WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?

THE CHURCH AS BIRTHED AT PENTECOST Part 1

After His resurrection, Jesus spoke about the kingdom and informed the apostles of what was about to happen.....

3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:3-5)

And, of course, true to his word, it did, and the people were astounded!

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:1-12)

The church was born! The church was born through the Holy Spirit!

Of course, this was too much for some. We tend to think of these ones as being of the world, but I firmly believe, in view of the opposition of the religious establishment throughout the time of the ministry of Jesus, the people who scoffed were primarily the Sadducees and Pharisees, for it was their religious world that was being challenged and transformed.....

13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” (Acts 2:13)

Peter, who 7 weeks before had denied he was a follower of Jesus, boldly stood up and quoting the prophet Joel, proclaimed.....

Peter Addresses the Crowd

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ”‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:14-21)

The heart of the message and practice of the true church was succinctly set out.

1. THE PARAMOUNT POSITION OF JESUS

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:36)

2. OUR REQUIRED RESPONSE

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. (Acts 2:37-38a)

3. AND THE RESULT

And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38b)

In summary, the kingdom church is built upon the FOUNDATION OF JESUS, acknowledged by REPENTANCE and WATER BAPTISM, resulting in HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERMENT.

And who is it available to? The answer to this marks, for the Jews of the time, the turning upside down of the fundamental Old Testament belief that their nation was the sole representative of God upon the earth. If you wanted to become a believing male, you had to convert to Judaism and be circumsised, as physical evidence of your Jewishness.

However, in an instant, Peter, talking under the revelation of the Holy Spirit (for this would have been anathema to him as a Jew) declared.....

39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:39)

And 3,000 were added to the church, replacing the 3,000 that had lost their lives on the first Pentecost when the people under Aaron built a golden calf because Moses was spending tooo long with God on Mt Sinai.....

28 The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died. (Exodus 32:28)

41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41)

Nothing in God happens by chance!

Amazingly, God's kingdom is now open to all people who fulfilled the criteria set out above! Of the lordship of Jesus. Of repentance. Of water baptism. Of Holy Spirit empowerment.

The church had changed forever! Or had it? That is what this series investigates.

(To be continued next week.)

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FROM THE WORD

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

"In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus— he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms, ”‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ”‘May another take his place of leadership.’ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Peter Addresses the Crowd

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ”‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him: ”‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ “Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, ”‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (Acts 1:1 - 2:41)

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

HEAVENLY TRUTHS GOD HAS SHOWN ME

739. - 809. God has shown me that...

... in the end, He always wins.

... in Him, to die is to live.

... when there is less of me there is room for more of Him.

... salvation is a privilege, not a right.

... He can change me if I let Him.

... while salvation is free, the walk with Jesus is to cost us everything we have.

... our love for Him is reflected through our service to others.

... His love is infinitely greater than my hurts, and His grace, than my sins.

... I can't hide anything from Him, even though I try.

... while we currently live in the Age of Grace, one day it will come to an end.

... His grace can only be activated through our repentance.

... our part is to present the Truth. Other's responsibility is to accept or reject it.

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CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER

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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF... THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID - Part 13

FROM THE HOLY PLACE TO THE ARK

Today, after the summary of the last 12 weeks teaching, we are going to see how the pentecostal experience and church is not the final church but rather, a step on the way to the end time bride, overcomers, or whatever you wish to call the fully committed church of the final days.

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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. ***

764. SATISFIED!
I recently was the bride in a wedding service that was my second marriage due to the death of my first husband. My last name was changed from Priest to Bishop. It doesn’t have the same religious importance as Pope might have, but I’m very satisfied.

763. TEN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE DOCTOR AND THE PASTOR
The Doctor charges outrageous fees and you complain, but you come back the next time you are sick.
The Pastor preaches that you should pay your tithes and you leave the church.

The Doctor checks how much you weigh and you allow him.
The Pastor asks how much you pray and it's none of his business.

The Doctor says, "Please disrobe" and you do it without question.
The Pastor preaches that you should dress modestly and he is getting too personal.

The Doctor gives you a nasty tasting pill and you take it.
The Pastor feeds you the Word and you say no thank you.

The Doctor's office closes at a certain time.
The Pastor is to be available, awake and ready twenty-four hours a day.

The Doctor tells you how to change your lifestyle to lower your blood pressure.
The Pastor tells you how to change your lifestyle and it raises your blood pressure.

The Doctor tells you we need to run more tests, so you make an appointment.
The Pastor says we need more Prayer Meetings and Bible Studies and you are too busy.

The Doctor says, "There is nothing more we can do", and you search high and low for one who can help.
The Pastor says, "God can help you", and you give up and say "What's the use."

The Doctor says, "Try this and see if it works and if it doesn't we'll try something else", so you do.
The Pastor gives you the promises of God's Word and you don't like to "Walk by faith."

To the Doctor, you are just another customer.
To the Pastor, you are a part of the family. He loves you. He prays for you. He helps carry your burdens. He laughs with you and cries with you.

762. SAD INGENUITY
Police do a great job, but this policeman comes close to winning the ingenuity award.

A driver did the right thing, stopping at the intersection even though he could have Beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman behind him went ballistic, pounding on her horn and screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to drive through the intersection with him. Still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer.

The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed and placed in a cell. After a couple of hours a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, "I'm awfully sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and swearing a blue streak at him.

I noticed the "Choose Life" licence plate holder, the "What Would Jesus Do?" bumper sticker, the "Follow me to Sunday School" bumper sticker and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the boot.

Naturally, I thought you had stolen the car.

" 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 ...

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FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What infamous Countess was a mass murderer?

ANSWER: Countess Elizabeth Bathory of Hungary, known as the ‘Blood Countess’, is reputed to have killed hundreds of young girls as a sadistic pastime. Elizabeth was able to kill the girls, mostly peasants from the surrounding countryside, with impunity for many years because of her noble station. Legends say she believed that by bathing in her victim's blood, she would stay young forever. There is, however, no real evidence that she did this. Eventually, her crimes reached such a magnitude that her "cousin" Count Thurzo, ordered by the king and church officials to act, saw to it that Elizabeth was walled into her castle to live out her final days in isolation. Her accomplices, mostly servants, were executed. Some scholars speculate that Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, based his legendary vampire in part on Elizabeth (as well as another sadistic killer - Vlad the Impaler). (An actual ‘bloodbath’!)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Is it true that the yo-yo was based on a weapon?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

845. MAY I HAVE THIS DANCE PLEASE
Michigan J Frog was the name of the frog in the Bugs Bunny cartoons that sang and danced only when no one (besides his owner) was looking? Michigan first appeared in "One Froggy Evening" in 1955. His poor owner, desperate to make money off the singing and dancing frog, was never able to make him sing and dance when other people were around. (I can relate to that. Many men can!)

846. A GOOD JOB FINISHED
The last original Peanuts Comic Strip was published February 13, 2000. Coincidentally, creator Charles M. Schultz died the night before. (With a smile on his face?)

847. FAINTING GOATS
America has everything, including the Tennessee Fainting Goat Association! It's actually just what it says it is, an association for aficionados of fainting goats. Started in 1987, membership is open to anyone who is interested in fainting goats, a breed of goat with a startle reflex that makes them easy prey for predators. Fainting goats are also called "Myotonic goats," "Nervous goats," or "Stiff-legged goats. The goats have a muscle condition called myotonia which causes their external muscles to lock-up or stiffen when startled. When the muscles lock up, the goat falls over. Older goats learn to lean against a fence or barn to prevent falling over and so they don't exhibit this trait as much as do younger goats. (Sometimes we copy them!)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

QUARTETS

Answer at the end of A David Musing

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66 BOOKS... 66 QUESTIONS

60: 1 Peter: Christ is described as which part of the spiritual temple?

a. Pinnacle
b. Gate
c. Cornerstone
d. Walls

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

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

!!!!!!! Millions who long for immortality don't know what to do on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

!!!!!! Since I have the shape of a yeast roll, don't you think I would make a good roll model.-Lawrence Brotherton

!!!!! Credit cards are VERY dangerous. Every time I try to use one somebody starts chasing me with scissors. - J. Bothne

!!!! I'm as broke as the ten commandments.

