THE POWER OF THE CALL (concluded)

Today, as we conclude 'The Power of the Call', I simply wish to re-emphasise the fundamental change in understanding that is taking place in the 'community of God' as opposed to the foundations of the established 'church'.

At the very heart of this change is the movement from 'church' being individual buildings, pastors and programmes, normally linked together through a denominational grouping, to a 'kingdom' understanding where each individual believer relates to God personally and individually. Instead of the church down the road being the witness to unbelievers and calling them 'in', each individual believer, progressively being transformed into the likeness of Jesus, is a personal witness 'out' in the community, amongst those whom they come into contact during their daily lives.

The new role of leadership is like that within a human family. It is the leaders job to help new believers become mature rather than dependent, in a similar way to teaching our physical children the skills required to become independent adults. Just as our children need to be taught life skills to become functioning adults, so too we are to be taught and then released into spiritual maturity by those whom God has chosen for that role.

The culture of dependence upon the pastor or priest for ongoing spiritual support inculcated in today's church has no place in the ways of the kingdom.

We all too easily forget the primary function of Jesus when He came and dwelled amongst us. It was to reopen a direct path for the individual believer to relate, once again, to the Father through the leading of the Holy Spirit.

This was magnificently symbolised when

the curtain of the temple was (supernaturally) torn in two from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51)

Entry into the Holy of Holies, the dwelling place of the presence of God, where previously only the temporarily purified High Priest could go once a year, was now opened to every believer, priest, pastor, to you, to me, every day of the year. Gone was the distinction between priest and people.

As the angels sang, through His death, Jesus fulfilled His purpose in coming to earth.

10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10)

'Them' is not the professionals, is not a denomination or religious system, but rather, 'them' is all of them! All of us! Every true disciple of Jesus!

People do not see the kingdom in a title, a building or a programme, for the kingdom is not external but internal, existing within the believer.

21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20)

My friend, I urge you to pray about and meditate upon what has been written over these past months. It may be considered radical, even rebellious, to many who have faithfully served the current, physical, church based system. You may make your living from it. Change will be difficult, may even seem impossible.

Please, don't take 'my word' for it but search 'The Word'! Today, as there always has been, there is a choice between following a religious system or seeking the kingdom of God. May the Lord be with you as you choose which path you will walk.

Religion is based upon dependence, the kingdom, interdependence.

Religion looks inwards, the kingdom, upwards and outwards.

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FROM THE WORD

The Death of Jesus

"From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons." (Matthew 27:45-56)

The Scroll and the Lamb

"Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.” Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped." (Revelation 5:1-14)

The Coming of the Kingdom of God

"Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. Men will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.” “Where, Lord?” they asked. He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.”" (Luke 17:20-37)

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

TRUTH AND KNOWLEDGE

472. If I had full knowledge of everything, wouldn’t I be God? Fortunately I will never have to answer this question!

473. Knowledge is a golden sceptre, appearing to be so powerful and beautiful to behold, yet it can be quickly disfigured by even the smallest diamond of truth.

474. Faith grows through a conviction of the truth rather than in the understanding of knowledge.

475. Knowledge enhances a faith already secure in the truth.

476. God’s truth is constant, but knowledge is defined by our circumstances.

477. God’s truth is progressively revealed to those with a heart willing to embrace it.

478. Faith is built by embracing God’s truth, enabling further truths to be revealed.

479. Faith and truth are heavenly lovers.

480. Faith and truth is a marriage made in heaven.

481. Genuine faith revels in godly truth, but human faith is dependent upon earthly knowledge.

482. It is so easy to be beguiled by the complexity of knowledge when seeking the simplicity of true faith.

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CRANWELL'S CARTOON

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered: ”‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37)










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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

GOD AND MAN continues...

... as we consider the submission of our will to Jesus.

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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." ***

8. CHILD POWER!
At the end of a series of lessons on the adventures of the Children of Israel, Johnny put up his hand and asked a question.

"Yes Johnny," said the teacher.

"There’s something I can’t work out. According to the Bible, the Children of Israel crossed the Red Sea." "Right."

"And the Children of Israel beat up the Philistines and built the Temple and did lots of other things too. "That’s right Johnny."

"Please tell me Sir then, what were all the grown ups doing?"

9. CHURCH BULLETIN BLOOPERS
*** The scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

*** The Outreach Committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not inflicted with any church.

*** Evening Massage – 6pm.

*** The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.

*** The congregation is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.

10. GIIIIZUMPED!
A young lad who had just got his driving licence asked his minister father if he could drive his car.

"I’ll make a deal with you said his father. "If you improve your grades, study your Bible a little more and cut your hair, we will talk again in a month."

A month later the son again approached his father, who said, "Son, I am real proud of you. Your grades have improved greatly and you have been diligent in your Bible Study. But you still haven’t cut your hair.’

"But dad, I’ve been thinking about that. You know, Samson had long hair so did Moses and Noah, and maybe Jesus too."

"Yes son," his dad replied, "and they walked everywhere they went!"

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: Why do mockingbirds mimic other birds?

ANSWER: To attract the opposite sex! The female likes to hear a wide
repertoire of up to 30 songs at a time. But she’s not fooled by them, for
they are sufficiently different from the originals for her to know that they
are coming from her suitor. (That’s not mocking his talent either.)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What and when is Universal Children's Day?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

425. CAN'T CARRY IT HOME
$1,000,000 in $1 bills weighs approximately one ton. Placed in a pile it would be 360 feet (110 m) high – as tall as 63 average adults standing on top of each other. (Now $100 bills of course…..)

426. PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT
When using the first pay telephones, a caller did not deposit his coins in the machine. He gave them to an attendant standing next to the telephone. Coin phones did not appear until 1899. (Another labour saving device.)

427. NO TIME
When in China, avoid giving the gift of a clock. To the older Chinese generation, the clock is a symbol of bad luck. (To me too, when I am running late!)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

This is a new, clever and amusing series I came across recently. The answers relate to the original word.

THE EARTHQUAKES (Three word answer.)

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 - HILLS AND MOUNTAINS

9) What did Joshua build on Mount Ebal?

A - Temple
B - Idol
C - Altar
D - House

Source: www.biblequizzes.com

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

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

!!!!!!! Having a green thumb doesn't necessarily mean you are a good gardener; you could simply be a lousy painter.

!!!!!! Reason to smile: Every seven minutes of every day, someone in an aerobics class pulls a hamstring.

!!!!! Car sickness is the feeling you get when the monthly car payment is due.

!!!! The reason computers can do more work is they don't have to stop and answer the phone.

!!! The only time a windshield wiper will work properly is when it's holding a parking ticket.

!! People are never too busy to tell you all they have to do.

! Snowflakes are some of nature's most fragile things but look what happens when they stick together.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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LIFE'S A LAUGH

123. LOCKED IN
Walking through the hallways at the middle school where I work, I saw a new substitute teacher standing outside his classroom with his forehead against a locker.

I heard him mutter, "How did you get yourself into this?"

Knowing that he was assigned to a difficult class, I tried to offer moral support. "Are you okay?" I asked. "Can I help?"

He lifted his head and replied, "I'll be fine as soon as I get this kid out of his locker."

126. DOCILE DUCKS
A buddy and I were golfing one afternoon and getting somewhat bored with the round; so when we came upon the water hazard with two ducks sitting quietly on the water, I bet him ten bucks he couldn't hit a duck and five dollars he couldn't even get one to move. Being a guy, he took the bet.

He launched four tee shots toward the ducks, and even threw two by hand, and the ducks still wouldn't budge. Only after he lost six golf balls did he realize the ducks were decoys.

127. SETTING THE CLOCK
Every morning for years, at about 11:30, the telephone operator in a small Sierra-Nevada town received a call from a man asking the exact time. One day the operator summed up
nerve enough to ask him why the regularity.

"I'm foreman of the local sawmill," he explained. "Every day I have to blow the whistle at noon so I call you to get the exact time."

The operator giggled, "That's really funny," she said. "All this time we've been setting our clock by your whistle."

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BIBLE TRIVIA

AFTER SARAH DIED AT AGE 127...

