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: 306 Published: 03 Sep 2007
'BBB' (Believers Behaving Badly)
During the past week I have read even more reports of senior ministers behaving badly and have also observed several similar cases amongst ordinary believers on a local level.Sad reality is, there is very little difference between the behaviour of those in the world and those in the church. Month after month I receive survey reports from the American Market Researcher, George Barna. Over time, I am becoming accustomed to reading of how little difference there really is in the behaviours of those who claim to be believers and others who reject Jesus. Sadly, I have to admit, from my observations, that the situation in New Zealand is much the same.
In spite of many exhortations in the Bible that we are to be different to the world, the truth is, we aren't!
DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
Why is this?
Of course, many reasons are put forward. However, a single overriding reason is at the heart of the problem.
We live in a culture highly influenced by Greek thought and understanding. Our education system and the Olympic Games are but 2 examples of aspects of our culture inherited from ancient Greece.
The Greeks revolutionized earlier ways of thinking, such as seen in Jewish culture, by separating thoughts and actions. To the Greeks, it was perfectly okay to think one thing yet act in another way. The logical conclusion of this in the church today has been to promote the recitation of the 'Sinners Prayer' (which incidentally isn't found anywhere in the Bible) as the way to receiving an entry ticket into heaven. What you do after that doesn't matter, for you have the free pass!
This logic is anathema to the Jews (and Muslims), and a major reason why they are so anti the church today. For they hear us say one thing, then do another! We continually justify this to ourselves, through our Greek logic heritage, but it is not the way of the Lord; it is not the teaching of Jesus.
Jesus is our rabbi. In the time of Jesus, the rabbis would choose the brightest pupils of the day to become their followers. These students would literally copy the rabbi in everything he did. They would say the same words as he did, copy their rabbis actions precisely, with the ultimate aim of becoming exactly like him.
Surely this must start to sound a little familiar to readers of the Bible when again and again it exhorts us to take on the character, the very nature of Jesus.
15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:15-17)
Yes we are to be a new creation. A new creation in the image of Jesus.
My friend, this is hard to say. There are many people who have been deceived into the lie that claims all you have do do to get to heaven is to say the sinners prayer. This simply is not biblical. If we are to get to heaven we must bring our mental assent and physical actions together. We must, to the best of our ability, live as Jesus, our rabbi, lived.
Of course none of us are perfect! And yes, God always looks to give us another chance. But He is not a jolly Father Xmas! Ready repentance and a genuine fear of the Lord are required in us as we seek to become more and more like Jesus.
Like the disciples of the rabbis, Jesus requires us to live our lives in His image. Unlike the rabbis though, He has given us a teacher and guide, the precious Holy Spirit to point the way ahead.
Once this is understood and applied to our lives we will go from BBB to become the light of the world that we are meant to be. Once our words and our actions coincide we will be able to witness effectively to the Jews - and the Muslims.
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)
The choice is ours. Which road will you take today?
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORLD HATES THE DISCIPLES"“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning." (John 15:18-27)
"I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. “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 17:9-18)
"“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins.â€" (Mark 2:21-2)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
DISCIPLESHIP214.-235. Discipleship is...
... doing the right thing because we want to, not because we are expected to.
... being a servant both to God and man.
... honouring God with body, soul and spirit.
... loving the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind.
... being 100% committed to the Lord's cause.
... putting the Lord first in all things.
... placing the Lord's desires ahead of our own.
... applying the Lord's will to our mind and emotions.
... accepting the Lord's correction graciously.
... being joyful in the Lord - even while being corrected!
... subverting our will to His.
... centred upon giving rather than receiving.
... becoming a little more like Jesus every day.
... being prepared to die for our Lord.
... honouring and worshipping God as Lord, rather than a 'holy Father Christmas.'
... being the one God would like us to be.
... placing God's needs and others godly needs ahead of our own.
... helping others attain to their ministries, even to the expense of our own.
... being Jesus to others.
... retaining the joy of the Lord in times of personal sadness.
... putting wrongs right - graciously!
... walking as one with the Lord, night and day.
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1300 David sayings for you to view at ...
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
11 “O afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted,I will build you with stones of turquoise,
your foundations with sapphires.
12 I will make your battlements of rubies,
your gates of sparkling jewels,
and all your walls of precious stones.
