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
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Issue No: 1090 Published: 05 Sep 2022
THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW
KINGDOM OF GOD (ETERNAL LIFE)
Greek (Western)
We view the kingdom of God (eternal life) as being separated from this world, a place to go to when earthly life ends. Hence, particularly amongst Pentecostal Christians, there is an (unbiblical) preoccupation with the (unbiblical) rapture. 'Zap me out of here before the Tribulation Lord!' is a common prayer. Much heated discussion arises in theological circles about whether the rapture will be 'pre', 'mid' or 'post-trib' (tribulation). This even splits churches and denominations, causing division in the body. How sad! Jesus weeps! All because we are bound up by our Greek understanding, through which we separate the natural from the spiritual.
The Rapture Doctrine originated in 1830, the result of a vision experienced by a Scottish lady, Miss Margaret Macdonald, who was ill at the time. It was unknown in the church before then. This 'feel good' idea of people being rescued from end time tribulation was promoted by Rev Edward Irving of the Catholic Apostolic Church before being theologically developed by John Darby, founder of the Plymouth Brethren. It has now spread to become widely accepted in many areas of the church.
Again, the foundation of the rapture is based on the Greek thought premise that eternal life, the kingdom of God, is separate from the natural world and is inherited only upon death.
Eastern (Hebrew)
Hebrew thought however, sees eternal life and God's kingdom as beginning in this life. Eternal life therefore, is a life lived in harmony with God during our present, earthly existence.
24 “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24)
Eternal life is knowing God and believing in Jesus. Jesus prayed at Gethsemane.....
3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3)
And Paul to Timothy.....
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
(1 Timothy 6:12)
For Jesus is eternal life! The eternal life of Jesus lives in us!
20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. (1 John 5:20)
Our Greek based translations do not convey this present oneness with God adequately. For the Jews, this just comes naturally, for thoughts, beliefs and actions are intertwined as one. We are to become one with Him - now.
17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
(1 Corinthians 6:17)
This understanding adds new meaning to the Lord's Prayer, which has been spoken billions of times, but rarely understood.
10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
God's kingdom is being built on earth - now! What a revelation. Thank you Lord!
SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY
1. The understanding of this 'kingdom now' principle is the basis of the apostolic/kingdom movement that is arising throughout the world today. Unlike previous movements of God, which have moved out from one place, person or group, the revelation of the kingdom is now being given through the Holy Spirit to people all round the world. It is essentially a personal revelation, for personal conviction is necessary to live the kingdom lifestyle in a generally disbelieving church, and secular, world.
2. We are being called to live and work out our faith in practical ways, to demonstrate the kingdom to others. Indeed, to be His kingdom representatives in the world!
3. To be kingdom, present as well as future, centred.
4. To desire holiness and righteousness, allowing Jesus to change us, in order to become a member of the 'bride of Christ' for whom Jesus is returning.....
9 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.” (Revelation 19:9)
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
A Warning to be Alert (Matthew 24:36-51, Mark 13:32-37, Luke 21:32-36)
For the return of Jesus.
“But no one knows the day or hour when this will take place, not the angels in heaven, nor the Son. Only the Father knows. When the Son of man comes it will be like it was during the time of Noah. 38It will be as in the days before the flood, when they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, right up until the day that Noah went into the Ark. They didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That’s how the coming of the Son of man will be.
“Two men will be working in the fields. One will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding grain with a mill. One will be taken, the other left. So stay alert, because you don’t know what day your Lord is
coming. But consider this: if the house-owner knew what time a thief was coming, he would keep watch. He would not allow his house to be broken into and robbed. You also need to be ready, because the Son of man is coming at a time when you’re not expecting him.
“For who is the trustworthy and thoughtful servant? It’s the one his master puts in charge of his household to provide them with food at the proper time. How good it will be for that servant to be found doing that when his master returns! I tell you the truth: the master will put that servant in charge over everything he has. But if he was evil, the servant would say to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time,’ and would start beating the other servants, feasting and drinking with the drunks. Then that servant’s master will return when the man doesn’t expect him, at a time he doesn’t know. He’ll cut him to pieces, and treat him in the same way as the hypocrites, sending him to a place where there’s weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
“The kingdom of heaven is like ten girls, who took their lamps with them to go and meet the bridegroom.
Five were foolish, and five were wise. The foolish girls took their lamps but didn’t take any oil with them, while the wise took jars of oil with them as well as their lamps. The bridegroom took a long time and all the girls became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the shout came, ‘Look, the bridegroom’s here! Come out and meet him!’ All the girls got up and trimmed the wicks of their lamps. The foolish girls said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ But the wise girls replied, ‘No, because otherwise there won’t be enough for both you and for us. Go to the shopkeepers and buy some oil for yourselves.’ While they went to buy oil, the bridegroom arrived, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding, and the door was locked shut. The other girls came later. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they called, ‘Open the door for us!’ But he answered, ‘I tell you the truth: I don’t know you.’ So stay alert, for you don’t know the day, or the hour.
Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
“It’s like a man who went away on a trip. He called in his servants and entrusted them with what he owned.
To one of them he gave five talents, to another he gave two, and to another one, according to their different abilities. Then he left. Immediately the one with five talents went and invested them in a business, and made another five talents. In the same way the one with two talents made another two. But the man who’d received the one talent went off and dug a hole and hid his master’s money. A long time later the master of those servants returned, and settled accounts with them. The one with five talents came and presented the other five talents. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘You gave me five talents. Look, I’ve made a profit of five talents.’ His master said to him, ‘You’ve done well—you are a good, faithful servant. You have proved yourself trustworthy over small things, so now I’m placing you in charge over many things. Be happy because I’m really pleased with you! The one with two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘You gave me two talents. Look, I’ve made a profit of two talents.’ His master said to him, ‘You’ve done well—you are a good, faithful servant. You have proved trustworthy over small things, so now I’m placing you in charge over many things. Be happy because I’m really pleased with you!’ “Then the man with one talent came. “Master,’ he said, ‘I know that you’re a hard man. You reap where you didn’t sow, and you harvest crops that you didn’t plant. So since I was afraid of you I went and buried your talent in the ground. Look, you can have back what belongs to you.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you think I reap where I don’t sow, and harvest crops I didn’t plant, then you should have deposited my silver in the bank so that when I returned I could have had my money with interest. Take the talent away from him, and give it to the one with ten talents. For everyone who has will be given even more; and everyone who doesn’t have anything, even what they have will be taken away from them. Now throw this useless servant out into the darkness where there’ll be crying and gnashing of teeth.’
Download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
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THE THEATRE RECONSTRUCTION IS STILL PROGRESSING WELL
THEATRE DOORS ARE NOW ON!
A piece of light steel on both sides, a door handle, and up she goes!
DELIVERY TO THE DOOR!
The most common form of transport here is Boda Bodas or motor bikes.
What they can carry on these is amazing! You may have seen pictures elsewhere.
This man has delivered bags of small stones, and they are heavy, rithg to the Theatre entrance!
They will be used to make a terazo floor of concrete, with small stoes insert into the top.
In our case they will be covered with an epoxy coating to make the floor is waterproof.
This is essential as there can be a lot of water (and blood) around.
FLOOR LAYERS AND PLUMBERS ON THE JOB
The builders are near finished, so the floor layers and plumbers are on the job.
Next will be the tilers who have to tile the walls up to the ceiling!
MONDAY - DECISION DAY!
The ladies (3) and gentlemen (4), who form the Supreme Court are locked away (not really) all weekend to consider their verdict in the election appeal, between the winner on the night Ruto, in a close battle of, in round figures, a 200,000 margin in 14,000,000 votes.
Round here it will be very disappointing if the President-Elect Ruto, is not confirmed.
The other real alternative is a runoff vote which will cost the country Billions of shillings, which it can't afford, all for the vanity of the loser on the night, Railla.
We will see!
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Join the many who have downloaded the 'The Words of Jesus'. I am sure you will be blessed by it, as I have been.
One key element here is the setting out in chronological order (as far as it is possible to do so) 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.
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PHOTO: Possible look of Jesus in society of the time
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
MINISTRY
1205. To be a minister we don't have to be trained in Jesus, but simply reflect the Jesus in us.
1206. If we were all prepared to minister, fulfilling the Great Commission would be a breeze!
1207. Many ministers make light work!
1208. To the Christian, ministry is a requirement, not a calling.
1209. Professional ministry is a great excuse to leave God's work to someone else!
1210. Ministry is service, not position.
1211. Priests instruct, ministers serve.
1212. The 'priesthood of believers' is the latent power of the church. When released, it transforms the world.
1213. The ministry of example is the most powerful ministry of all.
1214. The true hallmark of ministry is not professionalism, but service.u to view at ...
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: THE PURGING OF THE CHURCH PartS 3 & 4
INTRODUCTION
The Lord has led me to go back to a sermon/prophecy I received in a group mailing, and filed, some time ago. It is by David Wilkerson.
David was the Founding Pastor of Times Square Church in New York City. He was called to New York in 1958 to minister to gang members and drug addicts, as told in the best-selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade.
After the introduction, he gave 11 bullet points about THE GLORIOUS FUTURE JUST AHEAD. As the Lord leads, I will expand on these challenging but inspiring aspects
Let us begin…..
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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. ***
240. Preacher and Choir Director
Church feuds are not uncommon, especially among cliques in the congregation. But when the Pastor and choir director get into it, stand aside.
One week our preacher preached on commitment, and how we should dedicate ourselves to service. The director then led the choir in singing, 'I Shall Not Be Moved.'
The next Sunday, the preacher preached on giving and how we should gladly give to the work of the Lord. The choir director then led the song, 'Jesus Paid It All.'
The next Sunday, the preacher preached on gossiping and how we should watch our tongues. The hymn was 'I Love To Tell The Story.'
The preacher became disgusted over the situation, and the next Sunday he told the congregation he was considering resigning. The choir then sang 'Oh, Why Not Tonight.'
When the preacher resigned the next week, he told the church that Jesus had led him there and Jesus was taking him away. The choir then sang, 'What A Friend We Have in Jesus.'
QWIK QWIP: “Most men forget God all day and ask Him to remember them at night.”
241. Calling God
It seems a man in Topeka, Kansas, decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco, and started working east from there. He went to a very large church and began taking photographs, etc. He spots a golden telephone on a wall and is intrigued with a sign which reads "$10,000 a minute."
Seeking out the pastor he asks about the phone and the sign. The pastor answers that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to Heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to God. He thanks the pastor and continues on his way. As he continues to visit churches in Seattle, Boise, Minneapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, New York, Atlanta, and on around the United States, he finds more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.
Finally, he arrives in Texas. Upon entering a church in Dallas, lo and behold, he sees the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign reads "Calls 25 cents."
Fascinated, he requests to talk to the pastor. "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I found this golden telephone, and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to God, but, in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads 25 cents a call. Why?"
The pastor, smiling benignly, replies, "Oh, my son, that's very easy to explain. You see, you're now in Texas and, of course, it's a local call from here."
QWIK QWIP: “Never give the devil a ride - he will always want to drive.”
242. From Dust
A little boy came home from Sunday School and went into his room to change clothes.
When he emerged, he asked his mother, "Is it true that we came from dust?" His mother replied, "Yes, dear. God made us from dust."
The kid ran back into his room and came out all excited. "Mom, I just looked under my bed, and there's somebody either coming or going!"
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A DAVID MUSING
Over the whole country of Kenya, where we live, elections are one of the main entertainments, along with weddings and funerals!
Otherwise it is work and sleep, and likely church on Saturdays or Sundays.
So the 5 yearly elections, while vitally important for the country, are also a huge entertainment for the populace, with huge crowds turning out everwher to hear the candidates, particularly the Presidential ones.
Doesn't matter if he is your preferred candidate or not, all go for the entertainment.
Such is Kenya, and many African countries.
Until next time.
His servant and yours
David Tait
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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
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Walking With Jesus Ministries
P O Box 2
Webuye 50205
Kenya
Email: enquiries@wwj.org.nz
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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!
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