... Abraham buried her in a cave in Hebron. Abraham bought the land from the local people, in a legal transaction. This is a record of one of the oldest ever recorded real estate transactions.

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

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Today, over 98% of my people have become Christian

Source: Mission Network News, December 15, 2008

Missions Catalyst News Briefs - January 7, 2009

The Deburman tribe has long been resistant to the gospel despite many evangelical efforts, according to Mawii Pudaite of Bibles for the World. The tribe consists of about 700,000 people [living in Tripura, northeastern India].

"Recently, two educated [Deburman] young men decided to become followers of Christ after reading the Word of God," says Pudaite. "They became so much in love with the Word of God that they kept on reading for two months nonstop."

After all of their copious reading, the two men [used] a public address system before the people in the area to spread the gospel. As a result, Pudaite says that scores of the Deburman believed, and 42 were baptized.

"When I think about my own tribe, the first converts were five young men," says Padaite. "Today, over 98 percent of my people have become Christian. We expect great things to happen among the Deburman people of Tripura."

Via: The Outreach Files: December 08. beautifulfeettaskforce.injesus.com

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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

VICTORY

A poetic version of my spiritual journey. I’ve started but am yet to complete! A challenge and goal for me and maybe you too!

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WAXING LYRICAL

Some people can inspire in the midst of terminal pain and suffering, My mate Basil was one of those.

BASIL

It comes to us all, once to die,
Our best to ignore it, we do try.
Don’t know how, nor when, nor where,
Until death, in the face, does us stare.

For most, the sands of time predictably flow,
Plenty of life, our ultimate destiny to know,
Three score years and ten, normally more,
The last few perhaps, may be a chore.

For some though, death comes as a shock,
A life snuffed out at the tick of a clock,
In the fiery inferno of a collapsing tower,
Or a car, ramming another at full power.

But our Basil was chosen for a different task,
A walk through sickness and pain was his ask.
God knew what an inspiration he would be,
And he surely was, both to you and to me.

Basil I have known for a good number of years,
A wise man, a prophet, somewhat given to tears,
A man well respected, both at church and at home,
Salt of the earth, with not too much hair to comb.

But it was only during this current year,
That Basil’s character became so clear,
Oh, what had I missed out on, in days now past,
In a busy life, where spending time, comes last.

Unless the house has been built on a firm foundation,
Trials and troubles easily lead to spiritual ruination.
But through his pain, the light of his Saviour did shine,
What I saw in his life, I would like to see in mine.

Of course, he did naturally ask the question,
“Why me Lord?” I did hear him mention.
Then his wry sense of humour would shine through,
As into perspective, his whole life came into view.

Basil has been an inspiration to us all,
Through his trials, he has walked tall,
The quiet man - thought he had little to offer,
In his ultimate test, came through to conquer.

Basil my mate, us you still inspire,
In that certain faith, we so desire.
I will miss you my friend, so Basil tears I now shed,
As I seek to follow the path, in which you have led.

David Tait: 4 October, 2001

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A DAVID MUSING

Over the weekend we heard that son Andrew, his wife Catriona and our 3 grandchildren are coming from Aberdeen, Scotland, where they live, to visit Kathy and I here in New Zealand, in April. Fantastic! We are thrilled. Aberdeen is literally at the 'other end of the earth' from NZ, a distance of 20,000 km.

In the midst of the doom and gloom of the world situation currently, it is all too easy to forget the huge advantages of living in this day and age. A trip that a century ago would have taken 3-6 months through rough sees in a small sailing ship can now be done in just over 24 hours of flying time. Incredible.

Our mothers have never met their great grandchildren. Andrew has not been back to NZ for 9 years. Catriona has only had one previous visit here. So it will be a time of celebration for us all - after they have recovered from the flights!

Just makes me ponder as to what our reunion with Jesus will be like? May we make ourselves ready for Him!

Until next week...

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: THAT QUEER SHAKE

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION': 9) C - Altar (Joshua 8:30)

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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 website
wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.

Walking With Jesus Ministries
7 Bull Street
Ahuriri
Napier
New Zealand

Phone: (06) 835 0567 International (+64) 6 835 0567

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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