13 All your sons will be taught by the LORD,
and great will be your children’s peace.
14 In righteousness you will be established:
Tyranny will be far from you;
you will have nothing to fear.
Terror will be far removed;
it will not come near you.
15 If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing;
whoever attacks you will surrender to you.
16 “See, it is I who created the blacksmith
who fans the coals into flame
and forges a weapon fit for its work.
And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc;
17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and this is their vindication from me,â€
declares the LORD. (Isaiah 55:11-17)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
'NEARER MY GOD TO THEE, NEARER TO THEE'THE POWER OF INTERCESSION concludes as we have a look at intercessory worship and the 'road to God'.
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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." ***
637. THE TOP TRANSLATION
There were four clergymen who were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version because of its simple, beautiful English.
Another liked the American Revised Version best because it is more literal and came nearer to the original Hebrew and Greek.
Still another liked Moffat's translation because of its up-to-date vocabulary.
The fourth minister was silent. When asked to express his opinion, he replied, "I like my mother's translation best."
The other three expressed surprise. They did not know that his mother had translated the Bible.
But he assured them, "She translated it into life, every day of her life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw."
636. SIGNS
When I arrived at a vacuum cleaner shop, I noticed a sign stating that the business had moved. I drove around looking for the new store, and I came across a large sign:
"Cleanliness is next to Godliness."
There was the vacuum shop, right next to a gospel bookstore.
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now 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 769 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Is it true that it takes more muscles to frownthan it does to smile?
ANSWER: Yes. Seventeen muscles to smile and 43 to frown is an oftrepeated
figure, especially all over the Internet (and, yes, at university related
sites too) as well as in the popular press. But it's nowhere to be
found in any text devoted to anatomy (especially of the head), surgery
(esp. maxillofacial or reconstructive), neurology, or the analysis of human
facial expressions.
In fact, Paul Ekman -- an authority on human facial expression tells me
that he has no idea where this notion originated. It takes as few as two
muscles to produce a universally recognisable smile and as few as three
to produce a frown. There is simply no confirmation of the saying ‘it takes
17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown’ in any medical text. (‘Two smile or
not three frown!’ With apologies to the Bard.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Why do scientists describe cancer cells as
‘immortal’?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS305. A KING HIT
The venom of the King Cobra is so deadly that one gram of it can kill 150 people. Just to handle the substance can put one in a coma. (Natures biological warfare.)
306. AN OPEN SECRET
In her 1990 autobiography, talk show host Sally Jessy Raphaël said this about the entertainment field: "I secretly believe that there are more villains than good guys in this business." (So even talk show hosts can work out what we all know – eventually!)
307. WHAT A SHARK
The largest Great White Shark ever caught measured 37 feet and weighed 24,000 pounds. It was found in a herring weir in New Brunswick in 1930. The harmless Whale Shark, holds the title of being the largest fish, with the record being a 59-footer captured in Thailand in 1919. (Who holds the record for being the biggest human shark?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
TRIPOD
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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BIBLE QUESTION - PAUL
15) Once healed, Paul went to preach here:A - Forum
B - Cathedral
C - Synagogue
D - Temple
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position.
!!!!!! Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible.
!!!!! Exercise daily - walk with the Lord.
!!!! Never give the devil a ride - he will always want to drive.
!!! Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
!! Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
! He who angers you controls you.
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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.comQ. Who was the most ambitious man in the Bible?
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A. Jonah-even a whale couldn't keep him down.
Lots more riddles found at...
THE WORLD'S GREATEST GROANS
64. HEARTLESSThe medical student was shocked when he received a failing grade in radiology. Approaching the professor, he demanded to know the reason for the grade.
"You know the self X-ray you took?" asked the professor.
"I do." said the student.
"A fine picture," the professor said, "of your lungs, stomach, and liver."
"If it's a fine picture, then why did you give me an F?" asked the student
"I had no choice," said the professor. "You didn't put your heart into it."
65. KEEPING WARM?
What do you call a bunch of grandmasters of chess bragging about their Games in a hotel lobby?
Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer!
66. THE PICTURE
There was a new preacher who wanted to rent a house in the country. The only house available was rumored to be haunted. Since the preacher didn't believe in such things, he rented it.
It wasn't long before the ghost made its appearance. The preacher told his friends about the ghost, but they didn't believe him. They told him the only way they would believe was if he would take a picture of the ghost.
The preacher went home and called for the ghost. When it appeared, the preacher explained the situation and asked the ghost if it would mind having its picture taken. The ghost agreed.
When the picture was developed, the ghost wasn't visible. Feeling very disappointed, the preacher called again for the ghost. When it appeared, the preacher showed it the picture and wanted to know why the ghost wasn't in it.
The ghost thought a minute and replied, "Well, I guess the spirit was willing, but the flash was weak."
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BIBLE TRIVIA
WILLOW TREES.......generally grow near streams in this area. As a result most Bible references associate willows with water. eg. the willow of the brook.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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TENS OF THOUSANDS CONVERT TO CHRIST IN ALGERIA
July 16, 2007(Algeria)—Inspire Magazine reports that for the last 10 years Christian broadcaster Arab Vision has seen many viewers respond to their television programs, but none more so than the Kabyle Berbers in the North-Eastern coastal region of Algeria.
A Kabyle policeman came to Christ through the programs, now his father, his wife and his two sisters are sharing the same faith after he witnessed to them.
Says a Kabyle policeman who accepted Jesus through the program: "In the beginning, I was anxious and fearful that this faith may cause me more harm than good, especially in relation to my work. However, the Lord Jesus not only comforted me in my faith, but led me in an unusual way to meet other colleagues in the police corps who are also Christians. We now even pray together."
The number of Christians among the Kabyle is reportedly growing, with a minimum estimate of 10,000 converts representing both large mainstream and secret 'house group' churches.
"The figure could well be four times that. We are not sure," says Arab Vision's North Africa Director. "But what we are sure about is that the response among the Kabyle to the Gospel is uniquely encouraging for this region. Many tell us about dreams and visions they've had, confirming the truth about Jesus. The Kabyle believers are also actively involved in evangelism."
Source: Inspire Magazine via The Outreach Files
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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF....... THE AMAZING TABERNACLE OF MOSESThe first modern revelation of the importance of Moses Tabernacle as being the pattern of a godly walk, and one of church development and life, came out of the Latter Rain Movement, after World War 2.
In more recent times the teaching has been neglected, but it is still applicable today. And the Lord is today, giving even more revelation about it, as we move still closer to the end of the age.
Yes, an understanding of Moses Tabernacle is vital for every Christian with a heart to know God and His plans in a deeper way.
I pray that you will find it as illuminating, challenging, yet encouraging, as I have in my life.
Download your free PDF File now at...
WAXING LYRICAL
A little fun about a real ‘mans’ problem!‘GRUTS’
But the fashion designers were still not content,
To their fertile brains, new perspective was lent,
Or maybe, they could remember their youth too,
A more comfortable alternative was now in view.
To us practical men, comfort is always the most important.
So after decades of ‘Jockeys’, over which to rave and rant,
Now had come a real choice for men to wear,
That they were coloured too, we did not care.
The designers now clapped their hands, in great glee,
For no longer were underpants, simply a commodity.
For now colour and style had been introduced,
To the range available, we were soon seduced.
Poor Grandma now, when she is wont to shop,
For birthday or Christmas presents, has to stop
Buying the old faithful underpants, ever so true,
For she doesn’t know now, which style suits you.
To be continued next week.
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
WAITING (Continues this week!)Wait for a time,
Then a little more,
Seeking a rhyme,
What's it all for!
I want it now!
Not next week!
You do know how!
To me now speak!
God, all is in your power,
Don't let my life go sour!
I already know what is the best!
No need to put me to the test!
Still nothing happens this week!
"Just wait for Me my son,
Rest in Me, let Me to you speak,
One day, all will be done."
Tuesday comes around,
A new deal awaits.
Found common ground,
With Christian mates.
Full of promise,
Full of hope.
Surely can't miss!
Nope! Nope! Nope!
Wednesday now,
Sign a deal!
We know how!
It's a steal!
Then get a call,
Deal does fall!
Lord I give up!
Hand You the cup.
Agony is inside,
It I can't hide.
What now can I do?
But give it to you.
It's Friday afternoon,
Speak to another man,
Another deal soon?
Yes God, you can!
Wait, wait; wait, wait,
No more, bull at a gate.
God, your will be done,
I'm at peace - your son.
(To be continued (finalised?!) next week.
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: TORPID
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': Synagogue (Acts 9:20)
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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!
For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz