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: 1099 Published: 07 Nov 2022
THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW
DOCTRINE
Greek (Western)
Church membership is based upon agreement with the theological precepts of the particular church. This process started early on in the history of the church with the 'Apostles Creed' (AD200-900), the 'Nicene Creed' (AD381), developed under Emperor Constantine, and the 'Athanasian Creed' (AD500), being early, widely accepted, examples. Today, each denomination (and non-denomination!) has its theological statement upon which the particular grouping or church operates. Theological differences and disputes cause division and distrust between the multitudes of Christian groups. These differences assume greater importance than what should unite, that is, the person of Jesus Christ.
Eastern (Hebrew)
Synagogue membership required people adhere to a certain way of living. Divergent views abounded, but all those who lived a godly lifestyle were accepted. Until the Middle Ages, there was no overall Jewish doctrinal statement or creed. At that time one was developed by Rambam, in order to counter arguments of Christian apologists. This creed concept however, was foreign to the Judaism of Jesus' time.
When Jesus was asked how His true followers would be identified, he answered....
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matthew 7:15-20)
Furthermore, He proceeded to reinforce His point about behaviour versus mere mental assent.....
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-3)
Amongst others, the parable of 'The Sheep and the Goats'(disciples v intellectual believers) makes this point forcefully. On Judgment Day.....
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. (Matthew 25:31-3)
Why? .....
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ (Matthew 25:34-6)
This was followed by an intellectual defence for the Pharisees lack of action.....
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ (Matthew 25:37-9)
To which Jesus replied.....
40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ (Matthew 25:40-45)
Followed by His words of reward and judgment.....
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46)
Indeed, actions speak louder than words!
SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY
Now for something different here! A 'joke', which I trust will challenge you too!
What is Your Faith?
I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. So I ran over and said, "Stop! Don't do it!"
"Why shouldn't I?" he said.
I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!"
He said, "Like what?"
I said, "Well...are you religious or atheist?"
He said, "Religious."
I said, "Me too! Are you Christian or Buddhist?"
He said, "Christian."
I said, "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?"
He said, "Protestant."
I said, "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?"
He said, "Baptist!" I said, "Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?"
He said, "Baptist Church of God!"
I said, "Me too! Are you original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?"
He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God!"
I said, "Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?"
He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!"
I said, "Die, heretic scum!" and pushed him off.
Jesus generated 'Deeds', not 'Creeds', are the true measure of faith.
FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS
Jesus Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14, Mark 15:1-15, Luke 23:1-7, John 18:29-38)
Asking if Jesus is the ‘King of the Jews’.
“Did you think of this question yourself, or did others talk to you about me?”
“My kingdom is not of this world. If it was of this world, my subjects would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from here.”
“You say that I’m a king,” “The reason why I was born and I came to the world was to give evidence for the truth. All those who accept the truth pay attention to what I say.”
Pilate Questions Jesus Again (John 19:8-11)
Trying to release Him.
“You would have no power over me unless it had been given to you from above,” “Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of the greater sin.”
Before the Crucifixion (Luke 23:27-32)
Jesus speaking to weeping women.
“Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me. Weep for yourselves and your children. For the time is coming when they’ll say, ‘Happy are those who are childless, and those who never had babies, and those who never nursed them.’ They’ll say to the mountains, ‘Fall down on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do this to wood that is new, what will happen when it’s dried out?”
The Crucifixion (Matthew27:32-55, Mark 15:21-41, Luke 23:33-49, John 9:18-37)
To the Romans and Jews.
“Father, please forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”
To the thief who repented.
“I promise you today you will be with me in paradise.”
To Mary and John
“Mother, this is your son.” “This is your mother.”
Approaching death.
“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” (which means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”)
“I’m thirsty.” “It’s finished!”
“Father, I place my spirit in your hands.”
(Continued next week)
OUR AFRICAN EXPERIENCE IN NEW ZEALAND
Her are a few photos of Shalom, the beautiful old house e are staying in at the Titoki Health Centre.
Way outside our experience! You expect to see the butler appearing at any moment! LOL!
Kathy and cousin Nics sitting on the (added) Terrace enjoying the sunshine today.
ANOTHER VIEW
With another added porch.
MOVING INSIDE
In the sitting room where I tap tap away on my computer.
AND FINALLY TODAY.....
One of the guest bedrooms which Kathy has prepared for another visitor tonight. She loves doing it!
