A Weekly World Wide Word of Encouragement to those in the Ministry
PRAISE GOD IT’S MONDAY!
A WEEKLY ‘WWW (world-wide word) OF ENCOURAGEMENT’
TO THOSE IN MINISTRY
A FREE service, currently connecting with Christian leaders from 3,000 denominations and ministries, in 70 countries.
Issue No: 628 Published: 28 Oct 2013
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT ANYWAY?
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.THE POST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
We continue looking at prominent spirit filled men who lived during the 4th to 6th centuries AD.
THE MONASTICS 325-600AD
AUGUSTINE (AD354-440) Converted in 387, Augustine went on to become bishop of Hippo, in North Africa. Due to his influential thinking and voluminous he writing he has become widely regarded as the most influential of the church fathers. In fact much of the theology of both Catholicism and Protestantism is based on his thinking.
Interestingly, he had 2 differing positions on the miraculous ministry of the Holy Spirit during his life. Initially, in his homily 'The Epistle of Saint John', he referred to the tongues at Pentecost as a sign "adapted to the time" that had passed away. He goes on to say that that the witness of the Holy Spirit's ministry is no longer manifested through miracles but is reflected by the love of God in one's heart for the church.
I trust you can see the subtle change here from an emphasis on relationship directly with God to a focus on the church as being the depository of God, with the priesthood being the only ones able to communicate God's will to the masses.
However, later in life, Augustine had a change of heart and embraced the supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit. In his work, 'The City of God', a chapter with the long, convoluted title, "Concerning Miracles Which Were Wrought in Order That the World Might Believe in Christ and Which Cease Not to Be Wrought Now That the World Does Believe", Augustine says, "For even now, miracles are wrought in the name of Christ, whether by His sacraments or by prayer or the relics of His saints".
Augustine then proceeds to describe various miracles which he he knew of personally. These included healings from blindness, cancer, gout, hemorrhoids, demon possession and even the raising of the dead. Some were healed as a result of a simple prayer, and a paralytic was healed at the moment of baptism. So miracles were obviously not uncommon at this time, for he says, "I am so pressed by the promise of finishing this work that I cannot record all the miracles I know".
Augustine also discusses a phenomenon that he called 'jubilation', which is very similar to what modern Charismatics would call "singing in the Spirit," or, in other words, tongues. According to Augustine, a person begins to jubilate when the mouth is not able to express with words that the heart is singing. The person continues to make sounds,
but the sounds are inarticulate because the heart is speaking what it cannot say in words. He then says: 'And for whom is such jubilation fitting if not for the ineffable
God? For he is ineffable whom one cannot express in words; and if you cannot express him in words, and yet you cannot remain silent either, then what is left but to sing in jubilation, so that your heart may rejoice without words, and your unbounded joy may not be confined by the limits of syllables'.
While, in later life, Augustine came to believe in the miraculous ministry of the Holy Spirit, the damage done by his earlier writings, was eagerly embraced by a church that desired spiritual power for itself. It is therefore generally regarded that Augustine is to this day, regarded as the father of the 'Cessation Theory' of the miraculous ministry of the Holy Spirit.
I am sure he would be upset to be held responsible for this in view of his spiritual experience in later years.
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.
(Continued next week)
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FROM THE WORD
THE WORDS OF JESUS continuedThe 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.
Pharisees Rebuked (Matthew 12:24-37, Mark 3:22-30)
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
“Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.
“He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.â€
The Sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:38-45)
“A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.
“When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.â€
(Continued next week)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
TRUTH AND KNOWLEDGE454. God created mankind to live in His truth. Satan’s temptation is to live in earthly knowledge. Which will we choose?
455. Satan was the first to substitute knowledge for truth. His plan hasn’t changed.
456. Knowledge is subject to rust and decay, but truth is golden.
457. Seek knowledge to wander, but truth to wonder at God’s great glory.
458. Worldly knowledge fills our brain, but godly understanding fulfils our life.
459. All the knowledge in the world will be of no worth on the Day of Judgement.
460. Knowledge puffs up, truth humbles.
461. I desire knowledge, but desire God's truth even more.
462. Knowledge so easily kills the Spirit in us. But Spirit inspired knowledge changes the world.
463. Satan uses knowledge to kill the Spirit within. Now God is using Spirit inspired knowledge to return the favour.
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CARTOONS FROM TOON FEVER
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
THIS WEEK: A REVELATION OF....... 3 KINGDOM AGESKINGDOM PRIESTHOODS
It is important to understand that Jesus didn't 'just appear' but was the final fulfillment of God's eternal plan.
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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. ***
803. THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
Just about every denomination has an organizational structure that requires an annual meeting of some sort. For United Methodists that meeting is General Conference.
Brother Smith, who happened to be a leader in his congregation, called his bishop and said: "I know this weekend is General Conference but, the 49'ers are in the playoffs. Bishop, I am a long-time fan. I've just got to watch the 49'ers game on TV."
Being a very practical man and always looking for a solution to problems the bishop responded: "Brother, that's what Digital Video recorders are for."
After pausing to think about the suggestion for a moment, Brother Smith replied, "You mean I can record General Conference, and won't have to miss the ball game after all?"
802. THE DRUGGIST
A young man went into the drug store and told the druggist he wanted to buy 3 boxes of candy; a one pound box, a 3 pound box, and a 5 pound box. The druggist brought the candy then asked, "I'm curious why you're getting 3 different boxes."
The young man replied, "I have a date tonight with a girl I've been wanting to date for months. I'm going to her house for dinner and, afterwards, if she goes out to sit with me on the swing, I'll give her the 1 pound box; if she lets me put my arm around her, I'll give her the 3 pound box, and if she lets me kiss her, I'll give her the 5 pound box." The druggist agreed that the plan was ingenious.
That night the boy arrived for dinner and when they sat down to eat, the father asked the boy to ask the blessing. Well, the boy prayed and prayed and prayed until the girl had to elbow him to stop.
Afterwards as they sat on the porch swing, the girl said, "I didn't know you were so religious." To which the young man replied, "And I didn't know your Daddy was the druggist."
Thanks to ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net for the forwarding of a number af jokes used on this site.
801. A KITTEN
Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about a pastor. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc. The kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and drove away so that the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten. He did all this, checking his progress in the car frequently, then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten.
But as he moved a little further forward....the rope broke. The tree went "boing!" and the kitten instantly sailed through the air-out of sight. The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten. So he prayed, "Lord, I just commit this kitten to Your keeping," and went on about his business.
A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. Now this woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, "Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?"
She replied, "You won't believe this," and told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing. Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the mom finally told her little girl, "Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it." (You can see where this is going). She told the pastor, "I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws spread out, and landed right in front of her."
" 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 ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: What percentage of a watermelon is water?ANSWER: A watermelon is 92 percent water. Strawberries are approximately 99% water! (Both mouth-watering treats!)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Who invented Khaki military uniforms?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS 797. YOU'VE GOT TO BE QUICK
If you are a mayfly. For this insect lives less than one whole day. The mayfly hatches, mates, and lays its eggs, and dies - all within a short 24 hours. (Now I lay me down to – die! So sad, for it will never see a second sunset.)
798. WHEREFORE COMEST THOU FROM?
Hamburgers have no ham so why are they named so? The name comes from the German town of ‘Hamburg’, where the custom of serving ground meat originated. (Where’s the ham, burgher?)
799. PAN v EPI
A ‘pandemic’ is an ‘epidemic’ of a disease that spreads worldwide. (What is an ‘academic’ then?)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
MARINA
Answer at the end of A David Musing
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SERMON ON THE MOUNT
9. What should you do when you fast?a. Wash your face, and put on your robes
b. Have a sad countenance
c. Pray in the synagogue
d. Anoint your head, and wash your face
Source: http://biblequizzes.org.uk
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IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! It’s a small world but I wouldn’t like to have to paint it.
!!!!!! I’m not cheap, but I am on special this week.
!!!!! I used to have a photographic memory, but it was never developed.
!!!! Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
!!! If you lined up all the cars in the world end-to-end, someone would be stupid enough to try to pass them.
!! Due to financial constraints, the light at the end of the tunnel has been extinguished.
! I have an open mind – it’s just closed for repairs.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
JUST JOKES!
314. WASTE OF TIMEA hillbilly was making his first visit to a hospital where his teenage son was about to have an operation. Watching the doctor's every move, he asked, "What's that?"
The doctor explained, "This is an anaesthetic. After he gets this he won't know a thing."
"Save your time, Doc," exclaimed the man. "He don't know nothing now."
313. NOT ENOUGH TIME
My wife was complaining that I spend too much time on the computer, and not enough time with her. I decided to fix that by having a `movie night` with her.
We watched `Hackers`, `The Net`, `Anti-Trust`, `You've Got Mail` and The Matrix.
She's still mad at me. What did I do?
312. SLEEP WELL
Despite his best sales pitch, a life-insurance salesman was unable to get a couple to sign up for a policy. "I certainly don't want to frighten you into a decision," he announced, standing up to leave.
"Please sleep on it tonight, and if you wake up in the morning, let me know what you think."
311. WHACK!
Two men are driving through Texas when they get pulled over by a state trooper. The trooper walks up and taps on the window with his nightstick, the driver rolls down the window and "WHACK," the trooper smacks him in the head with the stick.
The driver says, "What the heck was that for?"
The trooper says, "You're in Texas, son. When we pull you over, you better have your license ready when we get to your car."
The driver says, "I'm sorry, officer, I'm not from around here."
The trooper runs a check on the guy's license, and he's clean. He gives the guy his license back and walks around to the passenger side and taps on the window. The
passenger rolls his window down, and "WHACK," the trooper smacks him with the nightstick, too.
The passenger says, "What did you do that for?"
The trooper says, "Just making your wish come true."
The passenger says, "Huh?"
The trooper says, "I know that two miles down the road you're gonna say, 'I wish that jerk would've tried that bull with me.'"
Laugh lots here.
BIBLE TRIVIA (About The Bible)
NUTS AND BOLTSSOME BOOKS OF SCRIPTURE FACED CHALLENGES
Christians in the West didn't like Hebrews while thode in the East opposed Revelation. Eusibius, writing in the 4th century, noted that James (pictured) , 2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, Jude and Revelation were the only books 'spoken against'. Martin Luther, in the 16th Century, questioned James, calling it 'an epistle of straw'.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
Scientists Discover Gold Growing in some of Australia's Trees
(CNN) -- Parents beware: You're about to have one less idiom in your repertoire. Scientists in Australia have discovered gold deposits on eucalyptus trees in the Outback.Yes, you read that right -- money can actually "grow" on trees.
While it's not new that plants and trees absorb minerals such as gold through their leaves, scientists had previously been unable to prove that the minerals in question came from deeper underground and not from surface soil deposits. The paper's authors hope that their findings will turn into a trusted form of gold prospecting.
According to the paper, eucalyptus and acacia trees, such as the ones studied at the Freddo and Barns Gold prospects in Western and South Australia respectively, have deep and extensive root systems. In times of drought, their roots dig deep in search of water. So deep, in fact, that some trees have literally struck gold.
The findings, which were published this week in the online journal Nature Communications, show how biogeochemical absorption of gold is possible. This, according to the researchers, could lead to new and more successful prospecting methods.
Now before you grab your passport and ax, the paper found an average gold concentration of 80 parts per billion in tree's leaves, and a mere 4 parts per billion in bark (though bark does cover a larger surface area). Unfortunately, this means the gold isn't visible to the naked eye.
So the next time someone tells you money doesn't grow on trees, well, you know what to say.
Source: CNN via www.breakingchristiannews.com
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
EAGLES FLY HIGH!A revelatory, scripturally based study describing God's church - Past, Present and Future. Contains many insights into God's desires for His people in these end times. This overview will help you both better understand the direction of the church as a whole and the place of your ministry within the overall picture.
INTRODUCTION
I became acquainted with David Tait when he did the Word of Life Bible and Discipleship Training Course in our church in 1991. His wife Kathy had completed the study the previous year.
Our association grew into friendship and then in 1994 David and Kathy joined our church (Abundant Life Community Church, Tauranga). Since then they have continued to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. They have learned to be content, regardless of the state they are in, whether having much or little.
During this time David has experienced remarkable business success and then seen a complete reversal of those fortunes. However his giving nature has not been affected by his circumstances. His desire to bless others through what he has experienced is reflected in this book, ‘Eagles Fly High!’
David has set out this book as a journey of his discovery of truth. He weaves this truth into practical illustration to help the reader identify with his walk in God. He has a unique ability to write about his relationship with God as seen in his everyday observations of himself and the environment around him. David’s pragmatic approach to life is shown in the way he presents his stories in parable form (and for those who may struggle with the interpretation, he gives the meanings of the key symbols at the end of the story).
The central theme of ‘Eagles Fly High!’ is the scripture from Revelation 12:11 – "and they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death". This is a three-part process leading to full maturity in the believer’s life and can be paralleled with the three Feasts of the Lord – Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles, as well as the three areas of Moses’ Tabernacle – the Outer Court, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.
David’s desire is that all Christians understand and progress toward full salvation in Christ as revealed through these Old Testament pictures of New Testament truth.
I commend this book to you as a means of helping you to understand the journey in Christ that is before each one of us. May you be enthused and encouraged as you travel along the pathway that David maps out before you.
Mike Cullen
Senior Pastor
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WAXING LYRICAL
Depression and loneliness are big problems today. Yet the answers are often in our own hands through applying the principles of loving and helping others, that Jesus taught us.LIFE IS FUN
Life is fun.
On the run.
Plenty to do.
How about you?
Time dragging?
Morale sagging?
Go help some others.
Orphans and mothers.
Takes mind off yourself,
You're not on the shelf.
It's something you can do,
Yes, a word, so very true.
Serving others, it gives you a lift,
Depression off you, it does shift.
You get to help someone in need,
While bringing you up to speed!
A win, win action for all,
It keeps you on the ball.
While those who so need the hand,
Will smile, all around the land.
Jesus came to show us the way,
A servant to all, was His play.
If we care to follow His chosen path,
Will brighten the day, make us laugh.
When you are down, but want to be up,
Remember Jesus, drink from His cup.
For His ways are greater than ours,
Serving others will fill the hours.
Jesus to others we will become,
Widows, orphans and solo mum.
God's kingdom will be built here on earth,
And you will have assisted in its birth.
"Your kingdom come, Your will be done"'
Is not to be religious, it can be fun.
You too can shine as a light so bright,
Reflecting Jesus' love, day and night.
JUST DO IT!
More of David's poetry here.....
A DAVID MUSING
This week, we have 2 public holidays in our area, on Friday and Monday respectively. I am finishing this PGIM on Thursday, so I don't have to work over the 4 day period. This will be a real treat for me, as for many years I have had to work over this long weekend - and every other one too for that matter. LOL!Kathy too, has worked a full fortnight without a break, so it will be treat for both of us to spend some time together! Ironically, in the time I have been working from home, we have seen each other less that when I was away at Seekers!
Tomorrow (Friday) we are going to the local 'Agricultural and Pastoral' (A & P) Show, which I have been looking forward to going to for a few years now! Then - we will see!
Rest and recreation is important, I know! May I now learn to put the theory into practice!
So until next week.....
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: AIRMAN
TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' d. Anoint your head, and wash your face
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ABOUT US
WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Hastings, New Zealand. A ministry dedicated to developing discipleship, fostering unity amongst God’s people to achieve the Great Commission, and in doing so, preparing for Christ’s return. It is securely based upon the foundational principles of the Apostles Creed while recognising the wide and rich diversity of beliefs amongst Christians in other areas. In accordance with the Lord’s direction, materials produced by the ministry are available, free of charge, to genuine enquirers upon request. The ministry is solely funded by donations, as the Lord provides. A list of materials available (plus some fun!) is obtainable and freely downloadable from our websitewwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.
Walking With Jesus Ministries
7 Bull Street
Ahuriri
Napier
New Zealand
Phone: (06) 835 0567 International (+64) 6 835 0567
Email: enquiries@wwj.org.nz
Web: wwj.org.nz
Our role is to bless and encourage those in ministry while promoting co-operation and unity of direction amongst the body of Christ, as emphasised 3 times by Jesus in His longest prayer, immediately prior to His arrest and crucifixion. "… so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:12, 21, 23-4) Our website is currently being developed to encourage your participation one with another, to share resources, and to enable you to promote events and items of interest to the body as a whole – and have a smile while doing it!
For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz