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: 226 Published: 20 Feb 2006
TO WHICH KINGDOM DO WE BELONG?
Over the past week there has been an interesting discussion in an apostolic email group I belong to. Has been between a very patriotic American politician whose believes the USA is a 'Christian Nation', and others who see the kingdom of God as being the kingdom to which disciples of Jesus belong and owe first loyalty.My contribution to this discussion follows.
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Hi Xxxxxxx
I have been reading the discussion, but this time I have to respond!
There is no such thing as a 'Christian nation.' There can be nations operating somewhat along Christian principles. Nations are based upon law and kingship. When Israel rejected Jesus, understandably, as they were/are looking for a king and Jesus came as a priest, fulfilling the order of Aaron. He will return as a king/priest in the order of Melchizedek and set up his physical kingdom.
In the meantime, we are to build a spiritual kingdom based on grace, servanthood and sacrifice, as Jesus modelled to us. The law didn't work for the Jews nor will it for us. Constantine tried to set up a 'Christian' state by law and kingship. But it was doomed to failure as the kingdom is within us.
I admire that you are in politics to help bring a Christian viewpoint. While we can and should have Christians in politics, there is no such thing as Christian politics.
It has been tried in our country (New Zealand) and the founder of the supposedly Christian party, a 'Rev' is now serving time in prison for molesting underage girls. The party disintegrated. Power does corrupt.
The Old Testament was based round the physical state of Israel where success was measured by wealth, as epitomised by Solomon. And, of course, he fell, in spite of being the wisest man in the world! Unfortunately much prosperity preaching is based upon these Old
Testament principles.
But Jesus owned nothing. The New Testament church sold their worldly goods to feed the poor and further the kingdom. They put aside the Old nation kingdom of the Law for the New, universal kingdom of Grace.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
David Tait
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Nationalism is a very powerful human force in which it is so easy to get ensnared. Most of us love our countries. And there is nothing wrong with that. But we need to remember that our first loyalty is to a greater kingdom, the kingdom of God. This kingdom makes no distinction of race colour or culture. But there is a separation based upon our commitment to the kingdom now, here on earth.
May we never forget, as we sow, so shall we reap. Let our harvest not be wasted.
But when it comes to the 'heavenly' game of rugby, I will support the New Zealand 'All Blacks' against all opposition! Have I not yet reached perfection? Or maybe the All Blacks are perfection! Now that's a scary thought!
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FROM THE WORD
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:7-10)"“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." (John 17:13-17)
THE COMING OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
"Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-1)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
RELIGION, REVELATION AND GOD'S KINGDOM1012. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that the biggest hindrance to God building His kingdom is man building his. It's called religion.
1017. The kingdom of God is built upon relationship, not organisation.
1018. Mankind cannot build the kingdom of God for He has already done it far better than we ever could.
1019. While religion may desire to build God's kingdom, it finally succeeds in building its own.
1020. The kingdom of God doesn't need to be built, rather, grasped hold of.
1021. Religion is of the proud, the kingdom of God, of the humble.
1022. Religion revolves round organisation, the kingdom of God, relationship.
1023. Religion is planned, God's kingdom, spontaneous.
1024. God's kingdom is visionary, religion, managed.
1025. Religion is birthed in the institutionalisation of a revelation of God's kingdom.
1026. 'God given' revelation quickly becomes 'man controlled' religion.
1027. God's kingdom is eternal, mankind's religion, transitory.
1028. Religion formalises the spontaneous informality of God's kingdom.
1029. God's kingdom 'upskills', religion removes the 'ups'.
1031. To get closer to God we need to swap the bonds of religion for the liberation of His kingdom.
1033. Religion is centred upon man, the kingdom, upon God.
1035. Religion is based upon rules, God's kingdom upon obedience.
1036. Religion seeks to control the Spirit of God which His kingdom releases.
1040. As religion goes, God's kingdom grows.
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FROM YOU - TO ME -TO YOU
Dear David,Thank you for the reminder...you are right on the mark...with today's WWJ message of HOPE...and I quote...
"Today I simply want to encourage us to be honest with ourselves, to take responsibility for our mistakes, to deal with them, and get on with life in a new, Jesus way, looking to our future hope in Him. Life was not meant to be easy. Yes, life is life, is life. It comes both good and bad. The answer then, is not to be found in blame, but in our reaction to the circumstances in which we find ourselves. It is in our response, both we, and others, can measure the extent of the Jesus in us."
I now turn to Scripture and remember.....
"Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God." (Roman 5:2)
"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us." (Roman 5:3-5)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13).
"If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain move from here to there and it will move, and nothing will be impossible to you with God." (Matthew 17:20).
Let us pray...
We believe in miracles because we believe in God. God, You are a wonder-working God. Night and day, You are working behind the scenes to bring about the most wondrous perfect result. We give thanks that we are a part of Your plan of miracles. We pray for a miracle, but more importantly, because of our belief in You that never waivers, we expect a miracle.
