A Weekly World Wide Word of Encouragement to those in the Ministry
PRAISE GOD IT’S MONDAY!
A WEEKLY ‘WWW (world-wide word) OF ENCOURAGEMENT’
TO THOSE IN MINISTRY
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Issue No: 536 Published: 30 Jan 2012
THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW? continues
We are looking at the differences between the Jewish (Eastern) and Greek (Western) ways of thinking, so that we can better understand the ways and teachings of Jesus. (See also the last 2 week's PGIM's) The implications of today's subject, are huge in the context of both our understanding and living of life.KINGDOM OF GOD (ETERNAL LIFE)
Greek (Western)
We view the kingdom of God (eternal life) as being separated from this world, a place to go to when earthly life ends. Hence, particularly amongst Pentecostal Christians, there is an (unbiblical) preoccupation with the (unbiblical) rapture. 'Zap me out of here before the Tribulation Lord!' is a common prayer. Much heated discussion arises in theological circles about whether the rapture will be 'pre', 'mid' or 'post-trib' (tribulation). This even splits churches and denominations, causing division in the body. How sad! Jesus weeps! All because we are bound up by our Greek understanding, through which we separate the natural from the spiritual.
The Rapture Doctrine originated in 1830, the result of a vision experienced by a Scottish lady, Miss Margaret Macdonald, who was ill at the time. It was unknown in the church before then. This 'feel good' idea of people being rescued from end time tribulation was promoted by Rev Edward Irving of the Catholic Apostolic Church before being theologically developed by John Darby, founder of the Plymouth Brethren. It has now spread to become widely accepted in many areas of the church.
Again, the foundation of the rapture is based on the Greek thought premise that eternal life, the kingdom of God, is separate from the natural world and is inherited only upon death.
Eastern (Hebrew)
Hebrew thought however, sees eternal life and God's kingdom as beginning in this life. Eternal life therefore, is a life lived in harmony with God during our present, earthly existence.
24 “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24)
Eternal life is knowing God and believing in Jesus. Jesus prayed at Gethsemane.....
3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3)
And Paul to Timothy.....
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)
For Jesus is eternal life! The eternal life of Jesus lives in us!
20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. (1 John 5:20)
Our Greek based translations do not convey this present oneness with God adequately. For the Jews, this just comes naturally, for thoughts, beliefs and actions are intertwined as one. We are to become one with Him - now.
17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
This understanding adds new meaning to the Lord's Prayer, which has been spoken billions of times, but rarely understood.
10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
God's kingdom is being built on earth - now! What a revelation. Thank you Lord!
SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY
1. The understanding of this 'kingdom now' principle is the basis of the apostolic/kingdom movement that is arising throughout the world today. Unlike previous movements of God, which have moved out from one place, person or group, the revelation of the kingdom is now being given through the Holy Spirit to people all round the world. It is essentially a personal revelation, for personal conviction is necessary to live the kingdom lifestyle in a generally disbelieving church, and secular, world.
2. We are being called to live and work out our faith in practical ways. To demonstrate the kingdom to others. Indeed, to be His kingdom representatives in the world!
3. To be kingdom, present as well as future, centered.
4. To desire holiness and righteousness, allowing Jesus to change us, in order to become a member of the 'bride of Christ' for whom Jesus is returning.....
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 19:9)
(To be continued next week.)
Acknowledgement: http://www.followtherabbi.com
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FROM THE WORD
Life Through the Son"So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.†For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." (John 5:16-30)
Concluding Remarks
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death. We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." (1 John 5:13-20)
"Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!†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. 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. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.†(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) 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.†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.â€" (Revelation 19:5-10)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
TALKING AND WALKING1317. In Jesus, many talk the walk, but few walk the talk.
1318. Religionists talk, disciples walk.
1319. Religionists talk of past glories, disciples walk into present glory.
1320. By definition, 'following' Jesus requires walking, not talking.
1321. If we talk, but not walk with Jesus, we will soon be 'left behind'!
1322. We must walk into God's rest.
1323. In God, talk is cheap, walking expensive, for it costs our life.
1324. Talking changes minds, but walking, hearts.
1325. To talk about Jesus is good, to walk in His ways, godly.
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CRANWELLS CARTOONS
Then Leah said, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons.†So she named him Zebulun. Some time later she gave birth to a daughter and named her Dinah. Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.†(Genesis 30:20-23)TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: 3 KINGDOM AGESTHE KINGDOM FULFILLED
Now is the time to look at the final fulfillment of the kingdom that all fully committed believers are looking forward to.
Let's seek it out!
