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Online links to scriptures (New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise stated) are shown in blue
| EDUCATION (I) v EXPERIENCE (WE) |
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| Greek (Western) |
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 In Greek culture, physical conquest was immediately followed by the setting up of educational institutions to train the conquered people in Greek culture and ways. Education is seen as the way to change lives.
What we do, after a revelation is given by God, is to set up a new denomination with its own Bible College, to formalize and disseminate the truths that have been revealed.
Here in New Zealand, the pattern of revelation and formalization has been experienced within all the Pentecostal streams that arose through the various Holy Spirit revelations of the 20th century. Initial revelation, enthusiasm and changed lifestyle of leaders and people, were overtaken by the formality of organisation, position, theological schools, buildings, programmes and growing lukewarmness amongst both leaders and adherents, focusing more on the little that divides than the much that should unite. This is not unique to the Pentecostal Church but simply follows the pattern of denominational church separation since the Reformation.
The focus is on 'I' as an individual, and the 'bigger I' of denominationalism. The emphasis is on transformation, through education, of the mind.
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| Eastern (Hebrew) |
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 Converts into Judaism are absorbed into Jewish society and culture, so the they can learn experientially the ways of G_d (God).
In early Judaism, converts were absorbed into a tradition and experiential lifestyle, where learning came from absorbing the values and experiences of the forefathers as recorded in the Old Testament, as well as the Rabbi's and leaders of the day. There was a greater tolerance of differing views on many matters. There were 3 or 4 main groups, not the thousands we have today in Protestantism.
When a Jewish boy became a disciple of a Rabbi, he would copy his Rabbi in everything he did. Literally! In every way! Sit. Stand. Gesture. Walk. Eat.....
Jesus took a group of 'students' (disciples), those not good enough to become disciples of the other Rabbis, and trained them in His ways, living with them, teaching them by word and example, sending them out into the mission field to gain practical experience.
Matthew 10:1-10
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 Discipleship was a group experience, where the group was more important than the individual, it was both word and deed, and it took place in the school of life, not the academic classroom.
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| SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY |
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1. The group, the cause, is more important than any individual within it.
2. Discipleship involves a change in lifestyle, not just academic knowledge.
3. A godly lifestyle change is the measure of a true conversion.
4. True discipleship training requires interactive experience with others more mature in the faith, in order to grow into the image of Jesus.
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| <i>NEXT WEEK:</i> THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW continues..... |
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 ..... looking at GODS v GOD.
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| A NOTE FROM DAVID |
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 One of the biggest problems with the church today is the emphasis placed on education, on qualifications for positions within the church rather than upon integrity, relationship with Jesus, and God's call upon the individual's life.
An emphasis on learning through doing and becoming, of experienced discipleship, is what we need more of in the church today.
IMAGES AND ART: Jerusalem
Mt. Zion
Also known as Mount Sion, the Upper City, the Southwestern Hill
Aerial from the South
The modern Mt. Zion is a misnomer applied by Byzantine pilgrims who thought that the larger, flatter Western Hill must be the original City of David. Archaeological evidence has shown that this hill was only incorporated within the city's fortifications in the 8th century B.C. but the name has stuck. The Hinnom Valley borders this hill on its western and southern sides.
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So until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD!
His servant and yours
Learn more about us at...
www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
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A DAVID'S DOODLING
9. The foolish are satisfied with reading the Word, the wise follow the Word, while the godly are as one with the Word.
David Tait
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Check
out the WWJ website for….
More David's Doodlings: www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php
Eagles Fly High!: http://www.wwj.org.nz/eagle.php
Eagles Fly High! (Pastors, Teachers and Students): http://www.wwj.org.nz/eaglepts.php
God Facts (A mine of information): http://www.wwj.org.nz/gfacts.php
Facts for Fun: http://www.wwj.org.nz/facts.php
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They participated in His miracles..... 
He answered their questions..... 
They participated in the good times..... 
and the bad.....