!!! I have three college degrees: One undergraduate and two post-graduate. With those and 45 cents, I can get a cup of coffee.

!! Some power saws are a cut above the rest.

! Why should I waste my time reliving the past when I can spend it worrying about the future?

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LIFE'S A LAUGH

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

7. EVER HELPFUL
One day my brother-in-law noticed an elderly lady slowly pushing a cart through the supermarket parking lot.

Ever courteous, he insisted on taking it over for her.

The woman struggled alongside, doing her best to keep up.

At the entrance, he said, "Here you go, Ma'am," and gave her the cart.

Catching her breath, she said, "Thank you, but I was using it to lean on."

8. SHOOT ONE - SHOOT 'EM ALL!
Being a newspaper photographer, my husband would often get home late with the excuse "I had to shoot a car wreck," or "I had to shoot a football game."

Once, some unexpected company dropped by and asked how late my husband would be. "I don't know," I replied, not intending to shock them. "He has to shoot the governor."

9. TOUCHE!
Three violin manufactures have all done business for years on the same block in the small town of Cremona, Italy. After years of a peaceful co-existence, the Amati shop decided to put a sign in the window saying:

"We make the best violins in Italy."

The Guarneri shop soon followed suit, and put a sign in their window proclaiming:

"We make the best violins in the world."

Finally, the Stradivarius family put a sign out at their shop saying:

"We make the best violins on the block."

10. PLANE REIN?
At the Olympics in Barcelona, some of the locals were entered in equestrian events. Other contestants were surprised to note that the Spanish riders guided their horses with so much slack in the reins that they actually hung down across the horses' necks.

When asked why they preferred such a relaxed stance, the locals proudly announced.......

"The reins in Spain fall plainly on the mane."

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BIBLE TRIVIA (About The Bible)

THE TERMS 'OLD TESTAMENT' AND 'NEW TESTAMENT'.....

..... originated with the prophet Jeremiah. When he spoke about the glorious future for Israel, he said God would 'make a new covenant with the house of Israel.' Testament means covenant, and Jesus, the Messiah, made a new covenant with God's people. The books of the New Testament provide the fulfillment of the promises made throughout the Old.

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

American Street Preacher Arrested in London for “Homophobic” Speech

An American evangelist preaching on the streets of London was arrested July 1 on a charge of using “homophobic” speech. Tony Miano, a pastor and retired 20-year Los Angeles County deputy sheriff, was arrested by London police in front of the stadium holding the Wimbledon tennis championships, after a woman told police she was offended by Miano's words concerning homosexual behavior.

The London Telegraph reported that Miano was speaking to passersby from the New Testament book of I Thessalonians (chapter 4), warning of the eternal dangers of sexual immorality, including homosexuality. A woman, who can be seen on a video of the incident on the Telegraph website, complained to police, who took the man into custody, arresting him for using “homophobic” speech. “During the subsequent questioning at Wimbledon police station,” the Telegraph reported, Miano “was asked about his beliefs on what constitutes 'sin' and about how he would treat gay people in hypothetical situations.”

Miano recalled that “as the questioning started it became apparent that the interrogation was about more than the incident that took place in the street, but what I believed and how I think.” He added that “I was being interrogated about my thoughts.”

He told reporters that in no way was his speech “homophobic” or hateful. “I began my message by assuring the people that mine was not a message of hate but of love,” he recalled, as quoted by Charisma News Service. “I was simply explaining a passage in the Bible which speaks of sexual immorality and that people should abstain from it. I did not speak solely about homosexuality as a form of sexual immorality, but also about any kind of sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman, as well as lustful thoughts. All of these are considered mainstream Christian positions and have been taught and believed by Christians for thousands of years.” He added that “it was very distressing to be arrested and interrogated for openly expressing my deeply held Christian beliefs.”

The veteran police officer told reporters that he had arrested countless individuals in his 20-year career in law enforcement, but never for a thought or for expressing an opinion. “It surprised me that it is possible for a person to be taken to jail for their thoughts,” he said. “It surprised me that here in the country that produced the Magna Carta that an otherwise law abiding person could lose his freedom because one person was offended by the content of my speech.”

The 49-year-old Miano, who is a U.S. citizen, was provided with an attorney from the U.K. Christian Legal Centre, a conservative legal advocacy group. After spending nearly seven hours in a London jail, Miano was released without charge. Andrea Williams, a spokeswoman for the group, told the Telegraph: “We might joke about there being ‘thought police,’ but this case shows that it has already become a reality. Sadly we are seeing cases like this increasingly often.” She added that “if we continue on the current trajectory, Tony’s arrest will simply be the first of many. It’s clear that there is already a clampdown on freedom of speech where people publicly express mainstream Christian views on sexual ethics.”

Following the incident Miano said that he believed “every human being should have the right to speak their mind. Homosexuals should have the right to free speech, as should atheists, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus. All I’m asking is that we are allowed to be part of the conversation and that society stops treating itself as tolerant when the authorities are intolerant to the Christian point of view.”

He predicted that the same thing he experienced on the streets of London will soon be happening in America. “I believe that’s what our government is going to eventually do here,” he said. “I believe homosexuals or others who are sensitive to their point of view will be visiting churches to listen to what preachers say from the pulpit. And I believe that pastors will be arrested in their pulpits for teaching what the Bible says about homosexuality and other sins.”

Via: www.thenewamerican.com

DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

A REVELATION OF... SERVANTHOOD & LEADERSHIP

A timely reminder of what our calling as 'Jesus Followers' and particularly as leaders is really all about. Essential reading, especially for anyone involved, or wanting to become involved, in Christian leadership. You might well change your mind!

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WAXING LYRICAL

God can talk to us when we are relaxing too. Some of my best inspirations and times
with God come when I am relaxing in the spa pool. Great excuse to stay in!

DRIPS AND DROPS

Relaxing in the spa, after my workout,
Pondering awhile, what life is all about,
When a drip of rain, upon me, it did fall,
These musings to my mind, it did recall!
A drip of inspiration for me!

After a shower, I ran to my office downstairs,
Recording my thoughts – yes, somebody cares,
Then upstairs again, to help the wife,
Always good, to keep out of strife!
Going back down on my computer to type,
Now getting caught up with all the hype,
Punching out the words I have been given
Before I forget them - with joy I am driven.
And so this poem begins to flow,
Full of good cheer, with me aglow.
The keyboard is now being punched so fast,
Sweat on my forehead, it breaks out at last.
A drip of perspiration for me!

But as so often is the case,
When the words I do chase,
They decide to run away,
No longer know what to say.
Sitting staring at the screen,
With frustration I do scream!
A teardrop falls from my eye,
No one’s here, on me to spy!
A drip of desperation for me!

"Do you want my help?" says a voice inside,
"Now I have your attention, you cannot hide!"
"Yes Holy Spirit, you sure have it indeed,
Need you – please bring me up to speed!"

"David, there’s a difference between a drip and a drop,
You need to learn it, if your education’s not to stop,
I’ll show you some disciples, from the Bible my son,
How they learned their lessons, a real good job done!"
A drip of revelation for me!

Continues here.....DRIPS AND DROPS CONCLUDES

More of David's rhyming offerings at...

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

A DAVID MUSING

WAITING, WAITING

Waiting,
Waiting!
Frustrating'
Frustrating!
Challenging,
Challenging!

Trusting,
Trusting!
Growing,
Growing!
Strengthening,
Strengthening!
Acclaiming,
Acclaiming!
Rejoicing,
Rejoicing!

May your will be done, Lord.

Amen.


Until next week.....

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: SQUATTER

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' c. Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4-8)

REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT

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LINKS

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links@wwj.org.nz

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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