MUSINGS ON THE KINGDOM - PAST, FUTURE AND PRESENT

KINGDOM PRESENT - THE KINGDOM PARABLES

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 9 ”‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Matthew 25:1-13)

This parable, unlike most of the others we have looked at, is about 'kingdom future' rather than 'kingdom now'. It looks at the return of Jesus.

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) 9 Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:6-9)

The 'virgins' represent Christians. Not literally, of course, as 4 sons attest in my case. Definitely not immaculate conceptions! But beyond the joking.....

The heart of the parable concerns the lamps and the oil. What do they represent? There is considerable discussion, and often confusion, about this. For people with varying theologies, approach the parable in different ways.

As I have been pondering this, wondering how to present it, the Lord has given me some revelation that I would now like to share with you. It is always much easier to write when this happens!

The lamps and oil can be looked at from three perspectives.

Firstly, from the perspective of Jesus. In the church there are both true and false believers. This can be regarded as those with and without oil in their lamps. The true will be saved by the blood of Jesus, the false banished from the wedding feast, from being with Jesus in heaven.

28 ”‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 ”‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” (Matthew 13:28-30)

Those adhering to traditional and evangelical church traditions will readily grasp this understanding.

Secondly, from the perspective of the Holy Spirit. Oil is associated with the Holy Spirit. Right from Old Testament times, in the first worship centre, the Tabernacle of Moses, oil was used to light the 7 lighted lampstand, or menorah (pictured), in the Holy Place, the realm of the Holy Spirit. For more detail, check out A REVELATION OF....... THE AMAZING TABERNACLE OF MOSES

The Holy Spirit is not only about spiritual gifts, but He also is our guide, teacher and friend in daily living.

26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)

Thus, those that are full of the Holy Spirit (ie. have the oil of the Holy Spirit in their lamps) will remain awake for the return of Jesus, whereas those that don't, won't.

This interpretation is understood most readily by those of pentecostal and charismatic persuasions.

Finally we need to consider the parable from the perspective of the Father. You see, along with the Holy Spirit, comes a whole different viewpoint, one of obedience to the Fathers will.

15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:15-17)

While comprehended and lived by some individual believers through the ages, this principle is not understood or accepted by most of the church today. This revelation is for the 'kingdom church', not a congregation meeting in a building, but a living vibrant, amorphous group of disciples, fully sold out to becoming the light of Jesus in the world.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. (Ephesians 4:8-13)

Burning the Holy Spirit oil, of obedience to the Father's will, in our lamps, creates the light of Jesus in our life.

The parable concludes with the warning not to let our 'life light' of Jesus go out, for no-one knows the hour and day of His return.

How is the oil supply in your lamp today?

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FROM THE WORD

Hallelujah!

"After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:
“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” 3 And again they shouted:
“Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.” 4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!” 5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!” 6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) 9 Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” 10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”" (Revelation 19:1-10)

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

"“If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. “Come now; let us leave." (John 14:15-31)

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:1-21)

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

THE FOOLISH, THE WISE AND THE GODLY (Kingdom Thoughts)

1. The foolish know their strengths, the wise acknowledge their weaknesses and make allowances for them, while the godly seek to overcome them.

2. The foolish need wisdom, the wise godliness, the godly the character of Christ.

3. The foolish deny God; the wise acknowledge Him, while the godly experience their God.

4. The foolish seek pleasure on earth. The wise build treasure in heaven. But the godly seek to build heaven on earth.

5. Earthly possessions are perceived to be:
- Owned - by the foolish.
- Rented - by the wise.
- Administered - by the godly.

6. Our true heart is found in our wallet:
- The foolish spend all on themselves.
- The wise tithe 10% to the provider.
- The godly use all they have been given on the provider’s behalf.

7. The foolish reject God, the wise respect God, while the godly live for their God.

8. The foolish speak before they think, the wise think before they speak, while the godly let their lives speak for them.

