SERMON ON THE MOUNT - THE KINGDOM WAY

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)

EXPOSITION
Salt: Salt was required in the sacrifices of the Old Testament. We are therefore to sacrifice ourselves in spreading the 'flavour' of the salt of The Word to the world. We are to live as salt, adding flavour to the community. If we, as Christians do not reflect godly behaviour in our lives, we are rejected by God and to be rejected by the church. Tough words these!

Light: Similarly, we are to be beacons of light to the world, by our actions reflecting the pure light of Jesus in the darkness, which is the world of sin.

TESTIMONY

There is a seeming contradiction between separation from the world and being salt and light in it.

I guess this is something I have struggled with over the years. Wanting to become more like Jesus seems to be easier to attain to if you largely withdraw from the temptations of the world. Many of us have developed a siege mentality in our churches, effectively locking ourselves away in the security of church surroundings and walls in order to avoid the world.

I have been down this path too but have come to realise, particularly in more recent times that we need to be out in the world in order for our light to shine and our salt to add flavour.

This is tough, but it is the 'kingdom way'.

Kingdom living must be reflected through our behaviour in our homes, our schools, our workplaces, indeed in all the areas of activity of our life.

For seven years I was involved in full time ministry. This was mostly great. I was a Christian taking a message primarily to other Christians. I thought this was the highest and permanent calling for me for the rest of my life.

Then the Lord took me back into business with Seekers. "Lord, is this You? was my cry?"

Over the past 2 years I have come to understand more of how the Lord desires us to be salt and light in the community.

In the business we have both believers and non-believers on our staff. My life, both good and bad, witnesses to them. I just trust that the good outweighs the bad, that my light isn't switched off too often! Then we have the customers to whom we are offering a social service, providing good used clothing at affordable prices. Finally, we there are the people in Africa whom we are endeavoring to help through aid projects.

Of course, the internet ministry, if not the travel, has continued alongside this.

This is the real world, where real people live, and where we can most effectively be salt and light.

Inevitably this means we will also expose our weaknesses, those areas where we have not yet been fully refined in the fire. I know only too well!

If we are to be effective in building the kingdom now, being salt and light cannot be limited to hours on Sunday but must be reflected in our actions all week.

May the Lord help us all as we seek to live for Him.

(To be continued next week.)

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FROM THE WORD

THE GRAIN OFFERING

"”‘When someone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering is to be of fine flour. He is to pour oil on it, put incense on it and take it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the fine flour and oil, together with all the incense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made to the LORD by fire. “‘If you bring a grain offering baked in an oven, it is to consist of fine flour: cakes made without yeast and mixed with oil, or wafers made without yeast and spread with oil. If your grain offering is prepared on a griddle, it is to be made of fine flour mixed with oil, and without yeast. Crumble it and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering. If your grain offering is cooked in a pan, it is to be made of fine flour and oil. Bring the grain offering made of these things to the LORD; present it to the priest, who shall take it to the altar. He shall take out the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made to the LORD by fire. “‘Every grain offering you bring to the LORD must be made without yeast, for you are not to burn any yeast or honey in an offering made to the LORD by fire. You may bring them to the LORD as an offering of the firstfruits, but they are not to be offered on the altar as a pleasing aroma. Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings. “‘If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD, offer crushed heads of new grain roasted in the fire. Put oil and incense on it; it is a grain offering. The priest shall burn the memorial portion of the crushed grain and the oil, together with all the incense, as an offering made to the LORD by fire." (Leviticus 2:1:16)

MINISTERS OF THE NEW COVENANT

"Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-by to them and went on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:12-17)

SHINING AS STARS


"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2:12-18)

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

DARKNESS AND LIGHT

408. The only way to turn off darkness is to switch on the light.

409. The laws of both Nature and the Spirit reveal that light will always penetrate darkness.

410. Most people try to switch off darkness when in reality, they need to turn on the light.

411. There is nowhere so dark that it cannot be penetrated by light.

412. So often we don't appreciate the true value of light until we find ourselves in darkness.

413. Light doesn't shine brightly through a dirty window.

414. We must pull back the curtains to let light shine into the room of our life.

415. Light and darkness cannot co-exist. The one will always mingle with the other.

416. There must always be a barrier to separate light and darkness.

417. There are only two ways to turn light into darkness - building walls to exclude the light, or turning the light off at its source. The second is by far the easiest.

1276. For the darker the darkness, the brighter the light will be seen that shines within it.

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CRANWELL'S CARTOON

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Genesis 2:1-3)














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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

NEXT WEEK: TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 2. THE POWER OF PERSECUTION concludes.

We will see how persecution strengthens our belief and what is likely to happen in the time ahead in this regard.

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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." ***

39. HEAVENLY REWARD?
This 85-year-old couple, having been married almost 60 years, died in a car crash. They had been in good health the last 10 years, mainly due to her interest in health food and exercise.

When they reached the pearly gates, St. Peter took them to their mansion, which was decked out with a beautiful kitchen, master bath suite and Jacuzzi.

As they oohed and aahed, the old man asked Peter how much all this was going to cost. "It's free," Peter replied. "This is Heaven."

Next they went out back to survey the championship golf course in the backyard. They would have golfing privileges every day, and each week the course would change to a new one, representing the great golf courses on Earth.

The old man asked, "What are the greens fees?"

Peter's reply, "This is Heaven -- you play for free."

Next they went to the clubhouse and saw the lavish buffet lunch with the cuisine of the world laid out.

"How much to eat?" asked the old man.

"Don't you understand yet? This is Heaven, it's FREE!" Peter replied with some exasperation.

"Well, where are the low-fat and low-cholesterol tables?" the old man asked timidly.

Peter lectured, "That's the best part -- you can eat as much as you like of whatever you like and you never get fat and you never get sick. This is Heaven."

With that the old man went into a fit of anger, throwing down his hat and stomping on it, and shrieking wildly.

Peter and his wife both tried to calm him down, asking him what was wrong. The old man looked at his wife and said, "This is all your fault. If it weren't for your blasted bran muffins, I could have been here 10 years ago!"

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: How did trivia (such as this), get its name?

ANSWER: It is a merging of the Latin words 'tri' (three) and 'via' (road).
To educate the public, news and information was posted on boards at
crossroads (where three roads met) and so the word 'trivialis' was applied
to the snippets of un-related information. The word trivial is derived from
this ‘Trivia' as a word on its own dates to about 1920(.T rivial by name,
triffling by nature!)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: From where does the saying ‘Hobson's Choice’
originate?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

394. 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.)

395. JUST IN CASE
In 18th century English gambling dens, there was an employee whose sole job was to swallow the dice if there was a police raid. (A dicey job!)

396. DIVERSITY
Over 150 ethnic groups exist in Cameroon. (All united through the national game of football!)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

HURTLE

Answer at the end of A David Musing

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BIBLE QUESTION - HILLS AND MOUNTAINS

19) What Mount is a Sabbath day's journey from Jerusalem?

A - Mount Zion
B - Mount Moriah
C - Mount of Olives
D - Mount Horeb

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.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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EXTENSIVE EXPLANATIONS

1. BUSINESS FAILURES
Did you hear about the……

*Paper company that folded?
*Brake company on the skids?
*Bra manufacturers that went bust?
*Surgeon forced to take a salary cut?
*Cigarette company that went up in smoke?
*Baker who was short of dough?
*Refrigerator manufacturer with frozen assets?
*Corset firm that felt the squeeze?
*Upholsterers that couldn’t cover their costs?
*Adhesive tape company in a sticky situation?
*Tennis ball manufacturer who ended up in court?
*Downfall of the bungee suppliers?
*Train company that went off the rails?
*Ship builders that sunk?
*Dental practice rotten to its roots?
*Concrete manufacturer whose liquidity set solid?
*Nurseryman who got planted?
*Lawyer who contracted?
*Accountant who was unbalanced?

3. CLASSIC CLASSIFIEDS
(Actual excerpts from classified sections of city newspapers)

Illiterate? Write today for free help.

Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again.

Tired of cleaning yourself? Let me do it.

Our experienced Mom will care for your child. Fenced yard, meals, and smacks included.

Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children.

Man wanted to work in dynamite factory. Must be willing to travel.

Stock up and save. Limit: one.

Semi-Annual after-Christmas Sale.

3-year old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.

Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating.

Girl wanted to assist magician in cutting-off-head illusion. Blue Cross and salary.

Dinner Special -- Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00

For sale: antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.

Now is your chance to have your ears pierced and get an extra pair to take home too.

We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand.

For sale. Three canaries of undermined sex. Great Dames for sale.

Have several very old dresses from grandmother in beautiful condition.

Vacation Special: have your home exterminated. Get rid of aunts.
Zap does the job in 24 hours.

Toaster: A gift that every member of the family appreciates.
Automatically burns toast.

For Rent: 6-room hated apartment. Man, honest. Will take anything.

Used Cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated. Come here first.

Christmas tag-sale. Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person.

Wanted: Hair cutter. Excellent growth potential.

Wanted. Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.

Our bikinis are exciting. They are simply the tops.

Wanted. Widower with school age children requires person to assume general housekeeping duties. Must be capable of contributing to growth of family.

And now, the Superstore-unequalled in size, unmatched in variety, unrivalled inconvenience.

We will oil your sewing machine and adjust tension in your home.

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BIBLE TRIVIA

Aaron was Moses older brother.

A good speaker, (Moses wasn't) he was sent by God to help Moses to ask Pharoah to let the Israelites go. He was appointed as the first High Priest of Israel. He and Moses led the exile from Egypt.

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

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Young Christians Take on European Missions

by Peter Wooding, CBN News

OLDENBURG, GERMANY - European society has been called post-modern and post-Christian. Some even say it's the new dark continent.

Recently more than 3,000 young people from 40 European nations met in Germany to explore ways to bring new life to the continent.

Mission-Net Congress director Andy Juliff says after more than two years of preparation for this event he's extremely encouraged by the response of these young European Christians to take up the challenge of reaching people for Christ.

But the challenges still remain particularly in reaching out to the Muslim population of Europe.

One of the main speakers to highlight this issue was Dutchman Brother Andrew, best known as God's smuggler and founder of Open Doors which regularly travels throughout the Middle East reaching out to the Islam community.

Another prominent speaker at the Mission-Net Congress 2009 was Founder of Operation Mobilisation, George Verwer, and he also acknowledged the current challenges for missions work in western Europe.

A native Slovenian and citizen of Croatia, Peter Kuzmic is a professor of world missions and European studies at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and he believes the future of Europe's church lies with the next generation of young believers.

And these young missionaries certainly believe that hope could become a reality judging by the response of those attending the Congress.

So despite the challenges of living in this post-Christian society the young European believers leave this Congress better equipped to carry on the work of fulfilling the Great Commission.

Source: CBNnews.com

© 2009 The Christian Broadcasting Network

via openheaven.com

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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

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Quoting 1 John 2:1-6, six of the most thought provoking and important verses in scripture for walking with Jesus today. A4 size.

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WAXING LYRICAL

God can talk to us when we are relaxing too. Some of my best inspirations and times
with God come when I am relaxing in the spa pool. Great excuse to stay in!

DRIPS AND DROPS

Relaxing in the spa, after my workout,
Pondering awhile, what life is all about,
When a drip of rain, upon me, it did fall,
These musings to my mind, it did recall!
A drip of inspiration for me!

After a shower, I ran to my office downstairs,
Recording my thoughts – yes, somebody cares,
Then upstairs again, to help the wife,
Always good, to keep out of strife!
Going back down on my computer to type,
Now getting caught up with all the hype,
Punching out the words I have been given
Before I forget them - with joy I am driven.
And so this poem begins to flow,
Full of good cheer, with me aglow.
The keyboard is now being punched so fast,
Sweat on my forehead, it breaks out at last.
A drip of perspiration for me!

But as so often is the case,
When the words I do chase,
They decide to run away,
No longer know what to say.
Sitting staring at the screen,
With frustration I do scream!
A teardrop falls from my eye,
No one’s here, on me to spy!
A drip of desperation for me!

"Do you want my help?" says a voice inside,
"Now I have your attention, you cannot hide!"
"Yes Holy Spirit, you sure have it indeed,
Need you – please bring me up to speed!"

"David, there’s a difference between a drip and a drop,
You need to learn it, if your education’s not to stop,
I’ll show you some disciples, from the Bible my son,
How they learned their lessons, a real good job done!"
A drip of revelation for me!

"The Apostle John on the Island of Patmos,
Sat on a hard rock, there at a bit of a loss,
Cried out to me in frenetic frustration,
Gave him there, his greatest inspiration.
For a drop of ‘Revelation’ he was given.

The Apostle Paul on the other hand,
In dedication, he travelled the land,
Much perspiration was his thing,
Salvation messages he did bring,
To the peoples of the known world,
The banner of God indeed unfurled.
He was rewarded in a special way,
Allowed to visit heaven, just for a day.
For a drop of ‘Visitation’ he was given!"

Jesus himself is the ultimate example
Whose experience, all need to sample.
Set out in life to do his Father’s word,
Doing all of it, that is, not just a third.
He came to earth, to give up his life,
Living for his Father, without a wife.
So many drops of blood he did perspire,
Fulfilling God’s purpose, his only desire.
Finally to die on a godforsaken cross,
Separated from above, the ultimate loss.
After three days, in rising from the grave
With rejoicing, eternal life to us he gave.
Already three have seen glimpses of this heavenly glory,
Followers of the cross, this has become our eternal story.
For a drop of ‘Transfiguration’ they were given!

Mulling over what the Spirit has said,
Of the glory of Jesus, alive and dead.
Realising a drip I’d been, for far too long,
Ignoring his drops of blood, oh so strong.
No longer can deny what he’s done for me,
In giving himself, there upon that tree.

Now the innumerable drips of tears, sweat and rain, so often experienced in this land,
Can become drops of inspiration, revelation and visitation, when placed in his hand.

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A DAVID MUSING

What a great week Kathy and I have had having our 'Scottish family' visiting with us!

To catch up with Andrew and Catriona and spend time with our 3 'very lovely' (of course it's all in the inheritance!) grandchildren has been a real joy for us. The next two weeks will disappear all too fast!

It is at times like this that one understands how important and wonderful family is. Blood is certainly thicker than water!

And of course, the blood of Jesus, the incredible sacrifice He made so that we could become blood bothers and sisters in His family, is really amazing!

We will have the activities and the photos such as this one of our family as memories until we meet again.

With Jesus, we have the 'word pictures' of The Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit as our relationship builders with Him. Amazing how the spiritual parallels the natural.

Must run and enjoy the family while they are here! Photo next week!

Until next week...

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: LUTHER

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: C - Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12)

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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!

For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
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