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: 1091 Published: 12 Sep 2022
THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW
COMMUNITY v INDIVIDUAL
Greek (Western)
The Greek focus is on the individual. Let's face it, in our society, 'I' is the most important letter in the alphabet! 'What’s in it for me?'
In the church too, our focus is on what Jesus will do for us...... Jesus loves you. (true) 'Jesus saves' you. (true) Jesus will make you happy. (not true) Onward to the ultimate 'I'..... Jesus will make you rich! (not true) For our natural mind is focused on 'taking', not giving.
Eastern (Hebrew)
The Hebrew focus, on the other hand, is on the community in relationship with God.
This is the pattern of the Old Testament, with God choosing to work firstly through the families of the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc).....
8 The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. 9 But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, 10 and she said to Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.” 11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. 12 But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. 13 I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is your offspring.” (Genesis 21:8-13)
We find this difficult to understand and accept, but the interests of the community, of the continuation of the godly line, was put ahead of the interests of the individual. Ironically, the rejected Esau then became the spiritual root of today's Muslim faith!
This sense of community continued through the chequered history of the nation of Israel, where effectively, the King represented the people before God, either for good or for evil...
19 Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem two years. His mother’s name was Meshullemeth daughter of Haruz; she was from Jotbah. 20 He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done. 21 He walked in all the ways of his father; he worshiped the idols his father had worshiped, and bowed down to them. 22 He forsook the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD..... 26 He was buried in his grave in the garden of Uzza. And Josiah his son succeeded him as king. 1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. 2 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left. (2 Kings 21:19-22, 26-22:2)
Moving on to New Testament times, it is easy now to understand the confusion of Nicodemus, a celebrated elder, who naturally thought the spiritual state of the nation was in the ruling council’s hands. Then Jesus turned this world on its head by proclaiming that salvation was now a personal choice....
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:1-18)
However, the sense of community was not lost in the early church, where the good of the group as a whole was put ahead of the interests of the individual.....
The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. (Acts 4:32-5)
Jesus would have approved.
SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY
While salvation is now a personal decision, our ongoing community response is to be one of giving rather than taking.....
3 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (Mark 12:33)
2. 'Community' is focused on caring and sharing, of putting other's needs ahead of our own.
3. Religious form is superfluous. It is how we live in our community that truly reflects the genuineness of our salvation.
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
May we hear what the Lord is saying to us.....
Warnings About the Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46)
Separating the Sheep from the Goats.
“But when the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his majestic throne. Everyone will be brought before him. He will separate them from one another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He’ll place the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to the ones on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, and inherit the kingdom that’s been prepared for you from the beginning of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then those who are right will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and fed you, or thirsty and gave you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?’ The king will tell them, ‘I tell you the truth: whatever you did for one of these of least importance you did for me.’ “He’ll also say to those on his left, ‘Go away from me, you who are doomed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels! For I was hungry and you didn’t give me anything to eat. I was thirsty and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger and you didn’t invite me in. I was naked and you didn’t clothe me. I was sick and in prison and you didn’t visit me.’ Then they will also answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn’t look after you?’ Then he will tell them, ‘I tell you the truth: whatever you didn’t do for one of these of least importance you didn’t do for me.’ They will go away into eternal condemnation, but those who are right will enter eternal life.”
Jesus Predicts His Day of Crucifixion (Matthew 26:1-2)
To his disciples.
“You know that it’s Passover in two days time, and the Son of man will be handed over to be crucified.”
Jesus Final Appeal to Unbelievers (John 12:20-36)
Prior to His death.
“The time has come for the Son of man to be glorified. I tell you the truth: unless a grain of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains just one grain. But if it dies, it produces many more grains of wheat. If you love your own life you will lose it, but if you don’t love your own life in this world you will keep your life forever. If you want to serve me you need to follow me. My servants will be where I am, and my Father will honor anyone who serves for me.
”Now I am troubled. What should I say? ‘Father, save me from this coming time of suffering’? No, for this is why I came—to go through this time of suffering. Father, show the glory of your character.”
Prior to His death.
“This voice spoke not for my sake, but for yours. Now is the judgment of this world; now the prince of this world will be thrown out. But when I am lifted up from the earth I will attract everyone to me.” (He said this to point out the kind of death he was going to die).
The crowd asked, “Who is the Son of man?”
“The light is here with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that the darkness doesn’t overtake you. Those who walk in the dark don’t know where they’re going. Put your trust in the light while you still have it so that you can become children of light.”
Download the complete 'Words of Jesus' here.
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
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THE THEATRE RECONSTRUCTION IS SHOULD BE FINISHED THIS WEEK
LAYING THE FLOOR
But wait for a big surprise next week!
STICKING THE TILES TO THE WALL
The hammer was taken to the wall to make holes tfor the tiles to stick to.
Then on they go!
The tiler is a real expert!
THE FINISHED JOB!
Ant the view to the back of the theatre.
A pertect job!
Looking at sugar cane growing through the windows.
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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
SIN
1152. The centrality of both sIn and prIde is 'I'!
1153. Sin is the external result of internal rebellion against God.
1154. Just because we grow up with sin doesn't mean we need to hold on to it all our life!
1155. Sin causes God to cry!
1156. The foundation of sin is 'self interest', that of righteousness, 'God interest'.
1157. As sin goes, righteousness grows.
1158. No-one has ever conquered sin by their own efforts!
1159. The deep darkness of sin cannot co-exist with the bright light of holiness, in the natural or spiritual.
1160. While we are forgiven of our sins through the cross of Jesus, upon request, we still have to live with the consequences. So it's best not to sin in the first place!
1161. Overcoming sin is a lifelong process of eliminating the 'self' from our life.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: THE PURGING OF THE CHURCH Parts 5&6
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. ***
243. Send the Bill
A man was brought to Mercy Hospital and taken in for coronary surgery. The operation went well and, as the groggy man regained consciousness, he was reassured by a Sister of Mercy, who was waiting by his bed. "Mr. Smith, you're going to be just fine," said the nun, gently patting his hand. "We do need to know, however, how you intend to pay for your stay here. Are you covered by insurance?" "No, I'm not," the man whispered hoarsely. "Can you pay in cash?" persisted the nun. "I'm afraid I cannot, Sister." "Well, do you have any close relatives?" the nun essayed. "Just my sister in New Mexico," he volunteered. "But she's a humble spinster nun." "Oh, I must correct you, Mr. Smith. Nuns are not 'spinsters.' They are married to God." "Wonderful," said Smith. "In that case, please send the bill to my brother-in-law!!"
QWIK QWIP: “Somebody once figured out that we have 35 million laws trying to enforce 10 commandments.”
244. Top 10 Ways to Lose Your Job in Youth Ministry
If you're going to lose your job . . . lose it in one of the top 10 ways!
10. Play Peanut Butter Chubby Bunnies to see if kids really do choke.
9. Leave your Pastor's kid at an orphanage in Mexico on your annual mission trip.
8. Replace the grape juice with actual wine during communion (this would only really affect Baptists)
7. Teach girls how to smoke cigars and gamble their babysitting money in a game of poker at the girls junior high Bible Study (teaching them to tithe their winnings of course!)
6. Cut up the church's choir robes to make flags for a capture the flag game.
5. Give your Sr. Pastor a free subscription to the Victoria Secret Catalogue, sent to the church address!
4. Start a food fight at the annual church spaghetti feed!
3. Start a food fight during communion!
2. Finance the down payment of your new Mustang convertible through your youth petty cash fund.
1. Bring Dennis Rodman to speak at your True Love Waits rally.
245. Pastor Search
The chairman of the pastor search committee informed the congregation,
"Next Sunday our visiting preacher will be the Rev. Bill Oaks. If you would like to see the other preachers, you will find them hanging in the vestibule."
246. Drinkin' 'Til He's In Heaven
Father Murphy walked into a pub and said to the first man he met, "Do you want to go to heaven?"
The man said, "I do Father."
The priest said," Leave this pub right now!" He then approached a second man. "Do you want to got to heaven?"
"Certainly, Father," was the man's reply. "Then leave this den of Satan!" said the priest.
Father Murphy then walked up to O'Toole and asked, "Do you want to go to heaven?" O'Toole replied: "No, I don't Father."
The priest looked him right in the eye and said
Yes, Father. I thought you were getting a group together to go right 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 ..... https://www.wwj.org.nz/content/wwj18p47.pdf
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A DAVID MUSING
A very exciting week for Kenya!
The passing of the baton from one President to the next, but also one era to the next. For the 3 ruling fafilies since independence in the 1960's, who have made themselves hugely rich at the country's expense, have finally been voted out, much to their surprise and disgust.
William Ruto will be inaugurated this Tuesday. Already, since the vote, you can see the huge changes that are going to be made.
He gives God the thanks for everything, and his wife Rachel had a 24 hour prayer meeting every week on a Wednesday, for a year before his election. A real prayer warrior.
This is a new era for Kenya and an example to the rest of Africa.
He comes from a poor family and as a boy sold chickens on the side of the road. As he grew up he became a hugely successful businessman and politician.
Finally Kenya has a plan for each area of Government.
May the Lord be with him.
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
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Webuye 50205
Kenya
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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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