9. The foolish are satisfied with reading the Word, the wise follow the Word, while the godly are as one with the Word.

13. Unity of fellowship is spurned by the foolish, acknowledged by the wise, but sought by the godly.

14. Foolishness is effortless, wisdom a gift, but godliness requires submission.

15. Satan loves the foolish, attacks the wise, but fears the godly.

18. The foolish heart seeks only God’s blessings, the wise heart seeks to bless others, while the godly heart first blesses God.

175. The foolish keep all they have for themselves. The wise gives expecting the blessing to be returned. But the godly gives simply to bless God.

205. Foolishness is of the flesh, wisdom of the mind, but godliness comes from a heart right with God.

206. The foolish that go astray remain foolish, the wise become foolish, while the godly seek God's forgiveness.

305. The foolish can seek wisdom, the wise godliness, while the godly grow into the image of Christ.

306. The foolish rest content in hope, the wise find faith, while the godly unreservedly love both God and others.

427. The foolish seek nothing, the wise, 'to do', while the godly desire 'to be'.

484. The foolish lust after instant pleasure, the wise seeks knowledge, while the godly yearn for God's truth.

485. Laziness begets foolishness, knowledge wisdom, but the truth, godliness.

870. The foolish one looks inwards, the wise outwards, but the godly, upwards.

1273. The foolish give seeking earthly return, the wise, to build up treasures in heaven, while the godly give their all out of love for God, with no need of reward.

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CRANWELL'S CARTOON

20 In still another battle, which took place at Gath, there was a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He also was descended from Rapha. 21 When he taunted Israel, Jonathan son of Shimeah, David’s brother, killed him.






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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF... THE THREE PRIESTHOODS concludes.....

..... as we look at the principle of the priesthood of all believers.

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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." ***

216. LETTERS TO THE PASTOR
Dear Pastor, I know God loves everybody but He never met my sister.
Yours sincerely, Arnold, Age 8, Nashville.

Dear Pastor, Please say in your sermon that Peter Peterson has been a good boy all week. I am Peter Peterson.
Sincerely, Pete, Age 9, Phoenix.

Dear Pastor, My father should be a minister. Every day he gives us a sermon about something.
Robert Anderson, Age 11, Miami.

Dear Pastor, I'm sorry I can't leave more money in the plate, but my father didn't give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a sermon about a raise in my allowance?
Love, Patty, Age 10, New Haven.

Dear Pastor, My mother is very religious. She goes to play bingo at church every week even if she has a cold.
Yours truly, Annette, Age 9, Albany.

Dear Pastor, I would like to go to heaven someday because I know my brother won't be there.
Stephen, Age 8, Chicago.

Dear Pastor, I think a lot more people would come to your church if you moved it to Disneyland.
Loreen, Age 9, Tacoma.

Dear Pastor, I liked your sermon where you said that good health is more important than money but I still want a raise in my allowance.
Sincerely, Eleanor, Age 12, Sarasota.

Dear Pastor, Please pray for all the airline pilots. I am flying to California tomorrow.
Laurie, Age 10, New York City.

Dear Pastor, I hope to go to heaven some day but later than sooner.
Love, Ellen, Age 9, Athens.

Dear Pastor, Please say a prayer for our Little League team. We need God's help or a new pitcher.
Thank you, Alexander, Age 10, Raleigh.

Dear Pastor, My father says I should learn the Ten Commandments. But I don't think I want to because we have enough rules already in my house.
Joshua, Age 10, South Pasadena.

Dear Pastor, Who does God pray to? Is there a God for God?
Sincerely, Christopher, Age 9, Titusville.

Dear Pastor, Are there any devils on earth? I think there may be one in my class.
Carla, Age 10, Salina.

Dear Pastor, I liked your sermon on Sunday. Especially when it was finished.
Ralph, Age 11, Akron.

Dear Pastor, How does God know the good people from the bad people? Do you tell Him or does He read about it in the newspapers?
Sincerely, Marie, Age 9, Lewiston.

