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: 319 Published: 03 Dec 2007
TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 2. THE POWER OF PERSECUTION continued
TODAY AND THE FUTUREWhen it comes to 'the future' in any aspect of Christianity, there are generally as many opinions as there are believers! While I know this is an exaggeration, it makes the point that, in spite of all the prophecy the Bible contains, we really understand very little more than generalities about future events.
When it comes to persecution of the church, everyone would agree that it is going to increase but, in spite of various and varying, often strongly held, views, we don't know specifically what is going to happen.
Reality is, we understand Biblical prophecy far better after it has happened than before! Personally, I think God purposefully designed it that way, for our walk is to be built upon faith and trust in the Lord through all situations of life, both good and bad. If we knew everything we would become arrogant in the extreme!
God however, has made it clear that the further time moves on the greater the clash will be between believers and satan, as satan fights a rearguard action before the inevitable triumphant return of Jesus to rule and reign upon the earth.
Our human nature tends towards extremes when faced with such situations. Some are complete prophets of doom, while others grasp hold of any straw to be comforted that such a fate will not befall them. The doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture is a terrible example of this, for it falsely persuades people that there is no need to worry about living the holy and righteous lives of a disciple now, for we will supernaturally be zapped out of here as soon as the going gets tough! Easy Christianity in the extreme!
Other than having, at best, an very tenuous Biblical justification, being based upon an extreme interpretation of a couple of verses of Scripture, it simply isn't the way God has worked in His dealings with mankind throughout recorded history.
In God, every benefit has a cost. Yes, salvation is free, but in spite of what many preach and teach, living out salvation costs us our life. If we truly are converted, using our jargon, we have to give up our old life in order to live 100% for Him.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
This is the secret to coping with the inevitable persecution promised in the Word. Not that we seek a form of 'magic escapism', but that we answer the call of Jesus to live lives sold out to Him.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48) (Emphasis added)
Our life, not escapism, is the ultimate protection against inevitable persecution. Even when it costs us our life. Such is the way of God.
This has been testified to by martyrs throughout history who pray upon their deathbed, not for rescue, but for their persecutors.
May we never forget:
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)
"Lord, may we be found worthy of you."
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FROM THE WORD
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."(Matthew 5:10-12)
"You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3 :10-17)
THE THOUSAND YEARS
"And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
SATAN'S DOOM
When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever." (Revelation 20:1-10)
You may read and study the 'New International Version (NIV)' online at...
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
SUBMISSION AND OBEDIENCE931. Godly obedience is the present outworking of belief and faith.
932. I cannot truly say I'm a believer if I'm not prepared to follow the path of the one in whom I believe.
933. Freewill is a choice, obedience the choice of freewill.
934. Doing what God wants us to do when it differs from what we want to do is our true test of obedience.
935. "I will obey You", is the ultimate form of worship.
936. The path of obedience takes a different route to that of our natural understanding.
937. To do what we don't understand, because God said it, is the ultimate test of obedience.
938. It may be easier to die as a martyr, than to die to one's self!
939. As I die, so God grows in me. There is only room for one of us!
940. In God, submission is a sign of success, not one of failure.
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
14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
NEXT WEEK BEYOND THE VEIL – 1 continuesREVELATION FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT PRINCIPLES OF ATONEMENT
A. ATONEMENT PRINCIPLES TOTALLY FULFILLED BY JESUS
(Fulfilled both Positionally and Experientially.)
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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." ***
666. TURNING BACK
The Hebrew school teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little David interrupted.
"My Mommy looked back once while she was DRIVING," he announced triumphantly, "and she turned into a telephone pole!"
665. DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES
First Member: I thought the sermon was divine. It reminded me of the peace of God. It passed all understanding.
Second Member: It reminded me of the mercies of God. I thought it would endure forever.
664. IN A LIFEBOAT
Three men were floating on the ocean in a lifeboat after their boat sank.
One said to the other, "Let's do something religious. Can you pray?"
"No, prayer was never my thing," he replied. "I never prayed in my life."
Turning to the other, "There must be something we can do religiously. Can you sing a hymn?'
"No, but I learned 'When the Saints Go Marching In' in a bar in New Orleans. That is the closest thing I know to a hymn" he answered.
"That just don't sound right. There must be something we can do religiously. I know! Let's take up an offering."
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 can birds sit on electric wires without being injured?ANSWER: : It's simple. In order to be electrocuted, the bird would have to touch two wires simultaneously or one hot wire and the ground at the same time. One wire won't do it. (You got it? The logic, not the wire.)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What happened to Pontius Pilate after he sentenced Christ to be crucified?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS606. GETTING WET?
Apparently, 33% of all Americans flush the toilet while they are still sitting on it! (Why?)
607. DON'T TELL ANYONE
The wrestler, Hulk Hogan’s real name is Terry Bollea. (Doesn’t have the same ‘ring’ to it!)
608. CONSONANT-LESS
The world’s only city whose name consists solely of vowels is Aiea, in Hawaii, USA. (sounds painful when said slowly.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
TRENDIER
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 - JUDGES (You be the judge!)
8) Why did the Lord deliver Israel up to persecution?A - They blasphemed
B - They did evil
C - They wanted their freedom
D - They had no leader
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""LIFE'S LITTLE REMINDERS
!!!!!!! 1. An apology is a good way to have the last word.
!!!!!! 2. Pick your friends, but not to pieces.
