DARE TO BE DIFFERENT!

Recently, on a long drive, I listened to a 'talk back' programme on the radio, being the only station receivable at that location. The announcer was discussing some issue with a caller and the subject came round to the church. The non-Christian host's comment was along the lines that "The church is so busy trying to fit into the world that it is irrelevant, for it is no different to it!" That made me think!

A few days ago, I received a regular Barna Update (http://www.barna.org) from the well known market research firm, entitled 'American Lifestyles Mix Compassion and Self-Oriented Behavior.' The study compared 15 different moral behaviours of believers and non-believers. The results were startling! I quote:

The Role of Faith
Faith commitments sometimes play a role in what people do - but less often than might be assumed. In comparing the lifestyle choices of born again Christians to the national norms, there were more areas of similarity than distinction. (Note that in Barna surveys, the born again segment is not based upon whether a person uses that label, but based upon their profession of faith in Christ and confession of personal sin.) Born again Christians are more likely to volunteer for their church; however, they are no more likely than average to help the poor and homeless. Born again Christians were also among the least likely groups to recycle.

In evaluating 15 moral behaviors, born again Christians are statistically indistinguishable from non-born again adults on most of the behaviors studied. They are less likely to view sexually explicit movies and magazines, to use profanity in public, and to buy a lottery ticket. However, even in these cases, the gap between born agains and the norm is not wide - roughly one-third of the non-born again audience say they had engaged in the three activities compared to one-quarter of born again Christians.
Underlining mine.

Shortly afterwards I was reading my Bible in my usual, beginning to end, fashion and came across the passage in Ephesians 4 entitled LIVING AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT. What does it say? Lets have a look at some excerpts. (full passage in article below.)

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking...... 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness......Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.......8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 4-5 selected)

A very different scenario to that which Barna and the talk back host saw in the church today!

Regrettably too, most of those who have tried to be different to the world have differentiated themselves by instituting rules and regulations, similar to those of the Pharisees, the group about whom Jesus was the most critical! And He would be today too! A code of law, rather than a witness of love.

When we strip away all the theology, all the religious tradition we have developed since Jesus died, we come back to the simplicity of the message of Jesus, a message based upon loving both God and others. This is expressed,, and witnessed to, right throughout the New Testament. Here is but one example.

23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
(1 John 3:23-4)

Will we dare to be different? Are we prepared to worship, honour and obey God with every fibre of our beings? Are we also prepared to love others with the sacrificial love Jesus illustrated when He died on the cross for us?

Once we are truly prepared to 'agape', the church will lose its 'wishy washy' reputation and genuinely become the light of the world, shining in the midst of the darkness, which it is intended to be.

This restoration process starts with each of us individually. Will you 'dare to be different' today?

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FROM THE WORD

LIVING AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT

"So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 4:17-5:21)

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

LOVE

508. True love is of the will, rather than the heart.

509. True love is truly proven in unlovely situations.

514. Jesus loved us to death!

528. Love forgives. God’s love forgives totally.

529. Forgiveness of hurts is a sign of true love.

530. Love heals the heart, God’s love, the soul.

531. I can’t possibly understand why “Jesus loves even me” but I’ll accept it anyway!

549. Love means acceptance – by God if not by others.

532. Love is the foundation stone of God’s order. Trivialising love devalues both God and society, to our peril.

533. My goal as I grow less lovely on the outside is to become lovelier from the inside out.

534. We become whom, or what we love.

535. It is said that the longer 2 people are happily married, the more like each other they become. This is particularly so with Jesus and us.

536. Love is both the first requirement and the ultimate experience of our walk with Jesus.

537. Our freewill is the ultimate gift we can give to our God.

538. True love is motivated to give, rather than to get.

540. Love overcomes hate – if we let it!

541. Love motivated kindness reflects Jesus to the world.

542. Love is to be found in actions rather than words.

543. Love talk is for the pillow. Love in action spreads the Kingdom.

820. When all else fails, try love.

837. Love lubricates the engine of life.

1217. If we loved each other as much as we love our pets, the world would be a better place.

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CRANWELL'S CARTOON

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” 28 And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”
41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” 45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. (John 11:17-45)

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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

A REVELATION OF....... THE 3 GARDENS OF GOD
THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMENE: A GARDEN OF SELF-SACRIFICE

Jesus committed to His ultimate self-sacrifice on the cross in a garden, the Garden of Gethsemene.

Let's investigate.

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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." ***

577. YES - MORE BULLETIN BLOOPERS
Our readings Sunday illustrate one of the main problems with venison. What each person internalizes from a vision is often filtered and shaped by their fears, prejudices, expectations and desires.

Today's Sermon Outline: I. Delineate your fear II. Disown your fear III. Displace your rear

We will be taking an important vote on the building program during the business meeting Sunday night. Please join the leadership team in prayer and fisting as we make this important decision.

Don't forget that we'll be welcoming visitors to our community by manning the festival hospital tent this weekend.

MEMBERS AND GUESTS: Please sign an attendance sheet and place it in the collection plate. Deacons will be looking for abscesses that might need a call. If you are going to be gone on vacation, please indicate when you will be gone so the Deacons will not call you.

More and more churches across Canada are starting Healing Touch groups and more and more congregations have what is called "Parish Nurses"...individuals on staff who look after the pastoral health and healing of the congregation. At our recent Council meeting a
staffing needs assessment process was announced. What staff are required to fulfill the ministry of St. Andrew's? Perhaps in view of our aging congregation we should consider a perish nurse.

The Wednesday night fellowship dinner is $3 per person for adults, $2 for children under 12. Serving starts at 6:00 p.m. This week's meal will feature sweatish meatballs.

>From a Christian Music Association News Release: "Sales of Christian music were down about 10 percent for the first half of 2003. Industry sources blame shoplifting and music theft on the Internet."

Our piano player was ill and unable to attend worship service. The pastor announced we would all be singing "Acapulco".

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and concern for me during my resent health problems.

Following Steve's concert we will take up a love offering. Many of you will remember Steve's parents who were in mucus ministry here some years ago.

We need volunteers for the food pantry. Please join us at 9:00 a.m. Saturday. We'll be gagging groceries for distribution.

KDVGC is offering anyone who plays in the church golf outing August 22nd a coupon for a round at half price during September. You will also get a free child under 12 for September.

The Acteens will be setting up a tutoring program to help younger students from the neighborhood. The school family resources center says the youngsters have a number of larning problems.

Rump Exhibit in Fellowship Hall This Week. Bill and Marsha Rump will have a weeklong exhibit of native crafts they collected during their 14 years of mission work in Africa. It will be open to the public from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

Sermon Fodder's Bulletin Bloopers 2003 Part IV is copyright 2003 by the Sermon Fodder list.

576. FREE WATER
A minister had several good illustrations that he used effectively in a sermon on "living water." At one point he said, "God's living water is like the water flowing in the Mississippi River. It's free."

After the sermon a skeptic came up to him and observed, "If the water in the Mississippi river is free, why do you pass the plate to take up a collection during the church service."

Unfazed the pastor replied, "Well, while the water is free, you do have to pay to
get it piped directly to your door."

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: Where does the name 'Jolly Roger' come from?

ANSWER: Each pirate captain had a different 'Jolly Roger' flag, the best known of which is the white skull and crossbones on a black background. A red Jolly Roger was even more terrifying as it meant no mercy would be shown! Generally thought to have come from a nickname for the devil - 'old roger'. (Not so jolly for the pirates victims!)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What or who is the Cardinal Bird named after?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

393. NOT A SURE BET
In horse races, the favourite wins fewer than 30 percent of all races. (In the human race too!)

394. STICKY STUFF
Many hair sprays are made largely of cellulose, the major ingredient of the cell walls of plants. Ethyl cellulose adhesives dry quickly, do not remain tacky, and wash out with water. (Plant a plant in your hair.)

395. SINCERE LOVE
The amethyst, February's designated birthstone, is the symbol of sincerity. This gem was said to be a favourite of both Cleopatra's and St. Valentine's. (Always sought, not always found.)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters. (Can you remember from last week?)

CAVEAT

Answer at the end of A David Musing

FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA

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BIBLE QUESTION - BOOK OF JUDGES

5) Where was the battle fought where Jabin's army was defeated?

A - River Kishon
B - River Jabbor
C - River Jordan
D - River Arnon

Source: www.biblequizzes.com

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""

YOUNG LOVE
!!!!!!! "When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." (Rebecca - age 8)

!!!!!! "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth." (Billy - age 4)

!!!!! "Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." (Karl - age 5)

!!!! "Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." (Chrissy - age 6)

!!! "Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." (Terri - age 4)

!! "Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." (Danny - age 7)

! "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." (Bobby - age 5)

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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MORE BIBLE RIDDLES

Thought we had done all possible Bible riddles in our last, very popular series. However, I have now found some more for you to enjoy, courtesy of Frank Schaefer of javacasa.com

Q. What kind of car does Jesus drive?
>
>
>
>
>
>
A. A Christ-ler.

Lots more riddles found at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/gfacts.php

THE WORLD'S GREATEST GROANS

48. SUPER SOCCER
Followers of the tiny Scottish soccer club Inverness Caledonian-Thistle refer to the club as "Caley." The team delighted fans last winter when it eliminated heavily favored Glasgow Celtic 3-1 in the Scottish Cup.

The upset prompted this headline in the British tabloid the Sun:
"Super Caley Go Ballistic, Celtic Are Atrocious,"

49. TALKING
It seems like every other car you see on the road has a driver who is busily engaged in a conversation on their cellphone when they should be paying attention to traffic, the road, etc. Occasionally, you hear of fatal accidents caused by people talking on their hand-held cellphone when they should be watching where they're going.

I have heard that some places in the US want to pass legislation restricting the use of a cellphone while driving. I think that if a driver causes an accident because he/she was on their cellphone they should be charged with DWI ... Driving While In-talks-icated.

50. THE MOST POWERFUL
One day in the forest, three animals were discussing who among them was the most powerful.

"I am," said the hawk, "because I can fly and swoop down swiftly at my prey."

"That's nothing," said the mountain lion, "I am not only fleet, but I have powerful teeth and claws."

"I am the most powerful," said the skunk, "because with a flick of my tail, I can drive off the two of you."

Just then a huge grizzly bear lumbered out of the forest and settled the debate by eating them all. . . . hawk, lion, and stinker.

More great groans at...

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MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS

LAMENTS

Relatives and friends lamented from the death wail until the burial. Micah likened it to the cry of wild beasts or birds. During their lamentations, words of grief would be repeated over and over as did David when he mourned Absalom's death. (2 Samuel 18:33)

Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys

Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...

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TAIWAN: WORKING CLASS PRACTICALLY UNREACHED

Despite numerous successful Christian churches in Taiwan, missionaries are finding the working class mostly unreached by Christianity. Said one man, "I am too embarrassed to go to church because the people there are so highly educated and high class, and I'm not." Government statistics indicate that 3.9% of the 22.9 million inhabitants of Taiwan are Christians. However, mission agencies estimate that less than 0.5% of Taiwan's working class, mostly Han Chinese, are Christian. Several mission organizations are stepping up efforts to reach out to them but local evangelist and church planter Lincy Tu says, "Some white-collar people in Taiwan hear the gospel five times when working-class people don't even hear it once. It's embarrassing." [Christianity Today/HCJB June'06] (Via World Mission Global News)

More facts on evangelism are found at...

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VISIT TRANSFORMED LIFE MINISTRIES

Transformed Life Ministries is a Charismatic Christian Church whose headquarters is presently located at the heart of the capital region, Accra, Ghana (West Africa).

It was founded in 1990 under the leadership of Bishop Dusan Pobee, a prophetic teacher and a motivational speaker. It started with the school, hospital and prisons ministry until it became a full fledged Ministry in 1998.

It started with about twenty members in a classroom block until they build their own auditorium in the year 2000 and is presently with an average membership of two hundred and fifty. It presently has one branch in the sub-region and a third branch yet to be planted in the central part of the country.

(I have personally visited Dusan and his team twice and can fully recommend this ministry to you. David)

Visit Transformed Life's website now at...

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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

A REVELATION OF... SERVANTHOOD & LEADERSHIP

A timely reminder of what our calling as 'Jesus Followers' and particularly as leaders is really all about. Essential reading, especially for anyone involved, or wanting to become involved, in Christian leadership. You might well change your mind

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WAXING LYRICAL

Just couldn’t leave out this story of the sailing of my friend Neil’s yacht from Whangarei to Tauranga, a 30 hour journey down the North Island of New Zealand’s east coast.

One of the longest 30 hours of my life!

DAYS OF ‘CHUNDER’! (Part 1 of 2)

When you take a landlubber like me,
Put him in a yacht, way out at sea,
While the yacht itself, does not go under,
The fledging crewman, he does ‘chunder’!

Being seasick’s not a matter of great delight,
Never to be given into, without a mighty fight!
But as the swell rose up, then down, corkscrewing around,
My stomach’s contents, soon over the side, were found.

First lot gone - then I did reach,
Wishing I still, was on the beach!
But another lot arose from deep inside,
Perfectly timed to remove all pride!

Yet still another flow from me did pour,
Surely God - there can’t be any more!
But there was to be one final spew,
And then you see - it all was through.

Hey David, you feel a lot better now,
Stomach’s all the better for the scour.
"I’ll be alright, for the rest of the trip",
Glibly off the tongue, words do slip.

But the sea was soon ready to have another turn,
Oh no! Once again, the ‘gurgly gut’, it did return.
Surely Lord, can’t be anything left!
Of all composure, I was now bereft!

I held on for as long as I could,
Much longer than I really should.
But forth came the spew, in a fountain,
I’m off once again, around the mountain.

Yes, another flow, then a third,
Finally a fourth – what a nerd!

Feeling good again, I must be spent,
For my guts apart, they had been rent,
Nothing left inside, now to come out,
Surely nothing left, for me to spout.

I slept well for a couple of hours,
Fully in control of all my powers.
Now surely I have conquered the sea,
But if not the sea – well, at least me!

More of David's poems at...

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A DAVID MUSING

GONE!

Life's short.
Death's caught.
Comes to all.
Small and tall.

It's good to grieve one who did leave,
But life goes on, loved one gone.
How can we cope - sit round and mope?
From dust to dust, in God we trust.

He seems far away,
As we try to pray!
"Where are you now Lord!
You've broken the cord!"

"I am still here for you, my child,
Know that, with Me, you're wild.
But death, it will ever be,
Until earth, is sin free.

Look up, look up, my son,
Into my arms, do now run,
I am always here for you,
Believe it - it is true.

I so understand your sorrow,
As in My path you do follow.
Gave my Son to die for you,
Grief was in My heart, too.

My ways are different to yours,
Yes, mine is a greater cause.
But with death comes eternal life,
No more worry, no more strife...
When your life you do put in my hand,
With me, for eternity, will you stand.

In Jesus now, you must surely rest,
It's through Him, you pass the test.

Come, my friend, rest in my embrace,
Yes, I am with you, in life's race.
One day too, you will reach the finishing line,
I'll meet you there - your hand clasped in mine."

Until next week...

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: VACATE

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: A - River Kishon (Judges 4:7)

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http://www.wwj.org.nz/wwword.php

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
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!

For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz