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 the last 8 weeks issues of PGIM!)

TRUTH OVER TIME

Greek (Western) Greek thinkers see truth as static and unchanging. With our scientific approach, we believe that, although we may not fully understand all truth, it is out there, just waiting to be discovered.

Eastern (Hebrew) Hebrew thinkers see truth as unfolding. Truth is revealed layer upon layer, over time.

3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. (Psalm 43:3)

11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name. (Psalm 86:11)

A classic example of this difference in thinking is found in the different cultures attitudes towards prophecy. We look at prophecy as having a single fulfillment, while in Jewish culture, prophecy has ongoing applications through the ages.

The most important failure of Greek, or Western, thought in the area of unfolding truth is in our understanding of the kingdom of God.

Similarly, we view the kingdom as being in one place, which is found in heaven, up in the sky, once we die. What we fail to understand is that this is only one aspect of the truth. For the kingdom of God is multi-dimensional. If it were not so, how could we pray in the 'Lord's Prayer'.....

10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10b)

The truth that the Lord is revealing today is that His kingdom is indeed here, on earth, as well as there, in heaven! As Greek thinkers, we have great difficulty in getting our heads around this concept. Also, it is 'inconvenient', for the excuse for living a less than holy life here on the 'devil's earth', suddenly disappears!

The reality is, as disciples, we are in the kingdom, and are to live a kingdom lifestyle from the moment in time we commit ourselves to Jesus.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)

We need to understand that this reality of the kingdom is for us in the here and now.

The Coming of the Kingdom of God

20 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

It is firstly spiritual.....

17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, (Romans 14:17)

but is to become physical in the way we live our lives.....

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 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. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 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. (Ephesians 5:1-5)

We are to be the light of the kingdom in the world.....

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 5:14-17)

SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

1. We are God's kingdom in the world.

2. Is His kingdom light shining out of us?

3. A kingdom lifestyle is required of all true followers of Jesus.

(To be continued next week.)

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FROM THE WORD

"Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.
All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, O Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.
For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God.
Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever." (Psalm 86:8-12)

Living Sacrifices
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Love

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:1-21)

Living as Children of Light
"So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 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. 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 4:17-5:21)

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

FAITH

272. True faith is exercised to attain God's desires, not our own.

273. Building faith in God builds faith in oneself - in God.

275. We must exercise faith to accept God's grace. But once done, God returns the compliment in unlimited measure.

276. God creates a mountain of faith out of a molehill of obedience.

277. Grace and faith make God's world go round.

278. Hope is expressed through faith. Faith is expressed through love.

279. For God so loved the world that He gave... us grace and faith.

280. Faith and doubt are constant companions. For it is only in accomplished faith that we see the devil's defeat.

281. If there is no room for doubt in faith, there was no need for faith in the first place.

282. 'Blind faith' is 'blindingly blind'!

283. Doubt is to faith as butter is to bread.

284. Faith involves seeing the goal before it is achieved. Therefore, 'blind faith', by definition, must be a contradiction in terms.

285. A Christian without faith is like a newly beheaded chicken. Running round aimlessly flapping its wings, before collapsing in a heap - 100% dead.

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CRANWELLS CARTOONS

30 Now Sarai was barren; she had no children. (Genesis 11:20)

15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.” (Genesis 18:15)

2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. (Genesis 21:2)




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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF……. SERVANTHOOD AND LEADERSHIP continues

Occasionally God impresses something important on you that you never forget.

One of these occasions for me was a vivid dream. And I don't normally remember dreams! Or many other things, for that matter!

Not only did He give me the dream, but on a trip to Africa a short while later, God precisely confirmed my dream in the natural. A bit upside down - like servanthood really! 'First in the spiritual, then in the natural!'

And finally, as we conclude our seven weeks study of servanthood, we must look to the ultimate servant of all - our Savior and role model, Jesus.

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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***

*** "Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others." ***

465. IGNORANCE RESULTS IN..... POVERTY!
A collector of rare books ran into an acquaintance who told him he had just thrown away an old Bible that he found in a dusty, old box. He happened to mention that Guten-somebody-or-other had printed it.

"Not Gutenberg?" gasped the collector.

"Yes, that was it!"

"You fool! You've thrown away one of the first books ever printed. A copy recently sold at auction for half a million dollars!" (Could be worth $100 million now - David)

"Oh, I don't think this book would have been worth anything close to that much," replied the man.

"It was scribbled all over in the margins by some clown named Martin Luther."

464. PAY UP OR ELSE
The minister arose to address his congregation. "There is a certain man among us today who is flirting with another man's wife. Unless he puts ten dollars in the collection box, his name will be read from the pulpit."

When the collection plate came in, there were 19 ten dollar bills, and a five dollar bill with this note attached: "Other five on payday."

463. A TRUE STORY - PIN IT WHERE?
My pastor quoted a poem in his sermon about giving your love to the living, and the last lines were: "If you have roses, bless your soul, Just pin one in my button hole." Well, so many people loved the poem and wanted a copy, it was printed in the church newsletter.
However, a gremlin got into the typewriter, and it came out: "If you have roses, bless your soul, Just pin one in my bottom hole."

FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Why isn't Puerto Rico on the list of countries?

ANSWER: Puerto Rico is not a nation because it is a commonwealth associated with the United States. Technically it's an American territory, not an independent nation. (Suffer split personalities?)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What invention has resulted in less sleep times for humans?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

1141. PROPHETIC?
If you add up all the number on a roulette wheel, that is 1through 36, you get 666, the biblical number of fallen man. (And who said the Bible was outdated?)

1142. CAT POWER
When your cat rubs up against your legs you may assume it to be a sign of affection. However, the reality is that it is merely marking its territory or property. (It really is a cats world)

1143. PAPERTHIN?
No matter the size or thickness of a piece of paper, it cannot be folded in half more than 7 times. (Is a ‘paperthin majority’ less than 7 then?)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

WASTE

Answer at the end of A David Musing

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BIBLE QUESTION - THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

11: What was the fate of the tares in the parable of the tares?

a. Left to rot
b. Fed to the swine
c. Thrown into the river
d. Burnt

Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

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

SAYINGS FOR YOU TO PONDER

!!!!!!! You aren't responsible for the thoughts that pass your door ~ you are responsible for those you admit and entertain.

!!!!!! Seven days without worship makes one weak.

!!!!! What you are is God's gift to you ~ what you make of yourself is your gift to God.

!!!! Who passed the ball to you when you scored?

!!! Conscience is a playback of the still, small voice that told you not to do it in the first place.

!! The only fellow whose troubles are all behind him is a school bus driver.

! If you make money your god, it will plague you like the devil.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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LIFE'S A LAUGH

120. SOMETHING FAMILIAR
While traveling in Quebec, my father complained that all the street signs were in French. His comments and sarcasm went on and on. Then after passing a billboard for a restaurant that featured filet mignon, he belted out, "Finally! Something in English!"

121. HOW OFTEN?
When I go to a local discount store to get oil and filters for my car, I buy my wife a bouquet of flowers on display near the checkout counter.

During one trip, some women in line behind me were oohing and aahing about a husband getting flowers for his wife. "How often do you do that?" one asked.

Before I could answer, the cashier, more than familiar with my routine, said, "Every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first."

122. IT'S SIMPLE
A reporter was interviewing Jack Nicklaus. He said, "Jack, you are spectacular, your name is synonymous with the game of golf. You really know your way around the course. What is your secret?"

To which Jack replied, "The holes are numbered!"

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

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

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

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

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BIBLE TRIVIA (Strange and Amazing Facts)

THE LONGEST REIGNING KING

King Manassah, who ruled Judah for 55 years. (2 Kings 21:1) The shortest reign was King Zimri who lasted but 7 days!

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

‘Courageous’ Film Outreach Leads 1,000 Police Officers to Christ

11:46AM EDT 3/12/2012 Mission Network News Via: Charisma News

In this scene from "Courageous," police officers Adam Mitchell (Alex Kendrick) and Shane Fuller (Kevin Downes) search a home for wanted criminals. (Provident Films)

The movie Courageous had an incredible impact on men across the United States. Many men were moved to take their families back for Christ as they watched the story of a police officer who commits to Christ and to being a better father following the sudden death of his daughter.

Jaron Ministries’ outreach, Code 3 International (Christian Officers for Discipleship and Evangelism), challenged law enforcement in Fresno, Calif., through the film. Jaron’s Rob Carter says they developed a program called “Give a Cop a Ticket,” which had a profound impact.

“For the six weeks of the movie’s running in theaters, we ended up being No. 1 in all of North America for box office sales just promoting it to law enforcement,” Carter explains. “We saw God set up 20 follow-up Bible studies.”

While that itself was an incredible answer to prayer, Courageous is now having a profound impact around the world. Carter just returned from the Philippines and says: “We showed the film to about 4,000 officers and saw nearly 1,000 come forward to receive Christ as Lord and Savior in response to the film.”

Local churches are now providing follow-up care to these new believers. Carter says it’s not stopping there.

“They are now working with local churches in Manila to continue the work—to take the movie to every law enforcement headquarters and show it to their department.”

Carter isn’t sure if Provident Films envisioned that the movie would go worldwide, but that’s been Code 3’s vision.

“We are moving forward with our efforts to go into other countries,” he says. “We have a number of invitations around the world. We would welcome those who want to make an eternal investment into reaching law enforcement for Christ around the world.”

Code 3 International is also looking for Christian police officers.

“The American badge can go places around the world that pastors and missionaries cannot,” Carter notes. “The brotherhood of law enforcement is global. So, for Christian law enforcement officers out there, we would love to have you contact us and be a part of one of our teams.”

Via: Charisma News

Via: OpenHeaven.com

DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

A REVELATION OF…….REVELATION 12:11

How to 'walk with Jesus.' The verse upon which this ministry is based. The first revelation received by David Tait, introducing him to ministry.

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WAXING LYRICAL

Is your life's mission, mission?!

THE MISSION

What ought,
Be taught,
In thought?
I aught!

Good News?
Your views?
What cues?
Pay dues.

Jesus saves!
Heaven paves!
Satan raves!
Makes waves!

My mission
Give vision.
Your decision.
With precision.

Which way?
Jesus sway?
Your day.
Him obey.

Elevate!
Celebrate!
Invigorate!
Passionate!

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A DAVID MUSING

At last! A photo of our family in Scotland! Standing outside their Bed and Breakfast, a Georgian house in Thurso Scotland, just 20 miles from John O'Groats. Highly recommended if you are in the area and looking for somewhere to stay!

After a fortnight back home, it seems like a distant, but happy, memory!

Until next week.......

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: SWEAT

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: d. Burnt (Matthew 13:30)

REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT

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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