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: 328 Published: 04 Feb 2008
TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 3. FROM KINGS TO KINGDOM (continued)
Today we will conclude our look at the next church Jesus chided.THE CHURCH IN PERGAMUN
After His admonition against following the ways of Balaam, Jesus went on to say:
15 Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. (Revelation 2:15)
So who or what were the Nicolaitans?
There are 2 views.
The first relates to a group or sect based round the later, heretical, licentious compromise with the world, teachings of Nicholas, originally chosen to be one of the seven deacons in Acts 6:5. These teachings were similar to those of Balak and Balaam, involving compromise with worldly practices within the church.
The second view is based round the makeup of the word 'nicolaitan' in the Greek. I quote:
Those who discount the historic witness to an actual sect known as the Nicolaitans see the meaning of the name as being a key to understanding their errant teaching.
The meaning of the Greek is “rulers of the people.†This meaning may imply that this was an attempt to divide and make an unnatural distinction between the clergy and laity, creating a division in which the clergy exercised rulership over the laity. Certainly, elders have the biblical authority to determine the policy of the local church. But the authority described here probably went much further than the issues in the local church and may have extended to the personal lives of the members. (Fruchtenbaum, The Footsteps of Messiah, 51.)
If this is the Nicolaitan error, then one only need look at the top-heavy ecclesiastical structures which characterize much of Christendom throughout history to see the sour fruit of such teaching. This is one of many reasons why the doctrine of the priesthood of the believer (2Cor. 3:6; 6:4; 1Pe. 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6+; 5:10+; 20:6+) is so important for the saints of every age. (A Commentary On The Book Of Revelation. by Dr Tony Garland)
As we change our focus FROM KINGS TO KINGDOM so we must look to God for our personal guidance rather than the ecclesiastical hierarchy that has infiltrated and permeated the church, as we can see here in Pergamum, from its earliest days.
Those who choose to enter the kingdom will no longer slavishly (or grudgingly!) follow the 'pastor's vision' for 'his' or 'our' church which we have heard so often. New programmes which, surely this time, will bring in the lost in their droves, never do, because they come from outside. They are something that has worked elsewhere where perhaps they were spiritually anointed.
God is a personal God to each and every one of us, if we will only search Him out individually. He desires a unique relationship with you and with me, not a second hand one through another, irrespective of how godly that person may be.
If we insist in following the old ' Nicolaitan' ways of following a church leader instead of God, Jesus said:
16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2:16)
But to those who overcome, who do not fall into the seductive ways of worldly morality and leadership of a worldly style:
17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. (Revelation 2:17)
As Jesus said to the church at Pergamum licentiousness, both physical and spiritual, will not be tolerated in His church.
(To be continued next week.)
Picture: Manna Jar.
Find out more about us at...
FROM THE WORD
TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMUM"“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it." (Revelation 2:12-17)
"You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:3-6)
THE LIVING STONE AND A CHOSEN PEOPLE
"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.†Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,†and, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.â€
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:4-9)
You may read and study the 'New International Version (NIV)' online at...
***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today
Receive one of David's sayings in your mailbox each day to inspire, challenge or maybe, amuse.To register today, simply click here ddd-on@wwj.org.nz
and press send. Then it's done!
If you have an Irish heritage, you will love the background coloring!
Should you wish, check out current and back issues (where you can also subscribe) at...
DAVID'S DOODLINGS
SUBMISSION AND OBEDIENCE929. As God grows in me, there is less and less room for me myself!
930. Heaven is reached through obedience to God's will, not simply the recitation of a 'Sinners Prayer'.
931. 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.
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
15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.†(Joshua 24:15)TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE THE OTHER
PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE.
Check it out at...
TUESDAY TEACHINGS
NEXT WEEK BEYOND THE VEIL – WALKING IN THE WAY: OUR JOURNEY THROUGH LIFELiving our life today while preparing for His return.
Check out all the available teachings at...
*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today
As Christians, if we can't laugh at ourselves, others will! A fun way to start your day.To register today, simply click here lao-on@wwj.org.nz and press send. Then it's done!
Should you wish, check out early issues (where you can also subscribe) at...
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." ***
687. TREASURES IN HEAVEN
This PENTECOSTAL rich person was very faithful about going to church.
His time came about, and he passed on to heaven. Met at the Pearly Gate by St. Peter, he was made to wait. The inquiring mind wanted to know, "Why must I wait, I was faithful about going to church. I was an important person on earth."
St. Peter said, "We are readying your residence."
Off in the distance as far as the eye could see was fabulous mansion after fabulous mansion. St. Peter finally led the person in and started walking past all the beautiful homes, each one more beautiful that the last. Turning a corner, St. Peter said, "This one is yours."
The newcomer asked, "But this is a dilapidated shack. Why do I get this?"
St. Peter replied, "Although you did get rich, this was the best we could do with the money YOU bequeathed us."
686. WHAT DID YOU DO?
Saint Peter is checking ID's at the Pearly Gates. He asks a man, "What did you do on Earth?"
The man says, "I was a doctor."
