMBIt would be normal to think of a victorious God as a lion. But Jesus came as a lamb, the Lamb of God
The incredible story of how the Lamb of God is foreshadowed 4 times in the Old Testament, comes as the Lamb in the New, sets our example and will return to claim His kingdom.
Both a faith builder and a call to inherit the kingdom now.
Find out more and download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
Three years ago, when we visited Christchurch for our close friend Roger's 70th birthday, I wrote this poem for him. He is happy to have it published.ROGER
Here’s to our Roger,
Now the old codger,
Seventy years gone by, in just a flash,
As round the golf course, he does dash.
There he’s known as the ‘artful dodger’!
The handicap may have dipped,
While the waistline has slipped,
But the putting’s still mean
Once he gets on the green.
But block your ears, if the hole is lipped!
Now there’s more to life than golf you know,
The brain is fast, even if the body’s slow,
The family history has been recorded,
‘Tis just what the doctor ordered.
For our Roger’s always on the go!
Of course, there is the paternal side,
From teaching to grandkids, did he glide,
He’s such a blessing to Tony and Rose,
Even when he gets up their nose!
Helping others grow, feels so good inside.
Of course, Beryl and Roger are a pair,
A combination that is extremely rare!
They do say that opposites attract,
But together, they make a great act!
For each other, they do genuinely care.
So now that Roger has reached three score and ten,
He has proved himself to be a man amongst men.
We all do wish you every best wish today,
An early night’s in order, with Beryl to play,
And in ten year’s time, we’ll do this all again!
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
As I trolled through my Facebook page this morning, this picture grabbed my attention.Of course, it is appropriate this week, for indeed, the beginning of a new year is again upon us. They seemingly come round more quickly with every year that passes!
Spiritually, the church has the negative reputation of preaching, "The End is Near"! While this is correct, it is also true, that the kingdom of God, here now, will be fully manifested soon, for those who are willing to participate.
A different slant for 2014?!
Kathy and I send our New Year's greetings to you.
So until next week.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: SWEATIER
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' a. Narrow gate
REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT
Most weeks we get enquiries about reproducing, in electronic or print form, articles contained in 'PGIM!' We welcome and encourage you to utilize this material. Freely received, freely given. We would ask though, that the source be acknowledged as an encouragement to others to subscribe to this newsletter also.CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING?
Each week we can lose up to 2% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. Or sometimes, by your server acting strangely and just cutting us off! If you are about to change your address, please advise us of both your old and new addresses here atenquiries@wwj.org.nz and we will happily change our records to ensure ongoing delivery. Thanks.
Please also keep our address in your address book, as sometimes servers will automatically delete your address if there is even a one off problem in delivery. If your newsletter doesn't arrive, please let us know and we will reinstate you.
LINKS
If you would like to link your web site to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us onlinks@wwj.org.nz
DOES THIS EMAIL HAVE A BLUE BACKGROUND AND RED HEADINGS?
YES - Great!NO - Your web browser needs to be set to 'Rich Text'. If you have an older 'Text Only' browser, this email may also be viewed on our web site at ...
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