214. JOYFUL RESPONSE
A Sunday School teacher wanted to elicit the word HALLELUJAH from her class so asked,
"What is it people shout out with joy in our church?"

A bright young thing yelled out "BINGO!!!!!"

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Do penguins live at the North Pole?

ANSWER: Afraid not. All penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere. The Galapagos penguin is the only penguin that sometimes may stray slightly north of the equator. You'll find them all in the Antarctic, but not the Arctic. (Easier to swim down than up?)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Does your skin shrink in water?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

199. MICHAEL-COLA
In March, 1986, pop star Michael Jackson received the biggest commercial sponsorship deal in history up to that time from Pepsi-Cola. He was paid $15 million to appear in two TV commercials, and Pepsi also agreed to sponsor his first solo tour. Also, a 1984 Pepsi sponsorship of $7 million was split among the other Jackson brothers. (Would they now?)

200. A WOMAN'S SECRET
In the late 1700s, aristocratic women secretly hid small portions of tissue to be used as toilet paper in a fan. This fan was referred to as "Madame’s Double Utility Fan," and its handle contained a compartment that held about 150 sheets of bath tissue, cut to conform to the fan’s shape. (Did the Boy Scouts get their motto, ‘Be Prepared’ from these ladies?)

201. ALMOST HUMAN?
The chameleon has a tongue 1.5 times the length of its body! (See the book of James 3:5-6 in the Bible.)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

TOENAIL

Answer at the end of A David Musing

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BIBLE QUESTION - WHERE IS THE QUOTATION FROM?

5) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one

A - Deuteronomy 6:4
B - 1 Timothy 2:8
C - Jeremiah 13:12
D - Genesis 13:14

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

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

!!!!!!! Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you don't have a leg to stand on.

!!!!!! When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

!!!!! Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.

!!!! You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

!!! Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.

!! We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colours but they all have to learn to live in the same box.

! A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

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LIFE'S A LAUGH!

3. TASTY NEWS TRAVELS FAST
Returning from a trip to visit my grandmother in Canada, I was stopped by a state trooper in New York for exceeding the speed limit.

Grateful to have received a warning instead of a ticket, I gave him a small bag of my grandmother's delicious chocolate-chip cookies and proceeded on my way.

A short time later, I was stopped by another trooper.

"What have I done?" I asked.

"Nothing," the trooper said, smiling. “I just heard you had some really great cookies.”

4. GUMMED UP
Aboard a flight from L.A. to New York, Grandma Esther was taking her very first flight.

They had only been aloft a few minutes when the elderly lady complained to the stewardess that her ears were popping.

The girl smiled and gave the older woman some chewing gum, assuring her that many people experienced the same discomfort.

When they landed in New York, Grandma thanked the stewardess.

"The chewing gum worked fine," she said, "but tell me, how do I get it out of my ears?"

5. A NATURAL POSE
It was graduation day and Mom was trying to take a picture of their son in a cap and gown, posed with his father.

"Let's try to make this look natural," she said. "Junior, put your arm around your dad's shoulder."

The father answered, "If you want it to look natural, why not have him put his hand on my wallet?"

6. FOOT COVER RULES
Visiting our son during his freshman year, we were shocked by the mess in his room: clothes, books, and rubbish lay everywhere.

Later, over dinner, we tried to touch on the informal versus formal dress codes that life after college might require. Our son, however, shared his own firmly held dress code guidelines:

1. Informal: socks not required
2. Semiformal: two socks required
3. Formal: both socks must match

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BIBLE TRIVIA (Manners and Customs - Clothing and Accessories)

BALDNESS DISQUALIFIED A MAN FROM THE PRIESTHOOD...

... as is seen in Leviticus 21:5. Nor were priests allowed to shave their heads or rip their clothes, even mourn a mother or fathers death. (Leviticus 21:10-11)

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

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Scripture in heart languages is causing revival wherever it's heard

International (MNN) In response to hearing God's Word in their own language for the first time, millions of people are coming to Christ around the world.