We give You our emotions so that they will no longer be cynical or critical; down or lowly about ourselves and others. Uplift our emotions with Your miracle-working power.
We expect a miracle and we accept a miracle!
In Jesus Christ's name.... Amen.
Thanks again Dave and God's blessings to you and your family and friends,
Happy Valentine's Day!
With love and happiness,
From Marie and Jack Shea
Wheatfield, NY, USA
http://www.sheaministries.org
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...TUESDAY TEACHINGS
GIVING TO GOD -
TITHES AND GIFTS
"There are as many views as there are people. So this week you will simply get one man's view..."
Here's my view:
Tithes are required - these go to your local church
Offerings are desired - these go to your local church & are "over and above" your tithe
Gifts are inspired - these are everything you give elsewhere (charities/the poor/etc)
Cleve
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David,
Your last weeks Cranwell Cartoon depicting the falling of the walls of Jericho was
not accurate. Cranwell had the walls collapsing inwards and the Bible says the walls fell outward.
Sometimes the cartoons are cute, but facts of truth are not matters to change. Please urge caution whenever anyone tries to tell the story of God and His Grace. Credibility means a lot and when people cannot even get the Bible story correct, how will anyone have confidence in them to tell the plan of salvation correctly?
I still enjoy receiving your PGIM weekly encouragements.
In Him
Carey Scott
www.simplebiblestudies.com
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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!
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: â€â€˜I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’†48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. (Acts 13:46-48)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... THE TABERNACLE OF MOSES - PART 1 (1)The first modern revelation of the importance of Moses Tabernacle as the pattern of a godly walk, and of church development and life, came out of the Latter Rain Movement, after World War 2.
In recent times the teaching has been neglected but it is still applicable today and the Lord is giving new revelation about it as we move even closer to the end of the age.
An understanding of Moses Tabernacle is vital for every Christian who has a heart to know God and His plans more deeply.
Today's teaching is a simple, short introduction to the Tabernacle, before moving on to a unique experience of what it could have been like living in the Israelites' desert days.
Previous teachings on this subject, the First Miracle of Jesus, the Book of Ruth, God's Character and Servanthood and Leadership, the Parable of the Sower, The Two Marathoners, The 3 Rivers of God The Spring Feasts, The Power of 3 in God & the Church, A Layman's History of the Times of the Feasts, The Autumn Feats, Revelation 12:11, The Way of Holiness, the 3 Miraculous Conceptions, Up the Mountain and Giving to God can be viewed at...
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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." ***
465. IGNORANCE RESULTS IN........POVERTY!
A collector of rare books ran into an acquaintance who told him he had just thrown away an old Bible that he found in a dusty, old box. He happened to mention that Guten-somebody-or-other had printed it.
"Not Gutenberg?" gasped the collector.
"Yes, that was it!"
"You fool! You've thrown away one of the first books ever printed. A copy recently sold at auction for half a million dollars!"
"Oh, I don't think this book would have been worth anything close to that much," replied the man.
"It was scribbled all over in the margins by some clown named Martin Luther."
464. PAY UP OR ELSE
The minister arose to address his congregation. "There is a certain man among us today who is flirting with another man's wife. Unless he puts ten dollars in the collection box, his name will be read from the pulpit."
When the collection plate came in, there were 19 ten dollar bills, and a five dollar bill with this note attached: "Other five on payday."
463. A TRUE STORY - PINIT WHERE?
My pastor quoted a poem in his sermon about giving your love to the living, and the last lines were: "If you have roses, bless your soul, Just pin one in my button hole." Well, so many people loved the poem and wanted a copy, it was printed in the church newsletter.
However, a gremlin got into the typewriter, and it came out: "If you have roses, bless your soul, Just pin one in my bottom hole."
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
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FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: How many sweat glands do we have in our body?ANSWER: About five million. Most are in the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, and your armpits. (Get up a sweat thinking about it!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What percentage of a watermelon is water?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS545. AT THE MOVIES
The movie that plays at the drive-in in the beginning of ‘The Flintstones’ movie is ‘The Monster’. (Monster movies haven’t lost their popularity over the 1000’s of years then!)
546. NAILED!
There is enough iron in the human body to make a small nail. (Doesn’t help me with the iron-ing though!)
547. HEARTY APPETITE
A single elephant can consume up to 500lbs (220 kilos) of hay and 60 gallons (260 litres) of water in one day. (How would they feed themselves without a trunk?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
SIMPER
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BIBLE QUESTION - THE GOSPELS
Which of these stories about Jesus is in all four gospels?a. Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding at Cana.
b. Jesus walks on water.
c. Jesus feeds 5000 with a few loaves of bread and fishes
d. Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well.
Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
Source: "TwoPaths Bible Study, www.twopaths.com"
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! What If...?
We never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain...
!!!!!!What If...?
God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others...