St. Peter says, "Ok, go right through those pearly gates. Next! What did you do on Earth?"
"I was a school teacher."
"Go right through those pearly gates. Next! And what did you do on Earth?"
"I was a musician."
"Go around the side, up the freight elevator, through the kitchen___"
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: 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. (Work up a sweat thinking about it!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What percentage of a watermelon is water?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS579. SEE THE LIGHT?
Lightening strikes the world about 6,000 times per minute while men are 6 times more likely to be struck by it than women! (Are men positively charged?)
580. TEETH SCRUBBERS
More people use blue toothbrushes, than red ones. (Blue for boy, red for danger?)
581. IMMENSE VARIETY
There are more than one million animal species on the Earth. (And you are just another one of these?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
MARINA
Answer at the end of A David Musing
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA
Or view all 1232 online at...
BIBLE QUESTION - JUDGES (You be the judge!)
17) Where was Jephthah asked to return to?A - Shechem
B - Gilead
C - Gibeon
D - Gilgal
Source: www.biblequizzes.com
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! Sometimes the solution & blessing lie in the place we have ignored, right in front of us.
!!!!!! Only when we are brought to the end of ourselves are we in a position to see more of God.
!!!!! We know God has a position for you using your gifts & personality.
!!!! God is personally involved in your life and nudges you to ask for his power to help you.
!!! Wait with expectancy and availability, trusting God to work out His perfect will.
!! Praise Him- even before He acts.
! Failure doesn't mean God has abandoned you...it does mean God has a better idea!
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
JUST JOKES
163. NOW WHAT?A retiree was given a set of golf clubs by his co-workers.
Thinking he'd try the game, he asked the local pro for lessons, explaining that he knew nothing whatever of the game. The pro showed him the stance and swing, then said, "Just hit the ball toward the flag on the first green."
The novice teed up and smacked the ball straight down the fairway and onto the green, where it stopped inches from the hole. "Now what ?" the fellow asked the speechless pro.
"Uh... you're supposed to hit the ball into the cup." the pro finally said, after he was able to speak again.
"Oh great ! NOW you tell me." said the beginner in a disgusted tone.
163. THE FRIENDLY PIG
A man was on a long walk in the country. He became thirsty so decided to stop at a little cottage and ask for something to drink.
The lady of the house invited him in and served him a bowl of soup by the fire. There was a wee pig running around the kitchen, running up to the visitor and giving him a great deal of attention. The visitor commented that he had never seen a pig this friendly.
The housewife replied: "Ah, he's not that friendly. That's his bowl you're using."
Relax and laugh again at...
BIBLE TRIVIA
THE DATE PALM___was a sign of majesty and fruitfulness. Their huge leaves were symbols of triumph and carried at ceremonies. Remember 'Palm Sunday'.
Also used for rooing, fencing, mat making, baskets and dishes. Rope was made from the fibrous material from the crown of the tree. The trunk was used for timber while dates were both animal and human food.
The saying goes that 'the date palm has more uses than the year has days'.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...
THE SITUATION IN KENYA
The situation in Kenya is reported in the news daily. Through Africa Arise we have been able to help, in a small way, support several ministries we relate to, look after refugees who have looked to the church as a safe haven at a time when they have lost everything in the inter tribal conflict.Two letters follow from our friends in Webuye, David and Selina Walhuku. David is the head of the overall ministerial organisation in the area, and a man I would trust with my life. Selina is one of the closest to God intercessors I have met, yet a practical business person at the same time. I am writing these things about them so that you will know what they write is the reality of what is going on in their area.
FIRST LETTER
Dear BROTHER DAVID
Im know in Bungoma town , last evining after having powerfull service in church together with people who are taking refuge in church, the young worriors who are killing people destroyed the kipkaren big bridge and they have used it as aplace where they are killing people now , the car comes, they stop it and they remove people and kill them, and you see its four minites drive from our church , all those areas now is ashes, you remember our church is on the road to Eldoret, i dont know why the killing is taking place where my church is, we are now keeping so many people in church,and number is increasing daily,its also only our church that is going on with normal services the rest of the churches stoped services and others were burned. many women are affected now. the stuation is bad, for now we do everything at Bungoma.
please keep praying.
i have to rush to church now
family
pastor David m.walukhu
SECOND LETTER
Dear saints,
13 people, including a education officer, were killed in at kipkaren as arsonists struck at residential estates following the slaying of Ainamoi MP David Kimutai Too.
8 of them were shot dead by Police officer, were Road was blocked, and the bridge was brought down. but Five other victims were recuperating at various health facilities with gunshot wounds.A major security operation mounted by the General Service Unit personnel, regular and administration policemen has been going on in the area, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, for fear of being victimised. today we thank God because the bridge which was closed after saints praying and fasting, we also anointed the road with anointing oil after we realised that this people are spenting the night at the bridge to kill people. after we did what God had reveald to us to do the stuation have gone down. now the bridge has been repaired and the cars are now passing .A major security operation mounted by the General Service Unit personnel, regular and administration policemen has been going on in the area, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, for fear of being victimised.
A local leader, and a regular police officer are fighting for their lives at moi Hospital in Eldoret and webuye, where they were admitted with serious injuries.
some of our sisters too are going through hospital check up for rabe idea, the lord will always make them strong.
but with all this we thank GOD FOR THE COOLING DOWN THE STUATION THOUGH FEAR IS STILL WITH PEOPLE.
WE LOVE YOU.
I HAVE TAKE CLOTHS TO PEOPLE IN CHURCH NOW, SELINA SHE IS THERE COOKING.
If you wish to help people such as these but dont know how to arrange it, please contact me at david@wwj.org.nz and I will help you with options available. Thankyou.
More 'Godfacts' found at...
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.
Get your free download here...
WAXING LYRICAL
As did King David and the other psalmists, we all go through ups and downs in life. This explains one of my harder downs, having been rejected by friends, followed by an up!A PSALM
Of David (Tait)
A cry of despair, trust and victory, during a time of difficulty in life.
Peering through the gloom,
All one can see is doom.
Mind in a place now, that can only see the worst,
No more, through the clouds, does the sun burst.
O Lord, my Lord, how did I miss your will!
Where are you Lord, my void to fill?
My God, My God, you seem so far away,
I so need you Lord, in my life today.
Together we did map out the road ahead,
Started on the journey, as I was led.
Travelled nicely along, until coming to a sharp bend,
Around the corner - suddenly - the road came to an end.
I screeched to a halt!
Hit by a thunderbolt!
My God, My God, this wasn't in the plan,
Is my way of you, or simply, my own man?
Those wise after the event say,
"We knew it would never work."
You should have said so yesterday!
Not stab me now, with my dirk!
Where can I hide?
Lost in my pride!
Hate being wrong!
It's not my song!
With back so sore, I'm hurt and dejected,
Did it helping those, who me rejected!
Life's a misery, that much I know,
To whom can I turn, where can I go!
But in you Lord, I put all my trust,
Without you, I am nothing but dust.
For Lord, You've always proved faithful to me,
Again, show me Your way Lord, help me to see.
The phone rings, once, twice, thrice,
An encouragement? That would be nice!
The voice on the phone settles my ruction,
By giving to me, a brand new introduction.
Back on the road, I see a mighty big change,
Where the road did end, is now an exchange,
A super-highway has been put into place,
I am back again, now running my race.
Your vision Lord, is much greater than mine,
Not surprising really, for You are divine!
As the Good Book says, Your ways are not my ways,
May I follow your path, through all my days.
For you Lord, know the road ahead,
Without you, I'm as good as dead.
I trust you with my life, my Master,
For you deliver me from disaster.
Forevermore I place my hands in Yours,
Lead me Lord, to fulfil your cause.
More of David's offerings at...
A DAVID MUSING
Another record week at 'Seekers' made possible by a great team of staff and helpers. This Wednesday we are opening a second shop in a town called Wairoa, about 1 1/2 hours drive from here.This is primarily a service to the people of Wairoa as there is a lot of (relative) poverty in this area. Your prayers would be appreciated, particularly for Jess, who will be running the shop there.
The more we get involved in this operation the more I understand about the involvement of 'the kingdom' in all areas of our lives. We simply cannot segment what we do on Sunday from our Monday to Saturday lives.
If we are to impact those around us, or the world, we must be 604,800 Christians! Disciples of Jesus every second of the week!
Easier said than done! Still have a lot of seconds to improve in! Wonder if watching cricket comes into the God category? But it must, for cricket is surely 'His game'!
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: AIRMAN
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': Gilead (Judges 11:10)
REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT
Most weeks we get enquiries about reproducing, in electronic or print form, articles contained in 'PGIM!' We welcome and encourage you to utilize this material. Freely received, freely given. We would ask though, that the source be acknowledged as an encouragement to others to subscribe to this newsletter also.Subscription opportunities are available here Subscribe Here
at the bottom of each newsletter or at...
https://www.macnet.co.nz/wwjesus/pay.html
DONATIONS
Each month, because of the size and nature of our web site and maintenance of our sophisticated emailing system, it costs over $200 in provider fees to bring this ministry to you. If you are able to help us meet this expense your credit card donation would be very much welcomed at Make Donations Here as a live connection or at https://secure.macnet.co.nz/www.wwj.org.nz/pay.phpif you prefer to paste the address into your browser. Thanks.
CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING?
Each week we can lose up to 2% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. Or sometimes, by your server acting strangely and just cutting us off! If you are about to change your address, please advise us of both your old and new addresses here atenquiries@wwj.org.nz and we will happily change our records to ensure ongoing delivery. Thanks.
Please also keep our address in your address book, as sometimes servers will automatically delete your address if there is even a one off problem in delivery. If your newsletter doesn't arrive, please let us know and we will reinstate you.
LINKS
If you would like to link your web site to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us onlinks@wwj.org.nz
DOES THIS EMAIL HAVE A BLUE BACKGROUND AND RED HEADINGS?
YES - Great!NO - Your web browser needs to be set to 'Rich Text'. If you have an older 'Text Only' browser, this email may also be viewed on our web site at ...
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