WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?

THE POST APOSTOLIC CHURCH

THE CHURCH 100-325AD

We will today continue our look at post-apostolic Jesus followers and writers, considering those who lived after Justin Martyr (AD100-165) and Irenaeus (AD 125-200).

Again I acknowledge that much of the material that follows is drawn from the excellent publication by Eddie L. Hyatt, 2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity. For specific references to the writings quoted, please refer to that publication.

Let's have a look at the experiences of these later followers of Jesus.....

Tertullian (AD160-240) (pictured) A noted student of law and philosophy, skilled in both Greek and Latin, he was converted in his early thirties. With this background, he soon became a presbyter of the church in Carthage, then the foremost apologist of his time in the Western church, becoming known as the 'Father of Latin Theology'.

Tertullian's writings confirmed his personal experience of the supernatural gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy, healing and speaking in tongues.

In "A Treatise on the Soul", he writes.....

"For seeing that we acknowledge the spiritual charismata, or gifts, we too have merited the attainment of the prophetic gift."

In "To Scapula" he concludes.....

"And heaven knows how many distinguished men, to say nothing of the common people, have been cured either of devils or of their sicknesses."

When writing to counter the heretic Marcion, in "Against Marcion' he talks about prophecy, tongues and interpretation when he challenges the heretic to produce spiritual gifts.....

Let Marcion then exhibit, as gifts of his god, some prophets such as have not spoken by human sense, but with the Spirit of God, such as have predicted things to come and have made manifest the secrets of the heart; let him produce a psalm, a vision, a prayer—only let it be by the spirit, in an ecstasy, that is, in a rapture, whenever an interpretation of tongues has occurred to him. Now all these signs are forthcoming from my side without any difficulty.

In his treatise, "On Baptism", Tertullian describes the need for both water and Spirit baptism.....

Not that in the water we obtain the Spirit; but in the water we are cleansed and prepared for the Holy Spirit. And, following water baptism, "the hand is laid on
us, invoking and inviting the Holy Spirit through benediction.

Tertullian's writings demonstrate that the spiritual gifts continued to be prominent in the church of the third century.

Origen (AD 185-284) From a prominent Christian family, his father was martyred in Alexandria, in Egypt, when Oregen was 16. At 18, Origen was appointed leader of a prominent Christian school founded to instruct converts from paganism, and became the church's first systematic theologian.

In "Against Celsus", he testifies to having participated in miraculous activities and states.....

Some give evidence of their having received through this faith a marvelous power by the cures which they perform, invoking no other name over those who need their help than that of the God of all things, and of Jesus, along with a mention of His history. For by these means we too have seen many persons freed from grievous calamities, and from distractions of mind, and madness, and countless other ills, which could not be
cured neither by men nor devils.

Origen recognized the reality and value of praying in tongues. In his commentary on Romans 8:26 he links praying in the Spirit with praying in tongues. The commentator Cecil M. Robeck notes,

"Origen must have held that prayer in tongues existed in his day, and it was thought to be beneficial in that it was through this type of prayer that the Spirit interceded exceedingly before God."

Holy Spirit baptism is also detailed in "De Principiis". Speaking of God breathing into Adam the breath [Spirit] of life, he added that this cannot refer to all men, but only to those who have been made new in Christ. He goes on to say.....

For this reason was the grace and revelation of the Holy Spirit bestowed by the imposition of the apostles' hands after baptism. Our Savior also, after the resurrection, when old things had already passed away and all things had become new..... His apostles also being renewed by faith in His resurrection, says, "Receive the Holy Spirit."

Origen is the first of the church fathers to acknowledge that the supernatural gifts of the Spirit were decreasing in the church generally remarking when referring to the apostolic age.....

But since that time these signs have diminished.

The reason he gives for it however, is not the unavailability of the gifts, but the lack of holiness in the people of the day! A truly insightful insight!

So we can continue to say that.....

THE TRUE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE ONES WHO ARE OBEDIENT TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THEIR LIVES.

