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: 664 Published: 07 Jul 2014
'THE WORDS OF JESUS' NOW 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. There have been over 200 downloads to date.One key element here is the setting out in chronological order (as far as it is possible to know) 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.
Download the free PDF here.....
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 now proceed to the 20th century which, as we all know, was noted for outpourings of the Holy Spirit. Surely all would now be transformed by the Spirit and the bride church produced. Of course, we now know the reality, where there has been greater splits and divisions than ever before. God weeps!
20th CENTURY DEVELOPMENTS
The Day of the Lord
28 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. 29 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28-9)
SOME LATER 20TH CENTURY SPIRITUAL MOVES
Since the Charismatic Renewal there have been other spiritual revivals which, while not as universal in their influence, have impacted on the church in some way, whether it be territorially, denominationally, or through influencing the wider body. Some, particularly Peter Wagner, have described these as the 'Third Wave' of spiritual revival, after the after the Pentecostal Revival of the early 20th Century and then the more recent Charismatic Renewal. Some have arisen and waned, while others have been become formalized within new denominations. It would be fair to say that none individually, have had the widespread impact of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, but collectively, they have had a considerable influence in the later 20th century. Only a sample can be considered here.....
JOHN WIMBER (1934-97) AND THE VINEYARD CHURCH
A successful secular musician from a non-religious family, Wimber (pictured with wife Carol) found Jesus in 1963. He joined the Quakers and was responsible for converting many hundreds of people. This led to his appointment as Founding Director of the Department of Church Growth at a offshoot of the Fuller Theological seminary. Forming a house group that began adopting Charismatic values led to a split with the Quakers. This led to forming a new church associated with Vineyard Christian Fellowships, started by Kenn Gulliksen, which later became the Anaheim Vineyard Christian Fellowship.
John Wimber travelled widely and his meetings were characterized by manifestations of the Holy Spirit, similar to those of the early Pentecostals. Hyatt writes.....
Prophecy and speaking in tongues commonly occurred in these meetings, and various other manifestations, such as being slain in the Spirit, shaking and swooning in a state similar to drunkenness also occurred.
David White, a psychiatrist and proponent of the Third Wave, describes the phenomenon similar to drunkenness. In meetings where the Holy Spirit's power is strongly manifest,some people may seem a little drunk...
They may describe a heaviness that is on them. Their speech may be slightly slurred, their movements uncoordinated. They may need support to walk. They show little concern about what anyone will think of their condition and are usually a little dazed. The condition may endure several hours.
Theologically, Wimber and Vineyard had 2 differences to early Pentecostals. Firstly, they believed that all spiritual gifts were received at conversion, although they may not be manifested until later. This included speaking in tongues, which Pentecostals taught and teach is the true sign of conversion. They also placed greater emphasis on the importance of all the spiritual gifts.
TESTIMONY: This has been the experience of my own life, where I was able to prophesy some time before speaking in tongues.
Their second point of difference was in the development of 'Kingdom Theology' which promotes the building of God's kingdom upon the earth, rejecting the escapist, rapture theology of traditional Pentecostals of believers avoiding the tribulation, or part thereof, by being whisked off to heaven. Hence there is a greater emphasis on holiness and righteousness and the release of all spiritual gifts, in order to build God's kingdom now. As the Lord's Prayer says.....
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
John Wimber died of a brain haemorrhage on November 17, 1997, aged 63, following a fall and after recent coronary bypass surgery.
Today the Vineyard Movement - an association of like minded independent churches - comprises about 1600 churches worldwide.
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.
(Continues 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.
Of course, it is not a Bible substitute! I Hope you find it helpful too, in your walk with Jesus.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector ( Luke 19:1-10)
Climbed a tree to see Jesus.
“Zacchaeus, come down quickly! I need to stay at your house today.â€
Zacchaeus repents.
“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man has shown he is a son of Abraham too. For The Son of man came to search for and save those who are lost.â€
Parable of the Wicked Servant ( Luke 19:11-27)
Given to people expecting the immediate appearance of the kingdom.
“Once there was a nobleman who left home to go to a distant country to be crowned king there, and then to return. He called ten of his servants, divided money equally among them, and told them, ‘Invest this money until I return.’ But his people hated him, and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We won’t have this man as king over us.†After he had been crowned king he returned. He ordered his servants brought to him. He wanted to know what profit they had made by investing the money he had given them. The first servant came in and said, ‘Lord, your money has earned ten times as much.’
“‘Well done! You’re a good servant,’ said the king. ‘Since you proved yourself trustworthy in a very small matter, I’m placing you in charge of ten cities.’
“The second servant came in and said, ‘Lord, your money has earned five times as much.’
“‘I’m placing you in charge of five cities,’ said the king.
“Another servant came in and said, ‘Lord, look, here’s your money back. I kept it safe, wrapped up in a cloth. I was afraid of you because you’re a hard man. You take what doesn’t belong to you, and you harvest what you didn’t plant.’
“‘I’ll judge you by your own words,’ the king replied. ‘You know I’m a hard man, “who takes what doesn’t belong to me, and I harvest what I didn’t plant.†Why then didn’t you deposit my money in the bank, so that when I returned I could have had my money with interest?’
“The king told those who were standing beside him, ‘Take the money away from him, and give it to the one who made ten times as much.’
“‘But master, he already has ten times as much,’ they replied.
“The king replied, ‘I tell you, to those who have, more will be given; but those who do not have, even what they have will be taken away from them. And as for my enemies who didn’t want me to be king over them, bring them here and kill them in front of me.’â€
(Continued next week)
You can now download the complete Words of Jesus at.....
***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
REVELATION AND RELIGION881. Religion is learned, revelation received.
882. Religion stems from the mind of man, revelation from the heart of God.
883. Revelation is revolutionary, religion, counter-revolutionary.
884. Religion is the opiate of the masses, while revelation reveals the heart of God.
885. One man's revelation quickly becomes another's religion.
886. Religion suffocates revelation.
887. Religion is centered upon man's needs, revelation upon the will of God.
888. When religion embraces a revelation, it's time for new revelation!
889. Revelation builds, religion stifles.
890. Many say, 'give me religion', but few, 'give me revelation'.
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... DIVIDING THE WATERS continues12 LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM ‘DIVIDING THE WATERS’ continues
....as we move into the final 3 lessons that God is showing us.
Check out all the available teachings at...
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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. ***
58. TOP TEN SIGNS YOU'RE IN FOR A LONG SUNDAY SERMON
10. There's a case of bottled water beside the pulpit in a cooler.
9. The pews have camper hookups.
8. You overhear the pastor telling the sound man to have a few (dozen!) extra tapes on hand to record today's sermon.
7. The preacher has brought a snack to the pulpit.
6. The preacher breaks for an intermission.
5. The bulletins have pizza delivery menus.
4. When the preacher asks the deacon to bring in his notes, he rolls in a filing cabinet.
3. The choir loft is furnished with La-Z-Boys.
2. Instead of taking off his watch and laying it on the pulpit, the preacher turns up a four-foot hour-glass.
AND THE NUMBER ONE SIGN YOU'RE IN FOR A LONG SUNDAY SERMON
1. The minister says, "You'll be out in time to watch the super bowl" but it's only July!
57. EARTHLY WISDOM
A Sunday school teacher was teaching her class about the difference between right and wrong.
"All right children, let's take another example," she said. "If I were to get into a man's pocket and take his billfold with all his money, what would I be?"
Little Johnny raises his hand, and with a confident smile, he blurts out, "You'd be his wife!"
56. IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
There was a little old lady who was nearly blind and she had three jealous sons who each wanted to prove that they were the best son to her.
The first son bought her a 15 room mansion, thinking it would be the best any of then could offer.
The second son bought her a beautiful Mercedes with a chauffeur, thinking this would certainly win her approval.
The third son had to do even better, so he bought her a trained parrot, that had been in training for 15 years to memorize the entire Bible. You could ask him any verse of the Bible, and the parrot could quote it word for word. That certainly would be the best gift of all!
Well, the lady went to the first son and said, "Son, the house is beautiful, but it's just too big for me. I only live in one room, and it's just too hard to clean and take care of the rest. Thank you anyway."
Then to the second son she said, "The car was gorgeous, but I really don't go out much, and it's such a waste. Besides, the driver is pretty irritating and I really don't like him that well. I appreciate your effort, but could you please return the car?"
Then she spoke to the third son. "Son, I'd like to thank you for the most thoughtful gift of all! That chicken was delicious."
"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: Which American first lady carried a gun in her purse?ANSWER: First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, was advised by the Secret Service to carry a pistol with her. The sombre advice followed a large number of letters threatening her life after her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, took office. (Some things don’t change!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: When Sesame Street's Big Bird has a birthday, he luckily always remains the same age. How old is he?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS 679. DEFINITELY NOT SQUARE
Manholes are round to ensure that the manhole cover never accidentally falls inside. With any other shape, such as a square or rectangle, the cover could be placed at such an angle that it slips inside. (How long before they are called ‘personholes’?)
680. BIT PARTS
Xenotransplantation is the transplanting of animal organs into humans. Surgeons already use pig heart valves to replace human heart valves that have worn out. They've also attempted to transplant other animal organs, including a baboon heart and baboon liver, into humans. (The animal in you!)
681. DADDY AGAIN AND AGAIN AND.....
Starbuck, a Canadian bull sired 200,000 dairy cows and equal number of bulls in his life, earning an estimated $25 million before he died in 1998. After his death, his frozen semen was still selling for $250 a dose. (Coffee to follow? Similar price soon?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
RUPEES
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...
BIBLE FIRSTS
20: What is the first book of the Bible to mention catching fish in a net?a. Exodus
b. Joshua
c. Song of Solomon
d. Ecclesiastes
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"""!!!!!!! "Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies." (Gene Hill)
!!!!!! "I feel so miserable without you, it's almost like having you here." (Stephen Bishop)
!!!!! "He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary." - William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway)
!!!! "Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I'll waste no time reading it." (Moses Hadas)
!!! "He is not only dull himself, he is the cause of dullness in others." (Samuel Johnson)
!! "He had delusions of adequacy." (Walter Kerr)
! "I've had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn't it." (Groucho Marx)
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
LIFE'S A LAUGH
30. HIGH STRESSGetting away from their high-stress jobs, a couple spends relaxing weekends in their motor home. When they found their peace and quiet disturbed by well-meaning, but unwelcome, visits from other campers, they devised a plan to assure themselves some privacy.
Now, when they set up camp, they place this sign on the door of their RV:
"Insurance agent. Ask about our term-life package."
31. BE SURE YOUR SINS WILL CATCH YOU OUT!
For the second time in a row, I was forced to impose on the woman with whom I carpooled to our children's soccer practices. I phoned and explained that my husband had the car again, so I wouldn't be able to take my turn.
A few minutes before she was due to pick up my son, my husband showed up. Since it was too late for me to call and say I could drive after all, I asked my husband to hide the car in the garage and to stay inside. I also explained to my son that he shouldn't mention anything about his father's whereabouts.
Unfortunately, my husband forgot and was in front of our house chatting with a friend when my carpool partner arrived. When my son returned from practice, I asked him if she had noticed.
"Yes," he replied, "she asked me which of the two men in front of the house was my father. But don't worry. I told her I didn't know."
32. CREAM DE LA CREAM!
During a dinner party, the hosts' two little children entered the dining room totally nude and walked slowly around the table.
The parents were so embarrassed that they pretended nothing was happening and kept the conversation going. The guests cooperated and also continued as if nothing extraordinary was happening.
After going all the way around the room, the children left, and there was a moment of silence at the table, during which one child was heard to say, "You see, it IS vanishing cream!"
33. ITS ALL IN THE WAY YOU SAY IT
I noticed the neighbor down the street was home every day, so after a few weeks I asked him what was going on.
He replied, "I left my job because of illness and fatigue."
A few weeks later, his wife gave me the real truth of what happened. Turns out my neighbor's boss got sick and tired of him.
Have more laughs at life here.....
Brazil: The evangelical revolution
Brazil: Much of Latin America and the Caribbean is in the midst of what believers proudly call an ‘evangelical revolution’. According to the IBGE, Brazil's census board, the country's Catholic population fell from around 89% in 1980 to 74% in 2000, while its Pentecostal flock grew from 3% to 10%. A public expression of this new evangelicalism is the ‘March for Jesus’. Over half a million Christians gathered in Rio de Janeiro in early June this year. The annual event was held under the slogan ‘I belong to Jesus. I am a champion’, in honour of the participants' faith and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which Brazil is hosting this year. Another ‘March for Jesus’ is planned in Sao Paulo on 12 July, a day before the World Cup final. This one is expected to draw 2 million participants. It’s the country’s largest religious gathering, and more popular than the Salvador Carnival.Source: OpenHeaven.com
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
‘WALKING WITH JESUS’ COURSEA 3-part course of understanding based on Revelation 12:11. An easily understood, practical series on living the Christian life today. Compiled in 1993-4, the 3 studies, each accompanied by 6 hours of tapes, have been used by over 10,000 New Zealanders plus many overseas, to gain an increased understanding of what ‘walking with Jesus’ is all about. Is useful for enquirers, new Christians and particularly, those seeking an extra dimension to their faith. Ideal for home groups and church teaching sessions too. A non-denominational course, it is supported by Christians from diverse backgrounds. The 3 parts cover
1. The Way of Salvation: Finding Jesus as your personal Saviour.
2. Life Through the Spirit: Christian living through the teaching
of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus is Lord: Living our lives for Jesus.
So if you desire a deeper relationship with your God, this can help point you in the right direction. You still have to make the effort though! Can’t do that for you!
Read more about it and download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
This poem was 2 years in the writing! The inspiration came, half was written, then I got busy on other things! In the last day or two I have had some spare time, so thought to finish it. (Actually I have had more spare time during the two years but never quite got 'a round tuit'!) I hope the result is worth waiting for!MR BUMBLE (Part 2)
“It's true then! I can’t really fly?
Yes, about to fall from the sky!
Life now seems just not worth the living!
Even with all the effort, I’ve been giving!
So at that very moment he gave up trying,
Knew he should, no longer now be flying,
From a rapid ten thousand beats a minute,
To wings folded, his heart no longer in it.
So our 'brmm-brmm bee' plummeted to the ground,
Fortunately for him, landing on a very soft mound
Of leaves gently fallen from a nearby tree,
Disaster averted, I was so thankful to see.
"Why are you down here Mr Bumble", I asked, surprised,
When suddenly it dawned - my mistake, I now realised.
You shouldn't have taken to heart what I said,
Was only theoretical, straight from my head.
Of course you can fly, everyone knows that fact,
Indeed we would rather like to get in on the act!
For God made you in a very special way,
To humble us humans, each and every day.
For when we see how well you can fly,
We realise, no matter how hard we try,
There's knowledge money can't buy,
That's of our God, up there in the sky.
"But I believed you," Mr Bumble sadly said,
"Look at me now, I could easily be dead!
Thank God for the leaves of the tree,
Now I know, He is looking after me"
"Forgive me please," I cried out loud,
Feeling foolish for being so proud,
So full of worldly knowledge is my brain,
To consider others feelings, too much strain.
"Mr Bumble, you are a scientific miracle,
My understanding, insufficiently empirical,
For it is obvious you can soar far above,
Which I simply can't, for money or love!"
"I feel a lot better now," said Mr Bumble,
"To see you on your knees, so humble,
Maybe I can fly again without a fumble,
I'll give it a good go - LET'S NOW RUMBLE!
Wings flapping,
Slowly at first,
Then revving,
Give it a burst!
Now into the air again, Mr Bumble flew,
"Yes, I can still fly!" that he now knew,
Up, up, into the blue,
Buzz, buzz, it's true!
There are two lessons here, in life to be learned,
Neither pull another down, nor be the one spurned,
For word's are so powerful you see,
When taken and used by our enemy.
We're to encourage one another to fly high,
Sometimes it's difficult, but let's give it a try.
Yes, twill give a whole new outlook on life,
As well as keeping Mr Bumble, out of strife!
For the 'Fruit of the Spirit' we are to develop,
Yes, love, peace and joy, our life will envelop.
So when we meet the Mr Bumbles of our daily walk,
We can help them fly higher, through our godly talk.
('Artistic Lisence' has been taken in describing the nesting habits of the bumble bee. Unlike honey bees, they are solitary creatures! But that would spoil a good story!)
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
There seem to be 2 days of the year when you specifically contemplate the past and look to the future. At New Year and on your birthday. I am speaking through experience as I have had a considerable number of both!All America celebrates my birthday with fireworks and lots of food! My favourites too! (See last week about food - LOL!) My wife also tells me that I am an 'independent' person.
Every day is one day closer, not only to the coming of Jesus, but also to our close bonding with a wooden (or cardboard for the environmentally conscious) box!
What is on the other side of death for me - for you?
I know, do you?
So until next week.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: PERUSE or PERSUE
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' d. Ecclesiastes (Ecclesiastes 9:12)
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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