!!!!! 3. Life is like a mirror; we get the best results when we smile at it.
!!!! 4. Usually people are as happy as they make their minds up to be.
!!! 5. You cannot leave footprints in the sands of time while sitting down.
!! 6. You will never offend a person by returning a smile.
!7. Gentle words fall lightly, but have great weight.
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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. What did God say when Noah told him he wanted to build the ark out of bricks?
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A. "No, Noah - go for wood" [gopherwood]
Lots more riddles found at...
LIFE'S A LAUGH
35. V*A*C*A*T*I*O*NThe cruise ship my friend was working on docked at a Mexican port during a very high tide. Everyone on board was forced to use the ship's narrow gangplank as a passageway to the dock far below. The staff stood motionless when a passenger in her 70s appeared at the top of the plank. There wasn't room for anyone to assist her, so she edged along slowly and finally made it to the dock safely, to everyone's relief.
As she stepped down, she turned, looked back at the top of the plank and shouted, "It's okay, Mother, you can come down now."
36. PRISON BREAK-IN
A couple with three children waited in line at San Francisco's Pier 41 to purchase tickets for a boat trip to the once famous Alcatraz prison. Others in the tour group watched with varying degrees of sympathy and irritation as the young children fidgeted, whined, punched one another, and constantly aggravated everyone around them. The frazzled parents tried everything they could to get the kids to stop, all with no success at all.
Finally, as they reached the ticket window, the exasperated father said: "Five tickets, please - Two round trip, and three one way."
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BIBLE TRIVIA
WHEAT AND BARLEYwere the most important grain crops in the East since earliest recorded times. The earliest evidence comes from near Mount Carmel, on the coast of northern Israel.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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China Detains Managers Of Australian Company For Spreading Christianity
Added: Nov 23rd, 2007 5:21 AMBy Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent BosNewsLife
BEIJING, CHINA (BosNewsLife) -- Three senior employees of an Australian owned multi-million dollar bio-engineering corporation in China’s Guangdong province remained detained Thursday, November 22, and their company closed, over allegations of involvement in "illegal" Christian activities.
It came after Guangzhou Enoch Biological Science and Technology Co., was raided by various Chinese government agencies, said Christian rights group China Aid Association (CAA).
Two senior managers, identified as two women, Lin Chunmei, the factory director and Chen Guichan, the former CFO, have been "under criminal detention since October 29," CAA told BosNewsLife. Another female worker, Zhang Qiao was arrested November 7, the group added.
"They were accused of illegal business management and have been held at the Detention Center of Shawan Jidi [at the] Panyu District Public Security Bureau [in] Guangzhou city,†said CAA, which has close contacts with the Christians.
The company founders, Pastor Daniel Ng and his wife Eliza were placed under house arrest in October and not allowed to leave the country, while there company was shut down and assets frozen, according to investigators.
Source: http://www.christianpersecution.info/news/china-detains-managers-of-australian-company-for-spreading-christianity/
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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
‘WALKING WITH JESUS’ COURSEA 3-part course of understanding based on Revelation 12:11. An easily understood, practical series on living the Christian life today. Compiled in 1993-4, the 3 studies, each accompanied by 6 hours of tapes, have been used by over 10,000 New Zealanders plus many overseas, to gain an increased understanding of what ‘walking with Jesus’ is all about. Is useful for enquirers, new Christians and particularly, those seeking an extra dimension to their faith. Ideal for home groups and church teaching sessions too. A non-denominational course, it is supported by Christians from diverse backgrounds. The 3 parts cover
1. The Way of Salvation: Finding Jesus as your personal Saviour.
2. Life Through the Spirit: Christian living through the teaching of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus is Lord: Living our lives for Jesus.
So if you desire a deeper relationship with your God, this can help point you in the right direction. You still have to make the effort though! Can’t do that for you!
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WAXING LYRICAL
One of my favourites. It’s self explanatory.TO BEARD OR NOT TO BEARD?
To beard or not to beard?
That’s the hairy question.
For thirty years I’ve always feared.
This subject - never to mention.
For you see my friend, I am not hirsute,
To grow me a beard, too great a pursuit.
Until the Christmas of ninety- nine, you know,
When I plucked up the courage to give it a go.
Why not, I said to myself, with great bravado,
Willing to be squelched - an over ripe tomato.
If I don’t give it a try, I’ll never know,
Whether or not my beard will grow.
What a terrible fate it would be for me,
To go to the grave, not knowing if thee,
Would grow to be little more than a fuzz,
Or rather, long and strong - what a buzz!
Give it a go David, yes, that’s what I must do,
Too bad when people think I belong in a zoo.
I will break the mould, live a new life,
Then get in strife, for upsetting the wife!
(To be continued)
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A DAVID MUSING
Last Tuesday, I went into hospital for a long awaited operation to straighten out a crooked finger. Not because I had had my finger in the till, but caused by a genetic condition common amongst those who have Nordic blood somewhere in there ancestry. My father's family came from the Shetland Islands (north of Scotland) which were frequently invaded by the Vikings!The Lord really looked after me as the doctors was promised a painful hand for some time, particularly as the problem was larger than they expected. Promised pain that I haven't had at all, not requiring any of the painkillers I was prescribed!
So, I have been able to get back to work as a one handed rag and bone man!
Thank you Lord. Thank you also to the doctors who did such a great job.
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: INTERRED
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': They did evil (Judges 6:1)
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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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david@wwj.org.nz