(This section to be continued next week.)

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FROM THE WORD

THE WORDS OF JESUS continued

The Lord has asked me to compile a publication of the words Jesus spoke, as recorded in the New Testament in chronological order. I have got about halfway, and have found it very enlightening and encouraging in my relationship with Him. The final version will have changes of layout and version used, but this is a foretaste of things to come. Of course, it is not a Bible substitute! I Hope you find it helpful too, in your walk with Jesus.

Jesus Begins to Preach (Matthew 4:12-17, Mark 1:14-15)

“The time has come,” “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-26)

“Will you give me a drink
“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
“Go, call your husband and come back.”
“You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”
“I who speak to you am he.”

,b>The Disciples Rejoin Jesus (John 4:27-42)

“I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (Luke 4:14-30)

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
“Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’”
“I tell you the truth,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”

Jesus Heals the Official’s Son (John 4:32-54)

“Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”
“You may go. Your son will live.”
“Your son will live.”

Read the NIV Bible online at.....

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DAVID'S DOODLINGS

THANKS GIVING, PRAISE AND WORSHIP

629. A true believer is thankful whatever the circumstances.

630. Praise gladdens the heart. Worship strengthens the soul.

631. True worship is reflected in positive actions.

632. Our actions reflect our true worship.

633. Thanksgiving brings forth praise. Praise leads on to worship.

634. With thankful praise, I worship my maker.

635. The freedom to worship is not truly appreciated until it is taken away.

636. God gives us praise and worship so they may be returned to Him.

637. Worship is available to all, but only availed of, by some.

638. True worship is a way of life.

639. Freedom in worship sets us free!

640. Worship is a gift made to be returned to the sender.

641. More worship, worship more.

642. One person’s curse is another’s praise.

643. Praise is an attitude, not an emotion.

644. Praise blesses both the giver and the receiver.

645. Worthy worship works wonders with worshippers wellbeing.

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CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER

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TUESDAY TEACHINGS

THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF...
THE SEVEN REVELATIONS OF THE LAMB - Part 6

LAMB OF VICTORY
Over Satan (1st of 2)

The 'good' story starts after Jesus dies!

This week is the first of a 2 part look at His victory over the age-old enemy, satan.

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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. ***

782.0000
SURGERY PRAYER
Our 4-year-old daughter's surgery was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. We were becoming anxious as time passed and no one came to get her.

Finally at 12:30, the surgeon arrived at her room. Knowing my husband is a minister, the doctor asked us if many people were praying for this surgery.

Edgy from the delay, I said, "They were praying for you an hour ago."

With a smile, he shot back, "Thanks. That surgery went very well."

781. THE CHRISTIAN DENTIST
A dentist came home to his wife excited about the day's events. He had met a fellow dentist who had served in the mission field using his dental skills.

"Marge, I think the Lord wants me to work with the poor in Central America. They are in great need of dental care," He explained with enthusiasm.

"Dear husband, it isn't civilized down there. I've heard that they have cockroaches the size of bats. And no running water."

"Marge, the Lord will provide for our needs and we will be able help people who really need us. Bedsides, I am sure the Lord is calling me to do this."

"How do you know the Lord is calling you to do this?"

"Well, I just feel it, and it's in the Bible."

"In the Bible? What verse?"

It's from Psalms 81:

'I, the LORD, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt; OPEN YOUR MOUTH WIDE AND I WILL FILL IT. (Psalms 81:10, NASB)'"

780. CHURCH COMMERCIAL
A little girl went to church for the first time. After the service, the minister asked how she had liked it. "Well," she she said, then thought for a moment, "I thought the music was very fine, but your commercial was too long!"

" 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: When was the first animal cloned?

ANSWER: Surprisingly, as far back as 1952, when scientists successfully cloned tadpoles. They were drawing on research that went back to 1938, when a German scientist developed a theory on how to clone vertebrates by nuclear transfer. (But did they develop into frogs?)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: How far can a kangaroo jump?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

823. DELAYED EXECUTION
Certain kinds of insects can live for as long as a year after having their head severed! And incredibly, they can still react to stimuli, such as light and temperature. (More than we do on the beach, getting a suntan!)

