SERMON ON THE MOUNT - THE KINGDOM WAY

Judging Others

7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.


EXPOSITION: In essence; we are to judge ourselves - but not others. If we do, the standard we use in judging them will be applied to us by the Father!

TESTIMONY: Sadly, in my Christian experience I have found this to be one of the least observed of all the instructions of Jesus. Christians are so often regarded, not without cause, as being harsh and self-righteous in the manner of the Pharisees that Jesus was specifically criticising in this passage.

It is not easy to take stands about, for example, abortion and homosexuality, without coming across as judgmental to those on the other side of the argument.

In more personal matters too, such as swearing and drinking, retaining personal standards without seeming to be putting down others can, at times, be a challenge.

All these areas are real, practical tests of the love and grace of Jesus in our lives.

However, to me, the greatest application of 'reverse judgment' will be applied to us in our treatment of our brothers and sisters in Christ. That is, in our attitude to other Christians. Sadly, 'judgmentality' between believers is one of satan's prime weapons in his battle to destroy the church! And we let him twist and turn the knife of division in our lives and in our church situations. "My theology is better than your theology!" "Our denomination has the truth!" "We will not mix with you for fear of contamination!" "We are (or are not) Spirit filled!" "We are Traditional....Evangelical..... Pentecostal.....etc. and have the truth!" And so on...... and so on..... and so on......

How sad God must be with the behaviour of His children! For when it comes to dealing with each other, we are indeed more often children than mature believers.

I understand how it happens. The more passionate we become about what we believe, (which is a good thing in many ways) the less tolerant we can so easily become of those whose views are different to our own. So divisions grow. This is particularly true in pentecostal circles where, the '(unholy) spirit' seems to divide and splinter the people rather than bringing us into the promised unity of the Holy Spirit.

Why is this? Passion for Jesus is not enough! For passion must be harnessed with obedience to the will of the Father for our lives, in order to bring unity and maturity to the body of Christ.

Of course, each and every one of us needs to be corrected. But this needs to be done in the love and grace of God rather than the criticism and judgment of our human nature.

Many years ago, early on in my public ministry, I was given an 'ear bashing' after a meeting in which the Holy Spirit turned up. It sent me into depression and stopped me doing public ministry for several years. Of course, the Lord uses these situations to teach and develop us also. But had this situation been handled with love and grace instead of anger, Kathy and my lives may well have taken a different course.

The effects of judgment and ungodly criticism do affect each one of us.

As we will see in 2 weeks time, these words of Jesus sum up the situation very well.

31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)

Next time we are about to think or open our mouths in judgment upon someone else, may we remember and apply these words of the man who gave His all for us on that 'awe-full' cross upon Calvary's hill.

Also, on the other hand, by judging ourselves we avoid God's judgment upon us!

31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. (1 Corinthians 11:21)

Worth thinking about? And acting upon!

(To be continued next week.)

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FROM THE WORD

"For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions." (1 Corinthians 11:23-34)

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:7-12)

"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:26-31)

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

THE FEAR OF THE LORD

1277. Without the fear of the Lord, youth is fearless and old age fearful.

1278. Earthly fear breeds rejection on earth, Godly fear confirms acceptance in heaven.

1279. Earthly fear results in a negative reaction while the fear of God leads to positive action.

1280. Without holy fear, surely God cannot be God?

1281. Genuine 'fear of the Lord' breeds confidence, not calamity.

1282. Fear of man leads to control by others, while self-control is the fruit of 'fear of the Lord'.

1283. 'Human fear' dominates and destroys while 'fear of God' develops character.

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CRANWELL'S CARTOON

18 While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. 20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” 22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that moment. 23 When Jesus entered the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, 24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region. (Matthew 9:18-26)




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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

THIS WEEK: TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH: 3. FROM KINGS TO KINGDOM continues...

... with a look at the relationship between God and the church.

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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." ***

74. SHORT SERMONS
1. Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to get into their pews or their favorite church parking spot.

2. Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.

3. It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

4. We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers.

5. When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.

6. People are funny. They want the front of the bus, middle of the road, and the back of the church.

7. Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your door for years.

8. Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

9. The phrase that is guaranteed to wake up an audience: "And in conclusion."

10. If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

11. To make a long story short, don't tell it.

12. Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

13. I don't know why some people change churches. What difference does it make which one you stay home from?

14. A lot of church members are singing "Standing on the Promises" while they are just sitting on the premises.

--Selected from Pastor Tim's Illustrations List - http://www.cybersalt.org

73. HONEST HYMNS
The way we might sing some well-known hymns if we were being honest!

- I Surrender - Some
- There Shall Be Sprinkles of Blessings
- Fill My Spoon, Lord
- Oh, How I Like Jesus
- He's Quite a Bit to Me

- I Love to Talk About Telling the Story
- Take My Life and Let Me Be
- It Is My Secret What God Can Do
- There Is Scattered Cloudiness in My Soul Today
- Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following

- Just As I Pretend to Be
- When the Saints Go Sneaking In
- Sit Up, Sit Up for Jesus
- A Comfy Mattress Is Our God
- Self-Esteem to the World, The Lord Is Come

- Oh, for a Couple of Tongues to Sing
- Amazing Grace, How Interesting the Sound
- Go Tell It on the Speed Bump
- Lord, Keep Us Loosely Connected to Your Word
- Praise God From Whom All Affirmations Flow

- My Hope Is Built on Nothing Much
- O, God, Our Enabler in Ages Past
- I Lay My Inappropriate Behavior on Jesus
- Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
- All Hail the Influence of Jesus' Name!

- When Peace, Like a Trickle
- We Give Thee but Still Think We Own
- What an Acquaintance We Have in Jesus
- My Faith Looks Around for Thee
- Joyful, Joyful We Think Thee Pretty Good

- Above Average Is Thy Faithfulness
- We Are Milling Around in the Light of God
- Spirit of the Living God, Fall Somewhere Near Me
- Blest Be the Tie that Doesn't Cramp My Style
- Sweet Moments of Prayer

--Selected from Pastor Tim's Illustrations List.

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Is it true that it takes more muscles to frown
than it does to smile?

ANSWER: Yes. Seventeen muscles to smile and 43 to frown is an oftrepeated
figure, especially all over the Internet (and, yes, at universityrelated
sites too) as well as in the popular press. But it's nowhere to be
found in any text devoted to anatomy (especially of the head), surgery
(esp. maxillofacial or reconstructive), neurology, or the analysis of human
facial expressions.

In fact, Paul Ekman -- an authority on human facial expression tells me
that he has no idea where this notion originated. It takes as few as two
muscles to produce a universally recognisable smile and as few as three
to produce a frown. There is simply no confirmation of the saying ‘it takes
17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown’ in any medical text. (‘Two smile or
not three frown!’ With apologies to the Bard.)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Why do scientists describe cancer cells as
‘immortal’?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

352. LOOKING BEHIND
The praying mantis is the only insect that can turn its head! (Maybe that’s why it prays. Because it can see more than others!)

353. TO THE LEFT
Bats always turn left when exiting a cave. (That’s right!)

354. NO DISHES
A company in Taiwan makes dinnerware out of wheat, so you can eat your plate! (But only once!)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

CONDUITS

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 - WATER WATER EVERYWHERE!

13) Paul was shipwrecked, only to be bitten by this animal:

A - A viper
B - A lion
C - A scorpion
D - A wasp

Source: www.biblequizzes.com

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

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

!!!!!!! All people smile in the same language.

!!!!!! A hug is a great gift, one size fits all. It can be given for any occasion and it's easy to exchange.

!!!!! Everyone needs to be loved, especially when they do not deserve it.

!!!! The real measure of a man's wealth is what he has invested in eternity.

!!! Laughter is liquid sunshine.

!! Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it.

! It's important for parents to live the same things they teach.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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'TIL DEATH DO US PART!

81. CELL PHONE
A young man, wanted to get his beautiful young wife something nice for their first wedding anniversary. So, he decides to buy her a cell phone. She is all excited and she loves her phone. He shows her and explains to her all the features on the phone.
The next day she goes shopping. Her phone rings and it's her husband. "Hi hon," he says, "How do you like your new phone?"

"I just love it, it's so small and your voice is clear as a bell. But there's one thing I don't understand. How did you know I was at the beauty parlour?"

82. PREGNANCY CALL
A man spoke frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!" "Is this her first child?" the doctor asked. "No!" the man shouted, "This is her husband!"

83. EXCUSE NOTES
1. My son is under a doctor's care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.
2. Please excuse Lisa for being absent. She was sick and I had her shot.
3. Dear School: Please excuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33.
4. Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.
5. Megan could not come to school today because she has been bothered by very close veins.
6. Chris will not be in school cus he has an acre in his side.
7. Please excuse Ray Friday from school. He has very loose vowels.

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BIBLE TRIVIA

MORE THAN 200 BIBLICAL DOCUMENTS

.... have been found amongst the Dead Seas Scrolls. Some are almost complete and have been written in both Hebrew and Aramaic. (A Syrian language closely related to Hebrew and the language spoken by Jesus) They contain at least a portion of every book of the Hebrew Bible except the Book of Esther.

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

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Jewish Reporter Moved By Genuine Christian Fellowship

Australian Prayer Network, Intercessors Network

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - In an article in the Jerusalem Post, journalist Michael Freund exhorts the Jewish community to embrace Christians as true friends. Freund prefaces his article by recalling his reception at Reverend Pat Robertson's CBN station in Virginia Beach a week earlier. Said Freund: "I was moved by the level of heartfelt support for the Jewish state among the staff members. Nearly everyone had been to Israel numerous times, and they described in great detail, and with genuine passion, their profound love for the country and its people."

"Anchorwoman Wendy Griffith did something I never seen a journalist do before. She folded her hands together, bowed her head and offered this prayer: 'Bless Your people Israel and keep them safe." Asks Freund: "Where else can one find such a deeply-rooted love and concern for God's chosen people? The fact that many Christians support Israel is not new, but based on this and previous encounters I have had with Christians, I am more convinced than ever that the Jewish state needs to undertake a coordinated effort to nurture and broaden this special relationship."

"Rather than focusing solely on the solicitation of Christians' dollars," he concludes, "Israel should seek to cement their devotion by more actively reaching out and courting their support, prayers and cooperation. With so many challenges facing the Jewish state, it is time we recognised a clear and cogent fact: There are large numbers of Christians around the world ready and willing to stand with us. And, I might add, thank God for that."

via OpenHeaven.com

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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

A REVELATION OF……. GIVING TO GOD

In Christianity, we hear an awful lot about what God has done for us, but much less of what He desires from us in return!

There is a saying that 'salvation is a free gift, but discipleship costs us everything!' For as Jesus sacrificed His life for us on Calvary's grim hill, so we, in turn, are to model Him, and sacrifice our life for God and for others.

In this study we are going to look at the ways in which we are to offer God the sacrifices He so much desires from us - Praise and Worship, Prayer and Fasting and Tithes and Gifts.

My God sacrificed His son Jesus, for me! Surely, the first thing I can do for Him is to offer back the sacrifices He desires of me. Is that too much to ask?

In theory we would probably agree, but the practice of our lives often tends to fall short of our good intentions!

I trust that this study will encourage you, as it has me, to give back to God what He desires of each one of us.

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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.

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A DAVID MUSING

This week I will be, in line with my true nature, a man of few words!

Have been working really hard, so am writing this on Saturday afternoon, in the hope that I might get things finished to have a day of rest tomorrow, Sunday, before heading into another hard out week next week. One culminating in the opening of a new Seekers Megamart shop next Saturday, in the city of Palmerston North. Come along to 21-3 Fitzherbert Avenue and visit us, if you live in the area.

It is necessary for us to take a break when working hard. The Old Testament principle of 1 day in 7 is still a good one, even today.

Must run and write this week's Tuesday Teaching now - so that my words and actions will agree!

Until next week...

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: DISCOUNT

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 13) A - A viper (Acts 28:3)

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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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