***NOW***NINE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!!!
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***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today
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'THE WORDS OF JESUS' REMAIN 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.
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.
Download the free PDF here.....
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
THE RESSURECTION
1293. Jesus progressed from the cross of suffering to the glory of resurrection. The pattern continues today!
1294. What Jesus did on the cross He proved through the resurrection.
1295. How I long for my resurrection body!
1296. To be resurrected I must first die. a hard lesson to learn!
1297. While all desire resurrection, few are prepared to pay the price of the cross.
1298. The price of eternal life is death - Jesus' and mine!.
1299. As a flower dies to produce the seed of new life, so must I.
CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun..... http://www.toonfever.com
Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATON OF....... THE 3 PRIESTHOODS continues
We continue and conclude our look at the priesthood of Melchizedec.
*** 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, go down to the bottom of the page link below, click on the subscribe link lao--on@wwj.org.nz (or paste the address in an email yourself and send) Then it's done!
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. ***
QWIK QWIP: “Seen it all, done it all, can't remember most of it.”
266. Loch Ness Monster and the Atheist
An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness Monster. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat at least a hundred feet into the air. It then opened it's mouth waiting below to swallow them both.
As the man sailed head over heels and started to fall towards the open jaws of the ferocious beast he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me!"
Suddenly, the scene froze in place and as the atheist hung in mid-air a booming voice came out of the clouds and said, "I thought you didn't believe in Me!"
"God, come on, give me a break!" the man pleaded, "Just seconds ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness Monster either!"
"Well," said God, "now that you are a believer, you must understand that I won't work miracles to snatch you from certain death in the jaws of the monster, but I can change hearts. What would you have me do?"
The atheist thinks for a minute then says, "God, please have the Loch Ness Monster believe in You also.
"God replies, "So be it."
The scene starts in motion again with the atheist falling towards the ravenous jaws of the monster. The Loch Ness Monster folds his claws together and says, "Lord, bless this food You have so graciously provided . . ."
267. Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust
After church, Johnny tells his parents he has to go and talk to the minister right away. They agree and the pastor greets the family.
"Pastor," Johnny says, "I heard you say today that our bodies came from the dust."
"That's right, Johnny, I did."
"And I heard you say that when we die, our bodies go back to dust."
"Yes, I'm glad you were listening. Why do you ask?"
"Well you better come over to our house right away and look under my bed 'cause there's someone either comin' or goin'!"
QWIK QWIP: “The best vitamin for making friends: B1.”
268. Why God Created Eve
The first 10 reasons why God created Eve.
10. God was worried that Adam would frequently become lost in the Garden.
9. God knew that one day Adam would require someone to locate and hand him the remote.
8. God knew Adam would never go out and buy himself a new fig leaf when his wore out and would therefore need Eve to buy one for him.
7. God knew Adam would never be able to make a doctor's, dentist, or haircut appointment for himself.
6. God knew Adam would never remember which night to put the garbage on the curb.
5. God knew if the world was to be populated, men would never be able to handle the pain and discomfort of childbearing.
4. As the Keeper of the Garden, Adam would never remember where he left his tools.
3. Apparently, Adam needed someone to blame his troubles on when God caught him hiding in the garden.
2. As the Bible says, It is not good for man to be alone!
And finally, the Number 1 reason why God created Eve...
1. When God finished the creation of Adam, He stepped back, scratched his head, and said, "I can do better than that."
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
Or read even more online at.....
A DAVID MUSING
Here at Titoki Health Centre, where we are having a lovely resting tme, we were asked to the Wednesday morning service in their Chapel.
What a surprise awaited us! Here were a group of people, mainly from outside the Centre, who came and worshipped and shared as true kingdom people do.
New Zealand, in my experience, has not so open to the kingdom message and lifestyle, or at least they weren't, when we left for Kenya 5 years ago.
True unity of the church is not denominations amalgamating, but people worshipping Jesus in the unity of the Holy Spirit and laying down their lives to the Father, worldwide.
Nothing about Buildings, denominations, or hierarchy, but of individuals, or sometimes groups. There can be no formal kingdom church, for only God knows how our heart is with Him.
We look forward to spending more time with these beautiful people while we are here.
Until next time
His servant and yours
David Tait
Visit us here.....
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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
wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.
Walking With Jesus Ministries
P O Box 2
Webuye 50205
Kenya
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!
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