!!!!! What If...
God took away the Bible tomorrow, because we would not read it today...
!!! What If...?
The door to the church was closed because we did not open the door of our hearts...
!! What If...?
God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday...
! What If...?
God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service...
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
BIBLE RIDDLE
Q. . Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?>
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A. David. He rocked Goliath to sleep.
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JUST FOR A LAUGH
CAUGHT OUTErnie had an awful day fishing, sitting on the lake all day without a single bite. On his way home, he stopped at the supermarket and ordered four walleye. He told the fish salesman, "Pick out the four largest ones and throw them at me, will you?" "Ok. But, why do you want me to throw them at you?" "Because I want to tell my wife that I caught them."
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Two friends lived in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. They were sick of winter, so they went to a travel agent and booked a trip to Australia.
When the two friends got off the plane - still dressed for Canadian winter weather - they wandered into a pub and sat down. The locals wondered about these strangers, so one of the Aussies walked over to the visitors and said, "G'day, mates. Where're you from?"
"Saskatoon, Saskatchewan," one of the Canadians replied.
"Ahhhh," said the Aussie, returning to his table.
"So where are they from?" the other locals asked.
"Don't know, mate," replied the Aussie. "They don't speak English."
GETTING READY
During the Super Bowl, there was another football game of note between the big animals and the small animals. The big animals were crushing small animals and at half-time, the coach made a passionate speech to rally the little animals.
At the start of the second half the big animals had the ball. The first play, the elephant got stopped for no gain. The second play, the rhino was stopped for
no gain. On third down, the hippo was thrown for a 5 yard loss.
The defense huddled around the coach and he asked excitedly, "Who stopped the elephant?"
"I did," said the centipede.
"Who stopped the rhino?"
"Uh, that was me too," said the centipede.
"And how about the hippo? Who hit him for a 5 yard loss?"
"Well, that was me as well," said the centipede.
"So where were you during the first half?" demanded the coach.
"Well," said the centipede, "I was having my ankles taped."
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MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
STRANGERS AS GUESTSAn old Eastern proverb says, "Every stranger is an invited guest." As did Abraham, today's Bedouin will still sit in the entrance of his tent, watching for a stranger and guest. (Genesis 18:1) Paul too, taught the Roman believers to be hospitable. (Romans 12:13)
An enemy can also become a guest as long as he remains in that relationship. Some tent-dwellers still live by the rule that if an enemy dismounts and touches a single tent rope, he is safe.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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SHIFT OF CHRISTIANITY FROM WEST
A report released last month by the Lausanne Researchers' Network highlights the profound southern geographical shift of global Christianity in the past century. "USA Evangelicals/Evangelicals in a Global Context" provides new data on the southern shift in the evangelical movement from its roots in the U.K. and the U.S. The study shows that 80% of all Christians in 1900 came from Europe and North America; by 2005 it was less than 45%. This statistic correlates with the finding that of the estimated number of evangelicals worldwide, growing to 688 million from 250 million in the last 105 years, most are increasingly found outside of the Western world. Africans, Asians and Latin Americans are more typical representatives of evangelicalism than Americans or Europeans. People of African descent represent 31% of evangelicals while Asians and Latin Americans make up 15 and 13% respectively.[CHRISTIAN POST, 2 Jan.'06]
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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... PARABLE OF THE SOWERFind out the meaning for today of this famous parable, as it applies to Christians.
NOTE: Takes a little longer to download as it contains pictures. But its worth the wait!
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A DAVID MUSING
Over the weekend we visited our previous home city of Tauranga. We shifted from Tauranga to Hawkes Bay 3 years ago. Time sure flies!It was a weekend of contrasts, the glad and the sad. For both go to make up life. On the 'glad' side, our friend Colleen returned to New Zealand, taking a break from her missionary work in Cambodia, to celebrate her 50th birthday. A great time was had by all.
On the 'sad' side, our young friends, Wayne and Camille, hurriedly returned from London. Camille has terminal cancer and unless a miracle takes place soon, only a short time to live. While it was wonderful to see them again after several years away, the circumstances, obviously, were not so. To face such a situation after only 5 years of marriage is tragic. But their faith and trust in God during this time of Camille's sickness has been a witness to all who know them. 'Cam' needs a miracle! Can you please pray that for her right now! For both the miracle and for God's peace to be upon Camille, upon Wayne, and the all family.
Thank you so much Camille and Wayne, for encouraging us in our faith by your faith, in this time of your crisis. Your God, our God, walks with you in your time of need.
So until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: PRIMES
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: : c. Jesus feeds 5000 with a few loaves of bread and fishes. Matthew 14:15-21, Mark 6:35-44, Luke 9:12-17, John 6:5-13.
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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 websitewwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.
Walking With Jesus Ministries
290 Flaxmere Avenue
Flaxmere
Hastings
New Zealand
Phone: (06) 8799 911 International (+64) 6 8799 911
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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