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: 165 Published: 20 Dec 2004
THE WIDE AND NARROW WAYS
While it would be 'nice' and 'traditional' to write about peace, joy and love in this Christmas Season, the Lord has placed other things on my heart.For in the past few weeks, conveniently just prior to the holiday season, the 3 parliaments in Canada, Israel and New Zealand, have each passed legislation legitimising homosexual relationships, to one extent or another. Last week too, saw the conviction of two pastors in the State of Victoria, in Australia, accused of 'hate' preaching against Muslims. In Canada also, there is legislation, following the lines of earlier Swedish law, making illegal 'hate' speech against minorities, (sexual orientation, colour, race, religion or ethnic origin) but with a 'not withstanding' clause allowing religiously motivated 'hate' speech. Britain is considering introducing similar legislation. The emotive word 'hate' is now being applied to Christians in a negative sense, in a similar way that 'gay' is used to try and show homosexuality in a positive light.
Of course, 'hating others' and a 'Christianity based upon love' are mutually exclusive. But there is a deeper underlying problem here, relating to ones basic moral belief system. In essence, whether there is such a thing as an absolute code of morality applying to all, or that morality is relative - anything is okay as long as it doesn't hurt others. The Judeo-Christian belief system, and indeed that of most other religions, is that there are basic moral principles upon which a successful society is to be based.
Historically too, there is considerable evidence that the primary reasons for the fall of past empires such as Egypt, Rome and Greece were a decline in the moral standards of the people, the value of life being debased and a seeking after material possessions. When people became lovers of themselves, setting aside foundational moral frameworks that allow society to function effectively. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
Jesus referred to these principles in his teachings on the Narrow and Wide Gates and the Narrow Door. Additionally, in spite of much current teaching in the church to the contrary, He too, emphasised the dangers of materialism.
So, which road are we going to walk?
But will I still be able to fit through the Narrow Door after Christmas dinner!
PS: See 'A David Musing' for Christmas greetings.
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FROM THE WORD
THE NARROW AND WIDE GATES"“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)
THE NARROW DOOR
"Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?†He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.†(Luke 13:22-30)
TREASURES IN HEAVEN
"“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matthew 6:19-24)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
113. Nothing is less conspicuous than a famous man’s grave.125. God specialises in turning worldly failures into heavenly successes.
126. Worldly success is fleeting, heavenly glory, eternal.
127. Worldly success is like the rainbow – beautiful for all to see for a short time. Heavenly glory is that elusive pot of gold, which once found never decays.
128. At the end of the fleeting, worldly glory of the rainbow, the unseen, eternal, heavenly pot of gold is found.
129. Don’t be seduced by the fleeting rainbow, but rather, search for the eternal pot of gold.
130. The path of a successful life is built with many paving stones of failure
131. The Jesus in us, makes us invincible in Jesus!
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FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU
David,Thanks for sorting that out – I NEVER use that address, but obviously did in this instance and as your emails arrive ‘blind’ as it were that did not reveal itself!
Although I have difficulty with your theology not infrequently, I have also found your pieces as frequently stimulating in my work as stewardship director to the Scottish Episcopal Church. However I am about to retire from that work and so am trying to reduce my regular inbox, as no-one is going to be taking over from me.
Thanks again
Wren
COMMENTS ON TUESDAY TEACHINGS
Your article on the Parable of the Sower was interesting and reminded me of an experience I had on my last trip to India.
Before the start of our pastor seminars on the following day (I'm not a minister so was not involved in the seminar), I was asked the night before to speak to a group of about 12 assembled pastors. I selected the Parable of the Sower and probably did a passable job of it. After I spoke, one of the ministers thanked me profusely for explaining the parable. He said that he was always of the opinion that he and other believers had to do something
(works)to advance from the 30 and 60-fold groups into the 100-fold group.
Your parallel of the Bible speaking in groups of three was also very interesting.
Alvar Helmes
God bless you Brother Tait:
I have been church over 25 years and have been a Pastor 15 months. After seeing so many problems in leadership due to pride and relating to your topic I just had to email you to say thank you for covering this topic. What I share may not be new but I just wanted to share some things I believe & do.
Paul tells us that our weapons are not carnal (therefore they are spiritual). If pride is a major sin & temptation we must use the right weapon to combat it – “Humilityâ€.
I believe many small things can contribute to the pride in a ministers life & I am trying very hard to avoid pitfalls. For example:
-I do not want ministers sitting at the front but in the midst of the congregation for the service.
