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: 172 Published: 07 Feb 2005
THE 'PERFECT' CHURCHES?
Lots of studies have been made of the 7 (symbol of completeness) churches of Revelation. Two of the most interesting, view them firstly as pictures of different churches today and secondly, as representing an historical picture of the development of the church, where the final, Laodicean Church, is a representation of today's organisation.Another insight, and one the Lord gave me several years ago, was that the promises 'to him who overcomes' at the end of each letter, represent progressive steps of walking into God's kingdom. One day we will look at these in 'Tuesday Teachings'.
However this week, my attention was drawn to the only 2 churches Jesus had nothing but good to say about, those in Smyrna and Philadelphia. What amazed me was that these weren't the big, rich, 'megachurches', so often regarded as the success stories of today, as you could well imagine the Laodicean Church being.
Rather they were small, apparently insignificant gatherings. In Smyrna the people were poor, very poor in fact. They faced lots of problems, had been persecuted, and were criticised by the 'religious people' of the day. In fact their believers were about to be imprisoned and some even be put to death for their faith! Just the opposite of that which most of us would regard as being successful today.
The Philidelphians were strong in good works and witness, but had seemingly little influence in the general community. The 'religious people' hated them, for they were showing them up! Yet Jesus promised them, one day the scoffers would repent. Their people too, were promised freedom from the final hour of trial and testing to come upon the earth. Wouldn't that be wonderful!
Today I just want to encourage all who are struggling, not seeming to 'make it' in human terms. Those who don't have flash buildings or rich parishioners, but are 'blessed' with struggles, who are ridiculed, even persecuted. Yet in spite of all this, you are witnessing to and serving your community, irrespective of the cost. Be assured Jesus is with you. Wherever in the world you might be, you will inherit God's kingdom.
But David, surely God drives a Rolls Royce and owns a TV network ......
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FROM THE WORD
TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA"“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death." (Revelation 2:8-11)
TO THE CHURCH IN PHILIDELPHIA
"“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 3:7-13)
"Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" (James 2:5)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
KNOWING GOD351. The more I discover about God the more I realise there is to know.
352. The closer I get to God, the more I realise how big He is and how small I am.
353. While God graciously accepts me as I am, His desire is for me to become more like Him.
354. When God moves, the results are beyond our imagination. Why then do we try and do His work ourselves?
811. Sanctification is 'the means', holiness 'the end'.
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FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU
DavidHow can you say that the flood story is 2 different accounts woven together? Do we not attribute the authorship of Genesis to Moses? Did not Moses get the story from God on Mount Sinai? Certainly he got the Law. Even if he did not get the story of early Genesis from God, but rather wrote down, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirt, the oral tradition that had been handed down, still there was one author writing down the story as he knew it, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Would the Holy Spirit inspire Moses to mix up the facts? Taking some from one tradition and some from another? Would not the Holy Spirit somehow help Moses to get the facts straight to that the important points of the account were recorded accurately and truthfully? And where did this "priestly" account come from? Prior to Moses there was no Aaronic priesthood. Yes, Melchizadek is described as a priest of God in Abraham's time but we have no further information about him or his function. Did this non-Israelite pass down the story to his descendants from whom Moses eventually got part of the account of the flood? Ludicrous! I think it is a much more reasonable explanation to say that v 6:19-20 is a more general summary of God's command to Noah. Bring pairs of animals into the ark, an obvious necessity for procreation. And God adds, "I will cause them to come to you.". So Noah did not have to round them up. Later, in v 7: God expands the instructions, gives more detail. Don't just take 1 pair of the clean animals, take 7 pairs. In Chapter 7 v 11 and 12 come right together one after the other explaining how God created the flood that covered the whole earth. The fountains of the deep burst forth: waters underground were release probably through seismic activity. The Floodgates of heaven were opened. The "waters above" fell down on the earth. What is that but rain? and how long did it rain? 40 days. If you insist on splitting these verses, why not split verses 6:6 and 7 apart and say the God is fickle and can't make up his mind. First he says he will destroy all living creatures. Then he says "well, everything but Noah and his family". Of course, that is ludicrous. The bible first gives God's general condemnation of judgement, and then reveals his gracious exception. I have heard and studied this "Yahwist" and "priestly" account theory before. I think it is mostly a bunch of liberal gobblygook from textual critics that represents their lack of faith in the authority and inspiration of scripture. Textual criticism is good, but not when carried to the extreme.
| Henry A.L. Wollman Rejoice and be glad!
|_____________________________________________________
| Moody Bible Institute, Database Administrator, hwollman@moody.edu
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 3 RIVERS OF GOD Part 3 of 4Interestingly, the river flowing from Ezekiel's Temple illustrates a similar pattern of living to that of the Tabernacle of Moses. For God reinforces His principles over and over again in many different ways.
Let's see how, shall we?
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Previous teachings on this subject, the First Miracle of Jesus, the Book of Ruth, God's Character and Servanthood and Leadership and the Parable of the Sower can be viewed at...
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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
340. A MINISTER LEARNS FROM A STUDENT
A minister was chatting with a University student about the doctoral paper he was preparing. Through reading and exacting studies with many patients, the student was prepared to report that the type of conversation that went on in the operating room had a definite impact on the recovery rate of surgical patients.
The minister was especially interested in the finding that even though a patient under anaesthesia was totally "out of it", in a comatose like condition, positive conversation by doctors and other attendants had a very beneficial affect on the patient. As the pastor listened to this revelation, his face suddenly lit up, and he said, "At last I've found some hope for the people who attend the Sunday morning church service."
339.0000
339. THE POPES'S DISCOVERY
The Pope dies and, naturally, goes to heaven. He's met by the reception committee, and after a whirlwind tour is told that he can enjoy any of the myriad recreations available. He decides that he wants to read all of the ancient original text of the Holy scriptures, and spends the next aeon or so learning the languages.
After becoming a linguistic master, he sits down in the library and begins to pour over every version of the Bible, working back from the most recent "Easy reading" to the original script. All of a sudden there is a scream in the library.
The angels come running to him, only to find the Pope huddled in a chair, crying to himself, and muttering, "An 'R'! They left out the 'R'."
God takes him aside, offering comfort and asks him what the problem is. After collecting his wits, the Pope sobs again, "It's the letter 'R' ... the word was supposed to be CELEBRATE!
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is the origin of the phrase "red-letter day"?ANSWER: A "Red-letter day" dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Christian calendar designated feast, saint, and holy days all in red ink. Other days were in black. Now, of course, a red-letter day is any day that is special or of good fortune.
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Where did the term "soap opera" originate?
Answer Next Week.
714. HUNGRY?
There was a bank robbery in London where two men grabbed a jewellery store manager’s briefcase and made off with it. They were foiled however, as all the briefcase contained was the manager’s lunch! (Diamonds are (not always) forever.)
715. SOLID AS A ROCK?
Rocks in Death Valley, California, are seen to move by themselves! One of many of nature’s mysteries, which no one can unravel. They move fair distances and leave tracks behind them in the sand. Locally, they are known as the ‘racetrack rocks.’ (One rock never moves – Jesus! But we do – often!)
716. POPULATION EXPLOSION
There are more Barbie dolls in existence than there are people in the United States! (How about in heaven?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
DISHING
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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TAKING YOUR NEXT MOUNTAIN
By: Dr Neal Patterson
One of New Zealand's senior bible teachers, Neal ministers throughout Asia. Very clear and concisely presented. Well worth being challenged by!
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DO YOU KNOW? (From Genesis 1)
Genesis begins with the story of creation. Which is the correct order of creation according to Genesis?Light; sky; birds and fish; animals and man; earth and plants; heavenly lights;
Light; sky; birds and fish; earth and plants; heavenly lights; animals and man
Light; sky; earth and plants; heavenly lights; birds and fish; animals and man
Light; heavenly lights; sky; birds and fish; earth and plants; animals and man
Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
Heaps more fun and serious God Facts are found at...
AN AFRICAN WEBSITE WELL WORTH A VISIT
Take a look at the website of my friend Israel Onoriobe. See his insight of the way the Lord is moving today in Africa and throughout the world. You will find a visionary statement by a young man with an apostolic gifting. His revelations will both inspire and challenge you about God's spiritual and practical ministry patterns for today.Check out the World Vision Crusade Outreach Ministries site at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
RANDOM THOUGHTS### Never leave your wife's anniversary present in a Wal-Mart bag.
### The person who pays for the pizza gets the toppings that fall off in the box.
### Definition of a will: It's a dead giveaway.
### I don't need beauty sleep, I need a coma.
### When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe, you expire.
### A skeptic is a person who when he sees the handwriting on the wall claims it's a forgery.
### It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill - just add a little dirt.
### You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck...
### If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher.
### God gave the angels Wings, and He gave humans CHOCOLATE.
### 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.
For many more humorous and often insightful thoughts, check out...
BIBLE BITS
The conquest of the city of Jebus was one of King David's great victories. He renamed the city 'Jerusalem', meaning 'City of Peace'. It certainly hasn't yet lived up to its name, although one day it will. It is situated about 800metres (2500 feet) above sea level, on a limestone ridge, which was good for protection. we are all looking forward to a 'New Jerusalem' to replace this city where history continues to be made, right up to today.Lots more Godfacts are found at...
ON THE RUN
It is amazing how the Lord communicates with you when you are genuinely seeking Him. I am one of those strange people who enjoys running – well, most of the time anyway. This poem shows how the Lord is not 2000 years behind the times, but communicates with us in ways that are relevant to our circumstances and life.Find out how, in lyrical form, at...
A DAVID MUSING
The Lord is continually training us to become more like Him. All I can say, this being the case, he must have patience beyond measure! For that seems to be what He is requiring of me!I have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting, nearly 2 months now, for 7 CD's to arrive from Nigeria, so that we can use them to provide background music for our pilot TV programme. Doesn't waiting get frustrating! In so many areas of life! However, we have to learn that God works in eternity, so His perspective on time is way different to ours!
"I am learning Lord. But could I please have the CD's now?"
"Just wait David."
"Yes, Lord"
Maybe this week...
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: SHINDIG
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?'ANSWER: The correct answer is: Light; sky; earth and plants; heavenly lights; birds and fish; animals and man.
Genesis 1:1 - 2:3. Old Testament scholars believe the material in Genesis was handed from generation to generation in oral form for many hundreds of years before finally being written down.
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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