Faith Comes By Hearing is making this possible by recording dramatized New Testaments on Proclaimers--digital and solar devices that make audio Scripture easily accessible to anyone, no matter how remote their village is.

Morgan Jackson, president of Faith Comes By Hearing, describes the reactions of people as the FCBH teams enter villages and share Christ for the first time: "People who have never heard God's Word in their own language are in shock when they hear it for the first time. They gather the whole community. You push the button [on the Proclaimer], and it's like ... all sound disappears."

After they have listened for a few moments, there are generally two reactions to what they hear. Besides shock, others break into tears as they hear the Words of Christ in their own language because they were convinced that God had forgotten about them or refused to speak their language.

Once the initial shock wears off, many receive Christ or are filled with questions which may eventually lead them to faith. Regardless of whether it's immediate or delayed, millions are accepting the Gospel.

In India specifically, one church-planter has seen his ministry expand from 19 villages, 11 churches, and 1500 listeners to 24 villages, 15 churches, and 1900 listeners in just one year.

So far, FCBH has recorded New Testaments in 460 languages, and translators start a new language about every two days. Also, they have around 500,000 listening groups worldwide, which offer discussions and discipleship for new believers and interested seekers.

However, FCBH does not want to stop there. "Our long-term objective by 2016 is to record every language that has a New Testament translation and to start two million Faith Comes By Hearing listening groups," said Jackson.

The number of languages with current New Testament translations is about 2,000, so Faith Comes By Hearing has a long road ahead.

FCBH and partner ministry Wycliffe Bible Translators continue cautiously, yet not discouraged. And you can help. It takes just $157 to reach a whole community with the hope of Christ in their native language, or $1.57 for one person.

Help today by visiting faithcomesbyhearing.com

Source: Mission Network News

via OpenHeaven.com

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DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

REVELATION’S REVELATION

” To him who overcomes” An exciting illumination of the promise made to those who are prepared to give their “all” to Christ.

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WAXING LYRICAL

So often we 'live for the day' but the reality is, we don't know how many more days we will have to live! What will be our eternal future of endless days!

PLANNING AHEAD

Reality is, today's life is ever so uncertain,
Never know when God will pull down the curtain!
Yes, we all like to think it will never end,
That forever, death's punches, we can fend!

But that is not the way with real life,
Never know when we'll end up in strife.
Yes, it's true our life may be long - or it may be short,
But, one day, by death's clutches, we'll all be caught.

When that day comes, what will we say?
For there's no longer any time to pray.
Yes, it's time now to be held accountable,
Will we then rejoice - or be miserable?

We only get one shot at living,
Too late now for any misgiving.
Yes, the reality of heaven and hell has come,
Can't change our mind, what's done is done.

"Oh Lord, give me another chance,
My claims to heaven to advance!"
"No, you've had your chance, it's now too late,
With a loud clang, He closes the heavenly gate."

Where will you be found on that inevitable day?
On which side of the gate will you forever stay?
Yes, I know now where I'm going to be,
How will it, my friend, be with thee?

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A DAVID MUSING

Unlike most of our friends, Kathy and I are very blessed to still have our mothers alive. In her 90th year, my mother is the longest lived in her family for 300 years, so my family tree expert cousin tells me. Kathy's mother is a little younger, but yet to catch up to her mother.

As the poem above ponders, we never know how long we have left!

Neither Kathy nor I can guarantee that we will live as long as our mothers. As we are currently travelling to and from Vanuatu on the airplane, we are conscious that if, remote as the chance is, the engines stop while we are in the air, we will come down to earth with a thump!

The question is, where we will go on the rebound? Bounce up to heaven? Or down to hell?

We make the choice, by our decision and actions - but now, not then!

What choice have you made?

We will enjoy the trip!

Until next week.......

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: ELATION

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: A - Deuteronomy 6:4

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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
david@wwj.org.nz