-I have been given the title of Bishop by the ICOF & I understand the position etc. but I do not use the title here in our church & have told the congregation to not use it. Many call me Bob.
-I believe that God’s Spiritual blessings on the word preached & taught is more important than any things that might lift me up. Therefore, I strive to let God have His way & take no credit.
-I wear suits & a white shirt (most of the time) to services but it is not a requirement (I like it) & do not plan to ever wear a robe or uniform etc.
-I have taught to ‘not’ buy me gifts for any occasions – my family & I celebrate birthdates & anniversaries privately.
-Honouring someone for any good they do does not mean give money or buy gifts. I believe that real honour has love involved and if people love one another they will give honour according to the individuals desires – I do not desire gifts – I desire people to be close to God, bring visitors, pray & be faithful
-Obey them that have the rule over you – to me – means to obey the things I teach & preach from the Bible, pertaining to salvation – including letting God lead you not me. I am very cautious about control – God wants to control us – not me.
I’m sorry for the length. But I wanted to say that I am very experienced with control freak ministers & I do not want to be like them. The smallest ‘pride feeding’ activities may cause problems (little foxes lesson).
God bless you.
Brother Bob Hall
Dear Dave,
Thank you for the inspiring insight in the lesson of the "Parable of the Sower" ...seeing myself as the seed and God as the "Seeder", the "Waterer" and the "Harvester" .... another 3....
God created the "seed" (me), of mind, body and soul. God sent His Son Jesus Christ to water and feed the "seed" (me) through His Teachings of the Word. The seed is (I am) nurtured by the Word as I grow more each day into a loving child of God. The seed blossoms, as a rose, in the Son Light of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the "Harvester", gatherers the gift of life, my soul, the "Spark" within the pod of the (my) seed and guides my soul to the place prepared for me in Heaven through Jesus Christ my Savior. Luke 14:1-4
God Bless you and your family and keep you in His Tender Care,
With Love and Kindness,
Marie and John Shea,
www.tsmj.org
Your comments to me or fellow readers are always welcomed at... david@wwj.org.nz
This is an opportunity for you to express your views, which may not be my views. But none of us have a mortgage on all the truth - except for Jesus!
A MESSAGE FROM ROY
Although this PGIM! e-letter is sent free, some readers have decided to support this Ministry one or more times a year by sponsoring a week's PGIM! @ USD $50.00. Can I ask you to consider sponsoring a specified week/s? You will get an acknowledgement on your particular week/s of sponsorship (unless you do not want it). If you are interested to help this very informative & helpful newsletter, please email me, Roy McGreevy, as it is God who authored this idea through me in the USA. roy@kscbtv.com. I look forward to hearing from you... thanks. RoyTUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF……. THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER: Part 2 of 3The depth of God's Word is wonderful. Layer upon layer is pealed of and revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.
This week we are going to make a remarkable discovery about God's will and desire for our lives.
Mailed to subscriber's mailboxes tomorrow. If you are not on the mailing list you can register at tteach-on@wwj.org.nz
Previous teachings on this subject, the First Miracle of Jesus, the Book of Ruth, God's Character and Servanthood and Leadership, can be viewed at...
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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
327. PLENTY OF FISH
A young man, fresh out of seminary, became the pastor of a small rural church. On his first Sunday he announced his sermon by saying, "This morning I want to speak to you from the passage of Scripture where Jesus, with 5,000 loaves and 2,000 fishes fed 5 people. Everyone tried hard to not to laugh at the blunder, but one man, right down on the front row could not contain it, and laughed out loud.
So the next week the young pastor decided to redeem himself self by preaching from the same passage. "Today", he said, "I want to preach to you from the story where Jesus, with 5 loaves and 2 fishes fed 5,000." Then he confidently looked down at the man who had laughed the week before and said, "Now sir, could you have done that?"
"Why sure", the gentleman answered, "if I had was left over from last week."
326. ADAM AND EVE
One day, Adam sat outside the Garden of Eden shortly after eating the apple, and wondered about men and women.
So looking up to the Heavens he says, "Excuse me GOD, can I ask you a few questions?" GOD replied, "Go on Adam but be quick. I have a world to create."
So Adam says," When you created Eve, why did You make her body so curved and tender unlike mine?"
"I did that, Adam, so that you could love her."
"Oh, well then, why did You give her long, shiny, beautiful hair, and not me?"
"I did that Adam so that you could love her."
