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 23 weeks issues of PGIM!)

THE RESURRECTION 'BODY'

Have you ever wondered why Jesus was resurrected with a physical body? Surely, if the kingdom is purely spiritual, way up there in the sky, a spiritual body would have been better, to show us what our own heavenly body would be like?

Greek (Western) In the Greek, the concept of God being interested in both our bodies and spirit is rejected.

We see God being only interested in the spiritual. We spiritualise Biblical prophecy eg. inventing Replacement Theory, replacing the literal return of the Jews to Israel. (It became an initial formal reality in 1948!)

We downgrade the physical to being bad, to be shunned or hidden, while the spiritual is elevated to the extreme.

The concept of the Holy Spirit coming to dwell in our physical bodies is a very difficult one for us to accept. (Today my body is wracked with diarrhea, due to something I ate yesterday! I certainly find it difficult to understand that the Holy Spirit would want to live there! I don't want to today either! Can you see how we think?)

Continuing with the toilet humour, David Pawson relates how that mentions of a Jewish blessing for going to the toilet amuses Christian audiences – because of the Greek mindset that God is not interested in the proper working of our bodily functions, but a Jewish audience would not react because Jews see no separation between physical and spiritual. (Please may I think like a Jew, as today I have spent lots of time there!)

Earth is bad, heaven is amazing. Lord rapture us (another false teaching in the escapist way it is taught) there quick!

Greek minds do not accept revelation; only reason. The Greek mind asks “Why must I do it?”

Eastern (Hebrew) In Hebrew thought, the interrelation of physical and spiritual is regarded as being natural.

Jesus explained it first.....

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 17:20-1)

After the resurrection, the Jewish believers, while surprised to see Jesus, expected and accepted a bodily resurrection, for the kingdom of God is to rule both the spiritual and the natural. How could Jesus rule on earth if He only had a spiritual body? Jesus was seen, touched and ate fish.....

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

Paul understood the conundrum gentiles have.....

22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. (1 Corinthians 1:22-5)

Hebrew reliance is on God and His Torah. The Hebrew mind asks “What must I do?”

SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

1. We must banish escapist theologies from our theology and teaching.

2. We must choose to live godly lives now, not to wait until we die and go to heaven.

3. We must work out our free salvation through physical actions that cost us our life.

(To be continued next week.)

Acknowledgements: http://www.followtherabbi.com and http://hethathasanear.com

Find out more about us at.....

http://www.wwj.org.nz/about.php

FROM THE WORD

The Coming of the Kingdom of God

"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, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. Men will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. 32 Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.” “Where, Lord?” they asked. He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.”" (Luke 17:20-37)

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

"While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence. He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”" (Luke 26:34-49)

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power." (1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5)

Read the Bible (NIV Version) online at...

http://www.ibs.org/niv/index.php

***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today

Receive one of David's sayings in your mailbox each day to inspire, challenge or maybe, amuse.

To register today, simply click here ddd-on@wwj.org.nz
and press send. Then it's done!

If you have an Irish heritage, you will love the background coloring!

Should you wish, check out current and back issues (where you can also subscribe) at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/doodlings/index.php

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

DISCIPLESHIP

214.-235. Discipleship is...

... doing the right thing because we want to, not because we are expected to.

... being a servant both to God and man.

... honouring God with body, soul and spirit.

... loving the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind.

... being 100% committed to the Lord's cause.

... putting the Lord first in all things.

... placing the Lord's desires ahead of our own.

... applying the Lord's will to our mind and emotions.

... accepting the Lord's correction graciously.

... being joyful in the Lord - even while being corrected!

... subverting our will to His.

... centred upon giving rather than receiving.

... becoming a little more like Jesus every day.

... being prepared to die for our Lord.

... honouring and worshipping God as Lord, rather than a 'holy Father Christmas.'

... being the one God would like us to be.

... placing God's needs and others godly needs ahead of our own.

... helping others attain to their ministries, even to the expense of our own.

... being Jesus to others.

... retaining the joy of the Lord in times of personal sadness.

... putting wrongs right - graciously!

... walking as one with the Lord, night and day.

Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1300 David sayings for you to view at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php

CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER

Visit the Toon Fever website for more cartoon fun.....

http://www.toonfever.com











TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE
THE OTHER PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL
YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE.

Check it out at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/wwword.php

TUESDAY TEACHINGS

THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF... GOD'S CALL TO HIS CHURCH concludes.....

.....as we look at two remaining barriers to the progress of the church.

Check out all the available teachings at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/teachings/index.php

*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today

As Christians, if we can't laugh at ourselves, others will! A fun way to start your day.

To register today, simply click here lao-on@wwj.org.nz and press send. Then it's done!

Should you wish, check out early issues (where you can also subscribe) at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/laughing/index.php

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." ***

506. NOT THAT FAST!
A little girl was late for Sunday School and was running across the parking lot. She kept praying "Lord, don't let me be late, Lord, don't let me be late."

About half way across the parking lot she fell and tore her dress.

She got up and continued to run and praying "Lord, I don't want to be late but please don't shove."

505. FUTURE PREACHER?
While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church, our minister heard the intoning of a prayer that nearly made his collar wilt. Apparently, his five-year-old son and his playmates had found a dead robin. Feeling that proper burial should be performed, they had secured a small box and cotton batting, then dug a hole and made ready for the disposal of the deceased.

The minister's son was chosen to say the appropriate prayers and with sonorous dignity intoned his version of what he thought his father always said:

"Glory be unto the Faaaather. and unto the Sonnnn. . ...and into the hole he gooooes."

504. GRATEFUL THANKS
To close each day's activities in summer and on holidays in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, a huge fireworks display lights up the sky.

One night I noticed a small boy about three years old perched on his father's shoulder. The child sat mesmerized, aware only of what was exploding in the heavens. When the fireworks were over, the little boy looked up into the sky again and said, "Thank you, God."

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

One of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 800 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/laugh.php

FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What is an ‘interrobang’?

ANSWER: For a short time in 1967, the American Typeros Association made a new punctuation mark that was a combination of the question mark and an exclamation point called an interrobang. It was rarely used and hasn't been seen since. (Why not?!)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Do penguins live at the North Pole?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

1000. THE RIGHT FIT
The metal contraption shoe salesmen use to measure your feet is called the Brannock Device. (Measures in feet and inches?)

1001. HEALTHY EATING?!
McDonalds Olympic Restaurants served nearly 1.5 million sandwiches, 188 tonnes of potatoes and 12,000 kilos of lettuce to athletes, coaches, officials and spectators during the Sydney Olympics 2000. (McDonalds were the winners – again.)

1002. CARRY GOLD - IT'S LIGHTER!
It takes 490 crisp new dollar bills to weigh a single pound. (Worth only a fraction of their weight in gold)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

STATIC

Answer at the end of A David Musing

FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA

Or view all 1232 online at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/facts.php

66 BOOKS... 66 QUESTIONS

5: Deuteronomy: In which plains did Moses speak to the people before climbing Mt. Nebo and dying?

a. Mamre
b. Moab
c. Jericho
d. Moreh


Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk

Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/gfacts.php

IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

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

RANDOM ACTS of THINKING

!!!!!!! If you cross a zebra with a chicken, will you get an egg with a bar code?

!!!!!! I knew a gal who couldn't see a movie because she didn't have 16 friends. The theater had told her Under 17 Not Admitted.

!!!!! Organized people are just too lazy to look for things.

!!!!My wife and I took a massage class, but she didn't enjoy my participation. Apparently I rub her the wrong way.

!!! Some bankers are generous to a vault.

!! If God *really* wanted us to use the metric system, there would have been ten disciples.

! I actually have too much will power. It's won't power that's in short supply.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/thought.php

PETS RULE

12. INDEPENDENT?
In his younger days our golden retriever Catcher often ran away when he had the chance. His veterinarian's office was about a mile down the road, and Catcher would usually go there. The office staff knew him and would call me to come pick him up. One day I called the vet to make an appointment for Catcher's yearly vaccine.

"Will you bring him," asked the receptionist, "or will he come on his own?"

13. FAMOUS DOG QUOTES
"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies." Gene Hill

"In dog years, I'm dead."

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the
need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear." Dave
Barry

"Outside of a dog, a book is probably man's best friend; inside of a dog, it's too
dark to read." Groucho Marx

"To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs." Aldous
Huxley

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."
Ann Landers

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before
lying down." Robert Benchley

"Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that's how dogs
spend their lives." Sue Murphy

"Ever consider what they must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery
store with the most amazing haul: chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're
the greatest hunters on earth!" Anne Tyler

14. ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BIRTHDAYS I LEARNED FROM MY CAT!
* Be finicky - they'll try harder to please you.
* Give attitude - get attention.
* If you don't like your presents, SULK.
* If you get bored at your party - just curl up for a nap.
* Don't stress out over your first grey whisker
* Act completely unimpressed by the presents you receive.
* Remember, this is your day, so if anyone bugs you, you're allowed to hiss and spit.
* Take the day off and lie in the sun.
* Stay out on the prowl all night long.
* Demand only the most expensive fresh fish for dinner.
* It's a good day to shed your inhibitions.
* Act catty - toy with your presents before you tear them open.
* Don't overdo it with the catnip or you'll regret it in the morning.
* If you aren't getting enough attention, sharpen your claws on somebody's leg.
* Don't let anything or anyone PUT YOU OUT!

More 'petty' humour here.....

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pets.php

BIBLE TRIVIA (Music in the Bible)

HARPS AND HEAVEN

Many people associate harps with heaven. This comes from John's revelation of the throne in Revelation 4.

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

Oral Evangelism Movement Gaining Momentum

9:00AM EDT 6/19/2012 Mission Network News

Oral evangelism is back in en vogue—and that's good news for millions of people who may not otherwise understand the gospel.

According to the International Orality Network, 70 percent of the world’s population learns orally. That’s 4.35 billion people who can’t or won’t rely on written instruction for learning.

What's more, there are still 2,700 language groups that don’t have their own version of written Scripture.

Living Water International president Emeritus Jerry Wiles recently told Assist News Service that increasing numbers of churches, ministries and mission organizations are becoming interested and involved with orality. This is true for mission work in Asia, Africa and Latin America, but it is also very effective with churches in North America, Europe and Western countries.

Some key components in the success of the Christian Orality Movement are repetition and engagement to spread the gospel message. Living Water International worked to forward this movement since 2009.

In a recent Orality Training Workshop at Living Water in Houston, one attendee recognized that oral methods would work well in his prison ministry. Someone else got a revelation that they could use storying and orality in their work with the homeless and in street ministry.

“One of the things I suggest to people who want to get started in orality strategies is to learn all you can about the life, spirit, and teachings of Jesus," Wiles says. "That may sound simplistic, but He really is our best model and example of how to communicate, lead, teach, and make disciples.”

Most of the people in Jesus’ time here on earth were oral learners. Scholars tell us that only 3 percent to 12 percent of the people of that time would have had access to the Scriptures and could have read them with comprehension. So we can understand why Jesus used stories and parables, asked questions, and created relationships and community as it has been reproduced through His followers for 2,000 years.



Via: http://www.charismanews.com

DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

THE TWO MARATHONERS

A thought provoking and entertaining allegory about our journey through life.
How will we run our race?

Check it out and download your free PDF Files here.....

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/wwj4p33.pdf

WAXING LYRICAL

Was sitting at the computer wondering what to write, when this came to me. Not sure that it applies to me today, but maybe to you? God works in mysterious ways! In my life and yours!

LOST AND FOUND

I cannot come.
Sounds dumb.
Why not?
In a snot!
What about?
In doubt.
No faith.
Am a waif.
Blown round.
Not found.
No sound.
Am bound.
Doubts abound.
Hardly profound!

I understand you, my son,
Life is not always fun,
My healing in you, has begun,
Into my arms, you may now run.

Your honesty and despair,
Does now let me repair,
Do not with others compare,
Together, we make a pair.

Come back to me my friend,
On life's road to wend,
Time with me to spend,
On me you can depend.

Thank you Lord,
Struck a chord.
Take me now in.
New life begin.
Peace in You,
Yes, it's true,
Thru 'n thru,
A new view.
You 'n me Lord,
In one accord.
Found your rest,
Just the best.
To You I submit.
As one we're knit!

More of David's offerings at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/waxing.php

A DAVID MUSING

Today it is real effort to write this. Feel crook! Sore ribs. Got the 'bot'. Kathy is away with her mother who is in hospital in another city.

You wont feel as sorry for me as I feel for myself, I am sure!

But as the night follows day, I know a new day will dawn. Like David in the 23rd Psalm, .....

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Thank you David. Thank you Lord.

Until next week.......

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: ATTICS

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: b. Moab (Deuteronomy 34:1)

REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT

Most weeks we get enquiries about reproducing, in electronic or print form, articles contained in 'PGIM!' We welcome and encourage you to utilize this material. Freely received, freely given. We would ask though, that the source be acknowledged as an encouragement to others to subscribe to this newsletter also.

Subscription opportunities are available here Subscribe Here

at the bottom of each newsletter or at...
https://www.macnet.co.nz/wwjesus/pay.html

CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING?

Each week we can lose up to 2% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. Or sometimes, by your server acting strangely and just cutting us off! If you are about to change your address, please advise us of both your old and new addresses here at
enquiries@wwj.org.nz and we will happily change our records to ensure ongoing delivery. Thanks.

Please also keep our address in your address book, as sometimes servers will automatically delete your address if there is even a one off problem in delivery. If your newsletter doesn't arrive, please let us know and we will reinstate you.

LINKS

If you would like to link your web site to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us on
links@wwj.org.nz

DOES THIS EMAIL HAVE A BLUE BACKGROUND AND RED HEADINGS?

YES - Great!
NO - Your web browser needs to be set to 'Rich Text'. If you have an older 'Text Only' browser, this email may also be viewed on our web site at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/wwword.php

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