824. THE ULTIMATE IN NATURAL SELECTION
A mother dogfish originally starts out with about 3 foetus sharks inside her, but as they grow, a fight for survival takes over. The sharks attack each other. The one that is the biggest and strongest soon kills and consumes the other two. This third shark, when big enough, is then the one that is born. (It’s a ‘dogfish eat dogfish world'.)

825. HOW MUCH IS READ?
The Library of Congress (see photo) in Washington, D.C. was created in 1800 for Congress' reference needs, The Library of Congress is the largest public library in the world, holding not just books but movies, photographs, newspapers, maps, and many other items. The library has about 30 million books and 80 million other items stacked on the more than 530 miles of shelves in three buildings. (But has it really helped improve the Legislation from Congress?)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

NEITHER

Answer at the end of A David Musing

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SERMON ON THE MOUNT

1. Complete the Beatitude: blessed are the pure in heart...

a. for they shall see God
b. for they shall obtain mercy
c. for they shall inherit the earth
d. for they shall be comforted

Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk

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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

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

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH!

!!!!!!! The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.

!!!!!! He who hesitates is probably right.

!!!!! Did you ever notice: The Roman numerals for forty (40) are 'XL'?

!!!! The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.

!!! One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.

!! Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today, it's called golf.

! Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

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TIL DEATH DO US PART!

26. NO LONGER NEEDED
All eyes were on the radiant bride as her father escorted her down the aisle. They reached the altar and the waiting groom; the bride kissed her father and placed something in his hand.

The guests in the front pews responded with ripples of laughter. Even the priest smiled broadly.

As her father gave her away in marriage, the bride gave him back his credit card.

27. FORBIDDEN TERRITORY
My wife still uses curlers in her hair after she washes it.

She came into the Family Room as I was watching TV.

I guess I stared at her funny because she said, "I just set my hair."

The last thing I remember saying was,

"Oh, really? And what time does it go off?"

28. AISLE, ALTAR, HYMN
During the weeks before Jill's wedding, she was terribly anxious about making some mistakes at the ceremony. The minister reassured her several times, pointing out that the service was not difficult and she will do just fine.

"All you have to remember," he said, "is that when you enter the church you walk up the AISLE. The groom and best man will be waiting before the ALTAR. Then I shall request the congregation to sing a HYMN....then we shall get on with the ceremony.

All you have to remember is the order in which those things happen and you can't go wrong."

The happy day finally arrived, and the bridegroom waited nervously for his bride to appear.

When she arrived and stood alongside him, he heard her quietly repeating to herself, "Aisle, altar, hymn, aisle, altar, hymn."

Or, as it sounded to him, "I'll alter him!"

29. THE RING?
Dave took Mary out for a romantic dinner where conversation turned to the subject of marriage. Dave had been saving for an engagement ring, but he was in graduate school and in dire need of a new computer.

Mary was understanding, telling Dave they had the rest of their lives to get engaged, so he should use his savings to buy a computer instead. During dessert, Dave suddenly reached into his pocket and pulled out an engagement ring.

Mary was stunned, but after she collected herself, she looked up and prompted, "Well, don't you have something to ask me?"

Dave then got down on bended knee. "Honey," he said, "will you buy me a new computer?"

Enjoy a chuckle about family life here.....

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BIBLE TRIVIA (About The Bible)

THE UNIFORMITY OF BIBLE PRINTING.....

.....sometimes obscures the variety within the Bible's writings. If the printers laid out the print with all different languages and styles accounted for, including poetry, prose and songs, a wheelbarrow would be needed to move it around!