"Oh, well then, why did You make her act so stupid? Certainly not so that I could love her?"
"Well Adam, No. I did that so that she could love you."
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: How old are coral reefs?ANSWER: As they are composed mainly of dead polyps, coral reefs can last for a very long time! Some established reefs are believed to be 5,000 to 10,000 years old.
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Do animals cry?
Answer Next Week.
735. OUT OF LEFT FIELD
Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left handed people do. (Am ambidextrous. So where do I fit?)
736. GENDER DIFFERENCE
Women blink nearly twice as much as men. (Thought it was women who caused men to blink!)
737. BEHIND THE TIMES
The Russian ‘October Revolution’ was actually in November our time, as the Russian Calendar was 13 days behind most of the rest of the world. (Their revolutionary ideas were too.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
COACHMEN
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BE INSPIRED WITH A MESSAGE FROM INSPIRATIONAL TAPES
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GOD DOES HEAR!
By: Murray Robertson
From a leading and very popular Baptist pastor in New Zealand.
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DO YOU KNOW?
Q. What is the best way to get to Paradise?Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
Heaps more fun and serious God Facts are found at...
HOW PEOPLE IN ORAL CULTURES RETAIN INFORMATION
7. HOW PEOPLE IN ORAL CULTURES RETAIN INFORMATIONAmerican anthropologist Paul Hiebert points out four aspects important in organising, retaining and communicating information in oral cultures:
- memories: poems, songs, riddles, proverbs
- symbols: colours, art, images, carvings
- stories: storytelling, drama, dramatic dance
- rituals: basic creed and ideas as theatre
Traditional evangelistic concepts such as tracts and Bible studies have little effect, because many people in tribal societies and villages are illiterate; written information has very little value for them. The evangelists were trained to use stories, songs and metaphors to communicate the Gospel. In five years, over 1,000 church planters have been trained, who are leading thousands of people to Christ, and planting new churches.
Some of the characteristics of the church planters
80% are Biharis, 20% missionaries from other Indian cultures
60% are full-time church planters, 40% part-time
80% are directly involved in church planting, 20% in social ministry
80% are less than 30 years old
Source: www.dawnministries.org
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IF ONLY I HAD THOUGHT OF IT
!!! The optimist says the glass is half full. The pessimist says the glass is half empty. The pragmatist, being thirsty, drinks the water.!!! What's the greatest worldwide use of cowhide? To hold cows together.
!!! For people who like peace and quiet - a phoneless cord.
!!! Some people itch for success when they should be scratching for it.
!!! Someday we'll look back on all this and plow into a parked car.
!!! A marriage in trouble is like a horse with a broken leg, you can shoot the horse, but it but it won't help the leg. {Barney Miller TV show} --Lawrence Brotherton
!!! I don't get even, I get odder.
!!! It hurts to be on the cutting edge.
!!! The most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.
!!! Practice safe eating - always use condiments.
!!! Today, it takes more brains and effort to make out the income-tax form than it does to make the income.
Lots more random thought are found at...
BIBLE BITS
The 'Wicked Bible' or 'Adulterous Bible' was printed in 1632, the word 'not' being accidentally left out of the 7th Commandment! It read, "You shall commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14)Lots of Godfacts are found at...
CHRISTMAS TIME
What does Christmas mean to you?CHRISTMAS TIME
Christmas time comes but once a year,
To be happy, you drink lots of beer!
Putting your gifts on the credit card,
Then come the repayments, oh so hard!
But Jesus came on Christmas Day,
Forever more to show the way,
How to enter into God's glorious presence.
In the ultimate of all Christmas presents!
So this Christmas, for some cheer,
Party less, put aside the beer,
And enter into the Holy Place,
To meet with God, face to face.
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A DAVID MUSING
There are so many hackneyed sayings when it comes to wishing people a Happy Christmas. See if I can get away without using any of them!This ministry is only possible through the support of my wife Kathy, who earns the dollars to pay the bills. She is like Jesus to me (and I hope to you a little too) - in that regard, at least!
We appreciate the opportunity to serve you, as Jesus did us all, when he was born in Bethlehem's stable. May we celebrate His birth with each other and with Him.
Did I manage it?
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: COMANCHE
Today's 'Do You Know?' A. Turn right and go straight.
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ABOUT US
WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Mount Maunganui, 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
3 Hetley Crescent
Taradale
Napier 4001
New Zealand
Phone: (06) 8449-377 International (+64) 6 8449-377
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