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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." ***
447. AS JESUS DID
Old Pastor McTavish was dying. He sent a message for an IRS agent and his lawyer, both church members, to come to his home. When they arrived they were ushered up to his bedroom.
As they entered the room, Pastor McTavish motioned for them to sit on each side of the bed. Then he grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled and stared at the ceiling.
For a time, no one said anything. Both the IRS agent and Lawyer were touched and flattered that the old preacher would ask them to be with him during his final moments. But they were also puzzled because Pastor McTavish had never given them any indication that he particularly liked either of them.
They both remembered how his many long, uncomfortable sermons about greed and covetousness had made them squirm in their seats.
Finally, the lawyer said, "Preacher, why did you ask the two of us to come?"
Pastor McTavish smiled weakly and said, "Jesus died between two thieves, and that's how I want to go, too."
446. HOT AIR
My pastor friend put sanitary hot air hand dryers in the rest rooms at his church and after two weeks took them out. I asked him why and he confessed that they worked fine but when he went in there he saw a sign that read, "For a sample of this week's sermon, push the button."
445. YOU CAN'T WIN
When you prepare your sermons in writing, they say that you are just reading off the script and not hearing from God. But when you DON'T have a script, they say that you were not prepared!
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: Where did the expression ‘red herring’ originate?ANSWER: A ‘red herring’ is a diversionary tactic - something that draws attention away from the central issue. The term originated from the use of smoked herring (which is reddish brown and extremely strong-smelling) to distract hunting dogs from following a trail. In the seventeenth century, smoked herring was also used as a lure to train dogs to follow a scent. And, of course, it was also used by criminals to divert bloodhounds from the trail. (Still is!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What creature has infrared receptors to help it catch prey in total darkness?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS1162. HOW INSIGNIFICANT IS MAN!
In 10 minutes, a hurricane releases more energy than all the world's nuclear weapons combined. (Puts the wind up me!)
1163. THE PRICE OF SIN
Now, only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older. (Adam managed to live to 930years (Genesis 5:5) but it’s all been downhill from there!)
1164. THE ULTIMATE IN WOMEN'S LIBERATION
In parts of Malaysia the women keep harems of men. (What for? To get the undone jobs around the house done?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
RENEGED
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 - THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
4: Who baptised Jesus?a. John the Baptist
b. Peter
c. James
d. Matthew
Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! It's harder to talk your way out of a problem than it is to behave yourself into one.
!!!!!! I was taught to respect my elders. It's just getting harder to find any.
!!!!! The two most common elements in the world are hydrogen and stupidity.
!!!! A friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be somewhere else.
!!! God, if I can’t have what I want, then please help me want what I have.
!! If you love someone, and you tell them -- you are a fool for five minutes. If you love someone, and you don’t tell them -- you are a fool forever.
! If you wish to live wisely, ignore pithy sayings.... including this one.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
TIL DEATH DO US PART
88. MAN WAS FIRSTIt's obvious that God made man first, then woman. Man is like a rough draft, woman is the finished copy.
89. QUICK QUIP
Don't marry for money. You can borrow it cheaper!
-Primatutu
90. WHICH LAW
John was brought before the court on the charge of refusing to obey a police Officer. "Why did you refuse to move on when asked to do so by the officer?" the judge inquired, obviously wondering what unexplained force could have given such a man strength to buck a strong minion of the law.
"It's like this, your honor," explained John. "My wife said I was to meet her at exactly twelve noon at that spot - and I was forced to choose between man's law and wife's law."
91. PERSUASION
An elderly man in Phoenix calls his son in New York and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.
"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams.
"We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the old man says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her," and he hangs up.
Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this."
She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at the old man, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.
The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife.
"Okay," he says, "They're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own fares... Now what do we tell them for Christmas?
More marriage and family humour here.....
BIBLE TRIVIA (Strange and Amazing Facts)
THE OLDEST VERSES IN THE BIBLE.......... are believed to be fragments from 'the song of Deborah'.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Ugandan Girl Tortured for Christ Regaining Use of Legs
Released from hospital, Susan Ithungu takes steps with supportBy Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
BWERA, UGANDA (ANS) -- Compass Direct News (CDN) is reporting that a 15-year-old Christian girl in western Uganda who lost the use of her legs after her father locked her in a room for six months for leaving Islam has begun to take tentative steps.
CDN says that Susan Ithungu of Isango village, Kasese district, had been hospitalized since September 2010 after neighbors along with police rescued her from her father, Beya Baluku, who had given her hardly any food or water. In March 2010, Susan had trusted Christ for her salvation - prompting her father to threaten to slaughter her publicly with a knife.
"Neighbors who discovered that the girl was locked in a room with almost no food or water notified authorities," said the CDN story. "They took her to a hospital on Sept. 6, 2010; she would not be discharged from hospital care until Oct. 19, 2011."
She now lives in a rented house in an undisclosed location.
"Well-wishers have been paying the house rent and buying me food and clothing," said Susan, who added that she has forgiven her father. A member of the Bwera Full Gospel Church in Kasese, Biira Dreda, left her own four children under the care of her mother in order to look after Susan while she was hospitalized.
A member of a Pentecostal church, Susan has begun to walk with support. She cannot squat or stand upright because she lay on one side for such a long time, besides suffering a bout of malaria.
"I thank all those who have continually supported me spiritually, materially and even morally," Susan said. "I am also thankful to Biira Dreda, who stood by me in the hospital, and to date she is still with me when none of my family members has come to see me."
For more information, please go to: www.compassdirect.org
Source: (ANS) www.assistnews.net
Via: OpenHeaven.com
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... GOD'S CALL TO HIS CHURCHWe live in a church system that has evolved over the past, nearly 2000 years. It is obvious that the church had problems of doctrine and organisation right from its formation. Many people are reluctant to admit to this, but there were difficulties between Jews and gentiles in a theological sense, as well as practical organisational problems in terms of looking after the needy widows. However, over the centuries, church structures developed and became formalised along human lines. While the Reformation saw some changes, both in theology and organisation, the old, unbiblical, structures have tended to replicate themselves within our modern denominations and groupings. The Bible warns of this.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
Today, in these end times, God is calling His church back to basics. To its relational roots rather than formal structural organisation and methods that restrict, through human intervention, the Holy Spirit from truly working in the way He would wish.
Yes, God is calling us today to return to the principles set out in the New Testament, not to create the 'perfect church', for it will still have you and I in it, but rather, one capable of absorbing the promised bountiful end-time harvest.
Check it out and download your free PDF Files here.....
WAXING LYRICAL
Do you too have days when you need to get something done, but it just doesn't happen! Then, you will understand!TOMORROW
I would like some inspiration,
But find only perspiration!
My brain is running hot,
My pen - certainly not.
Do you have those days too,
When no ideas come through?
No matter what you think or do,
You're dreams just wont come true.
It's a struggle,
Words you juggle.
This way and that,
Even kick the cat!
Not politically correct, of course,
But neither is, 'eating a horse'.
I'm so hungry I could,
Well - maybe I should.
What a good idea!
But I can't even find anything to rhyme with this 'e-a' word!!!
It's absurd!
Nothing heard!
So now it's time for bed,
To go rest my weary head.
Please ignore my uncreative pain,
For tomorrow, I can start again!
More of David's offerings at...
PHOTO FROM INDIA
This promised photo (See last week's A DAVID MUSING) was taken at a prayer meeting some days after the Holy Spirit's special anointing on the New Year's Eve service at my friend Asher Peri's church in Andrha Pradesh, India. The intensity is obvious, and most unusual for India, where people are generally much more reserved.
A DAVID MUSING
As those who know me know, I really enjoy the game of Cricket. It's okay, my American friends, to think that I am mad finding excitement in a game that can be played for 5 days and end up in a draw! A no result!A test match has been played in our city of Napier over the past few days - well, very few actually!
The 1st test played here, Test number 847 worldwide, was in 1979. Since that time we have had 10 tests, this one being Test 2033. Of those 7 have been drawn, New Zealand beaten in 2, with the current one being the 1st won by NZ! You would think I would be happy! I am, in a way, but the one sided nature of the contest against Zimbabwe, which we won in just 2 days plus 1 hour's play, reduced the pleasure of the win, and also meant that I had no further excuse to take extra time off work!
Reality is, hard fought victories are much more satisfying than easy ones.
The same is the case in our walk with Jesus. My experience has been that those who desire a deeper relationship with the Lord have struggles and trials those who are happy to cruise in their faith, don't normally have. Getting deeper into God costs us everything. That is just the way it is. But the sacrifice, the victory of the hard fought battle is, like in a close sporting fixture, hugely rewarding - but in the kingdom case, both now and eternally!
are we prepared to pay the cost?
PS: Our attacker of 3 months ago has had his next Court appearance scheduled for 6 March. The wheels of justice grind slowly! He has not yet pleaded, but is likely to do so at that time.
Until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: GREENED
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 4a. John the Baptist (Matthew 3:14)
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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 websitewwj.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