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

Children's Ministry to Deliver 2 Million Christian Books to Filipino Students

By Alex Murashko, Christian Post Reporter

July 17, 2013|12:45 pm

A mass distribution of one million books to children in the Philippines as part of a larger campaign to reach two million Filipino children with the Gospel this school year has begun, say organizers at Child Evangelism Fellowship. The goal exceeds last year's success when 1.6 million children heard the Gospel.

"We are grateful for the outreach we have had in the Philippines so far and someday hope to teach in all 92,000 public schools and share the gospel with all of the 34 million Filipino children," said Harry Robinson, vice president of International Ministries for Child Evangelism Fellowship.

The Missouri-based ministry, which bills itself as the largest Christian ministry to children in the world, says its success in reaching 12-year-olds and under in the Philippines is the result of the evangelistic and discipleship ministries which the book distribution buttresses.

The evangelistic ministry includes open air evangelism in communities, as well as the Elementary School Evangelistic Campaign that is welcomed in 190 Filipino public schools. The discipleship ministry takes the form of an Elementary School Values Class and a Character Education Class, which are Bible classes meeting in the schools; and Good News Clubs, Bible clubs that meet in communities.

The books which are translated into the local languages of the Philippines have been enthusiastically received by CEF volunteers and children alike, states CEF.

Volunteer Lilian Ramos said, "The books have truly been a big help for me in teaching children ... They really appreciated the book they received."

Evangelistic Team Leader Oro Hael commented, "Seeing the smile on their faces after they pray to receive Jesus and get a copy of these books always touches my heart. A Grade II pupil from one of the schools we went to, ran to me happily exclaiming, 'Thank you, Sir, now I have a book of Jesus!'"

CEF is distributing Meet the King to pupils in grades I-III and the Gospel of John to students in grades IV-VII as part of its evangelistic ministry. Every Day with God is a devotional given to students participating in the discipleship ministry, who number around 350,000.

The "engaging books" were written by CEF and have been distributed all over the world.

The Christian Post

DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

THE POWER OF THREE

A brief look at the amazing way both God and HIS Church are patterned in three’s. An insight to the past, present and future.

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WAXING LYRICAL

One of my favourites. It’s self explanatory.

TO BEARD OR NOT TO BEARD?

To beard or not to beard?
That’s the hairy question.
For thirty years I’ve always feared.
This subject - never to mention.

For you see my friend, I am not hirsute,
To grow me a beard, too great a pursuit.
Until the Christmas of ninety- nine, you know,
When I plucked up the courage to give it a go.

Why not, I said to myself, with great bravado,
Willing to be squelched - an over ripe tomato.
If I don’t give it a try, I’ll never know,
Whether or not my beard will grow.

What a terrible fate it would be for me,
To go to the grave, not knowing if thee,
Would grow to be little more than a fuzz,
Or rather, long and strong - what a buzz!

Give it a go David, yes, that’s what I must do,
Too bad when people think I belong in a zoo.
I will break the mould, live a new life,
Then get in strife, for upsetting the wife!

Each day I look at the mirror, what do I see?
Are my hairs really growing, or is it just me?
Maybe I should count them, one, two, threeee….
One thousand, two hundred and nine – yipeeee!

Gently stroking my prickly stubble, do I detect a problem?
For there’s a bald spot here - smooth as a baby’s bottom!
Right in the middle of where my beard should be!
O Lord, please help me, please give me the key!

The Lord said calmly from way up on high,
"No trouble David, to your stylist in the sky.
The designer beard I have in mind for you,
Is just the thing, will surely see you through."

"But Lord," I said, "you’re up in heaven,
And I live down here - at number seven!
Your scissors would have be so very long,
I’m afraid, that little me, you might prong!"

There has to be a better way, was my thought,
In doom and gloom, I was now caught,
Until the Lord said, "An idea – for I know,
Shall we do it together? Let’s give it a go."

Concludes here.....

http://wwj.org.nz/waxing.php?poemId=00004

A DAVID MUSING

Still waiting on confirmation in writing.

That waiting word continues! One last week!

Until next week.....

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: THEREIN

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' a. for they shall see God

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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
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